1.28 gpf high-performance toilet, waterless urinals and 2.0 gpm low-flow showerheads offer significant water savings in residential and commercial settings

KOHLER, Dubai, 11 October 2006 - Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath technology, introduces several low-consumption products for residential and commercial applications to further establish its industry leadership in offering high-performing plumbing products that save water.

Kohler augments its powerful Class Five bulk flushing system - which offers water savings of up to 2,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four by an optional 1.4 gallon flush setting - with the new Cimarron Comfort Height 1.28 gpf toilet with Class Five EcoSmart (EST) technology that can save homeowners up to 3,200 gallons of water per year over standard 1.6 gpf models. Additionally, Kohler introduces Steward waterless urinals that can save commercial users up to 40,000 gallons of water per fixture, per year over a standard 1.0 gallon urinal.

In the showering category, Kohler launches the new low-flow MasterShower Eco showerhead and handshower that provide homeowners and specifiers with additional options to conserve water and qualify for LEED credits. The 2.0 gpm sprayheads reduce water flow by up to 20 percent, while maintaining consistent performance and temperature. 

Cimarron Comfort Height 1.28 gpf toilet with Class Five EST technology

The new Cimarron Comfort Height 1.28 gpf toilet with Class Five EST technology is an excellent solution for those people seeking a high-efficiency toilet (HET) that delivers an extraordinary combination of water conservation and flushing performance. Saving nearly one-third of a gallon of water per flush over industry-standard 1.6 gpf toilets, the new Cimarron 1.28 gpf toilet utilizes a flapperless flush tower design that ensures consistent, reliable performance. The flapperless flush tower design allows for easier actuation of the trip lever, and prevents toilet "run ons" better than traditional flappers.

The new Cimarron Comfort Height 1.28 gpf toilet saves up to 3,200 gallons of water per year over traditional 1.6 gpf models and up to 20,000 gallons of water per year over older 3.5 gpf toilets. The aggressive water savings achieved with Kohler's exclusive EcoSmart technology allows this high efficiency toilet to meet LEED requirements and select EPA and water utility rebate programs, making it an attractive toilet option for both homeowners and trade professionals.

The new Cimarron Comfort Height 1.28 gpf toilet offers the same amenities as other KOHLER Class Five toilets such as comfortable, chair height seating for people of all ages and statures and the exclusive KOHLER DryLock system which cuts traditional installation time by one-third. Additionally, the new toilet is offered in a broad array of 16 KOHLER colors.

KOHLER Steward waterless urinals

With the introduction of its environmentally friendly Steward waterless urinals, Kohler offers the opportunity to save water and reduce sewage and maintenance costs while also providing outstanding performance and stylish design to users. Unlike traditional urinals which require consistent flushing to remove waste and maintain a hygienic environment, or other waterless urinals in the marketplace which utilize a cartridge that must be periodically replaced, KOHLER waterless urinals feature a cartridge-free integral trapway that is filled with KOHLER Waterless Urinal Sealing Liquid. The unique design of the trapway allows liquid waste to pass through the sealing liquid and into the waste pipe. Once the liquid waste has passed through, the less dense sealing liquid maintains its position at the top of the trapway, thus providing an impermeable barrier that blocks odors.

KOHLER Steward waterless urinals were developed to provide outstanding performance while passing along to commercial users a potential water savings of up to 40,000 gallons of water per fixture, per year versus a standard 1.0 gallon urinal based on the same usage. The geometry of the urinal not only provides a fresh, architectural design, but also virtually eliminates splashing. Additionally, the touch-free operation improves hygiene for all users and is more vandal-resistant due to the absence of a flush valve.

KOHLER Steward waterless urinals come in two models: (1) the Steward S waterless urinal offers a clean, minimalist design aesthetic making it ideal for new construction; (2) and the Steward waterless urinal features a large footprint making it perfect for retrofitting as it will easily replace most wall-hung urinals, and in most instances, not require re-tiling or rough-in changes to the waste pipe.

As with any plumbing product, consistent maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and a clean appearance. Daily maintenance requires spraying down the surface of the urinal with the KOHLER Waterless Urinal Cleaner and wiping it clean. Bimonthly, or less frequently depending on usage, a couple of gallons of water are poured into the urinal to purge the system of liquid waste and the old sealing liquid and then the urinal is replenished with three ounces of new sealing liquid.

2.0 gpm MasterShower Eco showerhead and handshower

The new MasterShower Eco showerhead and handshower make showering, the fastest growing category in the bathroom, more ecological without sacrificing the quality of water coverage or temperature control. The 2.0 gpm - as opposed to the industry standard of 2.5 gpm - sprayheads reduce water consumption in the shower by up to 20 percent, which amounts to substantial water savings considering the ever-increasing popularity of showers.

The KOHLER MasterShower Eco showerhead and handshower have mastered the challenges of low water pressure and temperature fluctuation that can hamper performance of low-flow showerheads. The precision-engineered Rite-Temp valve provides and maintains a comfortable temperature at flow rates as low as 2.0 gpm, ensuring a fully satisfying showering experience.

Meeting LEED requirements, the MasterShower Eco showerhead and handshower each feature three functions: a full coverage spray, soothing aerated spray and rejuvenating massage spray.

Other KOHLER water-conserving products:

In addition to the new MasterShower Eco showerhead, Steward waterless urinals and Cimarron Comfort Height 1.28 gpf toilet, Kohler offers myriad products that offer varying levels of potential water savings to users.

KOHLER Highline & Wellworth Pressure Lite toilets - pressure assist technology enables users to save up to 5,000 gallons of water per year, per fixture; available in 1.1 or 1.4 gallon per flush models.

KOHLER Class Five toilets - 1.4 gallon flush setting allows users to save up to 2,000 gallons of water per year per fixture; Class Five technology is available in several one or two piece models that coordinate with various KOHLER suites and ensembles.

KOHLER San Raphael Power Lite toilet - Twin Touch flush actuator allows users to save up to 5,000 gallons of water per year per fixture.

KOHLER Touchless faucets with Tripoint technology - highly accurate activation sensor uses Tripoint technology which saves water by keeping false activations to a minimum.

For more information about KOHLER water conserving products or any of the company's products, consumers may access the Kohler Co. Web site at KOHLER.com

Key Industry Terms 

  • GPF - gallons per flush

  • GPM - gallons per minute

  • HET - high-efficiency toilet

  • LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design; a green building rating system for developing high-performance and sustainable buildings

-Ends-

Editor's Note:       
To obtain high-resolution product photography of these products, please visit the new Image Library in the KOHLER.com Press Room at http://www.kohler.com/kbpressroom

Julia Atherton-Dandy
julia@gambate.biz
Phone:  04-391-6432

© Press Release 2006