valves

The latest stud finder design virtually eliminates false positives with multiple sensors and high-tech signal processing Plumbers are responsible for many tasks such as installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes, valves, fixtures, fittings, and drainage systems. To work safely and productively, plumbing contractors need as accurate a picture as possible of everything in the wall. Expediting Read more

The latest stud finder design virtually eliminates false positives with multiple sensors and high-tech signal processing

Plumbers are responsible for many tasks such as installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes, valves, fixtures, fittings, and drainage systems. To work safely and productively, plumbing contractors need as accurate a picture as possible of everything in the wall. Expediting plumbing work while minimizing costly mistakes, the stud finder is deemed an essential tool.

Plumbing contractors have long utilized stud finders with a design based on unrefined capacitive technology. While this technology can indicate the location of wood stud framing, it also discovers metal, plastic, wiring, and other objects in walls just as easily. Furthermore, constantly active, hypersensitive “deep scanning” models further increase the potential for “false positives” – objects mistakenly identified as studs. The result is that traditional stud finders frequently chirp or flash LED lights to indicate something was sensed, but it is not clear what that is.

Today, the challenge of quickly and accurately assessing what is within walls is only increasing. There is more behind the drywall than ever, including network cabling, plastic pipes, and tubing. Complicating matters, not all construction follows standard stud spacing practices of 16 inches or 24 inches on-center, and there are often additional support beams, fire blocks, and other framing features that can further muddy the picture.

In addition, piping may change directions to avoid studs, wiring, and other obstructions. Plumbing location also varies depending on the home’s style and layout.

Now, newer, and more refined technology is being introduced to the popular stud finder category, and it promises to redefine the standards for stud finder performance. The next generation “intelligent” models incorporate multiple sensors and sophisticated signal processing technology to alert the presence of false positives. Using a sophisticated, selectable deeper scan mode, the technology can also be used to quickly identify metal pipes and even plastic pipes or PEX tubing behind the walls when this is desired.

For professional plumbing contractors, this innovative technology will provide a more accurate representation of what is behind the drywall.

Increasing Plumbers’ Productivity and Profitability

For plumbers, maximizing their work efficiency and profitability involves knowing as clearly as possible what is inside a wall before cutting into it. They do not want to create damage. They want to reduce the risk of costly mistakes that need to be repaired.

To work safely and productively, plumbers typically rely on stud finders to accurately find the studs within a wall. This can be important to support long pipe runs and heavy fixtures. Plumbers also need to avoid wood studs, since most of the work involves remodeling rather than new construction.

Finding the voids between studs is necessary to quickly assess how much room there is within the wall space to reroute pipe or mount a new fixture. When remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, it can be particularly important to understand if the studs are plumb, or whether fire blocking runs horizontally.

To better address these needs, plumbers now can use advanced, second-generation stud finders like a new unit by Zircon Corporation that utilizes multiple sensors and sophisticated signal processing to filter out false positives.

Zircon, a wholly owned subsidiary of ZRCN Inc., has been in the stud finder game for more than 40 years. In 1980, the company manufactured the original StudSensor™ stud finder and invented the category. The Silicon Valley-based company produces more than just stud finders. They design and manufacture an extended range of sensor technologies in electronic hand tools including wall scanners, metal detectors, circuit breaker finders, drill guides, water detectors, and leveling tools.

The company’s latest innovation is the Wood Stud SuperScan® advanced stud finder with Target Control® Technology and FILTERz™ cancellation. By analyzing the complex data streams from multiple sensors and controlling the result using sophisticated intelligence, the stud finder can find wood studs and filter out metallic objects such as plumbing, conduit, straps, brackets, screws, protector plates, or ductwork in the wall.

DeepScan® mode locates the center of wood studs and metal up to 1½ inches (38 mm) deep within walls. A MetalliWarning® indicator will display when metal is detected.

Additionally, the technology can alert the user to the presence of other low density, non-metallic targets, like plastic pipe and PEX tubing. To prevent cutting into dangerous electrical wires, the device also provides WireWarning® Detection, which indicates the presence of live, unshielded AC electricity.

The stud finder has a new and improved user interface that provides an intuitive “go/no go” indication in response to what is being sensed. A new haptic vibration and a patented SpotLite® Pointer that shines an arrow-shaped beam on the wall.

For plumbers, the ability to quickly identify what is inside the wall before cutting into it will substantially increase their productivity and safety.

Given the opportunity to see a much clearer picture of what is in the wall, plumbers would do well to upgrade their existing stud finder with an affordable, next-generation model that is sure to become the new standard in scanning.

For more information, call Zircon Corporation at (408) 963-4550, e-mail: info@zircon.com, or visit www.zircon.com

Milwaukee Valve has announced the retirement of President and CEO Rick Giannini, effective January 20, 2023. John Labellarte, the company’s current COO, will succeed Giannini in leading the commercial, industrial and marine valve manufacturer. Giannini joined Milwaukee Valve in 1998 and successfully guided the business through challenging market conditions. His leadership transformed Milwaukee Valve into Read more

Milwaukee Valve, Rick Giannini, John Lebellarte, plumbing, heating, hydronics, heating and cooling, PVF, valves, fittings

John Lebellarte

Milwaukee Valve has announced the retirement of President and CEO Rick Giannini, effective January 20, 2023. John Labellarte, the company’s current COO, will succeed Giannini in leading the commercial, industrial and marine valve manufacturer.

