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Mary-Anne Bowcott, owner of Westcom Plumbing and Gas Ltd. and known as "The Lady Plumber," defies gender norms in the plumbing industry, sharing her journey of resilience and becoming a mentor for aspiring tradespeople.

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.

According to local news reports, the massive break affected nearly 400 homes. Several residents called 7 News Detroit last week to report that they were stuck inside their homes as they filled up with water. The news report said boats were also used by firefighters who rescued families from their homes.

Revival Brewing and Lost Valley Pizza faced plumbing challenges at their new location. Walter F. Morris introduced Saniflo's solutions, recommending the Sanicom 2 for the bar area and the Sanicubic 2 for restrooms. They later dealt with additional issues when adding a sink near the pizza oven and during bar construction.

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.

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.

No one claims that running a small business is simple. However, there are ways to make it easier, starting with how you begin each day.

California's push to replace gas-fired water heaters with electric heat pumps marks a significant shift in the construction industry. This electrification trend, while still emerging, is prompting plumbing contractors to navigate the changes brought on by decarbonization, impacting HVAC technicians and the broader market.

As 2025 unfolds, rapid changes in technology and the global landscape are creating both challenges and opportunities for growth. Embracing these shifts with confidence can help individuals and businesses thrive amid uncertainty.

Last month's column discussed piping for air-to-water heat pumps. A 2-pipe system allows staging but not simultaneous heating and cooling, while a 4-pipe system with motorized valves enables both modes of operation.