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Home » Topics » Columns

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Young woman filling a glass of water in the sink. Close-up.
Editorial Opinion | Natalie Forster

Water safety and conservation drive trends in every sector

Increased water monitoring and growing population drive PVF codes and standards to more efficient future.
Natalie Forster
Natalie Forster
March 13, 2025

In February, three key PHVAC trade shows occurred: the AHR Expo in Orlando with over 51,000 attendees, the WWETT Show in Indianapolis focused on wastewater innovations, and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, held with the International Builders’ Show (IBS).



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Figure 1 glitch drawing for February 2025
The Glitch & The Fix: February 2025

A heat pump heat migration problem

John Siegenthaler, P.E.
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
February 28, 2025

A heating contractor is installing two air-to-water heat pumps as the primary heat source in a large home's hydronic system, keeping the existing boiler as backup. However, problems like heat migration into off zones and corrosion of the vent connector suggest design flaws that need to be addressed.



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Now Hiring sign hanging outside a building.
Guest Editorial | John Akhoian

Plumbing contractors need to rethink recruiting to attract the next generation

How contractors should handle the rising costs to acquire leads.
John Akhoian 200x200 headshot
John Akhoian
February 21, 2025

With a decline in skilled trades workers, finding a reliable plumber is increasingly difficult. As thousands of job openings are projected annually, plumbing contractors must rethink their hiring strategies.


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Social Network Online Sharing Connection Concept: Group of people around a table using phones, laptops and tablets on a social network.
Guest Editorial | Andre Nordan & Karan Patel

How software can help tackle the hiring challenges in plumbing

Technology platforms are revolutionizing the hiring process for contracting businesses.
Andre Nordan 200x200 headshot
Andre Nordan
Karan Patel 200x200 headshot
Karan Patel
February 20, 2025

The plumbing industry faces a projected shortage of 550,000 plumbers by 2027, costing skilled trades $5.3 billion annually in hiring and training. However, a rising number of young adults are choosing trade school, which may introduce new talent and challenges for business owners.



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Article art.jpg

Backfill and bedding

Installing underground plumbing: Understanding field conditions
David Dexter headshot
David Dexter
February 13, 2025

Installing underground plumbing requires removing existing materials to place the piping system. However, this effort moves the designer/engineer into territory not typically part of their knowledge base: “Backfill and Bedding.” Additionally, the requirements will likely differ depending on the interior, exterior, or public right-of-way location. Code sections, rules, and engineering standards will likely address each area. 


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Hand holding two white puzzle pieces with a brown background.
Editorial Opinion | Natalie Forster

Bridging the gap between wholesalers and contractors

Supply House Times Chief Editor takes on Plumbing & Mechanical; aims to share information between two audiences.
Natalie Forster
Natalie Forster
February 6, 2025

After five years with Supply House Times, Natalie Forster gained valuable insights into the supply chain and developed relationships with PHCP-PVF wholesalers. Now, as the new Editorial Director for both Supply House Times and Plumbing & Mechanical, she'll engage daily with all supply chain participants, including wholesalers, contractors, and engineers.



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Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric work truck as a backdrop for a marketing video.
Editor's Note | Nicole Krawcke

Why plumbing contractors must embrace video in 2025

Google is prioritizing video content for ranking results.
Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
January 15, 2025

Video marketing is crucial for plumbing and HVAC contractors to stand out and build credibility. Using smartphones for easy video creation and sharing on platforms like YouTube helps contractors become trusted industry experts.


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Man has a plumbing mishap with the kitchen sink as water gushes from the broken tap.
Guest Editorial | Roland Ligtenberg

Transform emergency plumbing services with smarter technology solutions

Make emergency services seamless, transparent and reliable.
Roland Ligtenberg
January 14, 2025

Homeowners in plumbing emergencies prefer hassle-free service. Companies excelling in seamless booking and reliability use technology and CRM systems to automate tasks and enhance customer service.


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Man in a business suit holding virtual digital marketing words and icons.
Guest Editorial | Katie Donovan

Preparing for 2025: Strategies to navigate rising costs and evolving customer behavior in home services

How contractors should handle the rising costs to acquire leads.
Katie Donovan 200x200 headshot
Katie Donovan
January 13, 2025

As 2024 ends, the home services industry is seeing rising lead costs and more complex customer journeys. In 2025, businesses should focus on generating quality leads, leveraging data and AI for optimization, and mapping customer journeys to enhance profitability.


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Frozen exterior faucet.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Staying safe in extreme weather

Baby, it’s cold outside!
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
January 6, 2025

In January 1979, a plumber dealt with severe winter emergencies, including a radiator explosion and frozen pipes. Reflecting on past experiences like a romantic evening turned dangerous by extreme cold, he faced unpredictable challenges in his trade.


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IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

NIBCO Press Solutions

NIBCO Press Solutions

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Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

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      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
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      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
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  • ENGINEERS
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    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
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