Plumbing News

Linxup and Applause partner to reward & retain safe field service drivers

New integration with performance incentive platform comes as skilled trades face turnover crisis.

April 28, 2026

The integration connects Linxup’s driver safety data directly into Applause’s technician scorecard, making it easier for field service businesses to recognize good performance, reinforce safe behavior, and reduce turnover

A technician installs an A. O. Smith Votrex 120V Heat Pump Water Heater.

Case Study: A. O. Smith Voltex 120V Heat Pump Water Heater in California apartment complex

Park Vista Apartment Complex sought a more sustainable water-heating solution for its 392 units and turned to A. O. Smith to provide it.

April 28, 2026

The replacement of the old units was made viable through California’s rebate programs, which in some instances covered the entire cost of the units.

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.

ServiceForge plants two million trees worldwide

The company celebrates a meaningful milestone in its ongoing initiative to make a lasting impact within global communities

April 22, 2026

Each month, ServiceForge plants one tree for every employee and every customer.

ACCA launches National HVAC Tech Day nominations

National HVAC Tech Day is observed each year on June 22.

April 22, 2026

Nominations are open through May 2026, and welcome technicians across all roles and experience levels.

Contractor Commerce launches AI-powered conversational buying experience

The new technology aims to improve the way homeowners shop for residential services online.

April 21, 2026

With conversational buying, Contractor Commerce embeds AI directly into the shopping experience, allowing the end consumer to enjoy a more natural, personalized and responsive process.

The installation of two Rheem electric water heater units in Antarctica.

Rheem completes installation in Antarctica

Through this install, Rheem now has products installed on every continent worldwide.

April 21, 2026

As April 25th and National Plumbers Day approaches, Rheem is celebrating plumbers and their global impact by sharing news on a recent product installation.

LG debuts new HVAC training academy in Orange, CA

LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA co-sponsored a series of events throughout California Heat Pump Week, highlighted by stops from LG Mobile Showroom.

April 21, 2026

LG’s participation in California Heat Pump Week supports the acceleration of heat pump adoption across California and the state’s goals for a more electrified future.