The Pipeline: October 27, 2026
Hi there,
A new filtration verification protocol, a combi-boiler launch, and an 80-year plumbing milestone lead this week’s short list.
🔦 Fun Fact
Ordinary ice floats because its molecular structure takes up more room than liquid water. Pure liquid water reaches its greatest density near 4°C, above its freezing point.
😆 Laugh of the Day
Why did the plumber start a band?
The pipes already had great connections.
💧 NSF Adds Verification for Glyphosate Reduction Claims
NSF has launched Protocol 549 to independently verify glyphosate-reduction claims for water filtration products. The protocol complements existing filtration certification work rather than making every filter suitable for every contaminant. When a customer asks about a specific substance, check the exact model and certified reduction claim instead of relying on a general filtration label.
🔧 Navien Introduces Its NCB700 Combi-boiler
Navien has announced a fourth-generation condensing combi-boiler for space heating and domestic hot water. The five-model range is rated at 96% AFUE, and the manufacturer lists domestic hot-water delivery up to 5.4 gallons per minute at a 70°F rise. Those conditions matter: compare the model’s actual heating and hot-water performance with the job’s loads before sizing a replacement.
🛠️ BrassCraft Marks 80 Years in Rough Plumbing
BrassCraft is celebrating its 80th anniversary with plans to spotlight tradespeople and run social-media giveaways. Its announcement credits the professionals who use its rough-plumbing products for the brand’s longevity. It is a lighter read for the break room, and a reminder that familiar parts often carry decades of jobsite feedback behind them.
A product claim is more useful when you know exactly what was tested.
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