technology - Page 1 | Plumbing & Mechanical

And So It Flows Podcast

And So It Flows: How AI and Gen Z Are Transforming the Trades The trades, technology and a new generation

As conversations around artificial intelligence continue to dominate headlines, an equally important shift is happening in the skilled trades.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 23, 2026

In a recent episode of And So It Flows, Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro, joined host Kristen Bayles to discuss how AI, changing workforce priorities and evolving technology are driving renewed interest in careers across plumbing, HVAC and other home service trades.

A computer screen showing a sequence of 0s and 1s.

JobTread launches AI Connector

JobTread customers can now connect AI tools like Claude or ChatGPT directly to their organization through JobTread’s native integration.

April 22, 2026

Any customer with an AI account can begin asking questions, generating outputs, and taking action in real time due to JobTread’s open API.

How inspection technology is transforming drain work

Advances in camera systems are helping contractors reduce uncertainty, limit excavation and win more business.

Dave Dunbar

April 20, 2026

Contractors have found that, when used correctly, camera systems simplify their lives, increase their options, and pay for themselves very quickly.

ServiceTitan report finds AI adoption more than doubles among commercial contractors

Firms are turning to technology to navigate cost pressures.

March 30, 2026

Nearly 40% of contractors report measurable AI impact, up from 17% in 2025, signaling a shift toward technology-driven operations.

Editorial Opinion | Kristen Bayles

AHR and KBIS/IBS highlighted how AI, efficiency mandates and workforce evolution are converging on the jobsite

Tech takes the lead

Kristen R. Bayles

March 25, 2026

The conversation has clearly moved beyond connectivity for connectivity’s sake, and into something more actionable; and, with new expectations for energy-efficient and low-carbon systems, more necessary.

Grove Mountain Partners launches Team First Home Services

The company has named Mike Bornhorst CEO, and announced initial partnerships.

March 13, 2026

New residential services platform with a dedicated focus on plumbing, sewer, water and related home services launches.

The end of reactive service

Sensorization, analytics, and service model transformation is changing the way that contractors react to, and are able to prevent, disruptions of service.

Kristen R. Bayles

March 12, 2026

In a data-informed environment, plumbing and mechanical systems become managed infrastructure — visible, measurable and continuously optimized. Contractors who embrace that reality position themselves not simply as technicians, but as long-term asset stewards in an increasingly performance-driven built environment.

Housecall Pro unveils platform upgrades

The upgrades are based on feedback from users.

February 24, 2026

The field service software introduces new features suggested by the user community, including core improvements to payroll, accounting and more.

RIDGID showcases 30 years of diagnostics and latest products at WWETT 2026

WWETT will take place Feb. 17-19, in Indianapolis.

February 10, 2026

This year, RIDGID is highlighting the FlexShaft KM-1004 Milling Machine, a drain cleaning and milling solution.

Samsung Electronics' new SmatThings platform.

Samsung Electronics launched SmartThings Pro HVAC offerings at AHR 2026

The platform was unveiled at AHR 2026.

February 5, 2026

The SmartThings Pro AI-powered IoT platform equips HVAC professionals with a centralized solution to remotely manage, monitor and optimize HVAC systems across residential and commercial environments.