Since 2008, when I joined the staff of CONTRACTOR Magazine as an Associate Editor, there have been many industry trends that have come, and instead of going away, they have stuck around and evolved. At first contractors may not welcome these advancements with open arms (I do think a bit of skepticism is healthy). Yet, these advancements are part of the industry’s evolution, and many contractors have embraced these technological advancements since they do aid in conserving water and making the industry more environmentally friendly.
Looking back to 2008, sustainability was still in its infancy, smart products were just coming into the market, and AI was not yet mainstream, like it is today. Let’s look at how all these advancements are playing a role in the plumbing industry today.
Saving Water with AI: Leak Detection and Automated Diagnostics
Artificial Intelligence is transforming all industries. When it comes to the plumbing industry, AI-enabled sensors and monitoring systems can detect leaks in real time, analyze water flow patterns and pressure changes that minimize water damage, and reduce repair costs. According to the Forbes article, Plumbing The Depths Of Innovation: How AI Is Changing Plumbing Services, this is groundbreaking for the industry.
For instance, Moen’s Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff uses AI algorithms to monitor water usage and detect leaks. It identifies leaks that are often invisible and provides insights to prevent water damage, saving time and money for contractors and consumers.
Another AI-powered water monitoring system is Phyn Plus, which analyzes pressure in water pipes to detect leaks and shut off water automatically in case of a major leak. Powered by Phyn, KOHLER H2Wise+ protects against water damage by alerting homeowners about leaks, enabling them to shut off a water valve remotely. The device also monitors household water usage.
Then there are AI-powered diagnostic tools that detect leaks and monitor symptoms through sensors to accurately diagnose plumbing issues. With these types of tools, plumbers can identify issues more efficiently and provide timely solutions. For example, Marcone is launching an AI-powered diagnostic tool to aid with quicker plumbing and kitchen repairs. The tool uses OpenAI and ChatGPT to guide plumbers through solutions related to specific issues.
Smart Faucets and Showers
Smart plumbing products incorporate technology into the product to make it more convenient, efficient and environmentally friendly. Smart products can be controlled via a smartphone app, voice commands, or a touch screen control panel, and can be integrated with other smart home devices.
An impressive Smart faucet is the Moen Arbor Smart Touchless Kitchen Faucet with Voice Control. This faucet allows consumers to precisely dispense water at desired temperature, up to 120°F, and volume as little as 1 Tbsp. or as much as 15 gallons. It allows for customizable presets for exact measurements and exact temperatures, along with voice activated capability. Use the app to provide personalized experiences as well as control the faucet directly. The interactive iOS/Android app provides usage data, customizable settings, notifications and control of all Moen Network products.
Across the pond, Triton Showers has an impressive smart shower—the Envi electric shower features a control panel that enables users to remotely adjust water temperature, set a timer, and easily monitor water and energy usage. The control panel accommodates up to six user profiles and features an eco-mode, making it simple for users to reduce water and energy usage by showering for a minute less.
Then there are Smart toilets, designed to use less water than traditional models. Although most toilets today are regulated to use no more than 1.6-gpf, smart toilets can use as little as 0.6-gpf. Plus, a smart toilet adds hygienic benefits—no need to use the toilet brush!
One unique Smart toilet is the Kohler Karing toilet. It comes with a self-cleaning wand, air dryer, adjustable temperature settings, hands-free seat opening and closing and an LED light that illuminates the bowl at night. It is a single-flush toilet, certified by the EPA's WaterSense program. It uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush.
Recyclability and the Circular Economy
You have probably come across the term “circular economy.” This means that everything gets reused, reducing the burden on the planet’s resources. The circular economy aims to minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency, and create a closed-loop system where materials and products are continuously reused, refurbished, and recycled, according to the article The Circular Economy and its Application in Plumbing. The plumbing industry, with its significant impact on water consumption and materials usage, is a crucial industry for embracing these principles.
Some plumbing manufacturers are already working towards offering products that meet circularity principles. For instance, Hansgrohe's Pulsify Planet edition hand shower is designed with a holistic approach. The three-function hand shower reduces water flow—it uses 60% less water than Hansgrohe’s conventional models. Incorporating circular economy principles, the handle is made of recycled plastic, using a unique process for extracting raw material. The hand shower is manufactured chrome free with recyclable raw materials.
The plumbing industry has come a long way in the past 15 years, and evolution will continue. I hope this article sparked curiosity and you decide to investigate some of the technologies mentioned.