Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer

RSS

A client recently asked about PFAS legislation in the U.S. You can find more information in my columns "PFAS: A Growing Concern" and "Forever Chemicals in the News." I'm also looking into state-level PFAS legislation for my readers.

If your office routine is like mine, you probably type passwords into your devices all day to access essential websites and software. Sometimes you forget complex passwords and have to go through the hassle of resetting them. Financial websites may require monthly password updates.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has named Bert Warner as its new Director of Commercial Business Development. Nicole Krawcke interviewed Warner about his goals for PERC and the role of propane in meeting decarbonization goals.

Vicinity Energy is the owner and operator of district energy systems dedicated to decarbonizing its operations and investing in innovative renewable thermal energy technologies to offer carbon-free eSteam to its customers. Operating 19 district energy systems in 12 cities, Vicinity delivers reliable and sustainable steam, hot water, and chilled water to over 260 million square feet of building space nationwide

PEX's shape memory allows it to expand and shrink without compromising its integrity, making it highly resistant to damage in freezing conditions. This has proven to be a lifesaver in areas like Texas during unexpected mid-winter freezes.

Encountering the Blowhard in any industry is common. I recently came across one and thought it was worth writing about.

Biomass boilers burn various fuels and come in different designs. Water vapor is produced when burning wood-based fuels, and the resulting condensate can be acidic and corrosive to metals like carbon steel and iron.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making changes to the voluntary WaterSense program for high-efficiency faucets and tank-type water closets (toilets) in 2024. These changes aim to promote water conservation and sustainability but may pose significant challenges for product manufacturers and the building industry.

Dave Yates, an expert in forensic plumbing and mechanical systems, emphasizes that in condensing appliances, the acidity of the condensate is linked to three main variables.

The plumbing industry is evolving with a focus on sustainability. Heat pump water heaters (HPWH) present an opportunity for contractors to stand out and meet changing client needs, contributing to environmental conservation and demonstrating leadership in a dynamic market.