Columns - Articles | Plumbing & Mechanical

Guard on Compliance | Misty Guard

The Impact of EU Reach on Plumbing Component Materials

A look at the pending European regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in light of the European Committee for Socio-economic Analysis draft opinion.

Misty Guard

May 7, 2026

European Union (E.U.) regulators have concluded that PFAS, which do not degrade in the environment, are a major problem.

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.

Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Contractors who respond to punch lists with professionalism — not defensiveness — earn lasting trust

Punch list

Dave Yates

April 10, 2026

Sometimes the smartest move on a punch list isn’t proving you’re right; it’s protecting the relationship.

Guard on Compliance | Misty Guard

New Mexico's PFAS regulations signal a new regulatory era

New Mexico's proposed 20.13.2 NMAC rule serves as a highly detailed prototype for how regulators plan to track and restrict PFAs.

Misty Guard

April 8, 2026

As the United States (U.S.) States pioneer regulations for trace chemicals, manufacturers, specifying engineers, and contractors must adapt to a new era.

Editorial Opinion | Kristen Bayles

AHR and KBIS/IBS highlighted how AI, efficiency mandates and workforce evolution are converging on the jobsite

Tech takes the lead

Kristen R. Bayles

March 25, 2026

The conversation has clearly moved beyond connectivity for connectivity’s sake, and into something more actionable; and, with new expectations for energy-efficient and low-carbon systems, more necessary.

Guest Editorial | Mike Prencavage Jr. & Chris Lollini

Building a profitable plumbing business in an uncertain market

Why efficiency, community trust and disciplined leadership are becoming the real growth levers for contractors.

Chris Lollini

Mike Prencavage Jr.

March 20, 2026

The next era of the trades won’t be dominated solely by the most prominent brands or the loudest marketers. It will be shaped by operators who understand efficiency, protect their margins, and invest in genuine relationships.

Guard on Compliance | Misty Guard

Navigating the United States perchlorate rulemaking: compliance strategies for the May 2027 final rule deadline

A court-driven mandate is forcing the EPA to regulate perchlorate, reshaping monitoring, treatment and compliance planning for public water systems.

Misty Guard

February 19, 2026

While perchlorate has been on the regulatory radar for decades, this specific action is driven by a complex legal history.

Guest Editorial | Heather Ripley

Trust means more than ever in 2026

In the home service industry, your reputation has always mattered. But in 2026, it is everything.

Heather Ripley

February 18, 2026

Homeowners are more selective than ever, and in a crowded marketplace, their choice often comes down to which company they trust most. Public relations plays a critical role in shaping, strengthening and protecting your reputation.

Two engineers are wearing orange safety vests and hard hats and are looking at a laptop at a locomotive service station.

Guest Editorial | Tara Denning

Aligning talent strategy with business strategy

A practical roadmap for mid-sized trade businesses.

Tara Denning

February 16, 2026

Developing leaders creates leverage for the organization. It allows business owners to step back from day-to-day operations and focus on strategic growth.