Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer

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The EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), approved in 2024, presents a major challenge for U.S. companies, especially in the mechanical and manufacturing sectors. It aims to promote sustainable corporate behavior by requiring companies to identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts in their global value chains.

When sprinkler piping freezes, the resulting consequences can be grave: water damage, operational disruption and loss of fire protection when it is needed most. These failures are frequently attributed to extreme weather, but most stem from oversights in controlled conditions, such as unclear heated boundaries, improperly installed insulation that isolates piping from heat and incorrect application of dry sprinkler technology.

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.

Erickson has experience in robotics and autonomous engineering in addition to mechanical engineering. 

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.

After thirty years of ownership, Darrell Case is passing the torch to his son, Matt Case. 

At sea, there’s no backup system for clean water. Every drop must be filtered, pumped and protected — and that’s where plumbers come in. On Mercy Ships’ floating hospitals, skilled volunteers work to maintain these life-sustaining systems, ensuring that the ability to deliver safe, reliable care doesn’t leave when the ship sails away.

Designing and installing a system for the unique venue posed challenges that demanded meticulous attention to detail and coordination. It needed to accommodate visitor needs while blending with the building's rustic character. “Introducing modern mechanical systems without disrupting its historic charm was difficult,” said Selestow.

The homerun system is a simple technique for connecting multiple heat emitters using two runs of small flexible tubing (such as PEX) for supply and return. In North America, the standard size is 1/2-inch, but 3/8-inch tubing can be used with proper design and compatible fittings.