se

RectorSeal acquires PF WaterWorks

n addition to supporting established customer partnerships in retail channels, RectorSeal will add the PF WaterWorks product line to its plumbing wholesale channel, building on its brand-preferred retail presence. 




se

Ray Wohlfarth: The case for 2 psig

What is the proper pressure setting for a comfort-heating steam boiler?




se

Uponor announces kitting services

Targeted for buildings with high repeatable room types, Uponor Kitting Services provides all essential ProPEX fittings, rings, transitions, valves, stub outs, supports, and other components in individual kits labeled by room.




se

Wheatland Tube releases new black steel pipe coating

Wheatland Tube's new black steel pipe coating, Ultra Z-Coat, provides enhanced protection to shield against corrosion and rough handling during transit and installation.




se

Duravit announces improved DuraStyle toilet series

The DuraStyle Lever is the latest and improved iteration in the DuraStyle Toilet Series with one and two piece models.




se

Niagara Conservation announces WaterSense-certified toilet

Niagara’s Shadow 0.8 GPF with Stealth Technology is an award-winning toilet that is WaterSense certified and has a MaP Premium Score of 1000g.




se

Rinnai announces RCB series commercial wall-hung boiler

Rinnai's RCB SERIES Commercial Wall-Hung Boiler is a compact building heat source that delivers reliable, energy-saving performance.




se

Franklin Electric announces Little Giant 16G Series heavy-duty, 1hp grinder pump

The Little Giant 16G Series 1 HP grinder pump is designed for tough wastewater applications. It has a silicon carbide mechanical seal for longer life and a 1 HP motor to prevent clogging.






se

Taco Comfort Solutions launches Hydroflo VT Series vertical turbine submersible pumps

Taco Comfort Solutions/Hydroflo VT Series vertical turbine submersible pumps provide excellent reliability and ease of installation.




se

Do you understand hydraulic separation?

Primary/secondary piping is a way to achieve hydraulic separation by connecting multiple hydronic circuits with their own circulators to prevent interference. Using a pair of closely spaced tees is a common method to achieve this.




se

Follow established piping layouts to prevent reverse thermosiphoning

Flow direction is crucial in hydronic systems. Most designs have a fixed flow direction, but there are situations where reversals can occur. It's important to address these proactively to ensure smooth operations.




se

Water conservation gets an assist from flush technology

A little water conservation can go a long way.

And as the second-most visited space in commercial buildings — just behind the lobby — the restroom and its water-saving fixtures can help lead the way when it comes to cutting back consumption.




se

Rise in outdoor living spaces brings opportunity for plumbing pros

Many people look for ways to update their homes to provide a sense of comfort and connection to the outdoors. Outdoor projects are currently flourishing, as people extend their living spaces to feel closer to their natural surroundings.




se

A plumber’s guide to residential floor drain selection and installation

Eight important factors to consider when selecting and installing a residential floor drain.




se

Franchises offer expansion opportunities for plumbing contractors

A thriving plumbing business relies on a collaborative team spanning various functions. Facing challenges like labor shortages and limited resources, many contractors struggle to expand into new markets. Adding a franchise can accelerate growth, minimize risk, and unlock fresh opportunities by leveraging established systems and resources.




se

Bradley sponsors ‘The Germ Chasers’ Hygiene Education Program for schools

Hands-on training supported over 2,200 students in The Philippines, Mexico and Thailand.




se

FDA: Some PFAS Used for Food Packaging No Longer Being Sold in United States

In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration obtained commitments from manufacturers to cease sales for food contact use of grease-proofing substances that contain certain types of PFAS.




se

Meyers Acquires Johnson Printing and Packaging Corporation via Asset Acquisition

Strategic move underscores Meyers’ commitment to expanding its footprint in the folding cartons sector.




se

Morrisons Best Bacon Increases Shelf Appeal with Help of New Packaging

Morrisons wanted to reduce supply chain and material costs and to improve the customer experience, aiding navigation for shoppers in-store and improving on-shelf availability in order to increase sales. 




se

Mondi Secures €95 Million Investment for Świecie Containerboard Mill

The upgrade comprises an extensive rebuild of paper machines PM2 and PM5, a new anaerobic treatment plant including an integrated cooling system, and upgrades to the pulp mill, the recycled fiber line and the energy recovery system.




se

Al Levi: Self-study, group study, or personal coach?

Once you know your learning style, you can start to create real change within your company.




se

Al Levi: Getting employees to ‘released’

What does getting employees to “released” mean?




se

Al Levi: The secret bonus of documenting how you do business

There are only two types of companies I’ve ever worked with in my 18 years of being a consultant to the contracting industry.




se

Bradford White to purchase Keltech line of tankless electric water heaters

The Keltech acquisition will also begin a new partnership between Bradford White and Bradley.




se

PEX pipe and tubing freeze-break resistance and benefits addressed in new technical report

The Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) published a new technical report related to the break resistance of PEX pipe and tubing when fluid inside becomes frozen.




se

Retrofitting an active warehouse

While forklifts were cruising the aisles of a warehouse in Grantsville, Maryland, a crew from BYCO Enterprises had to carefully retrofit that same space with 1,340 feet of gas line. 




