Plumbing and Mechanical

Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

From cutting edge to classic: How to modernize outdated pneumatic control systems

A look at how a once state-of-the-art pneumatic control system has aged, and what it takes to modernize it.

November 21, 2025

On this job, I was reminded of how this “cutting edge” system that was installed fifty years ago is now considered "old school."

Bearded plumber uses a wrench to repair a gas boiler.

Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

Injection mixing revisited: part one

Injection mixing remains one of the most adaptable and underutilized methods in hydronic system design.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

November 17, 2025

For boilers operating on natural gas or propane, flue gas condensation begins at inlet water temperatures below about 130 ºF. Boilers operating on low sulfur #2 fuel oil have lower dewpoint temperatures in the range of 110 ºF.

Super Meeting 2025 poster. 'Own Your Market' with illustrated man and woman in plumbing uniform, each holding a wrench.

Editorial Opinion | Kristen Bayles

When competition becomes community

At Nexstar’s SuperWeek, the sense of community within the trades was palpable.

Kristen R. Bayles

November 5, 2025

People from all over the world came together with a shared purpose: to learn, grow, and help one another succeed. I sat with plumbers from Georgia during one session, and over lunch, I joined a group from Wisconsin. We talked about everything from the unique challenges of running a business in different regions to funny on-the-job stories that reminded us all why we love this industry.

Close up of outdoor water tap covered in frost, attached to a wooden post on an allotment garden in winter.

Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Weather disasters are increasing; keep your shop and team prepared

Dave Yates

November 3, 2025

Weather emergencies have steadily increased in frequency and severity over the past six decades. In addition to a gasoline-powered high-volume dewatering pump, we maintained an inventory of submersible sump pumps and if it looked like severe weather was potentially headed our way, I increased our inventory.

How to sell trenchless relining in 2026

Building trust through innovation and code compliance.

Natalie Forster

November 6, 2025

The technology itself isn’t new — cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) methods have been around for decades — but the conversation around it is changing fast. With infrastructure spending increasing and municipalities under pressure to minimize disruption, contractors who can confidently sell and explain trenchless rehabilitation are in a position to win more business than ever before.

The Glitch & The Fix: November 2025

Overlooped: Boiler swap gone wrong

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

November 4, 2025

An owner, who has never been satisfied with the performance of his heating system, decides that the boiler must be the root cause of all the performance issues. Not wanting to spend any more than necessary, he makes several calls looking for the lowest boiler replacement price.

An overhead shot of the Global Mercy, the largest civilian hospital ship in the world, carries out life-saving surgeries every day.

Training and Education

How Do Volunteers Save Lives Through Ship Plumbing Training?

Mercy Ships’ partnership with SkillCat trains volunteers to maintain life-saving plumbing systems aboard hospital ships.

Kristen R. Bayles

November 19, 2025

At sea, there’s no backup system for clean water. Every drop must be filtered, pumped and protected — and that’s where plumbers come in. On Mercy Ships’ floating hospitals, skilled volunteers work to maintain these life-sustaining systems, ensuring that the ability to deliver safe, reliable care doesn’t leave when the ship sails away.

White Oak 1838 radiant system, orange tiles

Project Profile

Radiant roots: preserving history while powering modern comfort

Elaborate plan delivers efficiency for former Amish barn built in 1838.

Thomas Renner

November 14, 2025

Designing and installing a system for the unique venue posed challenges that demanded meticulous attention to detail and coordination. It needed to accommodate visitor needs while blending with the building's rustic character. “Introducing modern mechanical systems without disrupting its historic charm was difficult,” said Selestow.

Smart construction technology concept with engineer activating virtual engineering tools.

Smart tools in skilled hands: AI in the trades

Contractors are finding real-world ways to integrate artificial intelligence into daily operations.

Kristen R. Bayles

November 13, 2025

Artificial intelligence is being used in a plethora of ways across the trades industry. According to Lynn Wise, CEO of Contractor in Charge, “Plumbing and mechanical contractors are moving past the experimental phase of AI and are adopting practical solutions that integrate directly into their daily operations. These tools are streamlining workflows, enhancing customer service, and boosting profitability.”

Side view of the air source heat pump outside in the garden, near wooden fence on a sunny day.

The next frontier for heat pumps

Heat pumps are redefining what’s possible in commercial and industrial efficiency.

Kristen R. Bayles

November 10, 2025

Driven by advancements in refrigerants, controls and system design, modern heat pumps are taking on applications once thought beyond their reach — from food service and healthcare to district energy and industrial processes. This evolution is creating new opportunities for engineers, facility owners and contractors to rethink how buildings are heated, cooled and powered.