Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer

RSS

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week, Plumbing & Mechanical is shining the spotlight on 10 influential women who are leading the plumbing industry to great success.

AHR consistently impresses with innovative PHVAC technologies, educational seminars, engaging presentations, and impressive exhibits while emphasizing that hands-on skills in trades like PHVAC, electrical work, and carpentry cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.

A recent design approach for air-to-water and water-to-water heat pumps is "direct-to-load" piping. This method utilizes an inverter-driven scroll compressor, which operates across a wide range of speeds and can handle on/off cycling without the high inrush current typically seen in fixed-speed compressors.

As 2025 approaches, the U.S. Department of Labor prepares to unveil its annual inflation adjustments to civil monetary penalties. This year's updates will significantly affect OSHA penalties in the plumbing and mechanical industries. Stay informed about the key changes that could impact your business.

Mary-Anne Bowcott, owner of Westcom Plumbing and Gas Ltd. and known as "The Lady Plumber," defies gender norms in the plumbing industry, sharing her journey of resilience and becoming a mentor for aspiring tradespeople.

Polycam, a computer vision platform for photorealistic 3D capture, has launched a suite of new tools designed to streamline 3D workflows for professionals in architecture, engineering, construction and product design, a recent announcement said.

Revival Brewing and Lost Valley Pizza faced plumbing challenges at their new location. Walter F. Morris introduced Saniflo's solutions, recommending the Sanicom 2 for the bar area and the Sanicubic 2 for restrooms. They later dealt with additional issues when adding a sink near the pizza oven and during bar construction.

California's push to replace gas-fired water heaters with electric heat pumps marks a significant shift in the construction industry. This electrification trend, while still emerging, is prompting plumbing contractors to navigate the changes brought on by decarbonization, impacting HVAC technicians and the broader market.

Last month's column discussed piping for air-to-water heat pumps. A 2-pipe system allows staging but not simultaneous heating and cooling, while a 4-pipe system with motorized valves enables both modes of operation.

Formaldehyde, vital in resins and adhesives, poses serious health risks, with the U.S. EPA identifying 58 unsafe uses. Regulatory action is needed, but the impact of a potential second Trump administration on these regulations remains uncertain, highlighting concerns for public safety.