Keep up to date on the latest news and information posted to Pmmag.com with our RSS feed. https://www.pmmag.com/rss/17 en-us A new annual tradition spanning 15+ regional hubs and locally hosted events will mark the nation’s largest gathering of trades professionals. A new annual tradition spanning 15+ regional hubs and locally hosted events will mark the nation’s largest gathering of trades professionals.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107699 Sat, 05 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107699-housecall-pro-brings-home-service-pros-together-nationwide-for-inaugural-trades-thursday If a GC or homeowner hands you a mechanical square-foot number, treat it as a conversation starter, not a bid. If a GC or homeowner hands you a mechanical square-foot number, treat it as a conversation starter, not a bid.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107698 Sat, 05 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107698-what-mechanical-square-footage-costs-plumbing-contractors-on-the-back-end bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) September brings another relatively light round of PHCP-PVF price increases, with adjustments affecting pumps, valves, piping products, and other plumbing-related product categories, with increases from 3% to 30%. September brings another relatively light round of PHCP-PVF price increases, with adjustments affecting pumps, valves, piping products, and other plumbing-related product categories, with increases from 3% to 30%.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107701 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:19:51 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107701-phcp-pvf-price-increases-september-2026 baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Get ready for ASPE’s 2026 Convention & Expo in Oklahoma City. This episode explores what attendees can expect from the event. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107700 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107700-inside-aspes-2026-convention-and-expo-education-innovation-and-connections-in-okc A frozen pipe at 9 p.m. doesn't wait for business hours, and neither does the homeowner calling about it. A frozen pipe at 9 p.m. doesn't wait for business hours, and neither does the homeowner calling about it.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107694 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107694-the-hidden-cost-of-missed-calls-for-plumbers Tasked with protecting valuable artwork while controlling operating costs, the Tacoma Art Museum upgraded its heating system with Lochinvar Crest with Hellcat boilers. The retrofit has delivered energy savings of more than 10% while helping the nonprofit secure grant funding for the project. Tasked with protecting valuable artwork while controlling operating costs, the Tacoma Art Museum upgraded its heating system with Lochinvar Crest with Hellcat boilers. The retrofit has delivered energy savings of more than 10% while helping the nonprofit secure grant funding for the project.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107693 Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107693-boiler-upgrade-helps-tacoma-art-museum-secure-grant-cut-costs The equipment is being distributed across all four key geographic regions of the country — including the Western (Zona Occidental), Central, Eastern (Zona Oriental), and San Salvador Metropolitan regions — delivering vital municipal water services across various departments. The equipment is being distributed across all four key geographic regions of the country — including the Western (Zona Occidental), Central, Eastern (Zona Oriental), and San Salvador Metropolitan regions — delivering vital municipal water services across various departments.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107691 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 08:00:02 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107691-simflo-selected-for-el-salvador-municipal-water-project The lead-free transition is entering its next phase, and engineered polymers are helping plumbing manufacturers and contractors balance long-term performance, manufacturing efficiency and sustainability in demanding drinking water applications. The lead-free transition is entering its next phase, and engineered polymers are helping plumbing manufacturers and contractors balance long-term performance, manufacturing efficiency and sustainability in demanding drinking water applications.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107692 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107692-beyond-lead-free-new-priorities-in-faucet-component-design baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) The Knoxville, Tennessee-based company has been in business for 16 years, and is expanding beyond plumbing to add heating and air services. For owner Jamie Foster, that growth presented an opportunity to rethink the company’s longtime branding. The Knoxville, Tennessee-based company has been in business for 16 years, and is expanding beyond plumbing to add heating and air services. For owner Jamie Foster, that growth presented an opportunity to rethink the company’s longtime branding.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107690 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107690-truck-of-the-month-my-professional-plumber The newly released 2026 Clean Hands Index examined more than 350 public handwashing experiences across 240 public facilities and surveyed more than 2,800 people. The newly released 2026 Clean Hands Index examined more than 350 public handwashing experiences across 240 public facilities and surveyed more than 2,800 people.