Columns

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.

Cropped image of a plumber putting glue on the inside of a PVC pipe in a trench.

Editorial Opinion | Kristen Bayles

Reflections on a year of change: Why the plumbing and mechanical industry continues to deliver

Starting the year with purpose

Kristen R. Bayles

January 28, 2026

To start off the new year, editor Kristen Bayles reflects on 2025, and what's to come in 2026.

Guest Editorial | Tom Roberts

New pipe sizing standard brings critical changes and innovation to building services

ICC 815 modernizes water and sanitary system design to reflect changing buildings, lifestyles, and usage patterns.

Tom Roberts

January 21, 2026

This new standard will mark a turning point for water supply and sanitary drainage pipe sizing, which together haven’t received a meaningful update since the 1940s.

The back of a man and a woman sitting down, listening to an instructor giving plumbing lessons.

Editorial Opinion | Kristen Bayles

Beyond the classroom: finding fulfillment in the trades

A personal look at the lessons today’s plumbing apprentices teach us about skill, pride, and opportunity.

Kristen R. Bayles

December 19, 2025

I'm grateful my family showed my brother the value of trades. After my great-grandfather's plumbing business closed, my dad became a welder and shared his skills with my brother during many afternoons in the work shed, like an apprentice learning from a master.