US faces a shortage of 500k skilled plumbers, costing $33bn annually. Plumbing requires rigorous training, creative problem-solving, and meticulous execution. Valuing the critical role plumbers play can address the shortage and pave the way for a thriving water infrastructure.

Did you know that it only takes 30 seconds to create a deepfake? Deepfakes are AI-generated media that can be made using any device. They can be used to spread misinformation and harm a plumbing and mechanical company's reputation.

The ongoing transformation of the plumbing industry has been driven in part by the evolving expectations and priorities of homeowners and consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced existing concerns about hygiene and public health, pushing the demand for hands-free technology and automated features that reduce contact with germs and bacteria. 

Not too long ago, the plumbing industry relied strictly on analog processes. Every job was manual, from installation and repair to dispatch, invoicing and accounting. In 2022, the plumbing profession now runs on advanced technologies that range from thermal-imaging leak detection to smart water heaters and trenchless pipe repair.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association and John Burns Real Estate Consulting’s Kitchen and Bath Market Index Report released last fall shows continued demand for residential remodel services, despite the challenges facing the supply chain and ongoing price increases. In fact, the report shows that 89% of customers are shifting toward pricier items and high-end finishes. Among these increasingly popular higher-end products lies the growing customer desire for smart plumbing — Wi-Fi-connected, voice-activated and/or touchless — products.

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had a chance to sit down with Billy Stevens, founder and CEO of Sera Systems, a subscription software provider for the home service industry, to discuss current trends with contractor software.

John Wallace, owner of Atlanta-based JM Wallace Plumbing, has been offering leak detection solutions since 2007, but it’s only recently during the last few years where he’s really seen the technology take off.

The entire offering accommodates Uponor Engineered Polymer (EP) and Stainless-Steel Manifolds, but for the first time ever, four of the six new cabinets will accommodate Uponor Commercial Stainless-Steel Manifolds as well. 

Founded in 2017, Schedule Engine is a customer service support solution for home service contractors.

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had the chance to chat with Magda Elizondo, Hero Helps coordinator for Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, about the company’s charitable efforts, not just during the giving season, but throughout the entire year.

The webinar series will cover conservation of energy, explaining why it should not be the prime focus but rather a product of achieving the desired indoor environment.

Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) has served upstate New York for more than 50 years. 

Each module is $140 for RPA and IAPMO members, and $170 for non-members.

Hybrid systems that run on propane and solar can be tailored to a project’s unique needs, providing lower first costs and reduced ongoing energy costs and emissions.

 While most plumbers may like to think that they’re mostly serving routine maintenance or installation customers, the most common nature of those calls is likely panicked customers with a burst pipe, a backed-up toilet or another emergency that needs a response ASAP.

The document addresses the need for enforceable safety provisions for geothermal district ambient temperature loop systems.

Joint committee governing NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 lowers maximum allowable limits of leached lead from plumbing endpoint devices.

I frequently speak at college campuses and trade apprenticeships. Whether it be to future engineers or contractors, my technical talks typically end up covering non-technical content, specifically career development. 

To aid plumbers and tradespersons in staying competitive in the marketplace, innovative technologies and materials must be a priority when crafting and revising provisions within model codes and standards in order to enhance efficiency, positively impact affordability and provide ease of service for those implementing it.

Sigler is a well-known and highly respected technical expert in the industry with over 20 years of experience in construction, codes and engineering.

Proposals accepted by the technical committee will appear in the 2024 NSPC.

Various market forces and trends can influence the decisions plumbers and engineers make regarding those materials and designs. Here are five that should be considered in the coming year.

With the world's focus on sustainability growing, plumbing engineers play a crucial role in adopting eco-friendly solutions. A major trend in commercial pump technology is the drive for efficiency and energy conservation. Find out how manufacturers are addressing environmental concerns and high energy costs.

A. O. Smith, celebrating 150 years in 2024, began in 1874 as a metal components supplier for baby carriages and bicycles. Arthur O. Smith designed a lightweight pressed steel car frame and became a major supplier to car manufacturers like Packard, Cadillac, and Ford.

