TheThe Future Plumbing Future of of Plumbing INNOVATION IS A CURIOUS THING. It happens in fits and starts, leaps and bounds, sometimes evolutionary and sometimes revolutionary. We see it daily, we experience it real-time, in our technology, in our society, and in our lives. In many ways, innovation is front and center. In other areas, it goes almost unnoticed. Take piping for instance: the concept of using a tubular vessel to carry water has been around since humans figured out how to make tubular vessels to carry water. From clay to metal to plastic, the material may have evolved, but the very nature of plumbing remains unchanged: to move water from one place to another. So, what are the next innovations that will reshape the future of plumbing? Is there any better way to actually carry water from one place to another? Who knows, but as specialists focused on replacing aged and defective plumbing systems, we certainly see some obvious areas for improvement and are approached every day by the “next big thing” in the industry. But what if we aren’t thinking outside the box as much as we should, or far enough into the future. What are the real possibilities? Well, here are some theories on current technologies that will evolve plumbing in the next 5 to 20 years.
Sensors Sensors From flow monitoring to remote controlled shut-off valves to water intrusion sensors, these technologies already exist, and it’s only a short matter of time before they become commonplace
components of every piping system. Reporting when water is moving too fast, too hot, with too much pressure, or is showing up where it doesn’t belong is easily achievable by installing various sensors in and around your piping system that can report such information. As soon as you know a problem exists, the sensors can be programmed to act on that information. Water is too hot, automatically cool it down; flowing too fast, reduce the pump rates; leaking, shut it off. Integrating computer technology and control systems into plumbing for both new construction and retrofits is a relatively easy task, and the costs are coming down every day. We predict it will soon be ubiquitous.
Materials Materials There is an almost infinite array of plastic composites that are available to scientists and inventors today. As research continues, advancements will be made, and newer, better materials will continue to emerge in the marketplace, providing builders and homeowners with choices. From better insulating options (temperature and sound) to improved connections to fittings, new materials will drive some level of innovation within current piping systems, and new piping systems that have yet to be conceived will emerge. Composites are even starting to appear with metal pipes, pre-lined at the factory with plastic resins to prevent corrosion, already available in the marketplace. Environmental considerations are a chief driver in this area, and looking at more energy efficient and environmentally friendly ways
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