Uponor to work with plumber network to leverage connected device
January 10, 2018 | By HPAC Magazine
Phyn smart water monitoring system.
Uponor has announced the Uponor Pro Squad, a network of plumbers and water specialists interested in leveraging the intelligent water technology of Phyn Plus, smart water assistant + shutoff, to grow their businesses.
Phyn was formed in 2016 as a joint venture between Uponor and Belkin International, a global leader in consumer technology and connected devices.
The Uponor Pro Squad was developed to proactively promote, effectively sell and expertly install and service Phyn Plus. This new smart water monitoring system for homes automatically measures tiny changes in water pressure, 240 times per second, to identify and alert homeowners the moment a leak is detected, mitigate costly damage through automatic shut off, and diagnose potential problems in plumbing systems before they become an issue.
“Uponor has always been a strong supporter of the trades,” says Bill Gray, president, Uponor North America. “Now, with the help of this new venture into smart home technology, plumbers can position themselves as market leaders and build their businesses, while helping to advance the plumbing industry into the digital age.”
After a Pro Squad member installs Phyn Plus, the device immediately begins to learn about the home’s water system and continues to get smarter over time. When it notices abnormal water usage, Phyn’s mobile app alerts homeowners in real-time and, in the event of a major leak, like a pipe burst, can turn off water automatically with its built-in shutoff valve.
The system will be available for purchase through the Uponor Pro Squad in late spring 2018. It will initially be available in 30 key markets with the highest prevalence of leaks, water usage and aggressive water, including Toronto and more. Installation costs will vary by market.
Licensed plumbing professionals interested in joining the Uponor Pro Squad can apply for consideration via uponorprosquad.com. Once accepted into the program, authorized installers will receive comprehensive training. Experts at Uponor and Phyn will provide ongoing plumbing and technical support to help members leverage the device’s features and benefits to grow their businesses.
To remain an Uponor Pro Squad member in good standing, contractors must meet program requirements tied to sales, customer satisfaction, and service delivery. In return, as industry innovators, they will help shape future intelligent water innovations by Uponor and Phyn, influencing the next generation of smart home technology.
Phyn Plus is being simultaneously launched this week at the International Builders Show in Orlando, FL, and the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The device is a CES 2018 Innovation Award honoree in both the Smart Home and Tech for a Better World product categories.
