Natalie Forster

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.

Baby Boomers own the most homes in the U.S., but Millennials and Gen Z are gaining. In 2024, Millennials made up 29% of homebuyers, while 33% of older Gen Z members (around 27) are homeowners, compared to about 40% of the same-age Baby Boomers.

With over 75,000 square feet of fabrication space, cutting-edge technology, and a “Care First” safety culture that prioritizes both physical and mental well-being, Arden’s success is not just measured in projects completed—but in the trust earned across generations of clients and partners.

Plumbing contractors are engaging directly with legislators to promote policies for clean water, workforce development, and resilient plumbing. Over 100 PHCC members, leaders, and industry stakeholders met in Washington from May 20–21 to support industry issues.

The 2025 survey asked a handful of simple questions, starting with, “What is your most-used plumbing tool?” Nearly 25% of respondents said Channel Locks, while the majority of other contractors shared that their most-reached-for tool is a set of pump pliers. Adjustable wrenches and screwdrivers, specifically Philips-head, are notably popular as well.

Plumbing & Mechanical sat down with Bruce Carnevale, CEO of Bradford White, just after its most recent acquisition of Bock Water Heats, to learn the strategy behind this aggressive expansion approach.

In a recent whitepaper written by Dr. Janet Stout and Abraham Cullom of the Special Pathogens lab – both legionella experts – it’s reported that legionaires disseas is on the rise, particularly in the healthcare setting. Cliamte change, aging infrastrcuturem increasing population are all identified factors that increase legionella cases.

People in the surrounding area reported multiple explosions during the blaze. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Chemicals were present inside Rovanco’s facility, but fire officials said there were no air quality concerns associated with the flames.

As end users become more aware of and knowledgeable about the damaging effects of PFAS, microplastics, other chemicals, and hard water, plumbing professionals must be up-to-date with the latest water treatment and filtration technologies on the market. Plumbing & Mechanical sat down with Sara Krupa, category manager, filtration at Moen, to talk all things water filtration.

In the world of service contractors — where time, labor and oftentimes materials — are in limited supply, establishing a brand and marketing strategy aren’t always top of mind. For Texas-based plumbing contractor, Plumbing Outfitters, undergoing a rebrand was about much more than portraying an image.