Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer - Articles

An air conditioning engineer is finishing the installation of several units on a rooftop. Two colleagues can be seen also installing units in the background. They are wearing high visibility jackets, hard hats and safety goggles.

Renewable Heating Design | John Siegenthaler

Using ratios to measure, compare and improve HVAC systems

Relating to ratios

October 15, 2025

Many of the ratios used in the HVAC industry are just some “desirable output” quantity divided by the “necessary input” quantity. One example is the coefficient of performance (COP) of a heat pump. The desirable output quantity is Btu/hr of heat output. The necessary input quantity is the electrical input power needed to operate the heat pump. The latter is typically measured in watts or kilowatts.

Sewage treatment plant for wastewater purification.

Smarter solutions for overcoming wastewater management challenges

Learn how advanced centrifugal grinder pump design addresses common performance and maintenance hurdles.

Andy Freberg

October 13, 2025

The most efficient grinder pump requires no maintenance, manages solids without clogging, and supports various wastewater systems by preventing settling and handling modern “flushable” products.

A male engineer is examining the pipe system and checking the data on his tablet.

Boiler efficiency starts with water chemistry

Why testing before installation matters.

Steve Wieland

October 10, 2025

Water chemistry significantly affects boilers, with scale buildup as small as one-sixteenth of an inch causing a 20 percent loss in heating efficiency and leading to corrosion, leaks, and potential boiler failure. Analyzing water chemistry beforehand is crucial for identifying necessary solutions and ensuring long-term performance.

Guard on Compliance | Misty Guard

From air compressors to plumbing fixtures: Navigating Canada's sweeping new efficiency standards

Misty Guard

September 30, 2025

In 2016, Natural Resources Canada ("NRCan") released Amendment 18 to the Energy Efficiency Regulations, enhancing energy efficiency and water conservation. It introduces new product categories, updates existing requirements, and allows automatic adoption of future U.S. Department of Energy updates.

Female technician repairing heating system pipes in the boiler room.

Breaking barriers: UA Local 9’s Committee leads the way in recruitment, mentorship and support

From schools to job sites, the union’s women-led initiative is challenging outdated stereotypes and proving that women belong in the trades.

Natalie Forster

September 24, 2025

Women make up only 2-3% of the plumbing workforce and 8% of plumbing apprentices. In construction trades, they hold 3.9% of roles like plumber or pipefitter, a 32% increase since 2016, totaling over 314,000 tradeswomen, according to the Institute of Women’s Policy Research.

Hologram of drawing of a house project over blueprints

Engineering for a connected future

Why today’s engineers must think beyond isolated systems to design adaptable, future-proof buildings.

Kristen R. Bayles

September 19, 2025

Designing and managing buildings today means thinking beyond individual systems: it’s about creating integrated environments that are equally efficient, adaptable, and sustainable. Connected buildings are reshaping system integration, but what does that mean for engineers, and how can smart design choices today future-proof buildings for tomorrow?