Power Vent vs. Direct Vent

Power and direct venting each provide an alternative to standard gravity (atmospheric) venting in gas and oil appliances. They can save space by allowing horizontal venting out a wall if properly configured. Both power vent and direct vent systems use a blower fan to force exhaust from vent pipes.

The major difference is that power vented devices get their intake combustion air from indoors, while direct vent (also known as sealed combustion) units pull it from outside. This means the power vented models must have adequate space for combustion air at the location they are installed. Direct vent units require two separate penetrations from the building (one for intake, one for exhaust), although a concentric vent kit limits both functions to a single protrusion. SupplyHouse carries a full selection of boilers and water heaters, including power and direct vent models.

Water Heater Leak Detector

When a water heater leaks, it will not stop producing hot water. Under a worst-case scenario (a major leak with no one home to notice it), the damage can be severe. Taco’s WAGS valve puts a layer of safety protection in place to ensure that this won’t happen. The WAGS valve is installed in a pan at the base of the water heater. All incoming supply water goes through the WAGS valve before it enters the water heater tank. When water levels in the drip pan get close to one inch, the valve cuts off the water supply so that the tank won’t continue to refill. It does not stop the leak, but it limits damage to the water already in the tank.

If used on a gas or oil-fired water heater, the WAGS valve must be used in conjunction with Taco’s GOKIT7200-1, which shuts off the supply of gas or oil to the unit. Visit SupplyHouse.com to find a large selection of water heaters and Taco items.

Fittings for PEX-A Tubing

Among the three grades assigned to PEX tubing, PEX-A carries the highest quality. Its superior flexibility and shape recognition make PEX-A tubing easier to work with (uncoil, run the lines, etc.). They also make PEX-A the only grade of PEX that is compatible with expansion-style fittings. PEX-A holds these advantages as a result of the process by which manufacturers create it. Known as the Engel Method, cross-links are made while polyethylene is still in its melted form. This creates more even distribution of cross-links and better shape recognition in the finished product. (PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene).

While PEX-A works with expansion fittings, such as Uponor’s ProPEX, it is also compatible with standard PEX fittings. Crimp, clamp, PEX press, compression, and push-fit fittings all work with PEX-A tubing. Any fitting that adapts to PEX-B tubing also works with PEX-A. Just keep in mind that expansion fittings can only be used with PEX-A tubing. SupplyHouse.com carries three styles of PEX-A: hePEX and Mr. PEX for heating, and AquaPEX for plumbing.

Use Baseboarders w/ Electric Units

Baseboarders DIY Baseboard Heater Covers are easy to install. Their unique look spices up the appearance of any room. The rust-proof covers’ design prevents small children from touching the hot element. While normally used with hydronic baseboards, the covers also work with electric units. If you use Baseboarders covers with electric baseboards, wall brackets will be necessary. This configuration provides protection by blocking the extra-hot elements found on electric baseboards. Please view the manufacturer’s specifications for sizing requirements and more information. SupplyHouse.com is the exclusive online supplier of Baseboarders covers and accessories.

Using and Maintaining Grease Traps

Grease traps are only designed to filter liquid waste. Solids should be kept out of the trap. A solids interceptor may be installed separately. The presence of solids in grease traps reduces the efficiency of operation and can lead to clogs. Solids are generally the cause of unpleasant odors that grease traps can emit. Grease traps should be cleaned every few weeks, depending on the amount of grease present. Cleaning a grease trap involves taking the cover off, removing the grease, and hosing the trap down. Waste grease, if properly recycled, can be used to create things like fertilizer and cosmetic products. If they are sized, installed, and maintained properly, grease traps will help home and business owners (as well as the environment). Visit SupplyHouse.com to buy Zurn and Canplas grease trap products. Our new grease trap sizing video can help you select the best model for every application.

Weil-McLain WM97+: Top Efficiency

Weil-McLain’s new WM97+ wall-mounted, gas-fired, hot water boiler sets new standards for quality and efficiency. With seasonal DOE efficiency ratings of over 97 percent, the two available models waste minimal fuel. They feature a built-in primary circulator, low water cutoff, and expansion tank. Convertible to propane with an included kit, the boiler contains a stainless steel heat exchanger, three-zone circulator control, and an indirect water heater connection. The WM97+’s color LCD display conveniently displays text-based error codes, eliminating the need to check the manual every time there’s a problem. The boiler is designed for direct vent combustion. Visit SupplyHouse.com today to find more boilers and Weil-McLain items.

