The End of the Custom Shower

Whaza' Showerhead?  

In 1992 Congress enacted a federal law saying, a showerhead can not deliver more than 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM).  Before this, the average shower put out 6-7 GPM.  But the question really never answered was, “What constitutes a showerhead?” 

Is it everything past the mixing valve?  Is it one or more nozzles in a shower?  Is it single or multiple openings?  Hand showers? 

So for nearly 20 years the term ‘showerhead’ was understood by the manufacturing industry to mean a single device that directs water to a bather.  Each nozzle was considered in compliance if it delivered a 2.5 GPM or less.

More Industry Confusion

But in May of 2010, the Department of Energy (DOE) said a ‘showerhead’ may incorporate one or more sprays, nozzles, or openings.  Under the new interpretation, all nozzles would count as a single showerhead[1] and if taken together, can’t exceed the 2.5 GPM maximum. 

Under this meaning, your deluxe shower with its 4 or more body sprays must be added together, and not looked at individually.  And this changes everything, especially if you want to enjoy a personal spa experience at home.

The 2011 DOE Guidance

The Showerhead Enforcement Guidance which was issued on March 4, 2011 by the Department of Energy states that, in essence, multiple spraying components sold together as a single unit designed to spray water onto a single bather constitutes a single showerhead.  (Hum, even this still seems open to interpretation.)

And to avoid economic turmoil and waste, the Department has a two year grace period to allow manufactures time to sell their remaining non-compliant multi-nozzle products, and adjust their product designs to ensure compliance. 

Green vs Choice

There is definitely a fine line between conserving energy and free choice.  One side says, “If I can afford a $5,000.00 shower that puts out 18 GPM that’s my right.”  The other side says, “Clean water is not limitless, and the Earth’s resources belong to the future of all our children.” 

While the average consumer is just asking the question, “What’s next?"  If saving water is the goal, should we not start with the extras; swimming pools, lawn sprinklers, and car washes?  And if the object of a shower is to get clean, how much water is then considered to be excessive?  

Will the DOE come into your bathroom?    

The 2011 Guidance states it does not regulate the behavior of consumers or how they, an architect, or home builder may wish to design a shower[2].  But it’s hard to design, purchase, and install what can no longer be sold or manufactured. 

I have a feeling there is more to come on this issue.  But for now I’ll close with this quote by Jim Brewer, Trinity Home Design Center's Bath Consultant, “You can interpret it how you want, but it appears the day of the custom shower will be ending on March 4, 2013 unless the total water output is 2.5 GPM or less.” 

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[1] APA: New Regulation of Multi-head Shower Fixtures - WSJ.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB1000142405274870491330457537146261146

3490.html

[2] APA: Update: DOE Withdraws Showerhead Interpretive Rule - This ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pmengineer.com/Articles/Breaking_News/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000

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Kitchen Faucet Features

In this post we're featuring the hardest working item in your kitchen, besides you ~  YOUR FAUCET! 

How many times a day does it supply a quick drink, a wash of the hands, the filling of a pot, or the rinsing of a dish?  To select a new faucet there are just five things to consider:

• Mounting options:  Deckplate or Non-deckplate? 
• Handle options:  One or Two?
• Sprayer/Spout options:  Pull down or side mount?
• Height:  Standard or High-Rise?
• Finish:  Chrome, Stainless, Bronze, etc?

Mounting options - if you have existing sink openings, consider using a deck plate to cover openings you'll no longer need.

Handle options - do you prefer a single handle or a double?  Which best matches the decor of the kitchen?

Sprayer/Spout - the style/decor of the faucet you choose may determine this for you.

Height - if your sink is a shallow sink, the standard height will prevent back splash.  If you have a deeper bowl, the high-rise styles allow for the filling of deeper bowls or pots.

Finish - what are the other finishes in the kitchen, or throughout your home?

And don't forget those other kitchen faucet features such as Touch2O and Touch2Oxt by Delta! 

Are you ready to replace and update that old existing faucet yet?  Well, we want to help you with that too!  Below you'll find a handy step-by-step installation video for the beautiful new Addison faucet with Touch2O technology by Delta!

  

For a video on installing a Delta bathroom faucet, visit the "What's New" page on the Trinity Home Design Center website!  Click here for Website  

We hope you've enjoyed this post.  As always, we encourage your comments and suggestions below!!

THE POWER OF PINK!

Pink is a mixture of the energy, power, and attention of red, with the purity, openness, and insight offered by white.  This means Pink is “Pure Gentle Energy!”  It’s one of Spring’s prettiest colors, but it’s also one of the hardest to do well. 

Pink represents romance, affection, love, compassion, and pure nurturing feminine passion.  For most people, any shade of pink screams, “No Boys Allowed!”   And only men secure in their own masculinity will wear the color.  Spring is the season that re-introduces the color in all it’s glory with the spectacular red bud blossoms, tulips, hyacinth, and those delicious pastel m&m candies, to name just a few. 

But although pink can bring serenity and calm to a room, too much pink or a too intense shade, can actually bring about the fiery energy of the red.  So when painting walls for calm, use a soft whisper of the color such as Sherwin Williams “Innocence”.   Sometimes an accent of the color is all that’s needed as you see in our bedroom photo.

The walls were painted Sherwin Williams “Rice Paddy” and accents of pink were introduced into the room for a pop of color.  The pretty white Table Lamp and Basket of Spring Flowers, both from Trinity, create a neutral warmth to the room tying the green and pink together.  The beautiful Crystal Mini-Light Chandelier or a light and airy Tiered Three-Light Candelabra can be positioned over a reading chair, desk, bath or dressing area.  Both are available in a soft white finish with pretty pink and white crystals for a soft, romantic, feel without being overpowering, while still screaming, “for princesses only!” 

And don’t forget the “Pretty-as-a-Flower” Ceiling Fan with the two rows of blades rotating in different directions!  Available in Blushing Pink upper blades with a choice of Spring Green or Pretty Pink (pictured) lower blades.  Not only does it give the room a fresh, new, petal-pretty look, but it will help cut down on those air conditioner bills too! 

Remember, a little pink goes a long way.  And with a few updates from the new  Spring line of lamps, chandeliers, fans, artwork, and accessories that are arriving daily at Trinity, you can easily update your favorite space with the full Power of Pink! 

Spring is Pretty in Pink ~ Your home can be too!!   

For further information on the items featured contact Molly Morningstar, Associate Buyer for Trinity Home Design Center or shop our new Online Catalog!