Plumbing and Mechanical

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.

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. It is never easy, but sometimes necessary. What is all too easy is putting it off when it does become necessary.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%). 

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.

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.

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.

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

The new MrPEX wireless zoning controls and smart devices offer simplified installation, increased comfort and is easily retrofitted.

Viega’s Radiant Auto-Balancing System (RABS) gives users the ability to independently control each zone in the system, the company says.

tekmar Smart Boiler Control 294 provides domestic hot water heating by operating up to four boilers

Resideo’s Magnetic Hydraulic Separator protects modern hydronic installs by providing control and protection through air, debris, dirt and ferrous removal, plus critical flow management between connected hydraulic circuits.

The Taco Radiant Mixing Block is a complete injection mixing system, combining a variable speed injection mixing control, injection circulator, system circulator and air elimination in one unit.

Fast Trak is the simple solution for new, remodel and retrofit radiant installations, the company says.

With a durable forged brass construction, the P-2012RFLG is ideal for isolating pump installations.