Consider lifetime cost when specifying commercial plumbing products

by sadia_badhon | December 4, 2018 2:47 pm

by Garry Scott

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It is not surprising cost is often the main consideration when it comes to specifying commercial products. However, true “cost” reaches far beyond the initial purchase price. When selecting fixtures for a space it pays for specifiers and architects to consider the total cost of ownership, or lifetime cost, of a product to make the most informed decision. Appliances, light bulbs, cabinetry, fixtures—anything purchased in quantity is a viable candidate for cost-of-ownership consideration. To create well-functioning buildings, and also be efficient for those who own them, decision-makers must weigh lifetime value when making these purchases.

Total cost of ownership is especially important when choosing plumbing fixtures, as these products are used multiple times on a daily basis. When it comes to plumbing, all costs, direct and indirect, incurred throughout the life cycle of a product should be considered, including:

• durability;
• reliability;
• ease of installation;
• required maintenance and associated labour costs;
• frequency of replacement;
• product efficiency; and
• sustainability.

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Durability and reliability

A low price is no bargain if the fixture is not built to last. Choosing durable faucets, showerheads, and flush valves can help ensure lifetime costs stay manageable. Look for fixtures that have been third-party tested for durability of criteria such as handle strength. Fixtures that have been shown to stand up to at least 50,000 cycles are ideal.

It may seem obvious, but when constructing a space that will have a high volume of traffic, one must make sure to choose commercial-grade fixtures, as these are designed to withstand heavy use, and even occasional misuse. Commercial products also usually are designed to be vandal-resistant, with features discouraging tampering and opportunities for damage.

Solid construction materials and long-lasting finishes also help plumbing products stand the test of time. For instance, brass is a good choice for plumbing fixture fittings due to its durability and ability to be manipulated into intricate parts. Brass is also long lasting and may be a comparable price to other metals.

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Durability and reliability go hand-in-hand. Fixtures proven to perform and withstand the rigours of daily use help to minimize total cost of ownership, since they require less maintenance and repair. Choose brands with a known history of dependability as well as a strong warranty. Also select products from companies with a reputation for excellent customer service—should there be a plumbing issue, it is best to have a resource on hand to help correct any problems.

Installation

Time savings during installation increase the efficiency of plumbing technicians, which contributes to a project’s bottom line, making ease of installation an essential element when considering lifetime cost. In hospitality or multifamily settings, property owners can minimize expenses over time by selecting fixtures with features quickening their install, such as flexible supply lines, integrated foam gaskets, and a standard cartridge design.

Flexible supply lines enable quick and easy installation, without requiring additional parts, while integrated foam gaskets eliminate the need for plumber’s putty, saving time and supply costs on the jobsite.

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Products with a standard cartridge fitting across multiple product categories, such as kitchen and bath faucets, reduce the necessity for extra supplies and decrease the risk of installation errors, simplifying the process across the property.

Maintenance

Clearly, the less maintenance required, the lower the lifetime cost. Robust construction, durable polyvinylidene (PVD) finishes, and brass waterways reduce maintenance requirements, while also combatting issues with hard water and line debris.

Faucets with ceramic disc cartridges also help reduce labour costs by minimizing dripping, which saves water and money. For example, a leak of one drip[5] per second can waste more than 30 L (8 gal) per day, and nearly 12,000 L (3170 gal) per year. Choose the right cartridge at the outset to avoid wasting time and money on labour costs as well as wasted water.

Ceramic disc cartridges can be accessed easily, allowing maintenance professionals to make a swap in a matter of seconds, in the unlikely event of a required repair. These cartridges also combat debris in the water, ensuring lasting reliability, and trouble-free maintenance and repairs.

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When choosing sensor-operated faucets or flush valves, be sure to consider the battery life as part of the total cost-of-ownership consideration. Minimize maintenance by choosing models with long-lasting as well as standard alkaline batteries that are inexpensive to replace. For example, the World Toilet Organization[7] (WTO) found the average person uses the toilet six to eight times daily, which adds up to 2500 times a year. As such, facilities either need batteries that will stand up to this high amount of use or a hard-wired option.

