Top 20 Products Of The Year
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See what tools and equipment caught readers’ attention this year in our Top 20 Products list.

Each year, Plumbing & Mechanical editors receive thousands of product releases from industry manufacturers. The 20 products highlighted here have earned the distinction of being PM’s Top Products of 2020 based on the number of page views on pmmag.com. Congratulations to those products on this year’s list.

Evakare LED grab bar

Product 20

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Evakare LED Grab Bar

Evakare’s LED Night Light Grab Bar is sound activated and can detect a door opening or someone walking into the room. When sound is detected, the night light activates and stays on for 20 to 30 seconds. The grab bar is available in 12", 18", 24" and 36" sizes, and comes in polished stainless steel, matte black, white, gun-metal and gold finishes. Evakare. www.evakare.com

Lochinvar commercial heat pumps

Product 20

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Lochinvar Micro CHP Cogeneration System

Lochinvar recently launched 20 new commercial heat pump models ranging from 25,000 to 250,000 Btu/h, and with modular installation capabilities up to 2 million Btu/h. The state-of-the-art product line gives specifying engineers, architects and plumbing contractors additional options to meet energy savings and sustainability goals when bidding on large commercial properties. Lochinvar. www.lochinvar.com

NIBCO press fittings

Product 19
NIBCO Press Fittings

NIBCO’s PressACR is approved for use with a wide range of refrigerants and lubricants. The fittings are UL recognized to 700 PSI, and feature a gray HNBP seal to help differentiate them from other NIBCO press products. Straight and reducing couplings, 45- and 90-degree elbows, caps, Y-joints and tees are available in sizes 1/4", 1/2", 3/8", 5/16", 5/8", 7/8" and 1 1/8". NIBCO. www.nibco.com

Rheem combination boiler

Prod 18
Rheem Combi Boiler

Rheem’s Professional Prestige combination boiler is the latest innovation to the company’s high-efficiency tankless gas water heater lineup. Rheem’s Energy Star-rated combi boiler ensures efficient hydronic heating even in the coldest climates, while also providing homeowners with continuous hot water and reduced utility costs, it states. The boiler’s compact design is ideal for smaller homes or multifamily applications to free up valuable space without sacrificing optimal performance. Rheem. www.rheem.com

Simple Drain P-Trap receives IAPMO plumbing listing

Prod 17
Simple Drain P Trap

Crushproof Tubing — a manufacturer of high-grade rubber products used in the military, aftermarket automotive and breathing markets — announced its Simple Drain product has received a Certificate of Listing to the IGC-361 Standard from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) for its patented, game-changing p-trap alternative, the company notes. Simple Drain can be used in new construction applications as well as DIY replacement work. Simple Drain meets the IAPMO IGC-361 Standard and is not only an alternative to traditional PVC, but is a drastic improvement due to easy installation, self-gasketing, self-plunging and antimicrobial characteristics, the company says. Simple Drain. www.simpledrain.com

Lochinvar micro CHP cogeneration system

Product 16
Lochinvar Commercial Heat Pumps

The XRGI25 is designed to be an efficient and easy-to-install cogeneration system for light commercial applications. Using an internal combustion natural gas engine, the XRGI25 produces both hot water for domestic or hydronic applications while simultaneously generating 24kW of electricity. This concept reduces grid dependency and can lower a facilities overall environmental impact. This technology has proven its effectiveness throughout Europe with more than 10,000 installations. The XRGI25 is currently providing savings in agricultural, multifamily, academic institutions and government buildings throughout North America. Lochinvar. www.lochinvar.com

WarmlyYours snow melting kit

Product 15
Warmly Yours Snow Melting Kit

WarmlyYours’ complete snow melting kits contain an entire heating system for installation in outdoor surfaces such as driveways, walkways, accessibility ramps and patios to keep them free of ice and snow, the company states. Keeping these surfaces clear in the wintertime is both convenient and safe for the homeowners, it adds. The heating elements can be embedded in asphalt, concrete and in mortar beneath pavers. The kits come with an NEC-required display plaque, a control and either cables or mats (available in a range of different sizes). Mats are typically easier to install, but cables provide more design flexibility, WarmlyYours notes. WarmlyYours. www.warmlyyours.com

