2022 July

The July 2022 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features how manufacturers look at trends shaping tool design, the importance of American manufacturing, and much more.

Gabe Pinchev: How you can promote the skilled trades — and your own business

Spread the word about careers in the trades.

Gabe Pinchev

July 13, 2022

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Stanley Black & Decker recently released its Makers Index, a study that revealed many of the reasons young people aren’t currently considering jobs in the trades, which has left many businesses struggling to find good workers at various skill levels.

Ross Goldstein: High-temperature solar thermal

A more renewable way for your customers' process

Ross Goldstein

July 12, 2022

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At one point, solar thermal systems were limited as to the temperature they could safely reach. Then High-Temperature Solar Thermal (HTST) Technology was invented. High temperate solar thermal can be used to generate steam.

One of the most challenging tasks managers face is terminating an employee.

Matt Michel: 9 times you should fire someone

Don’t put off a difficult task when it becomes necessary.

Matt Michel

July 11, 2022

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One of the most challenging tasks managers face is terminating an employee. It is never easy, but sometimes necessary. What is all too easy is putting it off when it does become necessary.

Dave Yates: How to lose customers

Ensure your team is staying up-to-date with the latest technologies.

Dave Yates

July 8, 2022

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Customers can be a fickle lot. You do your best for them, but they move on in spite of your fair pricing and Johnny-on-the-spot response times.

Kenny Chapman: Top distraction traps holding you back

Strategies for overcoming distractions.

Kenny Chapman

June 7, 2022

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From being able to get things done to staying on track, distractions can sabotage productivity in ways that we don’t even realize.

Dan Holohan: Why it’s so hard to find workers

Contractors struggling to find able-bodied workers share experiences on HeatingHelp.com.

Dan Holohan

July 6, 2022

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My shop teacher was a wiry man who loved hand tools. We spent a week making a buzzer base. He taught us how to saw, sand and varnish. He introduced me to a Brace & Bit hand drill and went on and on about how this was better than an electric drill. “Can you feel the wood? It’s alive!” he said, and I could.

John Siegenthaler: Purging principles

Purging plays a major role in the reliable and efficient operation of closed loop hydronic systems.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

July 5, 2022

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Nearly all closed-loop hydronic heating and cooling systems are supposed to be filled with water or a mixture of water and antifreeze. The only intentional air in the system is that contained in the expansion tank.

Next Gen All Star —Top 20 Under 40 contest

Nicole Krawcke: Help the plumbing industry recognize young talent

Nominate a worthy up-and-comer for the inaugural Top 20 Under 40 contest by July 17.

Nicole Krawcke

July 1, 2022

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BNP Media’s Plumbing Group, which includes Plumbing & Mechanical, PM Engineer and Supply House Times, is launching our inaugural Next Gen All Star —Top 20 Under 40 contest.

Milwaukee's M18 FUEL compact cordless pipe threader

Today’s PHVAC tools: Lighter, faster, more powerful

Manufacturers look at trends shaping tool design.

Nicole Krawcke

July 14, 2022

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Service contractors are busy people. Already struggling to find workers amidst an ongoing labor shortage, plumbing and HVAC contractors saw demand soar during the pandemic as most people transitioned to a work-from-home environment.

Truck of the Month: The American dream

Edwards Plumbing & Heating | Montgomery, Alabama

Nicole Krawcke

July 27, 2022

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Edwards Plumbing & Heating, a third-generation contracting business, was founded back in 1948 by Charles W Edwards. Charles Edwards, a pipefitter by trade prior to WWII, became a Navy Seabee, building runways in the pacific.

Hilti launches ON!Track tool tracking app

June 14, 2022

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ON!Track Unite is an open API single hub for construction data with proven capability to provide better insights, improved efficiencies and greater cost savings, Hilti notes.

WarmlyYours reports snow-melting sales growth of nearly 70%

June 14, 2022

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In Q1 2021, driveways went from 21.9% of all snow melting projects to 34.2% the following year (a rate of change of almost 141%).

PHCC of California names first female president

June 14, 2022

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Mosier is the marketing and customer relations manager for San Diego-based Cable, Pipe and Leak Detection, which has been a PHCC member for more than 35 years.

Mike Schade, vice president of Human Resources for Johnson Controls, Building Solutions North America.

PM Profile: Johnson Controls invests in workforce development

Manufacturer agrees to fund $15M over the span of five years, supporting trades programs in community colleges.

Nicole Krawcke

July 26, 2022

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Johnson Controls celebrated National Skilled Trades Day by confirming a second cohort of schools receiving funding as part of its Community College Partnership Program. Last year, Johnson Controls agreed to fund $15 million over the span of five years to help support the community college’s HVAC, fire, security and digital academic programs.

Supply box installation steps and best practices for plumbing pros

Supply boxes offer a crisp, clean finished appearance, as well as quick access to water shutoff.

Sean Comerford

July 20, 2022

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There are many benefits to including supply boxes, also known as outlet boxes, in new construction or renovation. Among these benefits for end-users are a crisp and clean finished appearance, as well as quick and safe access to water shutoff valves in case of an emergency.

installation of several Taco 0018e circulators

What's yer circulation strategy?

The beautiful, sensible logic of hydronics.

John M. Barba

July 18, 2022

One Comment

If you’re anything like me, the first thing that comes to mind when you think about variable speed circulators is 1970s rock band Supertramp. No? Okay, maybe you’re not like me. Either way, allow me to elucidate.

Plumbing manufacturers tout the importance of American manufacturing

While not without its challenges, U.S. manufacturing sector largely optimistic about the future.

Nicole Krawcke

July 4, 2022

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Plumbing & Mechanical asked several plumbing manufacturers to explain what American manufacturing means to them today. Watch this video to see what they had to say.