PLUMBING
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TOOL TIPS TAKING IT TO THE WC For the most part, designing hands-free faucets for the bathroom is a much lower priority for the residential market. Moen’s Garry Scott notes that bathroom faucets are not in the product lineup for Moen at the moment. “One of the challenges is getting the temperature right when it turns on or off. Typically you use more common temperature settings in the kitchen. In the bathroom, you tend to use cold for one thing and hot for another.”
Drilling the right holes unning plumbing lines and vent pipes through joists and studs often leads to awkward angles to work with, and when you are trying to ensure that a pipe has an appropriate slope, it can pay to have a right-angle drill in your kit.
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Delta
While kitchen faucets are the more natural milieu for hands free, Dunn reports that Delta has introduced a Touch20 product line for the bathroom. “It’s a bit slower to adapt, but like kitchen faucets, the uptake is definitely beyond our initial expectations,” says Dunn.
These tools come in corded and cordless models, and many contractors choose 18-volt tools for cordless since they are small and lightweight, but powerful enough to handle holes from 1/2" to four inches. Many contractors opt for corded versions though, since hydro is usually close by at this point of construction and a cord means unlimited run time plus a lot more torque, making the job faster and easier.
As he says, it’s really a matter of practicality and habit. “When we ask consumers what they want, it’s more convenience. Electronics have become such a part of our everyday life anyway. Just look at what today’s cars can do. So it’s only natural for consumers to want to make their interaction with water easier, more convenient and effortless.” In fact, he doesn’t consider hands-free to be a faucet at all. “We’re positioning hands-free as an appliance in a home. These faucets are really an extension of yourself. Whether you’re baking or working with raw meat, it allows you to stay more sanitary and work more efficiently.”
A traditional multi-tooth hole saw will make a clean hole, but this takes a lot of time and the clean hole is not that necessary as it’s behind drywall, for the most part.
Getting by with a little help Installation of a hands-free faucet is relatively easy, since it doesn’t require extra holes. While there are no additional skill sets needed when working with a battery-operated unit, infrared-based systems do demand some basic electrical skills, since the electronic controls are mounted in a control box underneath the deck. “Since you may need a permanent electrical source, you might have to get an electrician to work with you,” says Garry Scott.
Moen
He adds that special care needs to be taken to ensure it works right the first time. “Since there are more complications, if it doesn’t work properly you’ll end up having to come back and service calls can take longer than expected.” It also helps if the manufacturer offers a self-diagnosis pack that will run diagnostics on the electronic components to ensure everything is connected properly. Nunzio DiCesare, product manager of faucets and acrylics for American Standard Brands admits that it’s not as easy as hooking up the hot and cold line. “You’ve got to get the electronics in there, unless you go with lithium batteries. It might be a bit more effort than a mechanical installation, but once it’s done, you’re good to go.” In the event of an electrical outage, some infrared-based faucets come with a battery back-up feature. The standard battery life will last about a year on average. In addition, consumers can use the lever to operate the systems manually at any time.
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Variable speed or clutch options are a definite plus for work control and safety. Some corded models have two speeds. Use the low speed for larger holes and Rough it up the fast speed for holes 1/2" It is fine for holes in rough to 7/8" in size. framing to have an uneven edge, since they will be covered These tools can be quite by the drywall afterwards. While powerful, especially on the a hole saw will give you a nice corded side, so it is advisable clean cut, a right-angle drill and to make use of the handles a self-feed bit make the work go that come with them. These much faster when a smooth handles can be used for finish isn’t needed. bracing or to help prevent kickback if a jam occurs.
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