2023 January

The January 2023 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features NKBA celebrates 60 years; KBIS returns to Vegas, Commercial plumbing prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, and much more.

Nicole Krawcke: Plumbers can do their part to protect water for future generations

As much of the U.S. faces historic drought conditions, water conservation efforts kick into high gear.

Nicole Krawcke

January 13, 2023

As the water receded from Lake Mead this past year, all the major news headlines focused on the human remains it revealed. Very rarely did any mention the ecosystem in crisis as trees, fish and other aquatic creatures, birds and other species are dying out as they are left out to dry.

skilled workers in the plumbing industry

Anthony Cafagna: How to attract Gen Z to jobs in the plumbing industry

Employ these strategies to help attract the next generation of plumbers and pipefitters to the trades.

Anthony Cafagna

January 12, 2023

It’s no secret that there is a major shortage of skilled workers in the plumbing industry right now. According to one report, the booming real estate market, combined with piqued interest among homeowners in renovation projects during the pandemic, substantially increased customer demand for home services that isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Marketing Magic: The secret to success may be a tool you're not using

Disrupt the status quo with a powerful brand.

Dan Antonelli

January 11, 2023

Let me clue you in on a poorly kept secret: Traditional advertising is expensive. I know, this isn’t exactly shocking. Depending on your market, a month-long rental of a billboard could cost five figures. A week’s worth of 15-second radio ads can run up to $8,000 — and that doesn’t include the cost of producing them. And television? Forget it.

Codes Corner: Fixture and fixture fittings in the Uniform Plumbing Code refrigerants

The plumbing code is important to ensure the health and safety of the public are protected during fixture and fitting installation.

Kris Adilukito, PE

January 10, 2023

The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) is developed to establish minimum requirements for the health and safety of occupants utilizing a building’s plumbing system.

Matt Michel: 5 traits of winning plumbers

Position yourself for success by adopting these qualities.

Matt Michel

January 9, 2023

Why are some plumbers winners, while others struggle? It is not the market, location of the company, the role of government, customers’ attitudes, the availability of manpower or any of the other excuses bandied about. Winning plumbers share a set of intangible traits that affect how they approach the world, how they see the world, and thus, how the world responds to them.

Dave Yates: Air-to-water heat pump efficiencies

Ensure you’re designing heating systems to utilize the lowest possible water temperature on design day.

Dave Yates

January 6, 2023

In last month’s column, I touched on air-to-water heat pumps because they are rapidly becoming very saleable to consumers. In some areas of the U.S., electric heating, cooling and production of DHW are no longer an option and fossil fuels have been outlawed.

Kenny Chapman: How to structure roles for a successful team

Create a clear vision and set out clear roles and responsibilities for your team members.

Kenny Chapman

January 5, 2023

Whether you’re bringing on new team members or looking to build a more cohesive group within your current team, the first box you need to check is whether or not you’ve clearly defined each role. This foundational step not only keeps everyone on the same page and working toward the same goals, it also makes your team easier to manage.

Dan Holohan: That seventies show

Learn from the mistakes of the past or we’ll be doomed to repeat them.

Dan Holohan

January 4, 2023

I began my career in the HVAC business in 1970 as a truck driver for an AC/refrigeration wholesaler. I stayed there just six weeks because my father — who worked for a manufacturers’ rep — told me there was an opening for a clerk at the rep. It paid $110 a week, which was $10 more than I was getting driving the truck. Plus, I’d get to work with him as my boss.

John Siegenthaler: Well-planned hydronic systems last far longer than modern appliances

Lasting value

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

January 3, 2023

Although I’ve worked with hydronic heating for four decades and designed systems around just about every possible heat source, I would be hard-pressed to predict what might be available as hydronic heat sources 25 years from now.

NKBA celebrates 60 years; KBIS returns to Vegas

CEO Bill Darcy talks milestones, KBIS 2023 and what is coming for NKBA.

Natalie Forster

Nicole Krawcke

January 2, 2023

The National Kitchen and Bath Association had a monumental year in 2022. It kicked off with the first in-person Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) event since 2020. Last year also marked the 60th anniversary of the association and the 10th year since KBIS and the International Builders’ Show (IBS) joined forces to create what is now known as Design and Construction Week (DCW)’s NAHB Builders Show.

The Glitch + The Fix: Swapping one “box” for another

January 25, 2023

Given the current prices for fuel oil and propane, and current state and federal incentive programs, many homeowners are asking heating contractors to replace their aging boilers with a geothermal heat pump system.

