34 HEALTH AND SANITATION
Tip 2 : “ Don ’ t cheng unless you chi ” – look to innovate industry apps to provide added value to clients without sacrificing performance before construction begins designers can bring “ chi ” to their business associates , further cementing valuable business networks . This application literally is an app that the builder can use during design !
In his book Certain to Win , Chet Richards says , “ Think of what happens when you are deciding to buy … products and services ... You expect them to work . This defines ‘ cheng ’ in their businesses , doing well what the customer expects , things like quality in term of “ free from defects ,” low price , good performance …” while “ chi ” is the “ unexpected delight ” that a customer receives that keeps them coming back for more .
When it comes to “ cheng ” and “ chi ” in homes , the expectations are high in shower performance . This makes sustainability a sticking point : nobody wants shampoo stuck in their hair for minutes on end . Therefore , finding ways to provide sustainability without sacrificing performance is key . Fortunately , “ there is an app for that .” Actually , there are a few “ applications ” for that .
The first app is one that would need to take place before a home is built : make sure your builder is aware of IAPMO ’ s Water Demand Calculator ® – a 21st century way to size the pipes in a home . This solution not only saves builders money by reducing pipe sizing , but also allows for potential water savings by reducing structural water waste ( 450 gallons per year per one study ). By mentioning this tool
“ The one thing we can do right now is become more familiar with water stressors in our area and become a water ambassador .”
Sometimes a designer may not get involved until later in the construction or may be involved in a remodel that doesn ’ t include plumbing renovation . In that case , there is an opportunity to reduce behavioural water waste by using another “ physical application ”: shower and tub spout flow restrictors that comply with IAPMO IGC 244 . These devices reduce the flow to a shower ( or tub spout ) when the water reaches bathing temperatures . At that point the owner can pull a tab to re-engage full flow , thereby eliminating the water going down to the drain while the bather remains away from the shower after the desired bathing temperature water has been reached . Other “ applications ” to help water conservation efforts include leak detection devices that comply with ANSI / CANIAPMO Z1349 that may be able to provide household comparisons of water use through an app .
Tip 3 : Be a water ambassador – enlighten clients and business partners as they go through the design process , and be willing to think outside the box
The one thing we can do right now is become more familiar with water stressors in our area and become a water ambassador . Educating ourselves first by understanding our current challenges is vital . Bringing up water with clients and our business partners is the next step . Perhaps we are still some time away from grey water reuse systems in every new home as Seth Siegel describes in his book , Let There Be Water : Israel ’ s Solution for a Water-Starved World , where bathing and clothes-wash water could be recycled and used to flush toilets . Being aware of solutions and spending time learning about water conservation technologies and opportunities is vital . In doing so you can balance performance and water conservation for your customers . PA
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline July 2024 Volume 30 I Number 5