By Susan Roush

2017 May/June  Issue Pages 25 – 28 –

Plumbing has changed dramatically from the aqueduct system of the Roman Empire that transported clean water to the cities and removed the dirty water from public bath houses. Some technology advances have come from the push for green energy, others evolved as a means to improve comfort and health. Three local plumbing companies talk about trends in household plumbing.

Carolina Cool, a local leader in HVAC service, has a growing plumbing and electrical division. President Verlon Wulf said, “Plumbing is coming into its own, as is the electric division.  Both departments are growing rapidly, along with the company in general.”

Plumbing is likely not the first trade that comes to mind in terms of technological advances, but Verlon reports otherwise, “There are quite a few new technologies: instant hot water heaters are big, and we also have circulating hot water systems so you don’t have to wait for hot water. Leak prevention is big. We have ways to shut off the water to your house. If you get a leak behind your washer or your fridge, a moisture sensor on the floor activates a valve that cuts off the water. It works very well.”

The world of water heaters has changed. A couple of years ago Congress approved an energy conservation act with new compliance regulations for hot water heaters, including putting the nix on 80-gallon electric heaters.  Carolina Cool has responded with creative solutions to get enough hot water for customers who need the 80-gallon capacity. While not brand new, natural gas tankless water heaters offer an energy efficient design that provides an endless supply of hot water.

For exterior solutions, Carolina Cool has a large jetter.  Verlon said, “It’s used to clean out storm drains – it’s called our big cat; it’s a gas-powered jetter that will handle very large lines, as well as small lines.”

There are constant innovations in technology that directly affects the electrical division of Carolina Cool. Verlon said, “It’s really a pretty fun part of the business because technology is changing so rapidly.” He added, “Having our own electricians really helps out a lot on HVAC and the plumbing; it ties it all together very well as a company and provides another level of service. It also keeps the quality the same across the board with the people we hire and the jobs we do.”

On the design front, bathrooms have become like spas for all the luxury touches.  Joe Victoria, President of Victory Plumbing said, “There have been a lot of changes in fixtures like showers with digital controls on touch screens to stream music and adjust lighting.” Rain heads and waterfall faucets are additional spa-like features. Joe continued, “Vessel sinks and dual vanities with trough sinks have become popular. Brushed nickel and bronze have replaced chrome.”   David Victoria, brother and business partner added, “Technology has changed a lot – toilet seats are one step away from being a hovercraft.” To think, the first sit down toilet (around 2800 BC) was a pile of bricks with a wood seat. Toto set the industry standard with their “washlet” concept invented nearly 50 years ago. Today, Toto toilets have models that include sensor controlled seat covers (no more arguments over lid position), seat warmers, a bidet function, an air-purifying deodorizer, and an air dryer. American Standard and Kohler manufacture similar products.

David noted that touchless faucets are another feature people want.  They can be programmed to adjust flow time and temperature, and they have a lot of appeal for homes with children and elderly. A manual override is still pragmatic because like sensor paper towel dispensers in public restrooms, the sensor can fail.

In the kitchen, pull down faucets, pot filler faucets at the range, and entertainment sinks have become popular. The entertainment sink is long and narrow and can be filled with ice to keep beverages and foods cool, much like an ice table on a buffet.

If Joe was to suggest one or two plumbing features for serious consideration, it would be tankless water heaters and water filters. He said, “You can’t go wrong with tankless, and it has been improved with a recirculating pump so that hot water is available within 30 seconds.” A recirculating pump can be put on electric hot water heaters, but the supply of hot water will not be endless. Though 80-gallon water heaters are no longer available, newer 50-gallon heaters are more efficient for quickly replenishing.  Of water filters Joe said, “The way I plumb water lines inside the house, I can set up a water filter on the entire house.” The carbon filter removes chlorine, which prolongs the life of toilet flappers and improves the quality of water for bathing, drinking, cooking and laundry.

Joe has been plumbing for 20 years on the South Strand. He began Victory Plumbing nine months ago, “The time was right to start a new venture,” he said. Victory handles residential and commercial work. They have two rough in crews that work exclusively on new construction. Joe recognizes that builders are subject to the same frustration as homeowners for unreturned phone calls. He takes pride in being responsive to calls, and for doing quality work and keeping builders happy. “Communication is very important.”

Howard Herring owner of H & H Plumbing has done his share of home plumbing – under slab, top out and set out – everything needed to bring water in and drain it out of a home.  Make that hundreds of homes: in 1999, Howard was recognized as Contractor of the Year in plumbing by HGHBA. During that time, he was plumbing 585 houses in a year with a crew of 25. He has been through hot and cold building cycles. Of the plunge in new construction in the late 2000s Howard said, “Those were some slow years and I survived it.”  One of his plumbers has been with him for 25 years, and his loyal office manager, Toni Wilkinson, has been taking care of business for 20 years.   To date their business is up 30% from this time last year – a testament to the strength of home building in the Myrtle Beach area.

H & H Plumbing works solely with homebuilders, including Ameri Built Homes and Flagship Homes.  Howard said, “Actually I’m third generation in plumbing. My grandfather started it back in the 50s, then my daddy took it over in the 60s and 70s, and I took it over in the 80s.”  He was 10 years old when he picked up his first wrench, “I was the go-fer, running to get fittings and crawling under the houses. That’s how I learned plumbing, just hands on.”  Those were the days when bathrooms were more function over form. Now, it can easily take a full day to rough in a shower that has multiple showerhead and body jets.  Howard has seen the transformation from a three-piece bathroom to oversize showers, large soaking tubs (with or without claw feet) and other ambient features.

In terms of materials, Howard noted, “We used to use a lot of copper, now we use PEX. About 10 years ago, we stopped using copper. I always said I’d never change from copper, that’s what I was raised up on – runnin’ copper – but it got so expensive.”  PEX pipe is made from a high-density polyethylene.  While not freeze proof, it is resistant to freeze damage.

Quality and dependability are H & H trademarks. Howard said, “I’m always on time; if I tell someone I’ll be there that day, I’m there.  Just as he learned the trade, Howard is still hands-on. “I bid every job and check every job,” he said.

For further information on this article or to contact one of the above mentioned plumbing professionals directly call Building Industry Synergy @ (843) 945-4452.