Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer - Articles

Eastern Washington Hospital Mechanical System

Old Systems, New Demands: How Contractors are Navigating the Retrofit Market

Integrating high-efficiency equipment with existing piping and controls remains a key challenge (and opportunity) in today’s retrofit market

Kristen R. Bayles

May 15, 2026

With an increase in retrofits in the current market, here’s how contractors are navigating the issues that come with it.

ASA and PHCC Members Bring Unified Industry Voice to Capitol Hill

Plumbing & Mechanical Editorial Staff

May 12, 2026

Among the primary topics discussed during congressional meetings was the need to strengthen workforce development initiatives and expand pathways into the skilled trades.

The International Code Council's Building Safety Month

Plumbing & Mechanical Editorial Staff

May 11, 2026

For 46 years, Building Safety Month has helped people understand the impact that building codes have on their daily lives.

Why Prefabrication Is Becoming the Backbone of MEP Contractor Operations

New data shows contractors shifting toward fabrication-led workflows as labor shortages and operational strain continue to rise.

Kristen R. Bayles

May 8, 2026

New report from Stratus reveals how labor shortages, material costs, and limited operational visibility are driving digital adoption and prefabrication.

Guard on Compliance | Misty Guard

The Impact of EU Reach on Plumbing Component Materials

A look at the pending European regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in light of the European Committee for Socio-economic Analysis draft opinion.

Misty Guard

May 7, 2026

European Union (E.U.) regulators have concluded that PFAS, which do not degrade in the environment, are a major problem.

Rinnai's RCW Series floor-standing boiler system.

First Canadian installation of Rinnai RCW Series floor-standing boiler system

The system was installed in a 17-storey residential building.

April 16, 2026

Rinnai commercial sales and engineering personnel were present onsite during startup to support commissioning and verify combustion performance.

Verantum and XOi partner to improve asset performance by connecting building data with field operations

Combining real-time building intelligence with jobsite asset data to help operators detect issues earlier and reduce downtime.

April 15, 2026

By connecting building systems with field execution, Verantum and XOi aim to provide a more practical, data-driven approach to managing assets more effectively at scale.

Maryland State House capitol building view from Bladen street at string, Annapolis MA, USA

Maryland’s Utility RELIEF Act allocates over $72 million for equitable home energy upgrades and updates SEIF, expanding access to heat pumps

New heat pump funding and authorization of Maryland’s Strategic Energy Investment Fund for building electrification aims to lower Marylanders’ energy bills and create jobs.

April 14, 2026

In addition to improving energy affordability and creating clean energy economy jobs in Maryland, the building electrification provisions in the Utility RELIEF Act will also support Maryland’s decarbonization goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% in the next five years and attain net-zero emissions by 2045.

Guard on Compliance | Misty Guard

New Mexico's PFAS regulations signal a new regulatory era

New Mexico's proposed 20.13.2 NMAC rule serves as a highly detailed prototype for how regulators plan to track and restrict PFAs.

Misty Guard

April 8, 2026

As the United States (U.S.) States pioneer regulations for trace chemicals, manufacturers, specifying engineers, and contractors must adapt to a new era.

Renewable Heating Design | John Siegenthaler

How to change the staging status of two heat sources

Who's on first?

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

April 6, 2026

What if your boiler system could automatically switch between heat sources based on energy cost? A closer look at staging logic, relays and smarter system control.