2022 February

In the February 2022 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical KBIS returns with live show, advanced efficient boiler system helps revitalize century-old home, top 20 products of 2021, and much more.

Guest Editorial

Sean Mccreanor: 3 tips for winning government work

Key takeaways from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Sean McCreanor

February 9, 2022

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The recent passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act represents a tremendous opportunity to modernize the nation’s decaying infrastructure and bring long-outdated systems into the 21st century.

Guest Editorial

Rob Webster: Convenience and efficiency drive top plumbing technology trends

Technology trends contactors can expect in 2022.

Rob Webster

February 8, 2022

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The ongoing transformation of the plumbing industry has been driven in part by the evolving expectations and priorities of homeowners and consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced existing concerns about hygiene and public health, pushing the demand for hands-free technology and automated features that reduce contact with germs and bacteria.

The Boiler Room

Ray Wohlfarth: Installing a trouble-free condensing boiler

A high-efficiency boiler replacement requires additional planning.

Ray Wohlfarth

February 7, 2022

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On the older hydronic systems, replacing the existing boiler with a new one was pretty straightforward. The installer connected the new boiler to the existing flue, piping and electric. The newer high-efficiency boilers are much different and require some additional planning.

Editor's Note

Nicole Krawcke: The age of innovation

These aren’t your father’s cordless tools.

Nicole Krawcke

February 10, 2022

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Last October, I was one of about 30 media professionals and social media influencers who got to take a top secret trip to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. No joke – I had to sign a nondisclosure agreement ensuring I wouldn’t say, write or post any content until after the embargo lifted last month.

SERVICE PLUMBING PROS

Matt Michel: The 8 wants of service plumbers

Addressing consumer wants leads to repeat customers.

Matt Michel

February 4, 2022

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We often get consumer needs and wants confused. When water’s flowing where it should not, when the shower is cold, when the toilet does not flush, the need is obvious. Solving needs brings relief, but it does not bring loyalty. Addressing consumer wants is what leads a consumer to proclaim, “So and so is my plumber.”

CONTRACTOR’S CORNER

Dave Yates: Look Ma, no hands

Plumbers should offer products to enhance customers’ health.

Dave Yates

February 3, 2022

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We may as well face reality: COVID-19 is here to stay. What a PITA this pandemic has been. As essential workers, you haven’t been given your due. Fearlessly, or not, you have endured two years of fluctuating — often conflicting — information regarding how to remain “safe” from the virus. What the hell?

THE BLUE COLLAR COACH

Kenny Chapman: Build operator confidence by overcoming these mistakes

Don’t fall prey to these confidence killers.

Kenny Chapman

February 2, 2022

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As a driven leader in a blue-collar industry, I’m sure you’re no stranger to making mistakes. If you’re at all like me, you’ve made some big mistakes throughout your career. These are not just to be expected, but I’m here to help you remember that they are absolutely necessary for your continued growth and evolution as a driven leader.

HEATING HELP

Dan Holohan: So easy to blame the boiler

Troubleshooting unique cases.

Dan Holohan

February 1, 2022

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A homeowner posted a question on The Wall at HeatingHelp.com about a drumroll sound that was coming from his brand-new steam boiler. What could it be? He included a video so all could hear, and sure enough, it sounded like a snare drum.

HYDRONICS WORKSHOP

John Siegenthaler: Not where I live

Becoming a true hydronics professional is an ongoing process.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

January 31, 2022

3 Comments

For many years, I’ve been offering a free demo version of the “Hydronics Design Studio” software that I co-developed with my long-time colleague, Mario Restive. It’s there for the taking at www.hydronicpros.com.

KBIS returns to Orlando for first in-person show since 2020

Exhibitors say water conservation, non-invasive technology and modern designs will shine on KBIS 2022 floor.

Natalie Forster

February 11, 2022

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It’s been more than two years since kitchen and bath professionals, designers and builders have gathered for the industry’s largest trade show and conference — the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), which is held annually in conjunction with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

The Glitch + The Fix: Fingers crossed

February 23, 2022

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An installer is asked to add a monobloc-style air-to-water heat pump to an existing hydronic system that is supplied by a mod/con boiler.

