PM’s Top 10 Most-Read Stories of 2018

These 10 most-read stories got the most hits from check valves to venting to leak detection on www.pmmag.com over the past year.

Installing check valves in a recirculation system

I had an interesting discussion recently about the use of check valves. One plumbing contractor commented that most plumbers don’t know how and where to install check valves. I countered with, “Shouldn’t the engineer designing the system tell the plumbing contractor where the check valves must be installed?” Read More>>

by Ray Wohlfarth

The leak-detection revolution

With homes in the U.S. continuing to age, and with the Internet of Things continuing to infiltrate the home services and products market, it is not surprising that leak detection has exploded in popularity this past year. Read More>>

by Jen Anesi-Brombach

When and how to use reverse return piping

In many hydronic systems, there’s a need to divide the overall system flow into equal streams that pass through several identical components. The physics necessary for this are simple: If the flow resistance of each piping path from a common source point to a common return point is the same, the flow will divide equally. Reverse return piping was developed to help achieve this goal. Read More>>

by John Siegenthaler

4 things to look out for in steam boiler pressure controls

Something is wrong with the boiler control. I have to keep pushing the reset button,” the frantic school custodian said when I answered the phone one cold January morning.
“Which control is it?” I asked.
“The one on the boiler,” he replied. “Please hurry!” Read More>>

by Ray Wohlfarth

Mysteries of wet venting in bathrooms

I collect old plumbing codes. The oldest plumbing code I have dates back to 1913. Of course, you have to realize that by 1920, less than 1% of homes had indoor plumbing. Hence, plumbing regulations were a new concept. Read More>>

by Julius Ballanco

PM’s Top 20 Products of 2017

Each year, Plumbing & Mechanical editors receive thousands of plumbing, heating, and radiant & hydronics product releases from industry manufacturers. The 20 products on the list below have earned the distinction of being PM’s Top Products of 2017 based on pageviews at www.PMmag.com. Read More>>

Should you own a combustion analyzer

My kids jokingly call me cheap, as I do not like to spend money. When analyzing a purchase, I equate it to how many hours I must work on a lousy jobsite to pay for my indulgence. Read More>>

by Ray Wohlfarth

Top water heating trends of 2018

While new energy efficiency standards shook up the water heating industry in 2015, these products are still undergoing many changes as a number of factors continue to shape storage-type and tankless water heater design. Additionally, the Internet of Things is helping give installers and end users new and unique insight into — and control over — their equipment. Read More>>

by Jen Anesi-Brombach

Why is the relief valve leaking

A common sight in a hydronic boiler room is water dripping from the discharge pipe of the boiler relief valve. While it may appear to be inconsequential, it could cause extensive damage to the heating system. Read More>>

by Ray Wohlfarth

How to sell leak-control technologies

Despite the current political discourse about facts and leaks, for the plumbing industry, the fact is leaks are big business. And leak-detection and leak-control technologies stand to amplify revenue for every plumber who embraces them. Let’s break down why your business needs to capitalize on this opportunity and how it will benefit both you and your customer. Read More>>

by Ian Greene