Each year, PM Engineer editors receive thousands of product releases from industry manufacturers. The 20 products highlighted here have earned the distinction of being PM Engineer’s Top Products of 2022 based on the number of page views on pmengineer.com.
Prior to the 1980s, all restroom fixtures required manual operation — an aspect that we have since learned coincides with a high exposure to germs and bacteria. In fact, manual faucet and toilet handles harbor anywhere between 107 to 17,976 germs per 10 square centimeters.
A little water conservation can go a long way. And as the second-most visited space in commercial buildings — just behind the lobby — the restroom and its water-saving fixtures can help lead the way when it comes to cutting back consumption.
As the plumbing bath and kitchen sector adapts to evolving homeowner, customer and end-user expectations, it’s more important than ever to stay up-to-date on the technology, product innovation and design trends in both the residential and commercial markets.
In a previous column last year, I identified a change in definition, by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), regarding showerheads, body sprays and safety shower showerheads. In December 2020, during the Trump administration, DOE basically redefined “showerhead” as a single device that discharges water. Hence, if you installed two showerheads installed on a single shower valve, DOE would consider them two showerheads.
Reaching 100 years is quite a milestone for any business, let alone for a family plumbing business. Especially when you consider the average lifespan for a family-owned business is 24 years, according to Cornell University’s SC Johnson School of Business.
Supply chain issues and material shortages temper industry’s outlook despite continued strong market.
December 13, 2021
While the overall kitchen and bath industry continues to show healthy growth for the year, the overall index is down 4% quarter over quarter as lingering issues caused by the pandemic seem to be catching up to consumer sentiment. Despite this, the industry is coming off of a record-breaking quarter of growth in Q2, which has fueled projections for the year at around 12% growth in sales year-over-year, with many members still encouraged about future growth in 2022.
NKBA Report finds cleanliness, sustainability and universal designs will be hot trends of 2022.
November 22, 2021
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) released its annual Design Trends report. The 2022 study, a deep dive into all aspects of both kitchen and primary bathroom design, forecasts the styles, features, materials and innovations expected to be most popular over the next two to three years. The current study finds that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated consumer interest in and adoption of key trends in their homes such as integration of smart technology, multi-functional spaces and natural and nature-based designs.
Governor Gavin Newsom and the California State Legislature have enacted Assembly Bill (AB) 100 into law. Authored by Assembly member Chris Holden, AB 100 adopts industry standard NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 2020 as the lead-testing requirement for certified endpoint drinking water devices sold in California.