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Plumbing contractors find success in selling leak detection products

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.




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Mechanical contractors need to embrace new technology or get left behind

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke spoke with Chad Salge, vice president of virtual design and engineering at The Brandt Companies about its digital transformation journey.




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AI for the Trades — no contractor left behind

ServiceTitan made waves earlier this year when it announced new cutting-edge AI solutions, allowing its customers to automate, predict and optimize across their businesses during Pantheon 2023.




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CallRail and ServiceTitan join forces to help contractors drive high-quality lead conversions

The integration will allow mutual customers to access valuable information about their prospects and customers. The integration will ensure that the complete customer journey, from lead to job, is all captured within the ServiceTitan dashboard.




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How virtual inspection services empower mechanical contractors

Mechanical contractors are looking to improve operations by cutting costs and boosting efficiency while maintaining quality. A popular solution is the adoption of new technologies, specifically virtual inspection services, which have gained popularity since the pandemic.




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PM Profile: Best Postcards talks marketing efforts for contractors

After a stint as a top producer at Morgan Stanley, Andrew Ettinger was faced with years of struggling with business initiatives and eventually filed for bankruptcy. 




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PM Profile: Schedule Engine bridges the technology gap for plumbing contractors

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




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Meet PHCC Educational Foundation's new executive director

Meet Daniel Quinonez, PHCC Educational Foundation's new executive director.




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PM Profile: Plumbing contractor gives back

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.




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First net zero energy education and research facility in Victoria

The training facility, designed for the plumbing industry, will generate all energy required to support the operation of the building on site through the incorporation of several renewable energy technologies.




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Zaid Rahman: 3 credit card considerations for plumbing contractors

 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.




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Codes Corner: How code or specialty plumbing certification sets you apart as a contractor or engineer

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. 




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Heat pump water heaters: transforming contractor profits with sustainable solutions

The plumbing industry is evolving with a focus on sustainability. Heat pump water heaters (HPWH) present an opportunity for contractors to stand out and meet changing client needs, contributing to environmental conservation and demonstrating leadership in a dynamic market.




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Junkyard ruminations from a hydronic heating contractor

Junkyards are one of those forgotten places we in the heating business must visit on occasion.




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Hydronic contractors becoming control consultants

For decades, changing out a thermostat for a retrofit hydronic heating system was a simple task for a service technician. From Bangor, Maine, to Breckenridge, Colorado, the mere two, 18-gauge thermostat wires running through a home was not a concern (short of the random nail or mouse taking one of the two out).




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Water treatment presents growth opportunity for plumbing contractors

“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.”




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Truck of the Month: Capital Plumbing Contractors, Tallahassee, Florida

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.




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Radiant retrofit transforms factory into luxury hotel

The luxurious Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn, New York, was once a waterfront barrel and rope factory. This renovated structure now has 72 boutique guest rooms. As part of the update, it was important to retain the character of the original turn of the century building, which opened in 1901. In order to convert the cold, utilitarian factory space into comfortable rooms, a major mechanical update was required. By adding radiant floor heat, they were able to meet and exceed the comfort benchmark of a modern-day hotel while balancing for energy efficiency.




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REHAU manifold connectors

REHAU’s EVERLOC+ R-20 manifold connectors for hydronic applications support leak-free reliability in a one-piece assembly including an EVERLOC+ insert with a pre-installed O-ring and swivel nut.




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Contractor gains multiple benefits installing radiant in his own home

When Jason Gaspard, owner and project manager at Select Mechanical Services, was looking to finish the basement of his Maple Grove, Minnesota-based home, he knew he wanted radiant heating in the space.




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Martha's Vineyard mechanical contractor incorporates radiant heating into his own Net Zero strategy

Matt Millard, owner of Performance Mechanical in Edgartown, Massachusetts, loves to experiment with new technologies. Recently, Millard wanted to step up to hydronic radiant heating for his own home addition using an air-to-water heat pump.




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PHCC’s Plumbing Contractor of the Year Awarded to Vincent “Trey” Giglio III of Louisiana

Giglio is a dedicated member of PHCC of Louisiana’s leadership, currently serving as president-elect after more than a decade of work on the chapter’s Board of Directors




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Michael Carter of Virginia named PHCC’s Plumbing Instructor of the Year

For the past five years, Carter has been fulfilling his dream as an instructor at Gar-Field and currently has 80 students enrolled as first- and second-year students. 