Kickspace Heaters at SupplyHouse

Kickspace heaters offer a space-saving solution for hydronic heating systems. They can provide heat while taking up a fraction of the space in kitchens, bathrooms, and any other area in which baseboard installation is not possible or desirable. Normally installed on the ground (often below cabinets), kickspace heaters may also be wall-mounted. They operate as part of the normal baseboard loop, with an electric blower to facilitate heat transfer to the living space. A diverter tee may be needed to allow sufficient water flow to a kickspace heater that branched is off from the main baseboard line. SupplyHouse.com carries kickspace heaters from Beacon Morris and Slant/Fin.

PEX Tubing & Direct Burial

PEX tubing is approved for direct burial outdoors. Direct burial is most often necessary when running the water supply line to a house. Although PEX resists freezing well, it can burst if water were to freeze in the line. It’s a must, therefore, to bury the tubing below the frost line. (Depth of the frost line in a given area can be obtained by contacting the town or local water company). Dezincification-resistant brass PEX fittings or plastic PEX fittings should be used in areas known to have aggressive soil.

Residential water supply lines generally use 3/4” pipe (occasionally 1”). SupplyHouse carries PEX-B tubing in these sizes, as well as PEX-A rated AquaPEX. Sleeving the buried PEX (in PVC, for example) can make potential repairs easier, and embedding PEX in sand protects it from any rocks in the soil. Always check with all local and municipal codes prior to installation.

IntelliFlow for Washing Machines

The Watts IntelliFlow washing machine water shut-off valve uses sophisticated electrical technology to regulate water flow. When a washing machine operates, the valve senses an increase in current draw. This signals the normally-closed valves to open and allow flow of hot and cold water to the unit. The valves close when current draws fall back to normal levels. The valves are equipped with 1/2” inlet connections and a standard, 120-volt power cord. No hardwiring is required, and the washing machine’s power cord connects directly to the valve.

SupplyHouse.com stocks the recessed wall mount version of the valve, also equipped with a leak sensor. The leak sensor provides peace of mind: it will signal the valves to close should the washing machine ever leak, thus preventing flooding.

Liberty Pumps - Now at SupplyHouse

Looking for a sump pump, effluent pump, sewage pump, or grinder pump? Consider a Liberty pump. Made in the USA, Liberty pumps are now available at SupplyHouse.com. With an industry-leading 3-year warranty, Liberty stands behind their products. Get one now, before rainy season begins.

ThermaPEX Tubing - On Sale!

Save 5% on ThermaPEX tubing through February 3rd at SupplyHouse.com with promo code HEAT. ThermaPEX’s oxygen barrier makes it perfect for heating applications.

ThermaPEX carries the highest grade for PEX tubing: PEX-A. Manufactured using the Engel method, PEX-A has greater flexibility and shape recognition than PEX-B and PEX-C. This makes PEX-A easier to work with (uncoil, run lines, etc.). If PEX-A tubing gets kinked during installation, repairs are easy. Just heat the tubing with a heat gun (or even a hair dryer) and it will return to its original shape. Only PEX-A tubing works with PEX expansion fittings.

Water Heater Blankets

Water heater insulation blankets cover the exterior of tank-style water heaters. They are designed to prevent standby heat loss on the hot water sitting in the tank. Even with this potential benefit, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Water heaters come pre-installed with internal insulation. With some models including 2” of foam insulation (at an R-value of 16), manufacturers already take major steps to minimize heat loss. Blankets can also cover important labels, controls, valves, and air passages on the water heater, which creates potential safety hazards. Additionally, many believe that the bulk of heat loss in a gas unit goes out the flue, which reduces the importance of any insulation. Always consult with local and municipal codes before installing a water heater blanket.

(Source: Bradford White)

Hassle-free MANABLOC Installation

The Viega MANABOLC manifold for PEX plumbing makes “home run” distribution easy and convenient. A dedicated 1/2” or 3/8” line runs from the MANABLOC to each fixture. Offering three versions of the MANABLOC (crimp, PEX press or compression), Viega gives installers choices for connecting these lines. The crimp MANABLOC (also compatible with stainless steel clamp rings) and PEX Press MANABLOC each require a unique PEX tool for making the fitting connections. Compression-style MANABLOCs do not require such a tool, making them a perfect choice for do-it-yourselfers and installers who don’t own the right tools.