Dairy farming is vital for rural communities and household nutrition. Durable materials like REHAU PEXa plumbing systems are essential for dairy barn construction. Three WRC dairy barn projects feature these systems.

NASCAR legend Ward Burton installed a Premier AL Smart Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater in his 1999 home, saving up to $300 monthly on electric bills. Homeowners can save 75% or more on energy costs with this unit.

Explore 11 proven ways plumbing companies can improve their website visibility and search rankings. Whether you run a single-location operation or a multiple-unit franchise, these SEO tips will help you reach more consumers.

We all know about pricing, right? Hopefully, we know the difference between markup and margin. We know how to calculate break even. Here are eight things you should know about the psychology of pricing.

With remote work becoming the standard for many employees across the U.S. and homeowners spending even more time indoors as a result of the pandemic, a new focus is emerging on the need for sustainability and indoor environmental quality in homes. 

On a military base in east-central Alaska — where the average winter temperature is 16° F with lows that fall well below minus 50° at times — dependable, low-maintenance winter heating systems are critical for the active-duty military families and Department of Defense civilians who live on the military post.

Abacus Plumbing's whole-house carbon water filtration, softener and reverse osmosis equipment can dramatically reduce water contaminates.

“Water quality has grown 300% across the U.S. since the pandemic began,” says Glen Blavet, founder and CEO of HALO Water Systems. “People are at home, and they’re looking to improve their quality of life and their health, so they’re looking at the water they’re drinking out of the tap.”

Lead contamination in drinking water poses serious health risks, and even low levels of lead exposure can cause permanent cognitive, academic and behavioral difficulties in children.

The Drinking Water Treatability Database presents an overview of different contaminants and possible treatment processes to remove them from drinking water.  

Plumbing & Mechanical and PM Engineer Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke sits down with Legionella expert Dr. Janet Stout, PhD, to discuss best practice strategies in the plumbing industry for implementing risk assessments and Water Management Programs.

Builders often overlook local water chemistry when selecting materials. Water chemistry and plumbing materials require more attention.

The APEX Awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the ability to achieve overall communications excellence. 

Efficient fleet management is essential for plumbing and HVAC contractors looking to optimize operations and improve service. Customizing fleet vehicles to meet specific company needs is a key strategy. Modern upfitting now includes advanced technology and ergonomic designs, creating mobile workstations that boost efficiency on job sites.

Your vehicles are a projection of your brand into the market.

The improved ease of sizing these units makes it easier for customers to adopt commercial heat pump technology and allows them to take advantage of local HPWH rebates.

Darrell Jones found himself in quite a pickle back in 1986. At the time, Jones was working for close friend and mentor Louie Garner at Garner’s contracting business.

Stuart’s Plumbing has been a family business for more than 28 years. The company was established in 1990 by the late Stuart Baldick Jr. But after 10 years of owning the franchise, he decided to branch out and establish his own brand.

Maloney Plumbing was founded by William “Duke” Maloney and his wife, Mary Maloney, in May 1964 after the couple gave up farming in Idaho to move to Phoenix.

When Brooklyn, New York, native Yuda Best turned 28, he moved to Miami and opened his own plumbing business. Now, two years later, Oasis Plumbing going strong.

“Don’t call the average Joe, call NixCo.”

After returning from Vietnam, Paul A. Campione Jr., a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, came home to his wife and worked many odd jobs until he got into the plumbing industry.

David Sparling started working for his father’s plumbing company in 1979. By the time Sparling took over the small family business, known as Sparling Plumbing, he decided he needed to start fresh. So he folded Sparling Plumbing and founded Safari Plumbing in 2006.

Growing up around the plumbing industry and watching their father, Bob Ray as he worked endless hours diligently growing his business, made the opportunity to purchase Atlas Plumbing for brother and sister, Rod and Sunshine Ray even more special. 

Ricci Hancock helps manage and run his father’s plumbing, heating and AC full service and repair business.