2021 June

The June 2021 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features the 2021 Plumbing & Mechanical Manufacturers Rep of the Year: Hart, Travers & Associates, water safety in DHW recirculation, and much more!

2021 Plumbing & Mechanical Manufacturers Rep of the Year: Hart, Travers & Associates

Lombard, Illinois-based firm takes this year’s honor as PM’s Manufacturers Rep of the Year.

Nicole Krawcke

June 7, 2021

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The PHVAC industry is all about relationship building — and manufacturers rep firm Hart, Travers & Associates lives and breathes this concept.

Water safety in DHW recirculation

5 things you need you know.

Kevin Freidt

June 14, 2021

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Domestic hot water recirculation system design is a hot topic in our industry, for good reason.

Non-traditional pipe for a non-traditional college

San Jacinto College thinks outside the box, both for its students and its facilities.

Ron Rajecki

June 16, 2021

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“We know that not everyone is a ‘traditional’ student,” reads the website for San Jacinto Community College.

Is boiler turndown really that important?

High turndown does not equal high efficiency.

Dan Goellner

June 9, 2021

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It’s without question that technology has improved the mechanical world around us. From my smartphone, I can instantly see the health of hundreds of our boiler plants across the country.

Nicole Krawcke: PHCC contractor survey reports positive signs one year after COVID-19

PHVAC contractors identify increased business costs as their top concern over the next six months.

Nicole Krawcke

June 4, 2021

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Summer is just around the corner, and things are beginning to look up in the U.S. More than 45% of American adults are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dave Yates: Troubleshooting an electric water heater

Tips and tricks of the trade.

Dave Yates

May 31, 2021

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Troubleshooting tank-style two-element electric water heaters is relatively simple once the operation is understood.

Matt Michel: 9 ways to help your plumbing company stand out

Tips to differentiate yourself in the marketplace.

Matt Michel

May 3, 2021

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For consumers, one plumbing company looks pretty much like any other.

Codes Corner: Water efficiency is critical to creating sustainable and resilient communities

Model building codes and standards have already begun addressing this.

Jim Cika

May 4, 2021

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As the creation of sustainable and resilient buildings becomes a greater priority, especially over the past year, one critical component will be to ensure our buildings are water efficient.

John Siegenthaler: Keeping your cool

Important details for small-scale chilled water cooling.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

May 26, 2021

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Most of the modern hydronics technology used in North America for residential and light commercial buildings is for heating.

Dan Holohan: Are you treating those systems?

Water quality can impact the operation and life cycle of hydronic systems.

Dan Holohan

May 27, 2021

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I was wondering about boiler chemicals and how many contractors (if any) were using them on brand-new systems. Do we need them?

Kenny Chapman: Three keys for building sustainable growth

The differences between temporary growth and sustainable growth.

Kenny Chapman

May 28, 2021

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We all want to grow in life, and especially in business. It is part of the measurement of success we as leaders can look at, and it’s one we often have to meet for our stakeholders and team members.

Water Wisdom: Disinfection byproducts in drinking water

The unintended consequences of water treatment.

P. “Regu” Regunathan

June 2, 2021

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Disinfection byproducts (DBP) are becoming a matter of renewed concern in the regulatory and scientific world. It is necessary for all of us to understand the reasons and facts behind such new activity in this field.

Marketing Magic: 8 local SEO tips for plumbing and mechanical contractors

How to improve your digital marketing strategy.

Danielle Shulman

June 3, 2021

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Many plumbing contractors ask the question: “What is the best way to advertise my business locally?”

HoldRite firestop sleeves

June 3, 2021

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UL listed to protect against fire, water and smoke, HoldRite HydroFlame cast-in-place sleeves accommodate penetrants from 1/2" to 12", the widest range in the industry, the company notes.

Laars combi boilers

June 18, 2021

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Laars Heating Systems’ ultra-high-efficiency floor-standing FT series combination boiler and water heater is the only residential combi boiler that simultaneously supplies abundant home heat and endless hot water without interruption, the company states.

Vesta residential/commercial tankless water heaters

June 17, 2021

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Vesta. DS’ premium condensing tankless water heaters are CSA, AHRI and NSF certified, feature a 0.95 UEF, low NOx and are lead free.

Navien Tankless water heater

June 16, 2021

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Navien’s NPE-2 condensing tankless water heaters include a turndown ratio up to 15:1, advanced EZNav multi-line control panel with setup wizard, and 2" PVC venting up to 75', Navien notes.

Canature WaterGroup lead removal

June 15, 2021

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Aqua Flo QCRO is certified by IAPMO R&T to NSF/ANSI 58 and CSA B483.1 for the reduction of lead, PFOS/PFOA, arsenic and other harmful substances.

Aqua-Rex water conditioner

June 14, 2021

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Aqua-Rex has an updated version of its highly successful physical water conditioner, the alternative to a conventional water softener, which is unique in having independent third-party performance verification from IAPMO R & T Labs using its IGC 335 test protocol, Aqua-Rex states.

Phyn smart water sensor

June 11, 2021

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Phyn’s Smart Water Sensor, available in one, two and three packs, safeguards homes against water damage by detecting leaks, changes in temperatures and potentially damaging humidity levels.

Nortek Global HVAC unit heaters

June 10, 2021

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Nortek Global HVAC has redesigned its entire Reznor brand of commercial/industrial/residential gas-fired unit heaters for the North American market.

General Pipe Cleaners trailer jet

June 9, 2021

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Great for a wide range of heavy-duty plumbing, drain cleaning, maintenance and rental applications, the Typhoon trailer jet from General Pipe Cleaners blows away blockages in big lines and long runs, the manufacturer explains.

Raypak commercial gas water heater

June 8, 2021

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Raypak’s Triton commercial gas water heater is an ideal solution for tight space applications.

Victaulic fire protection bracket

June 7, 2021

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Victaulic’s VicFlex style AB2 bracket now includes a new over/under center bracket that can be flipped around the center bar, making it easy to install from above or below, the company explains.

Viega stainless fittings

June 4, 2021

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Viega’s MegaPress stainless press fittings provide time savings for industrial fire protection installations, the company explains.

AGF Manufacturing flood eliminator

May 31, 2021

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To limit the negative impact of a failed auxiliary drain, AGF created the model 5900FE FLOOD ELIMINATOR.

Easyflex flexible sprinkler drop

June 1, 2021

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Easyflex’s new ultra performance flexible sprinkler drop features a 1 1/4" ID, which translates into less friction loss than 1" Schedule 40 pipe with the same number of 90s, Easyflex points out.

RectorSeal tub box kits

June 2, 2021

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Available with 2" and 3" Metacaulk cast-in-place device, the RectorSeal tub box kits are designed to prevent the spread of fire from bathtub or jet-spa drains to the upper level.