Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer - Articles

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.

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From schools to job sites, the union’s women-led initiative is challenging outdated stereotypes and proving that women belong in the trades.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