Commercial facilities with off-seasons when products are not being used, like schools and stadiums, might run into issues if water is sitting dormant. Sensor-operated fixtures with an automated cycle to run water or flush at set intervals to clear the lines are a good option for these types of facilities.

When choosing flush valves, decision-makers should consider opting for piston technology instead of the diaphragm style, as the piston technology requires virtually no maintenance or replacement parts for the life of the flush valve, increasing the bottom line due to less upkeep over time and minimizing labour costs. It is also essential to select a flush valve with the ability to accommodate water pressure variances, an issue commonly found in larger buildings. This way, one can ensure lines are being cleared, and also not worry about costly sewer back-ups.

Spending less time on plumbing maintenance also has another benefit; it allows maintenance supervisors and technicians to focus their energy elsewhere and perform other tasks, thereby improving productivity.

Replacement

It is pretty simple—the less one has to replace a fixture, the lower the lifetime cost. Installing durable, low-maintenance faucets reduces the need for replacement. When purchasing a quality fixture, the initial purchase price may be slightly higher than other brands; however, over time, it can save properties money by offering longevity, reduced maintenance costs, and less frustration for users by lessening “out-of-commission” windows. The same can be said of showerheads and flush valves—it is worth investing in better construction and quality upfront to avoid going back to the market for new fixtures in a short timeframe.

If retrofitting a space, replacing fixtures can actually be a way to save money. Consider replacing existing fixtures with more efficient models for fiscal benefits over time. While this may increase initial cost, the lifetime savings will be significant. For example, standard showerheads flow at 9.46 L (2.5 gal) per minute, but water-efficient models certified to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program flow at 7.57 L
(2 gal) per minute, a 20 per cent decrease in water usage.

Product efficiency and sustainability

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According to the Canada Green Building Council[9] (CaGBC), up to 70 per cent of municipal water is consumed in and around buildings, making the selection of plumbing products using water efficiently a smart move for the environment and for facilities. Not only are low-flow fixtures better for the environment, but they also save facilities money over time by reducing water usage and lowering overall energy bills.

Consider these:

• McGill University[10] in Montréal found the average Canadian uses about 329 L (87 gal) of water per day;
• using Toronto’s current 2018 water rate[11] of $0.01729145/gal, that is a cost of $1.50 per day, per person; and
• if reduced by 20 per cent (aligning with the difference between a standard and water-efficient showerhead), water usage cost to $1.20/day, a savings of nearly $110 per year.

An easy way to reduce water consumption is installing faucets with built-in time limits. Both metering faucets and sensor-operated fixtures can make it easier for facilities to conserve water by allowing users to determine the specific amount of time the water will run, preventing fixtures from being left on too long. In particular, sensor-powered models allow users to adjust the metering flow time to fit any market—time may vary from a minimum of 10 seconds, for an educational environment, up to a maximum of three minutes for healthcare environments, where code requires timed hand washing.

The EPA notes more water-efficient products[12] can also lower costs associated with using water equipment, including reducing the energy required to heat water and move it throughout a space. As a result, using less water, especially hot water, gives facilities the ability to reduce gas and electric expenses, as well—again, decreasing the total cost of ownership of a product.

Simply put, it is important to think about the long game when specifying commercial plumbing products. Purchase price certainly is important, but should be considered as part of the total cost of ownership. When done right, attention to lifetime cost creates impressive dividends in the bottom line.

[13]Garry Scott is vice-president, marketing and ecommerce, for Moen Canada. In his role, he leads consumer and trade marketing, ecommerce and loyalty programs, as well as supports new product development and innovation. His previous experience includes various leadership positions within the consumer-packaged goods industry. Scott is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with a HBBA in Marketing. He can be reached at media@moen.com.

Source URL: https://www.constructioncanada.net/consider-lifetime-cost-when-specifying-commercial-plumbing-products/

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