Although no expensive tools are necessary, compression MANABLOC users may want to consider one accessory. The MANABLOC Wrench for Compression Lock-in Nuts makes tightening the nuts on compression loop fittings a snap. Sized and designed specifically for this application, the wrench is more efficient and effective than using a non-specialized tool. It works with both 1/2” and 3/8” compression nuts.

Stop by SupplyHouse.com to browse our selection of MANABLOC tools and accessories for PEX plumbing jobs.

An Advanced Mixing Valve from Taco

Taco’s iSeries Mixing valve provides smart control of water flow in heating systems. The outdoor reset capable models modify water temperatures based on conditions outside. The valves, available with several size and connection options, feature an advanced microprocessor and an LED indicator, as well as safety features to protect the boiler. iSeries Mixing Valves are only designed to work in closed heating systems (with up to 50% glycol). They should not be used for domestic water plumbing applications. Visit SupplyHouse.com to find more mixing valves and Taco products.

Options for PEX Fittings

PEX tubing is more flexible than rigid galvanized or copper pipe. Since it can bend, PEX requires fewer fittings. Still, particularly when adapting to other devices, some fittings must be made. Six primary options exist for making these connections: crimp, clamp, PEX press, expansion, compression, and push-fit. The first two options, crimp and clamp, use the same fittings. They call for relatively inexpensive tools and the associated rings. PEX press and expansion (i.e. Uponor ProPEX) are separate, unique systems which demand more costly tools. These methods are employed most commonly by those who work in the trade. Compression and push-fit fittings need no tools to connect to PEX tubing. While push-fit fittings are popular with do-it-yourselfers, they continue to become increasingly more accepted among professional installers. SharkBite and John Guest fittings are two examples.

To see the differences that exist among these fitting-styles, visit SupplyHouse’s YouTube account. Our new PEX fittings videos show the various methods in action. They will help new PEX users decide which option to use for themselves.

Chat Live on SupplyHouse.com

If you need assistance finding a product or placing an order on SupplyHouse.com, you have several options. You can call us toll free at 1-888-757-4774 during business hours or email us anytime. Our live chat service offers another choice. It’s perfect if you’re near a computer or browsing through SupplyHouse.com. Just click the ‘Live Chat’ icon, located at the top left of any page on the website, and a representative will answer your questions.

Bradford White Sizing Calculator

Sizing a water heater the right way can be tricky - but it's important. Install one that's too small, and you could be taking lukewarm or cold showers. Install one that's too big, and your utility bills will be higher than they need to be.

With a tank-style water heater, you must ensure that the unit (its storage capacity plus its production) can meet your demands during periods of peak usage. Bradford White offers a handy water heater sizing calculator that provides specific water heater recommendations based on several key factors. See SupplyHouse.com if you’re looking for Bradford White water heaters and parts.

ProPEX Plumbing Shut-off Valves

ProPEX valves from Uponor provide a convenient way to install shut-offs in a PEX-A plumbing system. The valves are available in engineered polymer and lead-free, large bore brass. Although they’re not recommended for use with glycol, the valves are an obvious choice for installers who use AquaPEX tubing and the expansion style of fittings. To see a larger selection of Uponor and PEX Plumbing products, visit SupplyHouse.com.

TrueSTEAM Humidifier Calculator

Humidfiers can lead to enhanced comfort in your home, especially during these cold winter months. Dry air is a leading cause of sore throats and cracking in the nasal membrane. A humidifier may be necessary to achieve ideal relative humidity (35% during heating season).

SupplyHouse’s TrueSTEAM Calculator can help you size a Honeywell TrueSTEAM unit. We also offer units from White-Rodgers and General Aire.

Get the Taco iPhone App

Taco’s pump selection iPhone app makes it easy to select the proper circulator pump for your application. The free app is available through the iTunes store. It allows you to find the circulator you need (based on flow rate and head pressure), access Taco’s full document library, and contact Taco technical support from your phone. It is perfect for when you're out in the field and do not have access to a computer. Once you find the Taco pump you need, you can buy it on SupplyHouse.com.