Giannini joined Milwaukee Valve in 1998 and successfully guided the business through challenging market conditions. His leadership transformed Milwaukee Valve into a service leader and global manufacturer. He guided the transformation of the sales organization, reinvested in manufacturing processes and equipment, and assembled the company’s overseas manufacturing operations. Giannini greatly expanded the development and growth of Milwaukee Valve’s product offering and presence in the Navy Marine market.

Giannini also developed and maintained the management team which will continue to lead the company. He dedicated time and energy to industry-leading organizations, serving as Chairman of the Aircraft Carrier Industrial Base Coalition (ACIBC) since its inception in 2004. He also sat on The American Supply Association’s (ASA) Industrial Piping Division Steering Committee and served on ASA’s Board of Directors.

New president and COO John Labellarte started with Milwaukee Valve in 1999 as General Manager. He was promoted to Vice President and COO in 2006. During his tenure, Labellarte has been instrumental in driving the company’s global manufacturing initiatives, strategic planning, product development and operational performance. His focus on continual improvement and the utilization and development of new technologies will continue to build brand value and value proposition for the company. Prior to joining Milwaukee Valve, Labellarte worked for 12 years with the Marpac & McCANNA Valve companies, serving in operations and management roles. He is extremely qualified to lead Milwaukee Valve, with 35 years of executive and operations management experience in the valve industry.

In its 121st year of business, Milwaukee Valve Company is internationally recognized for state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and innovative new products covering a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.

Jones Stephens is now introducing Valves and Sillcocks with CPVC Connections. Jones Stephens’ ball valves and sillcocks have integral CPVC connections which allow solvent welding of CPVC pipe directly to the valve – providing an easy, leak-free connection. Jones Stephens’ Valves with CPVC Connections are NSF/ANSI certified by IAPMO, ASME/CSA approved by IAPMO, and meet Read more

Jones Stephens is now introducing Valves and Sillcocks with CPVC Connections. Jones Stephens’ ball valves and sillcocks have integral CPVC connections which allow solvent welding of CPVC pipe directly to the valve – providing an easy, leak-free connection. Jones Stephens’ Valves with CPVC Connections are NSF/ANSI certified by IAPMO, ASME/CSA approved by IAPMO, and meet low lead requirements. They are durable, reliable, and made to the highest quality standards.

For more information:  Jones Stephens.

Caleffi North America, a global leader and manufacturer of innovative products for plumbing, heating and cooling, is pleased to offer its 1” male x 1” female union thread isolation ball valve. The 290030 valve is designed to fit conveniently between any Caleffi 1” union valve body and tailpiece. It is low-lead compliant and is certified Read more

Caleffi North America, a global leader and manufacturer of innovative products for plumbing, heating and cooling, is pleased to offer its 1” male x 1” female union thread isolation ball valve. The 290030 valve is designed to fit conveniently between any Caleffi 1” union valve body and tailpiece. It is low-lead compliant and is certified to NSF/ANSI 372 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61. An optional stem extension is available for projects requiring pipe insulation.

The isolation valve is compatible with our most popular Caleffi valves including FlowCal™ and QuickSetter+™ balancing valves, AngleMix™ and MixCal™ thermostatic mixing valves, Z-one™ zone valves and PresCal™ pressure reducing valves.

Please visit our website at www.caleffi.us or call us at (414) 238-2360 for further product information.

Watts has announced new leaders for several key business units as it continues to strengthen its commitment to customers. Jim Koepsell has been appointed the General Manager of Watts’ Drains and Industrial businesses. Previously, Koepsell led Watts’ Commercial Operations organization. He is responsible for Watts’ cast iron, BLÜCHER stainless steel, and Orion chemical waste drainage Read more

Watts has announced new leaders for several key business units as it continues to strengthen its commitment to customers.

Jim Koepsell has been appointed the General Manager of Watts’ Drains and Industrial businesses. Previously, Koepsell led Watts’ Commercial Operations organization. He is responsible for Watts’ cast iron, BLÜCHER stainless steel, and Orion chemical waste drainage solutions, along with Watts’ Mueller Steam industrial strainer, check valve, and butterfly valve solutions.

Atul Sharma has been appointed the Director of Watts’ Commercial Operations and General Manager for Watts’ Syncta business. Previously, Sharma led multiple strategic projects for Watts and served on the Corporate Strategy & Business Development team.

Carlos Haddad has been appointed General Manager for Watts’ Dormont Gas Business Unit in addition to his existing role as Vice President of Marketing and Business Development (Americas and Europe). He is responsible for Watts’ Gas connector and Gas safety systems for residential, commercial, and food service applications.

“In appointing these leaders, we are positioned to provide the highest level of support to our customers,” according to Andrew Windsor, Watts Senior Vice President, Sales. “As always, our top objective is to deliver the products and solutions that will help our customers succeed.”

For more info, watts.com.