Plumbing Connection Autumn 2016

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8 PLUMBING CONNECTION AUTUMN 2016
THE FUTURE OF FLUSHING
T he first edition of Plumbing
Connection for 2016 highlights
some key industry changes
over the last few months as well
as touching on some anticipated
movements in the near future.
Our cover story takes a look at
rimless toilet technology and the
steady rise of the flushing method
in Europe and its adoption here in
Australia. Under the development
leadership of Dr Steve Cummings,
head of research and development at
GWA Bathrooms & Kitchens’ Caroma
provided Plumbing Connection with
an exclusive insight on its exciting
market response.
We take a look at Caroma’s first
foray into the field with its Cleanfush
range of rimless pans set to hit the
market in March.
Steve explains that when Caroma
commenced development of the
rimless pan, its overriding aim was to
solve all of the performance issues
evident in some of the European
products.
“We knew we needed to develop a
design that would cleanse as much
of the bowl area as possible through
the controlled flushing of water
effectively around the rim
and into the sump to achieve
maximum cleansing. It was critical
to create enough water flow at the
front of the rim to clear waste out of
the trap and achieve good drain line
clearance.”
Through much innovation and
refinement, Caroma has developed
a product that plumbers will soon be
able to offer both commercial and
residential clientele. So, stay tuned
for what looks set to be a big year in
rimless toilet technology.
Also included in this edition is a
one-on-one with three influential
women in the plumbing industry. It’s
no secret that certain careers tend
to attract more men than women, or
vice-versa. In the case of plumbing,
the former has generally been the
case; however, times are changing
and more women are looking to
the industry to either kick start or
progress their careers.
We find out how these three
women got into the industry, what
drives them to keep going and why
they recommend the plumbing sector
to other women who are considering
a trade focussed career.
In addition to these feature stories
and many others, we welcome two
new contributors who, through
their knowledge, experience and
willingness to share what they have
learnt, will help you to become a more
rounded contractor and business
owner.
Dr Terry Lucke, Professor in
Hydraulic and Civil Engineering
at the University of the Sunshine
Coast, has offered to write a series
of articles that aim to help explain
some of the fundamental fluid
mechanics principles in simple, easy
to understand terms for readers who
are not engineers. In his first column,
he simplifies the concept of fluid
pressure.
Andy Farrell, who we featured in
our Estimating feature of issue 3,
2015, has started a regular column
that provides tips and tricks to
help you become a more proficient
at quoting and estimating. Being
proficient in the art of estimating
will help you to not only look more
professional but give you a jump on
the next guy who delivers a dodgy
hand written ‘guesstimation’.
EDITORIAL
PLUMBING SUPPLY FORUM
Plumbing Connection magazine
in association with the Plumbing
Products Industry Group (PPIG) is
pleased to advise that the industry’s
premier business event takes place in
Sydney on Tuesday May 24.
The PSF provides industry
members from all sectors of
plumbing – suppliers, importers,
merchants, major contractors,
consultants, regulators and
educators and other service
providers – to learn and better
understand the current and future
issues facing the industry.
We’re bringing together the senior
legislators and program managers
to provide you an up-to-date
understanding and the opportunity to
ask the pertinent questions.
The primary aim of the PSF is to
assist businesses (including yours)
to operate more effectively and
profitably.
Seats are strictly limited, so
complete your registration online at
and secure your place.
Justin Felix
Enjoy the read
Plumbing Supply Forum