Balancing valve from Legend Valve

Product 14
Legend Valve Balancing Valve

The BLF-2 balancing valve allows for precise flow control to ensure efficient energy distribution to match the load of each zone in a hydronic heating or cooling system. Proper flow rate balancing can be the difference between an efficient and comfortable system, and one that does not provide sufficient heating or cooling to every room in the building, Legend explains. Setting the flow rate is easy using the ergonomic hand wheel to adjust the desired flow rate, which can be quickly verified with the attached flow meter. The BLF-2 also utilizes LegendConnect fittings to quickly and easily adapt to any job requirements. Legend Valve. www.legendvalve.com

Canature WaterGroup reverse osmosis system

Product 13
Canature Water Group Reverse Osmosis System

The Aqua Flo Platinum QCRO (Quick Change Reverse Osmosis) is IAPMO R&T certified against NSF58 for the reduction of lead and other harmful contaminants from water. A perfect system for homeowners looking for safe, great tasting drinking water right from their tap, the company says. The system features quick-change “twist and lock” filter cartridges that are quick and simple to replace. Choose from ten interchangeable filters to offer your customers a variety of treatment options customized to their exact water needs. Canature WaterGroup. www.canaturewg.com

The Poop Diaries

Product 12
The Poop Diaries book

On a late Wednesday evening, after her toilet clogged, Abby Ross asked her plumber to share his top five “greatest hits.” She said the stories were so hilarious, she had to share them with the world. “The Poop Diaries” features true stories told by her plumber, and many other plumbers, about the most memorable service jobs they have worked on and most unique people they have helped. Whether it’s nudity, rats, fake vaginas, dildos, snakes, weapons and so much more, these plumbers have seen and smelled it all. PM Bookstore. www.pmmag.com

Apollo Valves quick install coupling

Product 11
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The Shurjoint Model M07 is a ready-to-install rigid coupling for general piping applications where rigidity is required including valve connections, mechanical rooms, risers and long straight runs. This proprietary design provides a rigid joint that resists flexural and torsional loads. Support and hanging requirements corresponding to ANSI B31.1. B31.9 and NFPA 13. Apollo Valves. www.apollovalves.com

Watts Water Technologies static balancing valves

Product 10
Watts Water Technologies Static Balancing Valves

Using patented flow-measuring technology, iDROSET allows the end user to set and read flow without any additional tools, Watts notes. The valve features a large, easy-to-read gauge that continuously indicates flow without the need to actuate a bypass circuit. A simple twist of the ergonomic hand wheel sets flow, and can be locked when the desired flow rate is set. Watts Water Technologies. www.watts.com

Milwaukee neck gaiters

Product 9
Milwaukee Neck Gators

Milwaukee Tool is expanding its workwear line with the addition of a multi-functional neck gaiter. Made from a moisture-wicking, breathable blend of lightweight polyester and spandex, the gaiter is designed to keep users dry and comfortable all day with UPF 50+ sun protection and odor-resistant technology. The gaiter can be worn as a face covering, headband, neck guard, or any other adaptable solution. The neck gaiter is washer and dryer safe and will be available in three colors – gray, hi-vis and red. The new multi-Functional neck gaiter will be available for purchase at select distributors September 2020. Milwaukee Tool. www.milwaukeetool.com

Navien non-condensing tankless water heater

Product 8
Navien Non Condensing Tankless Water Heater

Navien’s all new NPN-U premium tankless water heater utilizes an industry-first stainless steel heat exchanger in the non-condensing tankless market. In addition to durability, NPN-U offers flexibility and ease of installation with the ability to be installed either indoors or outdoors. Available for both residential and commercial applications, the NPN-U comes in three different sizes up to 199,900 Btu and offers an industry-leading warranty. Navien. www.navieninc.com

AquaMotion hot water recirculation kit

Product 7
Aqua Motion Hot Water Recirculation Kit

The circulator for this tankless one-pipe system installs at the tankless unit. The circulator includes a flow control to bypass 1 gpm to the cold inlet of the tankless. When set for “On Timer” operation, the tankless will fire when temperature setting is reached. The new stainless ODR Superflow bypass valve installs under the sink on the cold angle stop and provides sufficient flow to operate the tankless. This product provides instant hot water comfort, can save up to 12,000 to 15,000 gallons of potable water annually and save on utility and sewer fees. The entire kit is UL- and NSF-listed and is patented and patent pending for the new features. AquaMotion. www.aquamotionhvac.com