Manhattan Mechanical Services receives TRMA Gold Award

January 6, 2022

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Manhattan Mechanical Services’ 2020-2021 total recordable incident rate, or TRIR, is zero at over one million man-hours.

ASC Engineered Solutions acquires Value Engineered Products

January 10, 2022

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Founded in 1990, VEP provides a patented shield product designed for all types of piping, as well as seismic applications, and has built its reputation on providing responsive customer service and innovative product design.

Enaqua management buys the company from Grundfos

January 11, 2022

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Marcone announces acquisition of Munch's Supply

January 11, 2022

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Marcone, a distributor of home appliance, HVAC and plumbing repair parts and equipment across North America and current portfolio company of Genstar Capital announced it has acquired Munch’s Supply, a distributor of HVAC equipment, parts and supplies from Ridgemont Equity Partners. Ridgemont and the Munch’s management team will retain a meaningful minority stake in the combined entity.

Oatey Co. partners with manufacturers rep Central Sales

January 13, 2022

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Oatey Co. announced that Central Sales Inc. (CSI) is now Oatey’s manufacturer representative in Nebraska and Iowa. The change comes as a result of CSI’s recent acquisition of In Depth Marketing, which was effective January 3. All In Depth Marketing employees have joined the CSI team.

Rheem acquires stainless steel hot water tank supplier DEJONG

January 13, 2022

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Rheem has acquired DEJONG, an independent manufacturer and supplier of stainless-steel hot water tanks, from Nordian Capital. Founded in 1859 and based in Gorredijk, the Netherlands, DEJONG produces hot water tanks for multiple applications including solar, heat pump and boiler configurations

Plumbing & Mechanical Top 20 Products of 2021

See what tools and equipment caught readers’ attention throughout 2021 in our Top 20 Products list.

February 21, 2022

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Each year, Plumbing & Mechanical editors receive thousands of product releases from industry manufacturers. The 20 products highlighted here have earned the distinction of being PM’s Top Products of 2021 based on the number of page views on pmmag.com. Congratulations to those products on this year’s list.

Rheem’s commercial heat pump split system

Heat pump water heaters poised for growth in commercial markets

Energy-efficient technology becoming more mainstream.

Nicole Krawcke

February 18, 2022

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As natural gas rates increase and the push for more sustainable energy sources intensifies, heat pump water heaters appear poised for massive growth. States such as California and Massachusetts already have regulations prohibiting or disincentivizing gas water heaters in new construction, and New York City recently enacted similar restrictions for new construction. So, are heat pump water heaters the future of the water heating market? Maybe or maybe not — but some industry experts certainly think so.

Toilet flange installation and repair

Best practices for plumbing pros.

Erin Bullock

February 16, 2022

One Comment

Whether you’re a new pro entering the industry or a seasoned plumber in need of a quick refresher, this article covers best practices when installing or replacing a new toilet flange; best practices when repairing a broken flange; and finally, toilet flange types and options.

Advanced, efficient boiler system helps revitalize century-old home

New high-efficiency boiler supplies space heating, domestic hot water heating and radiant floor heating.

Mike Boyd

February 14, 2022

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The owner of a 107-year-old home sought an advanced hydronic heating solution for a major basement finishing project and to alleviate his existing heating woes on the first and second floors of the residence. The installation of an innovative and highly efficient boiler from Weil-McLain helped make the basement remodel a success and the family’s home comfortably warm throughout.

Viega Expanded valve lineup

February 17, 2022

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Viega's new line of MegaPressG valves in sizes 1/2" to 2" are suitable for use with ASTM Schedule 5 to Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe.

Napolean’s NS18 heat pump and air handler

Napolean heat pump air handler

February 16, 2022

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Napolean’s NS18 heat pump and air handler is an all-in-one heating and cooling system for year-round comfort.

General Pipe Cleaners Drain cleaner

February 15, 2022

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The hand-held Power-Vee drain cleaner with automatic feed gives plumbing, drain cleaning, maintenance and rehab pros an “extra hand” in tight and awkward places.

Bradford White Tankless electric water heater

February 14, 2022

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Bradford White’s KwickShot is a reliable and easily installed tankless electric water heater available in thermostatic and non-thermostatic models to meet a range of water temperature needs in a variety of everyday applications, the company explains.