In the January issue of Plumbing & Mechanical, find out who won PM's Best Contractor to Work For Contest! Read up on KBIS and IBS' plans for the new year, and the details from the Wood Stove Decathlon. Also, find out the latest Truck of the Month, as well the latest news and products from the plumbing industry.
I turn 64 this month and if I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself. Will you still need me; will you still feed me, when I’m 64? Hope so.
Interest in geothermal heating and cooling systems has increased in the last five years. “With firms more cost-conscious, green initiatives receiving more media attention and tighter market conditions, business leaders have sought ways to decrease operating expenses across the board and some of them are turning to geothermal solutions for their climate control,” writes Pramod Dibble in the November 2013 issue of sister publication PM Engineer.
Although single-family housing starts have continued their comeback climb from under 100,000 annually in early 2009, they have significantly rebounded over that figure well into 2013. Much of the recovery on home sales has been concentrated on the reduction of over-extended existing home inventories.
At some point, we’ve all noticed that certain companies seem to grow and prosper despite outside challenges they’re faced with, while others constantly struggle. This is true in our own industry as well as just about any industry that comes to mind, regardless of market.
Direct mail can be the most lucrative marketing tool you’ll ever use — if you use it correctly. Yet most plumbers waste wads of money on ineffective mailings because they don’t know how to do it right. Direct mail offers the advantage of laser-like targeting, where you can pick your list exactly.
Go on. Flip over the calendar. Look at that! You’ve made it to 2014. Some of you are celebrating this past year with a bottle of bubbly, a victory lap around the shop and a hearty pat on the back (and maybe year-end bonuses) for your team. Others of you may still be saying: “Whew! Thank goodness that year is over. This year will be different. I know we can succeed.
Last fall, I taught my first online course dealing with designing hydronic heating systems. The course was titled “Mastering Hydronic System Design.” It was a collaborative effort between HeatSpring Learning Institute, BNP Media’s CE Campus and myself.
The first cautionary bit of advice I received from my dad was that I learn how to “avoid stepping over dollars to pick up dimes.” I was just a kid getting started in the family business. This seemed confusing to me so I asked him, “What does that mean?”
One of the advantages of being a plumber is the independence that comes with the job. While you may have maintenance visits set to a regular schedule, more often it’s a job of emergency calls and unexpected situations. This type of job keeps away the monotony of a more structured career but also can leave plumbers in a pinch when an emergency call means an unexpected purchase of an expensive part.
Kevin Maston, president and CEO of CK Mechanical Plumbing & Heating, started his company in 2004 out of his garage. His mission: To help people and provide top-notch service.
American Institute of Architects has approved the 10-week online course “Mastering Hydronic System Design”
January 23, 2014
The American Institute of Architects has approved the 10-week online course “Mastering Hydronic System Design” for 26HSW Learning Units. AIA members need 18 learning units per year, 12 of which must be on Health, Safety and Welfare topics.
U.S. prices for polyvinyl chloride, the plastic most widely used in construction, are set to rise by 5 cents per lb. in the first two months of 2014.
January 23, 2014
U.S. prices for polyvinyl chloride, the plastic most widely used in construction, are set to rise by 5 cents per lb. in the first two months of 2014. This is a significant price increase in a market that will see producers end the year with a net five-cent increase in their 2013 margins, according to PetroChem Wire’s PVC & Pipe Report.
After walking the Greenbuild 2013 exhibitor hall Nov. 20-21, it became evident that major manufacturers did not pack as many new products or technologies for the Philadelphia incarnation of the premier sustainable building trade show.
If the preshow buzz is any indication, the co-locating of the http://www.kbis.com/ Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and the http://buildersshow.com/Home/ International Builders’ Show already is a smash hit. The two major industry trade shows go under the same roof for the first time Feb. 4-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of what is being billed as Design & Construction Week.
The large, white tent glowed in the middle of the National Mall, a cozy contrast to the crisp November night settling in around it. A dozen chimneys poked through the roof, each representing a bright idea nurtured into reality — a new take on an old technology and a contribution toward the future of energy.
Having started plumbing at age 14, Derek Olin began his career working for a meager $1.50 per hour. After receiving his Virginia Master Plumber license in 1983 and working in the business for 15 years, Olin decided he wanted to be his own boss. He passed his plumbers contracting test and started Olin Plumbing in Tampa, Fla.
Located in Clarence, N.Y., Rivera Greens is the first certified National Association of Home Builders Green Standards Eco-Friendly Development in the state. When completed, the development will include 35 single-family homes built to an energy-efficiency standard unparalleled in Western New York.
Milwaukee Tool introduces the new Diamond Plus Hole Saws, which use a higher grade of diamonds and heat-resistant braze to deliver best-in-class performance of up to 10 times longer life.
January 23, 2014
Milwaukee Tool introduces the new Diamond Plus Hole Saws, which use a higher grade of diamonds and heat-resistant braze to deliver best-in-class performance of up to 10 times longer life.
Delta Faucet’s Fuse Kitchen Collection is available in a Brilliance Stainless and Cracked Pepper black finish, Chili Pepper red finish or Snowflake white finish.
January 23, 2014
The split-finish pull-down faucet from www.deltafaucet.com Delta Faucet’s Fuse Kitchen Collection is available in a Brilliance Stainless and Cracked Pepper black finish, Chili Pepper red finish or Snowflake white finish.
Webstone has expanded its product line to include thermostatic mixing valves.
January 23, 2014
Webstone has expanded its product line to include thermostatic mixing valves. These forged lead-free brass valves provide output ranges from 95° F to 131° F, making them ideal for point-of-use, hydronic heat or water distribution systems.
Buderus’ GB142 modulating, gas-condensing boiler has four models supplying from 84,800 to 214,800 Btu/hr. and cascades of up to 16 units for even higher outputs.
January 23, 2014
Buderus’ GB142 modulating, gas-condensing boiler has four models supplying from 84,800 to 214,800 Btu/hr. and cascades of up to 16 units for even higher outputs.