2021 November

In the November 2021 issue of Plumbing and Mechanical read about Electric vehicles creating a buzz; Tankless blossoms in commercial sector; Resilient fire sprinkler systems, and much more.

Nicole Krawcke: The art of the upsell

It’s all in the language and presentation.

Nicole Krawcke

November 10, 2021

It’s hard to believe November is just around the corner. Not because the year has seemingly flown by or anything, but because Southeastern Michigan was still experiencing 80° F muggy days in mid-October. It’s been crazy!

Guest Editorial

Brian Bond: Positioning your plumbing company for sale

Ensure your business is getting the best valuation.

Brian Bond

November 9, 2021

Selling your plumbing company can be one of the hardest things in the world to do. You have spent your life building up your company, making it into a profitable venture and now, it is time to sell.

Guest Editorial

Frank Favaro: Becoming known, liked and trusted during the pandemic

How to build up customer trust in your company.

Frank Favaro

November 8, 2021

The pandemic has disrupted the world and how business today is done. Even in the construction industry, things have been disrupted and modified.

Guest Editorial

Mike Bidwell: The value of vocational education

Tradespeople must fight to encourage students to find career paths that match their skills and goals.

November 5, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic left no industry untouched in terms of challenges, and in the home services space specifically, we all had to adjust to ensure we could keep delivering our essential expertise despite so much uncertainty.

Matt Michel: This is why we plumb!

Get serious about recruiting.

Matt Michel

November 4, 2021

The biggest problem most plumbers face is finding personnel. A plumber’s ability to grow is limited to his ability to put people in the field.

Dave Yates column: No chimney? No problem!

The tale of an oil hot-water boiler project and a hot head customer.

Dave Yates

November 3, 2021

Looking over the new home plans in order to provide the builder with pricing, I noticed there was no chimney included.

Kenny Chapman: Problem solving for the long-term

The best solutions take time, energy, money and training.

Kenny Chapman

November 2, 2021

A lot of folks hate the idea of “problems.” A lot of people see this as something to be overcome or fixed, but as leaders, we’re missing out on a huge opportunity here if this is the mindset we take.

HEATING HELP

Dan Holohan: Who gets to work on steam?

Always read the instructions.

Dan Holohan

November 1, 2021

How’s that for a title? I’ll give you the answer right up front: Everyone! And the best part is you don’t have to know what you’re doing; you just have to show up.

HYDRONICS WORKSHOP

John Siegenthaler: The 'net' effect

Air-to-water and water-to-water heat pumps are destined to claim increasing market share in future hydronic systems.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

October 28, 2021

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) of a heat pump is essentially the same concept as the thermal efficiency of a boiler (e.g., the desirable output divided by the necessary input).

Electric vehicles creating a buzz for contractor customers

Supply chain shortages affecting new vehicle lead times for commercial vehicles.

Nicole Krawcke

November 11, 2021

A contractor’s fleet is one of its most important assets. These are more than just vehicles — they are mobile billboards for advertising, storage for parts, tools and other accessories, and ensure the technician arrives at the job in a timely, professional manner.

The Glitch + The Fix: Simpler and better

November 29, 2021

A multiple boiler system using sectional cast-iron boilers has been configured to supply two loads as shown below. A “crossover pipe” is installed in case the flow rate in the primary circuit is different from the flow through the boilers. There are several piping errors in this proposed design. Can you spot at least five of them?

Truck of the Month: Traditional yet eye-catching

Southern Trust Home Services | Roanoke, Virginia

Nicole Krawcke

November 24, 2021

Southern Trust Home Services began life on a farm. An electrician by trade, Ted Puzio founded his contracting business in 1995 while raising his two teenage sons. Then named TP Electric, Puzio and his sons renovated and flipped farmhouses before building a two-story facility to both live in and use as a workshop.

Wilo acquires QuantumFlo

October 8, 2021

The company, based in Sanford, Florida, employs 32 people and offers high-quality products and innovative, user-friendly software solutions for the design and operation of pressure boosting systems.

A. O. Smith announces retirement of vice president of sales, appoints successor

October 8, 2021

Hawk has will remain with A. O. Smith through March 2022 to aid in the transition.

