Plumbing & Mechanical Top Stories

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In this episode of And So It Flows, host Natalie Forster sits down with Spencer Pope, manager of technical support and training at Bradford White, to explore how education and workforce development are evolving across the plumbing, HVAC and mechanical trades.

Last month, we reviewed the basics injection mixing. It’s a method for controlling water temperatures by regulating the flow of heated water “injected” into a circulating distribution system, while simultaneously removing an equal flow of cooler water from that distribution system. Any method that controls the rate of injection flow also controls the rate of heat transfer into the distribution system.

Check out the ways in which these companies are getting involved, making changes and learn how you can too.

Contractors and engineers see a marketplace that is stabilizing, even if margins remain tight. “We remain cautiously optimistic about plumbing industry market conditions in 2026,” says Jason Pritchard, president of the Plumbing-Heating-Contractors—National Association (PHCC). He notes that while uncertainty remains, moderate growth is expected for plumbing and HVAC contractors, though high prices driven by tariffs and inflation will continue to shape consumer behavior.

On complex healthcare projects, where schedules are tight and teams are balancing multiple design and compliance requirements, drainage will often receive less early attention. However, in patient environments, it’s a critical component that directly affects safety, accessibility, and maintenance.

Franchising offers tradespeople a structured path to entrepreneurship, combining operational know-how, leadership skills and established brands for faster growth and long-term success.

Well, isn’t this just great: the faucet they purchased from the big box story stinks and now that’s my fault?! On arrival, I could not detect any odor at all, but they insisted there was an odor - except when I was there.

According to university officials, the underground heating loop which supplies heat and domestic hot water to large portions of campus, developed a significant leak that was initially losing roughly 6,000 gallons of water per day. As temperatures dropped, pressure in the system rose, and the loss rate increased, raising the risk of widespread system failure. University leadership determined that delaying repairs until the end of the semester was no longer safe.

On this job, I was reminded of how this “cutting edge” system that was installed fifty years ago is now considered "old school."

Staying up to date on consensus standards is essential for system designers, manufacturers, and facilities managers to ensure compliance and minimize liability. Recently, I’ve compiled activities relevant to the plumbing and mechanical industries.