July 2020 | PM Magazine | Plumbing & Mechanical

In the July 2020 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical, check out the latest trends in plumbing hand and electric tools; discover the advantages of tankless water heating in commercial applications; and much more.

Oil Heat Cares Helps Those in Need to Stay Warm

OESP members donate equipment and installations.

OHC Staff

May 13, 2020

Most homeowners don’t think about their heating system until something goes wrong. And when that happens, it can be a huge financial burden — one they may not be able to afford. Thankfully, organizations like Oil Heat Cares exist to help in those types of situations.

Truck of the Month: Community by the sea

Seaside Plumbing | Berlin, Maryland

Nadia Askar

July 8, 2020

Being an avid surfer in a community that revolves around the beach and ocean, Josh Martin, president and owner, knew “Seaside Plumbing” would be the perfect name for his company.

PM Profile: Schedule Engine bridges the technology gap for plumbing contractors

Tech company offers virtual solutions to home service industry.

Nicole Krawcke

July 7, 2020

Founded in 2017, Schedule Engine is a customer service support solution for home service contractors.

Mobile shower, laundry center serves North Carolina homeless community

The Hope Tank, a 24-foot box truck, is equipped with two private full baths and laundry room.

Madelyn Young

July 6, 2020

Homeless does not mean hopeless. This is the guiding conviction of a quite remarkable nonprofit called Hope Vibes.

3 advantages of going tankless in commercial buildings

Propane provides a versatile, efficient water heating solution for any size building.

Bryan Cordill

July 3, 2020

Water heating is a major energy consumer in commercial buildings, which is why they require systems that are reliable, efficient and able to meet varying levels of demand.

Provide your customers with healthy water at home

Help your customers save money rather than purchasing store-bought bottled water.

Brad Walsh

July 2, 2020

Today, more than ever, people are concerned with the quality of their drinking water.

Plumbing tools to maximize job-site productivity

Manufacturers look at trends shaping tool design.

Nicole Krawcke

July 1, 2020

The plumbing industry is ever-changing, and plumbing contractors are striving to maximize productivity and minimize call backs.

Matt Michel: 7 reasons for optimism in 2020

Don’t be a pessimist; look for the silver lining.

Matt Michel

June 29, 2020

There are a lot of reasons for pessimism in 2020. The country is divided.

Nicole Krawcke: Customer service can make or break your company

Ensure your entire team knows the meaning of good customer service.

Nicole Krawcke

June 30, 2020

Well, it finally happened. Michigan weather heated up, and my AC sputtered and died a sad death.

Ray Wohlfarth: Troubleshooting hydronic systems

Piping layout in hydronic systems is often confusing.

Ray Wohlfarth

June 29, 2020

When troubleshooting a hydronic system, the piping layout is often confusing. To understand the system, I sometimes sketch the piping to help me visualize the flow of water.

Dave Yates: 6 COVID-19 business tips

Capitalize on a cooped up population hungry to enhance safety, comfort and peace-of-mind.

Dave Yates

June 23, 2020

This past week, I experienced my first virtual doctor’s visit. First time for everything, right?

Al Levi: Hire willing people, provide skills or pay the price

How to build techs from scratch.

Al Levi

June 23, 2020

“Hire willing people and provide them the skills — as opposed to hiring spoiled, experienced people with skills and behavior problems.”

Kenny Chapman: Using effective communication to navigate change

Consistent communication makes it easier to navigate turbulent times when they arise.

Kenny Chapman

June 29, 2020

Even though we all understand change is a constant part of life and business, there has been a surplus of it (paired with uncertainty) lately.

Dan Holohan: Live seminars gone awry

What could go wrong? Plenty.

Dan Holohan

June 23, 2020

We learned from the pandemic that education is available in many more places than just at live seminars.

John Siegenthaler: Dos and don’ts of hydronic system design

10 lessons learnt.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

June 29, 2020

Anyone who says they wouldn’t change a thing on the hydronic systems they’ve designed or installed over the last decade is either so oblivious to changes in technology that they don’t know any better, so egotistical they can’t accept that improvement of their work is possible, or so foolish they don’t care what they’re missing out on.

Armstrong names new commercial director and country leader for U.S.

June 16, 2020

Building technology industries veteran Mike Fischer has joined Armstrong Fluid Technology as commercial director and country leader, USA.

Obituary: Les Nelson of RPA

June 3, 2020

Les Nelson died May 20 at his home in Corona, California, at the age of 66.

Plumber of the Month: Matthew J. Pillius

July 10, 2020

Why he’s PM’s Plumber of the Month: “Matt is truly the epitome of a craftsman and an entrepreneur. He designs custom systems for every home he visits, which allows us to give the most accurate and fair pricing for the product we are delivering.

Tool Tips: Stay Sharp

July 9, 2020

Carry lengths of pipe in a standard cargo van and eliminate roof racks.

Niles Steel Tank power heater series

July 9, 2020

The Niles Steel Tank electric power heater series delivers top performance for customers who demand durability, precision and reliability, the company notes.

NIBCO copper pipe system fittings

July 6, 2020

NIBCO PressACR fittings are for use in copper pipe systems for air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.

General Pipe Cleaners drain cleaners

July 6, 2020

General Pipe Cleaners notes customers can find top-quality drain-cleaning tools made by the company in the United States.

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry pipe and fittings

July 6, 2020

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Co. manufactures cast-iron and plastic pipe and fittings, all made in the USA. Offering a broad range of DWV products, Charlotte Pipe notes it is the only manufacturer that produces a system of cast-iron, PVC, CPVC and ABS pipe and fittings.