Goulds Water Technology awards $24,000 in scholarships to 16 students

October 5, 2021

Since its inception, the annual GPDA scholarship program has awarded more than $348,000 to 304 recipients.

Viega manager wins leadership award from International Code Council

October 5, 2021

The award is given each year to an individual or organization for exceptional service to the plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas and swimming pool/spa (PMG) industry.

Rinnai announces national accounts program for commercial partners

October 5, 2021

Rinnai is now offering a national accounts program to its commercial business partners. The program is designed to be a turnkey hot water solution for its commercial customers and includes both repair and replacement services.

Bradford White's Matt Kozak receives AIM/R Golden Eagle Award

October 4, 2021

12th Annual Sonnhalter Tool Drive raises $26,500 in donations for Habitat for Humanity

September 29, 2021

Since Sonnhalter began its efforts in 2010, it has collected $336,500 in donations.

WQA opens new headquarters, laboratory in Illinois

September 29, 2021

The WQA Board of Directors officially approved the relocation plan in April 2019, after more than two years of research and planning, and the former headquarters was sold to another Lisle-based association in March 2020, right as the coronavirus pandemic hit.

PM Profile: RWC partners witih Trade Talks USA

Partnership aims to promote career opportunities in the plumbing industry.

Nicole Krawcke

November 23, 2021

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had a chance to chat with Chris Carrier, director of marketing for RWC, and David McCulloch, executive director of Trade Talks USA, about their partnership and campaign to attract new blood to the plumbing industry.

CASE STUDY

Maryland contractor switches to bath waste rough-in kits to avoid multiple installation frustrations

Robert A. Tull installs True Blue Bath Waste in up to 1,500 new-residential construction projects a year.

Alex Meyer

November 22, 2021

Trend watch

Hydronic contractors becoming control consultants

Connected customers provide long-term partnerships for contractors.

Jason Abajian

November 19, 2021

For decades, changing out a thermostat for a retrofit hydronic heating system was a simple task for a service technician. From Bangor, Maine, to Breckenridge, Colorado, the mere two, 18-gauge thermostat wires running through a home was not a concern (short of the random nail or mouse taking one of the two out).

AGF’s PURGEnVENT Model 7900 Automatic Air Vent

New trends in corrosion and freeze protection for resilient fire sprinkler systems

New product innovations present solutions to common pitfalls.

George McHugh

November 17, 2021

How can engineers and contractors design wet fire sprinkler systems equipped to prevent corrosion and dry systems equipped to prevent freezing? That has long been a question central to code requirements and new product development.

Tankless water heaters continue to blossom in nonresidential applications

Manufacturers cite space and energy savings as key drivers in the wider acceptance of this technology by building stakeholders and operators.

Mike Miazga

November 15, 2021

Water heater manufacturer Rinnai America Corp. has been working for the last three years with a state department of corrections to upgrade the water heating systems in five prison facilities.

Armstrong Fluid Technology | Fire Pump

November 24, 2021

Armstrong Fluid Technology unveils its industry leading, Design Envelope Fire Pump unit along with Fire Pump Manager, a new, connected service for tracking pump performance.

Taco Comfort Solutions | Expansion Tank

November 24, 2021

Taco Comfort Solutions’ news micro expansion tank is for potable water, heating and chilled water applications.

Sloan Valve | Connected Restroom Products

November 23, 2021

Sloan’s G2 and ECOS flushometers utilize Bluetooth connectivity and advanced technology to enhance maintenance capabilities.

Duravit USA | Shower Trays

November 22, 2021

Duravit USA’s Architec Slim shower trays, developed specifically for the North American market, offer a modern design solution

Product Focus: Tools

Klein Tools | Digital Level

November 20, 2021

Klein Tools Digital Level measures 0 to 90°, 0 to 180°, or dual-axis bullseye ranges with preprogrammed, commonly used target pitches for efficiency and ease-of-use.

Bosch Thermotechnology | Heat Pumps

November 19, 2021

Bosch Thermotechnology’s new ultra-quiet QV series heat pumps for commercial spaces are available in multiple sizes and both horizontal and vertical configurations.

Uponor North America | Ball Valves

November 18, 2021

Uponor North America now offers a newly redesigned line of ProPEX ball valves for PEX-a plumbing and hydronic distribution applications.