se

Grundfos endorses use of high efficiency IE5 motors and pump solutions globally

E-motors are the ideal solution for better efficiency and reducing energy consumption.




se

Heat pump water heaters poised for growth in commercial markets

As natural gas rates increase and the push for more sustainable energy sources intensifies, heat pump water heaters appear poised for massive growth. States such as California and Massachusetts already have regulations prohibiting or disincentivizing gas water heaters in new construction, and New York City recently enacted similar restrictions for new construction. So, are heat pump water heaters the future of the water heating market? Maybe or maybe not — but some industry experts certainly think so.




se

Contractors create in-house training facilities to home-grow plumbing, HVAC techs

Every industry in the United States is currently feeling the constraints of the labor shortage. Employers continue to struggle to bring in new workers and keep existing ones. Job openings far outnumber individuals looking for work — in March, there were 11.5 million jobs to fill, and not enough workers to fill them, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary. 




se

Nicole Krawcke: Industry focuses on training the next generation of plumbers




se

Nicole Krawcke: Industry focuses on training the next generation of plumbers

According to a Gallup study, only one in three workers in the U.S. strongly agree that they received recognition or praise for doing good work in the past seven days. At any given company, it's not uncommon for employees to feel that their best efforts are routinely ignored.




se

Nicole Krawcke: Use exit interviews to strengthen your plumbing company

In my years in the workforce, I’ve had jobs with amazing bosses and managers. On the flip side, I’ve also had terrible managers who made me question whether or not I wanted to stay in that organization.




se

Fall = PHC conference and tradeshow season

Fall is conference and tradeshow season in the plumbing and HVAC world.




se

A subscription-based model for the trades?

Plumbing and HVAC contractors can help alleviate financial worries by offering multiple financing options.




se

PM seeking nominees for Next Gen All Stars Top 20 Under 40 contest

Who can be nominated? Any professional working in any aspect of the plumbing industry, including plumbers and pipefitters, contracting business owners, professional engineers and plumbing designers, wholesalers, manufacturers and manufacturers reps.




se

AI solves pain points for contracting businesses

Embracing new technology can be challenging, but it can boost sales and productivity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize how plumbing contractors operate by enhancing employee capabilities.




se

Inflation Reduction Act marks second anniversary

Last month marked the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the most significant U.S. federal action on climate change. With over $369 billion allocated to energy and climate programs, the IRA has driven unprecedented growth in renewable energy, boosting solar, wind, and battery storage, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions and lowering energy costs.




se

Adams Hudson: How not to choose a contractor

Selling — even upselling — is a service, and let no one tell you differently.




se

Adams Hudson: Why plumbing businesses go under

All three of these elements must be in place for a business to survive.




se

Adams Hudson: Marketing secrets from online giants

Contractors are poised to use marketing method previously reserved for billionaires.




se

COVID-19 tips for plumbing contractors: How to adjust your mindset and your marketing

By following the tips below, you can mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on your business and lay some groundwork that will make your company more successful in the long run.




se

Marketing Magic: 8 local SEO tips for plumbing and mechanical contractors

Many plumbing contractors ask the question: “What is the best way to advertise my business locally?”




se

Marketing Magic: Secure market dominance during a home improvement boom

There’s no question that the demand for home improvement projects is red hot. 




se

Hernan Charry: 4 overlooked mistakes plumbers make in their SEO strategy

Plumbers and their customers are living in a digital age, which means more potential clients are finding a plumber online via Google searches. If more customers are finding plumbers on Google, then it is important that you take the right steps to ensure you are the plumber they find. 




se

Marketing Magic: The secret to success may be a tool you're not using

Let me clue you in on a poorly kept secret: Traditional advertising is expensive. I know, this isn’t exactly shocking. Depending on your market, a month-long rental of a billboard could cost five figures. A week’s worth of 15-second radio ads can run up to $8,000 — and that doesn’t include the cost of producing them. And television? Forget it.




se

Dan Holohan: Are you treating those systems?

I was wondering about boiler chemicals and how many contractors (if any) were using them on brand-new systems. Do we need them? 




se

Dan Holohan: The case for radiator covers

In March 2010, a nine-month-old boy rolled off his sister’s bed in Jersey City, New Jersey, and got stuck between the bed and a cast-iron, steam radiator that was as hot as it’s supposed to be. The radiator delivered third-degree burns to the infant and left him with permanent scars.




se

Dan Holohan: Why we use 180 degrees for hot-water systems

Most hydronic systems have the boiler running up to 180° F with water returning from the system at 160°. This rarely happens in real life, but it’s the traditional way we do things.




se

Dan Holohan: That seventies show

I began my career in the HVAC business in 1970 as a truck driver for an AC/refrigeration wholesaler. I stayed there just six weeks because my father — who worked for a manufacturers’ rep — told me there was an opening for a clerk at the rep. It paid $110 a week, which was $10 more than I was getting driving the truck. Plus, I’d get to work with him as my boss.




se

Dan Holohan: The importance of training and educating yourself on the equipment you work on

It was one of those days at HeatingHelp.com when the old guys had the floor. One of the regulars, a retired (and understandably crotchety) fella from Canada had this to say: