Plumbing News - Articles - Page 20 | Plumbing & Mechanical

Keeping the trades human as technology expands

How plumbing and mechanical contractors are using digital tools to reduce meetings, cut travel and keep crews focused on the work.

January 20, 2026

Trent Leinenbach, VP of customer experience at Stratus, discusses ways that contractors can implement technology into their workflow.

Several people discussing colors and marketing.

Branding that works as hard as your crew

Crystal Williams explains why modern homeowners and employees evaluate contractors long before the first call, and how to make your brand count.

Kristen R. Bayles

January 16, 2026

Thoughtful, consistent branding can enhance reputation, recruiting, and retention, all while strengthening the bottom line.

The truck for Commander Air, Plumbing, and Electrical.

Truck of the Month: Commander Air, Plumbing, and Electrical

The Pensacola, FL based company changed their branding when they expanded their services offered.

Kristen R. Bayles

January 15, 2026

Commander Air + Plumbing + Electric’s fleet design blends memorability with credibility

A technician from Johnson & Jonet shakes hands with a school official.

Valley View Elementary reduces carbon footprint with A. O. Smith Cyclone Flex water heater

Valley View Elementary School in Green Bay, Wis., upgraded its aging water heater.

January 14, 2026

By replacing a 15-year-old gas unit with A. O. Smith’s Cyclone FLEX water heater, the school increased efficiency to as much as 98% while ensuring consistent hot water for kitchens and student handwashing, and reducing its overall carbon footprint.

NTEA congratulates latest companies earning MVP status

NTEA has announced a new group of companies earning Member Verification Program (MVP) status.

January 14, 2026

The latest MVP designees include three new members and nine renewing companies

Power Ahead Colorado and the Building Decarbonization Coalition launch full-service digital workspace for Colorado heat pump installers

Power Ahead Colorado, a program led by the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), launched the Colorado Contractor Hub.

January 14, 2026

The free Colorado Contractor Hub delivers heat pump contractors customer leads, training, tools and funding, incentive information, and other services and resources.

Southern Home Services becomes the first enterprise-scale customer to adopt ServiceTitan’s Max program

The Max Program is currently being piloted to a select number of ServiceTitan customers.

January 13, 2026

According to the company, this move reflects a broader shift toward end-to-end automation in the trades.

Coast and BuildOps expand partnership

Coast to sync with BuildOps.

January 13, 2026

The two companies are expanding their existing partnership.

The Voltex MAX and Emerge X heat pump water heaters

A. O. Smith honored with two 2025 Chicago Athenaeum GOOD DESIGN awards

Voltex MAX Heat Pump Water Heater and Emerge-X Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater recognized for excellence in the Building Materials category.

January 13, 2026

A. O. Smith has earned 2025 GOOD DESIGN Awards recognition for its Voltex MAX and Emerge X heat pump water heaters, highlighting the company’s continued focus on efficiency, performance and industrial design.

BAC to showcase cooling solutions at the 2026 AHR Expo

BAC to feature its Nexus modular hybrid cooler, AHR Innovation Award Finalist immersion cooling tank powered by CorTex technology and aftermarket parts at booth C4507.

January 13, 2026

At Booth C4507, BAC will showcase modular cooling solutions aimed at balancing energy efficiency, water use and reliability as performance demands and sustainability pressures continue to rise.