Sensaphone | Air-flow Sensors

November 17, 2021

To help HVAC managers ensure conditions remain within required parameters in critical environments, Sensaphone sensors measure air flow and differential pressure.

GF Piping Systems | Piping System

November 16, 2021

The ChlorFIT schedule 80 CORZAN CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) piping system from GF Piping Systems provides an improved solution

Fujitsu General America air-handling unit

Fujitsu General America | Air-handing Unit

November 15, 2021

Fujitsu’s Airstage VRF multi-position air-handing unit features seven models ranging from 1 to 5 ton.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | Full-size Van

November 12, 2021

The most advanced Ram ProMaster ever is a hardworking Class 2 full-size van designed for businesses, construction jobsites and commercial fleets.

Ford Motor Co. | Electric Van

November 11, 2021

The 2022 Ford E-Transit is an all-electric version of the Ford’s cargo van featuring next-level connected vehicle technology with Built Ford Tough capability and electric-vehicle certified dealer support.

Product Focus: Tools

L.S. Starrett Co. | Saw Blades

November 9, 2021

The L.S. Starrett Co.’s new series of “3X Power” bi-metal reciprocating saw blades feature teeth that cut more efficiently, enabling users to make up to three times the number of cuts than convention blades

Product Focus: Tools

Ridgid | Press Tool

November 8, 2021

The RIDGID RP 351 is an in-line standard press tool engineered to deliver reliability and efficiency in the tightest spaces, the company explains.

Product Focus: Tools

Milwaukee Tool | Press Jaws

November 5, 2021

Milwaukee Tool’s new Streamline ACR press jaws and ring made in partnership with Mueller Streamline allows users to complete refrigerant line installations with a flame-free, efficient alternative to traditional brazing

Product Focus: Tools

Makita | Hammer Drill

November 4, 2021

The Makita XPH14 hammer drill has a full 1,250 inch-pounds of torque

Product Focus: Tools

Lenox | Pliers Wrench

November 3, 2021

The LENOX pliers wrench is the ideal plumbing tool with large 3" jaw capacity, the company explains.

Product Focus: Tools

Irwin | Drilling Bits

November 2, 2021

IRWIN’s SPEEDBOR SUPREME line of premium wood-drilling bits includes 18" ship augers, 7.5" ship augers and self-feed bits.

Product Focus: Tools

Dewalt | Band Saw

November 1, 2021

The new XTREME 12V MAX* 1 3/4" brushless bandsaw (DCS375B) is lightweight at 6.54 pounds with an integrated guard making it ideal for overhead and one-handed cutting jobs

The biannual Radiant Comfort Report highlights the latest technology, products and training for radiant heating/cooling professionals.

Hydronic University presents ‘Let’s Talk’ series

November 20, 2021

One of the most recent initiatives undertaken by the Radiant Professionals Alliance Hydronics Industry Alliance — Commercial (HIA-C) committee is designed to create interest in the Hydronic University and introduce the future “Hydronic Solutions” videos and tutorials, white papers and training.

Radiant installation features huge time savings

Radiant system serves nearly 200,000 square feet of California Military Department building.

Kristen White

November 18, 2021

With an installation area of nearly 200,000 square feet, Viega Climate Mat is having a huge impact on a large job near Sacramento, California. The California Military Department building is a new build in Rancho Cordova. When completed, the building will bring together a variety of demilitarized departments and organizations under one roof.

Breaking down barriers

2021 UMC sets geothermal standards.

Rick Bostian

November 16, 2021

Alan Wald: The Radiant Professionals Alliance continues to keep pace with members' wants

RPA focuses on improving member experiences using new methods during the pandemic.

November 8, 2021

All of us at Radiant Professionals Alliance hope that you and your family and friends are safe and in good health. With vaccines now available, there is hope that COVID-19 cases are reduced, and things are getting better.

Radiant spot heating: same comfort at lower costs

Consumers look to incorporate radiant into high-use areas during home improvement boom.

Nicole Krawcke

November 10, 2021

Though radiant heating may seem like a relatively new innovation, it actually has ties back to ancient Rome. Even famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright used radiant heat in his designs in the 1930s, though the technology didn’t become more commonplace until decades later.

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