PLUMBING e Continued from p 34
Some manufacturers’ flush valves can have a “break in” period, in which higher volumes of water are used; in facilities that are using high efficiency systems, the extra water can cause problems such as splashing and overflows. Other manufacturers’ valves can have flush volumes that degrade over time from internal part wear, which leads to short flushes, thus, until new replacement parts are installed, a double flush may be required to evacuate fixtures. Sustainability concerns flush valves
36
that, once installed, will not have to be “touched” again for maintenance for years to come. There are a lot of low flow valves on the market that, while they may use less water and offer return on investment through water usage reductions, can still consume internal parts on an annual basis. Whether those parts are batteries, gaskets, seals or internal kits, they still must be replaced; the old parts wind up in the trash. Alternative energy-powered flush valves help reduce battery replacement cost and disposal, but, if
the valves use traditional black rubber seals and gaskets, routine maintenance will still need to be performed. Newer advances in flush valve seals, gaskets and internal kits’ material compositions allow the internal parts to last longer in today’s potable water supply, even with increased levels of chloramines. Finally, the LCA, or cost of the
flush valve over its expected life cycle, needs to be determined. Tied to both the performance and sustainability of the valve, life cycle costs incorporate all the cost associated with ownership of that flush valve. The initial product purchase cost historically has been the key factor in decision making. Today’s building owners are not only looking at the initial purchase and installation cost but also at the maintenance that will be required over its entire expected life. The cost to repair and maintain some flush valves over a 15 – 20 year time period often winds up being more expensive than the original valve cost. Flush valves that have the lowest life
cycle cost while maintaining high performance are what owners are looking for today. Today’s building owners are
demanding more for their dollar when it comes to their facility and the products that are installed. When owners are considering a new building, they are not only concerned about the upfront cost but also about what it will cost to operate it over the next several decades. Restroom products might be small in cost compared to other required building systems, such as HVAC, but making the right choices today can add up to big savings versus expenditures later. Using flush valves that perform consistently, use advanced seals and gasket materials and operate on alternative energy power sources will result in restrooms that save building owners money, and they will not have to worry about throwing money down the toilet. l
David Thompson is the sales and
marketing coordinator for the Zurn Commercial Brass Operation.
e Circle 24 on reader reply form on page 80
phc july 2011
www.phcnews.com
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