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Neoperl's Belinda Wise elected president of Plumbing Manufacturers International’s 2025 Board of Directors

 The 71st Annual Meeting of the Membership will be held as part of the PMI25 Manufacturing Success Conference from Nov. 3-6, 2025, at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago. 




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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. 




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REHAU: Manifold Connectors

REHAU’s proprietary compression-sleeve fitting technology expands with EVERLOC+ R-20 manifold connectors for hydronic applications. R-20 connectors support leak-free reliability in a one-piece assembly.




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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.




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PPC Promotes Emily Leonczyk to Executive Director and Vice President

Leonczyk has served PPC since 2018, first as Director of Marketing and Communications followed by a promotion to Director of Operations. 




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How specialty contractors can drive collaboration and project quality

No matter who you are, project management can be a challenge. 




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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. 




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UA builds toward the future with 68th annual Instructor Training Program

The week includes classroom instruction, an International Apprentice Contest, certification exams and demonstrations and a graduation ceremony in which 170 will be honored for their completion of the certificate program and an additional 45 will earn associate degrees from WCC.




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Contractors should prioritize giving back to their communities

Generosity is the new marketing. In this era of social media, charitable companies can earn an enhanced brand reputation as being a “good” company and will make people want to do business with them.




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Adams Hudson: How not to choose a contractor

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




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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.




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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?”




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Marketing Magic: How contractors can get the most out of their fleet graphics and branding

According to a white paper authored by venture capital firm ARD Ventures, each fleet vehicle, on average, receives between 30,000 -70,000 impressions daily. 




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Dig deeper into system factors behind at-risk actions

Most readers are familiar with the common phrase, “The errors of our ways.“ So why am I talking about the intention of our ways -- not errors – in this article?




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Donaldson introduces Dalamatic® G2 dust collector

Engineered to work with materials that create sticky or agglomerative dust, the evolutionary Dalamatic G2 dust collector includes patented Dura-Life bag filters. 




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CO2Meter launches GasLab® Industrial Fixed Gas Detector Series

The industrial gas safety series will further provide partners and customers with the ability to protect employees and their facilities when working near both toxic and hazardous gases.




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Construction contractor Basewell tackles dust hazards

Establishing any construction project is a careful balancing act between many legal, financial and social responsibilities. Firms not only have a responsibility to shareholders and business partners, but to their workers, the local authority and site neighbors in the wider community as well.




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OSHA: Subcontractor exposed employees to asbestos

In November 2023, OSHA investigators opened a complaint inspection after they observed employees not wearing protective equipment during structural demolition of a former hospital in Illinois.




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ASSE looking for new Executive Director

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is seeking a new Executive Director (ED), a position based in Park Ridge, Illinois and one that reports to the organization’s President and its Board of Directors. Founded in 1911, ASSE has a global membership of more than 36,000 safety, health and environmental practitioners worldwide. ASSE advocates on behalf of its members while also providing robust professional development, training and networking opportunities. ASSE has an annual budget of approximately $18M, staff of 75, and operates a robust network of 152 chapters in the United States and internationally.




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Diversified Fall Protection appoints Gabe Galvan as EBM Design Director West

Galvan brings 31 years of earned expertise to DFP, primarily in California, with eight years as an SIT surveyor.




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Vector Solutions launches feature to enable just-in-time training for critical industries

The newest addition to Vector Solutions' LMS offers seamless learning experiences for faster, more efficient skill development as well as increased knowledge retention and engagement.




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CO2Meter launches new industrial gas detectors featuring up to 128 sensor capabilities

The industrial gas detection series is modularly designed for easy integration and custom configurability.




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KPA unveils contractor management to streamline third-party compliance and reduce risk

Contractor Management is a standalone solution that works within KPA’s Flex software suite for an all-in-one solution to manage compliance and workplace EHS.




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Hy-Brid Lifts announces director of sales for Southeast United States




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Blackline Safety unveils new and improved features for G6 Single-Gas Detector

G6 will be on display at a global marketing roadshow at both the National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo in New Orleans from October 23-35, and A+A in Dusseldorf, Germany from October 24-27.




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OSHA: Roofing contractor willfully exposed own children to potentially deadly falls

The owner of a Liverpool, Pennsylvania roofing company risked the lives of two of his children by exposing them to falls from heights.




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Contractor again fails to protect workers from deadly fall hazards at construction sites

Wisconsin construction company has failed to correct multiple fall protection hazards, exposing workers to risk.