Articles by Natalie Forster

Modern plumbing infrastructure is so embedded in daily life that it is often taken for granted. Yet its impact on global health is enormous.

The upward pricing trend that carried into the new year is continuing through February and into March, with a steady stream of plumbing, hydronic, HVAC and PVF manufacturers announcing increases. While many adjustments are landing in the low- to mid-single-digit range, several manufacturers are implementing category-specific or “various” increases, with select product lines moving higher.

If emergency tariffs are ultimately invalidated and refunds issued, the headline may suggest broad financial relief. However, plumbing contractors and specifying engineers should temper expectations.

AHR Expo 2026 made it clear that hybrid systems are no longer an emerging idea; they are the answer to the ongoing balancing act of meeting decarbonization goals while remaining realistic about the grid's capacity for electrification. Manufacturers emphasized systems that combine electric technologies, gas-fired equipment, and advanced controls.

In this episode of And So It Flows, Jennifer Harrison and Kaytee Gray from SupplyHouse.com discuss how digital merchandising and fulfillment are evolving to empower contractors with expert product information, simplifying decision-making in the field.

Lock Supply Co.’s Tim Savage breaks down how practical AI tools are accelerating quoting, closing knowledge gaps, and strengthening contractor trust — without replacing the human side of sales.

How material selection, flow dynamics, temperature control and commissioning practices influence microbial and Legionella risk.

In today’s technology-heavy plumbing and mechanical industry, “must-see” products aren’t just shiny new equipment, they’re solutions that help solve today’s labor constraints, reduce callbacks, and keep buildings running with fewer surprises.

Manufacturers exhibiting at AHR Expo 2026 are bringing forward solutions that prioritize intelligence, flexibility and practicality, addressing real-world challenges faced by contractors, engineers, distributors and building owners.

In this episode of And So It Flows, host Natalie Forster sits down with Spencer Pope, manager of technical support and training at Bradford White, to explore how education and workforce development are evolving across the plumbing, HVAC and mechanical trades.