Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

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Many people still hesitate when they hear the phrase “tankless water heater.” The myths run deep: they won’t work in cold climates, they’re too expensive, they can’t keep up with demand. These misconceptions are fueled by early limitations in the technology and years of hearsay passed along between homeowners – and even some tradespeople.

Water chemistry significantly affects boilers, with scale buildup as small as one-sixteenth of an inch causing a 20 percent loss in heating efficiency and leading to corrosion, leaks, and potential boiler failure. Analyzing water chemistry beforehand is crucial for identifying necessary solutions and ensuring long-term performance.

Apprenticeship has long been the heartbeat of the plumbing and HVAC trades. But for today’s apprentices, training looks different than it did for their mentors and parents. With new online programs, flexible learning schedules, and updated curriculum that reflects the latest industry standards, apprentices are able to gain both the technical “booksmarts” and the on-the-job confidence needed to thrive.

At a supply water temperature of 103 ºF, the heating capacity of the heat pump is the same as the total heat dissipation ability of the distribution system. That’s where this system achieves thermal equilibrium. The floor heating zone is fine at this condition, but the output of the air handler is significantly lower than what was planned for based on the assumption that 120 ºF supply water would be available.

We didn't fully grasp the dangers since no one was OSHA certified or required to comply. It wasn't until one employee reported feeling faint while testing backflow preventers in a large underground pit that I recognized the risks. My right-hand man, also the Deputy Chief of the local hazmat team, had expertise in air quality testing.

Your energy drives the tone, the pace, and the performance of your team. If your goal is to create a culture where people show up strong, stay accountable, and do work they’re proud of—guess what? That starts with you showing up that way first.

When Brady Jolly steps into the office each morning, he’s carrying more than the responsibility of running a nearly 60-person business. He’s carrying forward the legacy of a company his parents founded back in 1979 — a company that has reinvented itself more than once and is today on a mission to "reimagine how the world experiences home services."

Explore the power of hands-on learning in the heating industry as seasoned experts share their insights on effective teaching. This editorial reflects on the impact of memorable seminars, the importance of understanding theory, and the art of listening in nurturing the next generation of skilled technicians.

Most crucial of all is developing a strong team of mentors who can help nurture aspiring technicians. This is often where the true value of an apprenticeship program is revealed. Most contractors have at least one veteran tradesperson about whom they would say, "I wish I had 10 of them!"

Not every ride-along ends in a hire, and that’s by design. Last year, a candidate with over 20 years of experience applied. On the phone, he nailed every question with the right answer and knew what to say to capture my attention. His resume looked solid, so I invited him for a ride-along. But when he joined our team, the cracks appeared.