Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor - Articles

Interplay Learning named one of America’s Top EdTech Companies by TIME

The company has been recognized for its financial strength and its industry impact.

April 29, 2026

The company has earned multiple industry honors within the past year, including the 2025 IACET Instructional Impact Award, a spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list and recognition among the fastest-growing private companies in the Austin area by the Austin Business Journal.

WarmlyYours installing a snow melt system.

WarmlyYours report shows pro customers grew Q1 snow melt sales

The first quarter of the year saw snow melting sales grow rapidly due in large part to professional customers.

April 29, 2026

This report analyzes the sales of radiant heating products (by using WarmlyYours sales data as a proxy for the industry as a whole) within the wider context of the national housing and remodeling markets.

Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

Making time to clean the shop and the truck

What once was a seasonal trade has become a year-round balancing act of service, maintenance and installations

Scott Secor

April 28, 2026

As fuel systems change and customers get busier, heating contractors are adapting to a new service landscape.

Guest Editorial | Heather Ripley

The biggest interview mistakes plumbing contractors make with journalists

Strategic media coverage can elevate your company's reputation and position your leadership as industry experts.

Heather Ripley

April 27, 2026

As a contractor, one area you may overlook or may not fully understand is how media visibility can promote your business more effectively than traditional marketing or advertising.

And So It Flows Podcast

And So It Flows: How AI and Gen Z Are Transforming the Trades

As conversations around artificial intelligence continue to dominate headlines, an equally important shift is happening in the skilled trades.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 23, 2026

In a recent episode of And So It Flows, Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro, joined host Kristen Bayles to discuss how AI, changing workforce priorities and evolving technology are driving renewed interest in careers across plumbing, HVAC and other home service trades.

Editorial Opinion | Kristen Bayles

AI can't fix a leak

Why automation may elevate plumbers, and other skilled trades, to the top of the labor market.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 23, 2026

A recent interview with the former CEO of Uber shows that jobs in the trades are on their way to being seen in a new way.

A computer screen showing a sequence of 0s and 1s.

JobTread launches AI Connector

JobTread customers can now connect AI tools like Claude or ChatGPT directly to their organization through JobTread’s native integration.

April 22, 2026

Any customer with an AI account can begin asking questions, generating outputs, and taking action in real time due to JobTread’s open API.

How manufacturers are reframing risk, resilience and return in 2026

In an uncertain market, predictive maintenance and domestic manufacturing are emerging as the new pillars of risk management and competitive strength.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 22, 2026

Bryan O'Toole and Paul Spradling weigh in on the state of the manufacturing market, and what it means for contractors.

Watts launches “Fast Track to Labor Savings” eLearning campaign

Watts workforce development training is designed for the realities of today’s jobsite, including helping educate a wide variety of professionals to be more efficient and effective.

April 21, 2026

Participants can earn credits for completing each module, and those who complete 20+ modules during this campaign will receive a Beach Side Deluxe 36-Can Event Cooler.