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Home » Authors » Dave Yates
Dave Yates

Dave Yates

Dave Yates began his career in the PHCP-PVF trades in 1972 with F. W. Behler, a third-generation plumbing/ HVAC firm he purchased in 1985. Besides running F.W. Behler, writing articles for industry trade publications and speaking at events, Yates also is an experienced teacher in the hydronics industry, serving as an adjunct professor and on the Technical Advisory Board for the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. He can be reached at dyates@consultyates.com.

Articles

ARTICLES

Vivid close-up of a chrome faucet dispensing fresh water, symbolizing hygiene, cleanliness, and home efficiency.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

My water stinks: Behind a common customer complaint

What started as a customer complaint years ago comes home, and sparks a deeper look at water quality, anode rods and aerators.
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
December 2, 2025

Well, isn’t this just great: the faucet they purchased from the big box story stinks and now that’s my fault?! On arrival, I could not detect any odor at all, but they insisted there was an odor - except when I was there.


Read More
Close up of outdoor water tap covered in frost, attached to a wooden post on an allotment garden in winter.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Weather disasters are increasing; keep your shop and team prepared

Dave Yates
Dave Yates
November 3, 2025

Weather emergencies have steadily increased in frequency and severity over the past six decades. In addition to a gasoline-powered high-volume dewatering pump, we maintained an inventory of submersible sump pumps and if it looked like severe weather was potentially headed our way, I increased our inventory.


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Construction worker wearing safety harness and safety line working at high place.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Death waits for no one: A lesson in confined spaces

Dave Yates
Dave Yates
October 7, 2025

We didn't fully grasp the dangers since no one was OSHA certified or required to comply. It wasn't until one employee reported feeling faint while testing backflow preventers in a large underground pit that I recognized the risks. My right-hand man, also the Deputy Chief of the local hazmat team, had expertise in air quality testing.


Read More
A2L

Things are changing: What contractors need to know about the A2L transition

Dave Yates
Dave Yates
September 17, 2025

In a here-we-go-again move, we must now transition from HFC to A2L mildly flammable refrigerants. The good news is the operating pressures are virtually the same and this time, the refrigerant oil is the same.


Read More
Compressors air conditioners on grass field.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Bacterial buildup in condensate lines presents both a challenge and a service strategy for HVAC professionals

Tackling Zoogloea
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
July 31, 2025

If a customer complains about an air conditioning odor, mention bacteria in condensate drain pans and lines, which is bacterial zoogloea. It thrives in dark, moist, warm settings and can infest the indoor evaporator coil in extreme neglect. The bacteria feed on dust and organic matter not caught by filters.


Read More
Happy couple shaking hands with their real estate agent after successful deal in the apartment. Workers wearing yellow safety hats and overalls are in the background.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Working with home warranty companies

The partnership can pay off, but only if you control the terms and play by the rules.
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
July 8, 2025

Since home warranty companies deal with numerous customers and service contracts, they can provide a steady stream of work, which helps maintain cash flow, even in slow seasons or during economic downturns.


Read More
Latin American plumber fixing a toilet in the bathroom.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Troubleshooting common airflow plumbing issues

Gone with the flow: Gasping for air!
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
June 2, 2025

Every time we try flushing our toilet, it just swirls around the bowl and ever so slowly goes down. Does it do this on every other flush? No. Well, that ruled out an after-fill tube having slipped off of the overflow tube and, sure enough, once on site with tank lid removed, the ballcock’s after-fill tube was securely inside the overflow tube. 


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John Siegenthaler, Hot Rod Rohr and Dave Yates reunite at the Lochinvar booth at AHR 2025.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Eye candy from The AHR Expo 2025

Go with the flow
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
May 12, 2025

Eye candy would best describe many of the products on display at the great AHR Exposition recently held in Orlando Florida’s Convention Center.


Read More
Geothermal Power Plant: Geothermal electricity is electricity generated from geothermal energy.

Demystifying ground source heat pumps

A guide to retrofit and new construction geothermal heat pumps.
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
April 7, 2025

GSHP systems have one primary significant difference: the outdoor refrigerant coil and fan are absent. Instead of these components, the functions of the outdoor condenser have been integrated into the indoor unit, resulting in a hybrid condenser and evaporator unit.


Read More
Crowds at the AHR Expo exhibition floor in Orlando, Florida
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

AHR day 3: Best in show

Dave Yates
Dave Yates
March 31, 2025

As the morning passed, crowds thinned and by midmorning, you have unfettered access to folks working booths who are happy to see you and eager to show off their wares. This is by far the best time to establish inside contacts and create bonds with manufacturers.


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View All Articles by Dave Yates
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