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107688 Sat, 29 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107688-2026-clean-hands-index-finds-gap-between-plumbing-installation-and-handwashing Rinnai America Corporation has announced the launch of PRO Tech, a loyalty program that recognizes individual plumbers and HVAC contractors who install and register Rinnai products. Rinnai America Corporation has announced the launch of PRO Tech, a loyalty program that recognizes individual plumbers and HVAC contractors who install and register Rinnai products.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107689 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:41:37 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107689-rinnai-launches-loyalty-program-for-plumbing-and-hvac-installers SB 222 is co-sponsored by the Building Decarbonization Coalition, the Bay Area Air District, and SPUR. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk with a deadline of September 30 to sign or veto the bill. SB 222 is co-sponsored by the Building Decarbonization Coalition, the Bay Area Air District, and SPUR. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk with a deadline of September 30 to sign or veto the bill.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107684 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107684-heat-pump-access-act-clears-legislature-makes-california-first-state-to-streamline-heat-pump-permitting ENERGY STAR certified, the models provide environmentally responsible functionality with ultra-low NOx gas emissions and are suitable for commercial and residential applications. ENERGY STAR certified, the models provide environmentally responsible functionality with ultra-low NOx gas emissions and are suitable for commercial and residential applications.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107683 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107683-bradford-white-infiniti-gs-and-gr-150-000-btu-hr-tankless-water-heater-models baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Three of the four storage water heater categories posted year-over-year monthly increases: residential gas rose 6.7%, residential electric increased 0.8% and commercial electric jumped 10.9%. Commercial gas was the exception, declining 5%. Three of the four storage water heater categories posted year-over-year monthly increases: residential gas rose 6.7%, residential electric increased 0.8% and commercial electric jumped 10.9%. Commercial gas was the exception, declining 5%.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107681 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107681-water-heater-shipments-show-signs-of-improvement-in-june hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) Non-pressurized storage systems have advantages and limitations. In applications where cost per gallon of storage is critical, or where it’s otherwise impractical to bring in one or more pressure-rated tanks, a non-pressurized tank combined with the piping and control concepts discussed represents a viable solution to leverage the combination of time-of-use electrical rates, heat pumps, and the unsurpassed comfort made possible by modern hydronics technology. Non-pressurized storage systems have advantages and limitations. In applications where cost per gallon of storage is critical, or where it’s otherwise impractical to bring in one or more pressure-rated tanks, a non-pressurized tank combined with the piping and control concepts discussed represents a viable solution to leverage the combination of time-of-use electrical rates, heat pumps, and the unsurpassed comfort made possible by modern hydronics technology.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107654 Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107654-an-open-and-shut-case-part-2 The 2026 update reflects the Department's growing interest in leveraging off-site construction to improve efficiency and scalability across military construction programs.  The 2026 update reflects the Department's growing interest in leveraging off-site construction to improve efficiency and scalability across military construction programs.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107679 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:58:14 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107679-2027-international-codes-add-provisions A familiar name can make all the difference when a homeowner needs help fast. That's why building brand recognition before the emergency can give plumbing and mechanical contractors an edge when customers are ready to call. A familiar name can make all the difference when a homeowner needs help fast. That's why building brand recognition before the emergency can give plumbing and mechanical contractors an edge when customers are ready to call.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107677 Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107677-the-click-goes-to-the-contractor-theyve-heard-of Plumbing Manufacturers International’s “Plumbing Manufacturing Industry Economic Impact Study” reveals the combined, total economic impact of plumbers and plumbing manufacturers to be more than $442 billion annually, with almost 1.8 million jobs, and over $142 billion in wages. Plumbing Manufacturers International’s “Plumbing Manufacturing Industry Economic Impact Study” reveals the combined, total economic impact of plumbers and plumbing manufacturers to be more than $442 billion annually, with almost 1.8 million jobs, and over $142 billion in wages. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107673 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107673-plumbing-industry-adds-442b-to-us-economy-faces-550-000-worker-shortage Alongside Mission Control, Smart Service Cloud includes The Oracle, an AI reporting engine powered by Anthropic's Claude. Alongside Mission Control, Smart Service Cloud includes The Oracle, an AI reporting engine powered by Anthropic's Claude.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107670 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107670-smart-service-mission-control The system is available with a range of indoor unit models and capacities.  