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.

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

Scorpion's AI Chat incorporates industry- and business-specific knowledge into each chat response, creating a personalized experience for every new conversation. 

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.

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.

Uponor North America celebrated the grand opening of its newly constructed Uponor Experience Center located at its regional headquarters in Apple Valley, Minnesota in September.

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.

As controller, my job essentially boils down to two things: support our branches and ensure that Leap Partners has the cash flow to fund further acquisitions.  I want to share with you the three fundamental lessons I’ve learned to achieve these goals.

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.

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

The partnership connects XOi’s technology with Powerhouse’s training and insights, ensuring field service professionals are equipped with the resources they need for the jobsite.

Contractors and technicians embrace AI to advance skill sets and grow businesses with solutions announced at ServiceTitan’s annual user conference.

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

 Like the rest of the series, the new products are constructed with high-quality materials and designed for easy installation and maintenance, making them an ideal choice for busy commercial settings.

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

EcoCarb media is produced from byproducts of other manufacturing processes, so there’s no traditional mining and minimal processing involved, which provides a lower overall carbon footprint.

LG Electronics USA expanded its line of ENERGY STAR-certified Inverter Heat Pump Water Heaters with two new models featuring demand response and a water leakage detection sensor, ensuring a comprehensive domestic water heating solution for residential applications.

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.

ZONEFIRST’s new A2L-compliant product are engineered to ensure full compliance with this code while maintaining system performance.

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

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. 

Resideo announced the launch of the Resideo Home app, which will make whole-home monitoring possible for the four critical networks of the home – water, air, energy and security – during its Resideo Live event, held in Austin, Texas, this past December. 

From celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018 to investing another $6 million to its joint venture company, Phyn, in 2019 to the release of the Phyn Plus Pro Edition at the 2020 International Builders Show, Uponor has certainly been busy the past few years.

MarginPoint, a provider of mobile-enabled, collaborative inventory management and field management solutions, is focused on helping plumbing industry pros to manage inventory replenishment, optimize business processes and drive revenue. 

MCAA’s spring meeting and conference schedule screeched to a halt this year, much like many other contractor organizations in the industry, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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. 

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

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke recently chatted with PHCC—National Association’s newly elected President Hunter Botto regarding his goals for the coming year as well as the organization’s legislative agenda and areas of focus for its members. 

In August, Nexstar Network announced Julian Scadden would replace Jack Tester as president and CEO, effective Nov. 1. Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke recently chatted with Scadden about his background and leadership goals for the organization.

While 2020 has been a year of uncertainty for most businesses, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is celebrating its 50th anniversary by adding more franchises to its lineup. 

Earlier this year, Leonard Valve announced David Brakenwagen as its new chief executive officer. 

As an extension of the QuickDrain USA total shower solution, aimed to reimagine how drains should look and perform, the company recently launched its new SquareDrain point drain. Plumbing & Mechanical attended the virtual product launch event in April. 

In April, Niagara held a virtual launch event, announcing its new Niagara Wholesale Program and more than 100 new products designed to help wholesalers serve the needs of their plumbing professional clients by offering advanced technology and high performance for those looking for a wide variety of water-efficient products.

There is a changing of the guard (so to speak) every fall during PHCC’s annual conference and trade show.

Established as a foundry of brass fixtures in 1851, Oventrop has since evolved into a global manufacturer of balancing valves and thermostatic radiator valves for the building industries. The family-owned company is now expanding into the American market, and Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had the chance to chat with Nicola Schannath, CEO of Oventrop-US, about the company’s plans in the United States and current PHCP-PVF market trends.

Johnson Controls celebrated National Skilled Trades Day by confirming a second cohort of schools receiving funding as part of its Community College Partnership Program. Last year, Johnson Controls agreed to fund $15 million over the span of five years to help support the community college’s HVAC, fire, security and digital academic programs.

This month, PHCC — National Association President Joel Long, owner of Gastonia, North Carolina-based GSM Services, will pass the baton to Dave Frame, fourth-generation owner of Bob Frame Plumbing Services, South Bend, Indiana. Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had a chance to chat with Frame about what he hopes to accomplish during his term and the many opportunities for PHCC members over the next year.

Grundfos announced the launch of the next generation of small circulators for the residential heating market with the introduction of the Grundfos Digital NEXT range — starting with the UPSe 15-58 in late 2022, followed by the release of the new, digital ALPHA 15-58 in early 2023.

On Feb. 1, NIBCO announced it acquired Matco-Norca and its subsidiary SVF Flow Controls.
NIBCO Chairman Rex Martin stated, “This acquisition supports our strategic long-range goal of growth through acquisition, expanding our market reach and providing customers with access to a broader portfolio of products.This is an extraordinary time in NIBCO’s evolving history.”

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

This month, PHCC — National Association President to Dave Frame, owner of Bob Frame Plumbing Services, South Bend, Indiana will pass the torch Joe Cornetta, third-generation co-owner of Elmont, New York-based Cornetta Bros.

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.

PM Engineer Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had the chance to speak with several key industry stakeholders about trends and technological developments in the market, including: Greg Nahrgang, vice president, technical services and product development, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry; Adam Botts, product manager for Viega; and Steven Dolejsi, applications engineering manager, IPEX.

Navien NFC series is available in 175,000 Btu/h and 199,900 Btu/h models, each offering 95% AFUE, 11:1 turndown ratio, PVC venting up to 150’, and residential and commercial warranties.

The 0018e high-efficiency, Bluetooth-enabled circulator brings a new level of control to residential and light commercial hydronic systems.

Despite some reprieve from the draught that gripped the state for several years, Californians continue to find resourceful ways to trim their water consumption. Businesses large and small are no exception.