From its 1951 beginnings to its expansion into plumbing and investment in technology, education, and leadership, Supply House Times’ 2026 Supply House of the Year continues to evolve without losing sight of what drives the business: its clients.
Technicians entered the trades to diagnose problems, fix equipment and provide customers with solutions … usually, it’s not to become salespeople. So, when an owner or service manager announces a new sales training initiative, the intended message and the one technicians hear can be quite different.
A proposed bill could allow qualifying plumbers and other workers in physically demanding careers to receive full Social Security retirement benefits at age 60. The legislation outlines two potential paths to qualify and could have implications for skilled trades workforce recruitment and retention.
Even Super Mario isn’t immune to outdated stereotypes about plumbers. One line from the iconic character offers a reminder of why the industry must continue sharing the skill, knowledge, and essential work behind the plumbing profession.
In the debut episode of Beyond the Pipes, a So It Flows podcast segment from Plumbing & Mechanical, host Chris Lollini sits down with Josh Hollub, fourth-generation master plumber and commercial and industrial supervisor at Modern Plumbing Company, to challenge conventional thinking about business growth.
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In June 2026, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) published the 2027 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) in hardcopy and electronic formats, closing out the 2027 three-year consensus development process accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
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Recruiting the next generation is only part of the workforce challenge. Hands-on training, apprenticeships and stronger industry partnerships can help new tradespeople arrive on the jobsite ready to contribute.
The conversation around heat pump water heaters is far from settled. In this letter, a retired plumbing contractor shares why he believes the industry should continue the debate.
By understanding the benefits, limitations, and installation requirements of tankless technology, plumbing professionals can guide homeowners toward a water heating solution that aligns with their budget, lifestyle, and hot water demands.
As temperatures drop, solvent-welded joints require longer set and cure times before pressure testing or being placed into service. Contractors should follow manufacturer guidance based on pipe size, temperature and operating pressure.
IAPMO/ANSI/CAN Z1403-2026 is available through the IAPMO Online Store in English and French and provides a resource for designers and regulators seeking a modern approach to residential water supply sizing.
