Piping | Plumbing | PVF

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I first encountered formic acid erosion/corrosion when our installed air conditioning and heat pump evaporator (indoor) coils began suddenly leaking refrigerant in 2008. These were not old coils either, and some had only been installed for a year when the issues arose.

Over the past 60 years, plastic piping materials have evolved from a new alternative to the material of choice for building and construction applications such as hot- and cold-water plumbing distribution, fire protection and mechanical systems like hydronics and chilled water.

When I first entered the trades in 1972, residential tank-style water heaters shipped with the aquastat set to approximately 140° F. Dishwashers had no need to incorporate a sanitizing cycle. Around 1977, water heater manufacturers were required to lower the aquastat temperature setting to approximately 120°, and now, dishwashers needed to incorporate a sanitizing cycle where rinse water in their reservoir was raised to 140° or higher.

Quite frequently I get phone calls and emails requesting sizing help for projects. Many times, they are the common straightforward applications for a restaurant, office building or hotel. And then there are those that are a bit strange, slightly challenging, and best of all, humorous.

Several different balancing valve technologies exist in today’s market; some are new and some have been around for decades.

For many customers and projects, selecting a propane tankless water heater is a smart decision. 

Gas-fired appliances are commonly used for space heating, water heating, cooking and more.

Minimum requirements for medical gas services and outlets have, for a long time, been confusing to plumbing designers.

Why aren’t circuit venting methods accepted in every jurisdiction across the U.S.? Circuit venting is not an engineered design system, nor does it need an engineer’s approval.

Different ways to pipe a thermal storage tank.