Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

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After five years with Supply House Times, Natalie Forster gained valuable insights into the supply chain and developed relationships with PHCP-PVF wholesalers. Now, as the new Editorial Director for both Supply House Times and Plumbing & Mechanical, she'll engage daily with all supply chain participants, including wholesalers, contractors, and engineers.

Discussions about wet venting in plumbing often spark heated debates, but if you're competing against a plumber who effectively utilizes it, you may lose bids by venting every fixture. Wet venting allows for a more efficient use of materials and labor, making bids more competitive.

Last month, we started with an air-to-water heat pump for space heating and added an auxiliary heat source and chilled water cooling. This month, we’re adding domestic water heating, similar to last month’s setup.

An emergency call led a team to a school with a leaking boiler, which was shut down due to safety concerns. After clarifying the need for urgent repairs, the executive director approved the work. Complications arose from snow and transport challenges, but a friend connected them with a group of young workers willing to help, easing manpower concerns.

Parkway Construction Services chose REHAU RAUPEX piping with EVERLOC+ fittings for their plumbing renovation at Meharry Medical College, significantly reducing material and labor costs.

Steel pipe has long been the standard for fire protection systems, but chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a safe, cost-effective alternative for Light Hazard applications. Despite its proven reliability, misconceptions about CPVC still exist.

As businesses embrace sustainability, commercial heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) stand out as a smart investment. By utilizing ambient heat and optimizing energy use, these systems significantly cut operational costs and carbon emissions.

Video marketing is crucial for plumbing and HVAC contractors to stand out and build credibility. Using smartphones for easy video creation and sharing on platforms like YouTube helps contractors become trusted industry experts.

As 2024 ends, the home services industry is seeing rising lead costs and more complex customer journeys. In 2025, businesses should focus on generating quality leads, leveraging data and AI for optimization, and mapping customer journeys to enhance profitability.

Most plumbing companies tend to look alike, making it difficult for them to stand out. The challenge for owners is to identify a unique difference from competitors and promote it effectively.