The system is available with a range of indoor unit models and capacities.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107668 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:48:42 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107668-general-hvac-solutions-america-vu-7-heat-recovery-heat-pump-systems baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) On this episode of And So It Flows, Plumbing & Mechanical Associate Editor Kristen Bayles is joined by Mike Rizzuto, National Technical Sales West for Infinity Drain, to discuss how changing consumer expectations are reshaping shower and drain design. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107666 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107666-how-shower-design-is-changing The owner of a high-rise multi-family residential building in Battery Park, Manhattan faced a pressing infrastructure decision: replace an aging, gas-fired domestic hot water (DHW) system that could no longer deliver reliable, efficient service to residents. The owner of a high-rise multi-family residential building in Battery Park, Manhattan faced a pressing infrastructure decision: replace an aging, gas-fired domestic hot water (DHW) system that could no longer deliver reliable, efficient service to residents.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107662 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:31:57 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107662-case-study-veritus-heat-pump-water-heater-in-new-york-retrofit bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) From common misconceptions to evolving technology, this episode explores what contractors need to know about backflow prevention, including inspections, repairs, replacements, codes, and selecting the right solutions. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107664 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107664-understanding-backflow-prevention METUS reports progress across leadership, product innovation and A2L readiness. METUS reports progress across leadership, product innovation and A2L readiness.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107665 Sun, 16 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107665-metus-highlights-first-half-2026-progress ClearLOC® transparent push-fit fittings help reduce installation time by up to 50% by eliminating the measuring and marking required by traditional push-fit fittings. ClearLOC® transparent push-fit fittings help reduce installation time by up to 50% by eliminating the measuring and marking required by traditional push-fit fittings.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107609 Sat, 15 Aug 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107609-instant-visual-verification-for-faster-fitting-installs his roster celebrates successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses, recognizing companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the economy. his roster celebrates successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses, recognizing companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the economy. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107660 Sat, 15 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107660-powerhouse-consulting-group-named-no-1002-on-the-2026-inc-5000-list This year’s Inc. 5000 spotlights companies reshaping growth across industries including AI, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, consumer products and professional services. This year’s Inc. 5000 spotlights companies reshaping growth across industries including AI, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, consumer products and professional services. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107661 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:57:42 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107661-interplay-learning-named-to-americas-fastest-growing-private-companies Work Truck Week encompasses The Work Truck Show, Future Truck Summit, NTEA Annual Meeting, Work Truck Week Ride & Drive, educational program and more. Work Truck Week encompasses The Work Truck Show, Future Truck Summit, NTEA Annual Meeting, Work Truck Week Ride & Drive, educational program and more.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107659 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107659-ntea-sets-dates-for-work-truck-week-2027-with-new-future-truck-summit ADP Research reports that workers hired within the previous three months represented 3.6% of construction employment on average between 2019 and 2025. In 2026, that share has climbed to 4.6%, suggesting that hiring activity is accelerating. Even so, bringing new people through the door is only part of the workforce challenge. As competition for experienced talent intensifies, contractors must focus not only on attracting workers but also on creating reasons for them to stay. ADP Research reports that workers hired within the previous three months represented 3.6% of construction employment on average between 2019 and 2025. In 2026, that share has climbed to 4.6%, suggesting that hiring activity is accelerating. Even so, bringing new people through the door is only part of the workforce challenge. As competition for experienced talent intensifies, contractors must focus not only on attracting workers but also on creating reasons for them to stay.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107656 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107656-why-skilled-technicians-are-harder-than-ever-to-keep Legrande’s is Airo’s first acquisition in partnership with CCMP Growth. Legrande’s is Airo’s first acquisition in partnership with CCMP Growth.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107658 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:52:20 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107658-airo-mechanical-adds-legrandes-enterprises-to-its-growing-business