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Home » Topics » Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor » Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner

Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner RSS Feed RSS

Compressors air conditioners on grass field.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Bacterial buildup in condensate lines presents both a challenge and a service strategy for HVAC professionals

Tackling Zoogloea
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
July 31, 2025

If a customer complains about an air conditioning odor, mention bacteria in condensate drain pans and lines, which is bacterial zoogloea. It thrives in dark, moist, warm settings and can infest the indoor evaporator coil in extreme neglect. The bacteria feed on dust and organic matter not caught by filters.


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Happy couple shaking hands with their real estate agent after successful deal in the apartment. Workers wearing yellow safety hats and overalls are in the background.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Working with home warranty companies

The partnership can pay off, but only if you control the terms and play by the rules.
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
July 8, 2025

Since home warranty companies deal with numerous customers and service contracts, they can provide a steady stream of work, which helps maintain cash flow, even in slow seasons or during economic downturns.


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Latin American plumber fixing a toilet in the bathroom.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Troubleshooting common airflow plumbing issues

Gone with the flow: Gasping for air!
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
June 2, 2025

Every time we try flushing our toilet, it just swirls around the bowl and ever so slowly goes down. Does it do this on every other flush? No. Well, that ruled out an after-fill tube having slipped off of the overflow tube and, sure enough, once on site with tank lid removed, the ballcock’s after-fill tube was securely inside the overflow tube. 


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John Siegenthaler, Hot Rod Rohr and Dave Yates reunite at the Lochinvar booth at AHR 2025.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Eye candy from The AHR Expo 2025

Go with the flow
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
May 12, 2025

Eye candy would best describe many of the products on display at the great AHR Exposition recently held in Orlando Florida’s Convention Center.


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Crowds at the AHR Expo exhibition floor in Orlando, Florida
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

AHR day 3: Best in show

Dave Yates
Dave Yates
March 31, 2025

As the morning passed, crowds thinned and by midmorning, you have unfettered access to folks working booths who are happy to see you and eager to show off their wares. This is by far the best time to establish inside contacts and create bonds with manufacturers.


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Colourful sale labels with an orange to neutral gradient background.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Price complaint department

Price is not a dirty word!
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
March 17, 2025

Facing price complaints from customers? Remember to keep your cool! Start by empathizing with their frustrations about rising costs everywhere. Explain the challenges small businesses face, highlighting how online retailers can undercut prices due to lower overhead. Always keep the conversation constructive and focused on solutions. 



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Example 1
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Wet vents: Take full advantage of the minimum standards set forth in plumbing code books

Dave Yates
Dave Yates
February 5, 2025

Discussions about wet venting in plumbing often spark heated debates, but if you're competing against a plumber who effectively utilizes it, you may lose bids by venting every fixture. Wet venting allows for a more efficient use of materials and labor, making bids more competitive.


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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.


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Close-up View Of Open Dishwasher With Kitchen Utensils In It
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

The evolution of dishwashers

Believe it or not!
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
December 4, 2024

In my old farmhouse, a discarded dishwasher became a reliable kitchen staple for nearly two decades. Now, as I help reconstruct Horn Farm after a fire, I’m intrigued by the evolution of dishwashers—from simple gravity-fed designs to today's advanced models—while focusing on energy efficiency. Join me as I explore this journey of innovation!


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Close-up image of a plumber repairing a gas boiler of a heating home system in the boiler room.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Industry connections are worth their weight in gold

Fish tales and hydronics.
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
November 4, 2024

Education enhanced my earning potential. I became a more skilled technician, gained knowledge about new and emerging technologies, and became a much more valuable asset to my employers. Throughout my journey, I met numerous mentors in various aspects of the PHVAC trades and established insider contacts that proved to be invaluable.


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    • PMC COLUMNS
      • 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
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • 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
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
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