REHAU pre-insulated pipe

Prod 6
REHAU Pre Insulated Pipe

On projects that require hydronic distribution for heating/cooling, snow melting, geothermal, biomass and district energy management, REHAU INSULPEX pre-insulated pipe delivers convenience and energy-efficiency far beyond metal piping, the company says. Engineered to minimize energy loss during transfer of hot or chilled fluid through buried pipelines, INSULPEX consists of PEXa O2 barrier pipe surrounded by foam insulation and a durable corrugated PE outer jacket. REHAU compression-sleeve fittings can be buried and allow immediate pressure testing. Available in one- and two-pipe configurations from sizes 25 to 140 mm with coils up to 1,640’, this system eliminates jobsite welding, insulating and corrosion-protecting measures. REHAU. www.rehau.com

Uponor radiant mat

Product 5
Uponor Radiant Mat

A custom-designed, prefabricated, pre-pressurized network of Uponor crosslinked polyethylene (PEX-a) tubing, the Uponor Radiant Rollout Mat is the ideal solution for faster, more consistent installations for large commercial radiant heating and cooling applications — saving up to 85% in installation time, the company notes. The mat consists of Wirsbo hePEX (oxygen barrier) or Uponor AquaPEX (non-barrier) PEX-a tubing connected with ProPEX engineered plastic (EP) fittings, which are safe for burial in the slab. The mat can install about eight times faster than conventional radiant tubing installation methods, potentially shaving weeks off an installation schedule, the company adds. Uponor. www.uponorpro.com

BDR Thermea Group hydrogen powered domestic boiler

Product 4
BDR Thermea Hydrogen Boiler

The world’s first hydrogen powered domestic boiler was put into operation in Rozenburg, the Netherlands in 2019, noted ECR International. The boiler was developed by BDR Thermea Group, a manufacturer of smart thermal comfort solutions, and parent of North American company ECR International. BDR’s mission is developing and producing heating and hot water solutions with virtually no Carbon Dioxide emissions. This boiler burns pure hydrogen that has been produced by wind or solar energy without releasing any CO₂. BDR Thermea Group. www.bdrthermeagroup.com

Warmboard comfort system

Product 3
Warmboard Comfort System

The Warmboard Comfort System bundles all the engineering, equipment and support needed for an ultra-accurate radiant floor heating system that can be installed quickly and efficiently by any general contractor or journeyman plumber, the company points out. The WCS includes Warmsource, a pre-commissioned boiler with all mechanical components integrated into one, standalone unit. WCS also includes Warmboard’s award-winning radiant panels, tubing and manifolds, manifold controllers, Warmboard thermostats, smart reset controller, and detailed plumbing and electrical drawings. These elements create a totally integrated system that communicates wirelessly through its own secure, preconfigured internal network, Warmboard states. Warmboard. www.warmboard.com

Hilti double-cut shear and nibbler

Product 2
Hilti Double Cut Shear Nibbler

Hilti’s double-cut shear SSH 6-A22 and nibbler SPN 6-A22 are compatible with five different cutting blades. The double-cut shear SSH 6-A22 uses two separate cutting edges to remove thin strips of material and is equipped with a “chip clipper” to terminate the cut without any other tools required. The nibbler SPN 6-A22 operates like a fast-moving miniature punch-and-die, removing small bits of metal quickly with extreme precision and accuracy. The 360-degree head rotation make it especially effective on curves, arcs and circles. Three compatible cutting heads make the SPN 6-A22 the industry’s most versatile sheet metal nibbler, the company says. Hilti. www.hilti.com

Crescent Tool pipe wrench

Product 1
Crescent Tool Pipe Wrench

Ideal for professionals in the plumbing, pipe fitter, oil and gas, fire and sprinkler, and MRO industries, Crescent has the right pipe wrench for the job. The new line boasts 11 products, including 10" cast iron and aluminum straight pipe wrenches, 12" self-adjusting wrench, 18" cast iron and aluminum straight pipe wrenches and more. Crescent’s patent-pending K9 Angle-Access Jaws bite in an arc of 30 degrees — much greater than typical pipe wrench operation limits — for best-in-class access in tight spaces. The aluminum options are more than 40% lighter than cast iron to reduce user fatigue, while the steel self-adjusting pipe wrenches feature a ratcheting head for one-handed use. Crescent Tool. www.crescenttool.com

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