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Home » Topics » Columns

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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.


Read More
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.


Read More
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.


Read More
Robotic hand and human touch global virtual Icon representing the exchange of artificial intelligence brains with humans.
Editorial Opinion | Nicole Krawcke

How AI can help forge human connections

Find ways for artificial intelligence to augment operations and reallocate resources to more important tasks.
Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
December 13, 2024

Embrace AI to future-proof your team and enhance human connections in the workplace. AI is transforming industries by augmenting productivity and redefining job roles.


Read More
Plumber with his tools in a truck.
Guest Editorial | Matt O’Rourke

The shift from independence to franchising: A Guide for Plumbers

How to make a successful leap to franchising.
Matt O'Rourke headshot 200x200
Matt O'Rourke
December 11, 2024

Transitioning from an independent plumber to a franchisee offers benefits like brand support but requires careful consideration of standards, costs, and new management skills for success.


Read More
Insulated pipes and pumps for a combination of radiant floor heating, domestic hot water, and solar water heating.
Codes Corner | Tom Roberts

Modernizing pipe sizing

A collaborative approach for the 21st Century.
Tom Roberts
December 10, 2024

Outdated pipe sizing standards are no longer suitable for modern multi-bathroom homes, especially post-COVID-19. The International Code Council is collaborating globally to update these standards for improved efficiency and health.


Read More
Supervisor talking to a group of men and women employees.
Editorial Opinion | Nicole Krawcke

The power of reverse mentoring

Boost innovation and team collaboration.
Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
November 15, 2024

Reverse mentoring is transforming the plumbing contracting industry by pairing seasoned professionals with younger employees. This innovative approach fosters cross-generational learning, enhances adaptability, and drives growth for the business's future.


Read More
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IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

Radiant & Hydronics All-Stars Roundtable 2025

Radiant & Hydronics All-Stars Roundtable 2025

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This webinar will examine the critical advantages of CPVC compared to metal and other plastics, including its resistance to harsh disinfection chemicals, ease of installation, and plenum-rated fire safety.

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      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
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    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • 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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