Harts Services supports Habitat for Humanity renovation project

December 14, 2022

Seven students from the Harts Academy apprentice program installed a new complete system of water and sewer pipes for the project, which is renovating a home for a Tacoma family this holiday season.

P1 Service Group partners with Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical

December 14, 2022

Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical has offered home service solutions to homeowners across Oregon and Southwest Washington since 1979.

Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing expands operations with two new acquisitions

December 12, 2022

Both acquisitions are a part of Goettl’s “Goettlize the Nation” strategy and will serve as significant additions to Goettl’s market presence.

PM Profile: Talking software trends with Sera Systems' Billy Stevens

Artificial Intelligence and ease of use push contractor software market forward.

Nicole Krawcke

January 24, 2023

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had a chance to sit down with Billy Stevens, founder and CEO of Sera Systems, a subscription software provider for the home service industry, to discuss current trends with contractor software.

Rise in outdoor living spaces brings opportunity for plumbing pros

Help your customers overcome common installation challenges.

Teresa Cardona

January 19, 2023

Many people look for ways to update their homes to provide a sense of comfort and connection to the outdoors. Outdoor projects are currently flourishing, as people extend their living spaces to feel closer to their natural surroundings.

Commercial plumbing prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity

Codes and standards coupled with societal changes call for redesigned commercial spaces.

Natalie Forster

January 17, 2023

Over the past decade, society has been evolving. It is constantly rethinking discrimination, with growing social awareness of gender identity, differently-abled individuals and sensory sensitivity. The public restroom is one area that has come under fire during this social evolution.

Aquatherm installation app

January 23, 2023

The FieldPro App includes a fusion timer that incorporates multiple timers, pressure times and logging capabilities; a hanger spacing calculator that provides in-field access to all hanger spacing information; and a pressure-test assistant that provides step-by-step guides, timers, system integrity checks and submission of test results directly to Aquatherm.

ADEY hydronic cleaner and descaler

January 20, 2023

ADEY's concentrated system treatment formulas are designed to clean and protect older hydronic heating systems and retrofit installs.

AprilAire IAQ thermostat

January 19, 2023

The S86 series is easy to install with real language menus, basic and advanced HVAC installer settings, programmable and nonprogrammable options, and is home automation capable, the company explains.

General Pipe Cleaners pipe thawing machine

January 18, 2023

The Hot-Shot 320 and Hot-Shot 400 pipe thawing machines from General Pipe Cleaners safely thaw pipes in minutes without tearing up floors or walls, digging around pipes in frozen ground or using hazardous blow torches, the company says.

Resideo’s new Braukmann L5 Wi-Fi Water Leak Shutoff Valve

Resideo water leak shutoff valve

January 17, 2023

Resideo’s new Braukmann L5 Wi-Fi Water Leak Shutoff Valve connects to the main water supply and can automatically turn off the supply to the home if a water leak is detected.

Armstrong Fluid Technologies fire pump parts kits

January 16, 2023

Armstrong Fluid Technology announced the availability of new Parts Kits for fire pumps.

Deckard single-control faucet from Pfister Faucet

Product Focus: KBIS Preview

Pfister modern bath faucet

January 13, 2023

The Deckard single-control faucet from Pfister Faucets embodies soft-modern design by incorporating curves into the familiar sleek, hard-edge motif of modern aesthetics.

Product Focus: KBIS Preview

Niagara one-piece toilet

January 12, 2023

Niagara’s Phantom one-piece toilet includes patented Stealth Technology and is offered in 0.8 gpf.

Product Focus: KBIS Preview

Duravit designer bath collection

January 11, 2023

Duravit launches a comprehensive new collection by the award-winning designer Sebastian Herkner.

Product Focus: KBIS Preview

Brizo widespread lavatory faucet

January 10, 2023

The Allaria Widespread Lavatory Faucet, available in square or arc spouts, can be paired with knob, twist or lever handles.

Product Focus: KBIS Preview

Moen combination showerhead

January 9, 2023

The Verso Combination Shower is a system of two showerheads; a rainshower and a handshower.

1916 Collection Universal Freestanding Tub Drain

Product Focus: KBIS Preview

LR Brands freestanding tub drain

January 6, 2023

The 1916 Collection Universal Freestanding Tub Drain works with freestanding and island center and offset tubs.

Product Focus: KBIS Preview

KOHLER intelligent toilet

January 5, 2023

Kohler Co. launches its newest intelligent toilet, Numi 2.0 to the global market.

Product Focus: KBIS Preview

Infinity Drain barrier-free drains

January 4, 2023

Infinity Drain expands several of its drain series to add greater flexibility for design, barrier-free bathroom accessibility and ease of installation, the company states.