Plumbing & Mechanical Top Stories - Articles

Guest Editorial: When to use PVC duct for your project

The benefits and limitations of PVC ductwork.

August 6, 2021

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a durable material used in a variety of construction projects. It’s lightweight and easy to transport, making it the preferred material for many contractors. PVC duct, however, does have some limitations and cannot be used in certain applications. Read on to learn more about the uses of PVC duct.

Water Wisdom: Are you prepared for TDS Creep?

Regular maintenance is required for water treatment systems.

Water Quality Association (WQA)

August 5, 2021

Installing a reverse osmosis (RO) system for a homeowner is not a once and done event. Just like any other kind of water treatment technology, RO systems require regular maintenance.

2024 Uniform Codes Technical Committee hearings

Codes Corner: Industry works overtime at 2024 Uniform Codes

A special thank you to everyone who participated in the code hearings.

Hugo Aguilar, P.E.

August 4, 2021

IAPMO recently completed the Technical Committee meetings for the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) development process. The hearings for the UPC were held virtually May 3-7, and May 17-21 for the UMC.

Matt Michel: Turn profits, not wrenches

4 things successful plumbing company owners must know.

Matt Michel

August 3, 2021

The skillset that spells success as a business owner is fundamentally different than the skillset for success working in the field as a plumber. Here are four things business owners must know to turn a profit that were not necessary to turn a wrench.

Dave Yates: This way to egress

The key to success is having an exit strategy in place.

Dave Yates

August 3, 2021

PT Barnum had a real problem with patrons who lingered in his museum a bit too long, which limited the crowds and cut into profits. He needed a way to get people to leave and replaced the exit signs with “This Way to Egress.”

Dan Holohan: My favorite radiator stories

The things we are taught when young stay with us for a long time — even if they are not always the right things.

Dan Holohan

August 2, 2021

So, I’m visiting a wholesaler in an old town on Long Island where my Uncle Tony worked when he was still on this side of the lawn. You would have liked him.

Pfister launches ‘American Plumber Stories’ docuseries

August 2, 2021

“American Plumber Stories” aims to promote the plumbing trade to the next generation of professionals. The show highlights the stories of plumbers around the nation, including how they got started in the plumbing trade and the passion they have for their profession.

Kenny Chapman: 4 steps for growing your business

Break through the resistance.

Kenny Chapman

August 2, 2021

Who here doesn’t want to grow? Who doesn’t want to improve and make more of a difference with your business? It’s a silly question, right? Everyone wants to get better and scale their business, but not everyone does.

IPEX makes major investment in state-of-the-art molding plant

July 29, 2021

The nearly 200,000 square-foot manufacturing facility is being custom designed and built, and will become the technological flagship for the company’s operations and one of the most advanced plastics manufacturing facilities in the industry.

Hydronics Workshop

John Siegenthaler: What I look for

A 'dirty dozen' things that point to trouble ahead.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

July 29, 2021

I've had lots of opportunities to review plans for pending hydronic heating systems. I've also been on "forensic" visits to sites with improperly performing systems. Of the two, I much prefer plan review over forensics.