Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor - Articles

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.

The Plumbing Sales Coach expands offerings with new Blueprint training program

The expansion in service is designed to help plumbing companies improve performance and customer service despite predicted labor shortages.

April 20, 2026

The new training program marks a shift for The Plumbing Sales Coach, which previously offered limited-capacity coaching for business owners.

How inspection technology is transforming drain work

Advances in camera systems are helping contractors reduce uncertainty, limit excavation and win more business.

Dave Dunbar

April 20, 2026

Contractors have found that, when used correctly, camera systems simplify their lives, increase their options, and pay for themselves very quickly.

Rethinking upselling: guide, don't sell

What contractors get wrong about upselling, and how to fix it.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 17, 2026

When options are framed around lifestyle improvements rather than just technical fixes, customers are far more likely to engage, understand the value and ultimately choose what’s right for them.

Ground-source heat pumps gain traction in high-performance building design

Efficiency gains, code alignment and long-term ROI are driving renewed interest among engineers and contractors.

Rich Anderson CBO

April 15, 2026

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, geothermal heat pumps are among the most efficient HVAC technologies available, capable of significantly reducing building energy consumption.