This past year on the Stronger Together tour, after the merger of the American Bakers Association (ABA) and the Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers’ Association, we stopped at Kansas State University (KSU) to meet with the Bakery Science & Management students and participate in the Grain Science and Industry Advisory Council meeting.

Even though the year started in a partial government shutdown, the government relations team from the American Bakers Association (ABA) continued to push forward on several key regulatory initiatives.

As of the last regulatory update from the American Bakers Association (ABA), we were coming out of a governmental shutdown. Now, the clock is ticking as we stare down the August recess in Congress and feel continued residual delays from that shutdown.

In the ongoing grip of the COVID-19 pandemic as we enter a new year, and a new administration in Washington, we reached out for an update from Robb MacKie, President and CEO, American Bakers Association (ABA), Washington, D.C.

The fly-in will connect baking industry leaders with elected officials in the nation’s capitol.

Tool Tips—December 2018

Tool Tips—February 2019

Tool Tips—June 2019

Tool Tips—July 2019

When installing a toilet, the final touch is caulking around the base which can sometimes be a mess. 

We do gas and electric water heaters for lots of residential customers. 

The customer says there is water at the base of the toilet after flushing, which means you get to replace the wax seal. 

We keep super glue on the truck for any time we run into needing an O-ring, but don't have the exact size. 

The Yankee chapter will now be known as the Patriot chapter in the New England area.

PEX can be a viable alternative to more traditional materials for fire sprinklers.

Former Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer leads charge for residential fire safety.

Effective July 8, 2019, Victaulic has purchased Globe Fire Sprinkler. Combined, these two respected companies will have the resources and capabilities to bring exciting new solutions to the fire protection industry around the world, Victaulic notes.

Now that many jurisdictions across the country are mandating fire sprinkler systems in new-home construction, de-signers need to be aware of the requirements and challenges these systems can face in relation to water meters.

How can engineers and contractors design wet fire sprinkler systems equipped to prevent corrosion and dry systems equipped to prevent freezing? That has long been a question central to code requirements and new product development.

Pressure relief valves protect fire sprinkler system components by relieving excess system pressure from supply surges or temperature changes. Since the 2010 edition, NFPA 13: “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems” has required pressure relief valves to be installed on all wet pipe fire sprinkler systems. But picking the correct relief valve for a specific system does need a little preplanning.

Corrosion in fire sprinkler systems can go undetected until it's too late, causing damage or loss of life. Traditional ITM protocols can accelerate corrosion, but new advancements offer better prevention and monitoring for protecting lives and property.

Eighty-two percent of respondents use digital tools daily to help streamline training and development programs. The majority of respondents within this group recognize the diverse benefits that digital tools offer the skilled trades industry.

Scalding in the home or burns from hot liquids is dangerous to anyone, but is a particular concern to the youngest and oldest Americans. Plumbers are charged with protecting the health of the nation. Thus, plumbers can play a key role in reducing the risk, starting with homeowner education.

There has been a lot of private equity activity in the service trades since the COVID-19 lockdowns. Suddenly, boring old businesses gained monetary sex appeal when they were declared essential and could continue making money while many other local businesses were effectively shuttered. This has led to a land rush for good service contracting businesses and many plumbers have grabbed the brass ring while the grabbing was seen as good.

A product with a "Made in America" label is not necessarily made in the United States. It could be made in Canada or Mexico. Do you want products made in America or the USA?

Here are 46 business proverbs or truths that apply to the plumbing profession, presented in no particular order. Accompanying each is a question every plumbing company owner should ask about his company.

The current U.S. workforce is comprised of four generations: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. But there’s one generation in particular that the skilled trades have their eyes on right now: Gen Z.

Many companies within the construction industry are chasing after the same pool of talent. Here are tips for mitigating the workforce shortage.

AI is the cornerstone of innovation in home services, but its true essence is diverse and multifaceted. Bloomberg predicts AI will affect 40% of global job roles. AI's ripple effects will be consequential for paid and organic search.

The skilled trades industry is evolving as more Gen Z workers choose trades over college. Efforts to obtain certifications through learning modules and hands-on training are becoming integrated into daily work routines, helping tradespeople build long-lasting careers and enabling businesses to succeed.

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.

Every four years, the election season brings a natural decline in customer demand for services. Marketing costs rise as all channels become saturated with campaign spending, and consumer sentiment declines. 

It’s no secret that efficient fleet vehicles are a vital component of any successful plumbing or mechanical business. Field service vehicles not only increase new business through brand exposure while on the road; they serve the primary purpose of getting technicians and their equipment to and from job locations. 

Let’s be honest. The trades are the inventors of 'remote work.' For decades, we’ve been dispatching remotely while technicians are awarded company vehicles to drive home each evening. They begin their mornings from the comfort of their own homes by receiving their work log for the day through walkie-talkie, text, email, slack, pager… remember those? Shoot, we’re awesome — others should take note!

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the world drastically changed as businesses shut down and employees moved to work-from-home settings. Once used mostly by the tech industry, video chat software companies such as Zoom, Go To Meeting and Microsoft Teams saw huge increases in demand as people began using these services for work, school and even to stay in touch with family members. Even doctor’s visits became virtual.

There’s nothing worse than coming home to find a burst pipe or malfunctioning water heater has flooded your basement. It’s perhaps why leak detection and prevention products continue to become more popular each year.

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.

ServiceTitan unveils new AI-powered solutions to revolutionize the trades industry and equip contractors with powerful tools to run and grow their businesses

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had the chance to sit down with Tina Gullickson and discuss her goals and strategies in leading Caleffi North America through this next chapter.

Trinova USA produces high-performance pinch valves and replacement sleeves, ideal for demanding environments with high abrasion. Made in the USA, these valves and sleeves are widely used in industrial settings, wastewater treatment, power generation, and other rugged applications.

Trimble recognized for commitment to innovation across projects, processes and company culture.

The lab includes a broad range of Trimble’s industry-leading geospatial and construction solutions.

Gen-Ear LE can pinpoint water leaks in residential and commercial water lines – including problems in walls and under concrete slabs, swimming pools and hot tubs.

The Ice Bath provides optional plumbing integration for easy filling and draining and is intended for both indoor and outdoor use. 

Daikin Applied has introduced the Magnitude WME-D, a water-cooled centrifugal chiller featuring a two-stage, oil-free compressor and R-515B refrigerant. 

The new under sink crossover product combines the efficiency of an on-demand system, with the ease of installation of more conventional, timer-based pumps. 

Clearing up to 30 feet of 1 1/4- to 2” pipe, the K9-12 breaks up grease, hair and other soft blockages, making it ideal for kitchen and bath sinks, as well as tubs and shower drains.

With extended track neck bolts, the hardware engages into the housing, allowing for one-hand assembly with no spinning bolts or pinched fingers.