Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner

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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.

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.

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!

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.

If you treat a customer well, they will recommend your services to three others. However, if you treat a customer poorly and make them feel cheated, they will spend a lot of time spreading negative feedback, especially on social media.

When I think about renewable energy, solar power is the first thing that comes to mind. There's also hydroelectric power and other forms of renewable energy.

Ah, the age-old question of which came first – the chicken or the egg. If you watch “Loudermilk” on Netflix, you know the answer!

During the AHR Expo in Chicago, I met John O'Reilly at the Uponor booth. He mentioned that he represents Oatey, in addition to Uponor, and I'm interested in interviewing someone there about pipe dope and PTFE tape. John agreed to set me up with someone at Oatey.

As a PHVAC apprentice, I was required to purchase my own tools. With no help from my employers, I remember some mighty thin paychecks. I never forgot the financial strain that caused, so when I became a business owner, I set up tool purchasing accounts for employees and created a supportive work environment.

How do you deal with damaged embedded-in-concrete PEX tubing? Read on to find out the challenge I met and resolved.