This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
This Website Uses Cookies
By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More
This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
Plumbing and Mechanical (pmmag) logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Plumbing and Mechanical (pmmag) logo
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe
    • Submit a Letter
  • MARKET SECTORS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Business Management
    • Codes
    • Fire Protection
    • Green Plumbing
    • Mechanical Systems
    • Radiant & Hydronics
    • Solar Thermal/Geothermal
    • Technology
    • Water Quality
  • NEWS
    • Plumbing Group Pipeline
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Truck of the Month
    • Plumber of the Month
    • Tool Tips
    • PM Profile
  • PRODUCTS
  • COLUMNS
    • John Siegenthaler
    • Dan Holohan
    • Dave Yates
    • Ray Wohlfarth
    • Julius Ballanco
    • Codes Corner
    • Water Wisdom
    • Al Levi
    • Kenny Chapman
    • Matt Michel
    • Marketing Magic
    • Nicole Krawcke
    • Guest Editorial
  • MEDIA
    • eBooks
    • eNewsletters
    • Interactive Spotlights
    • Photo Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Webinars
    • Videos
    • PM AHR Expo 2023 Videos
  • RESOURCES
    • Radiant Comfort Report
    • Green Plumbing & Heating
    • White Papers
    • Industry Calendar
    • PM Bookstore
    • Subscribe to Plumbing Group eNewsletters
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Market Research
  • DIRECTORIES
    • RCR Buyers Guide
    • B.I.G. Book
    • Rep Locator
  • CLASSIFIEDS
    • Auctions
    • Business Opportunities
    • Business For Sale
    • Equipment For Sale
    • Positions Available
    • Products
    • Safety
    • Services
    • Software
    • Training
Home » Publications » Plumbing and Mechanical

Plumbing and Mechanical

PM March 2023 cover

2023 March

The March 2023 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features what plumbers should know about franchising, women breaking gender stereotypes in the plumbing industry, and much more.

  • Columnists
  • Cover Story
  • Departments
  • Feature Articles
  • New Products

Columnists

Back to Top
modern kitchen

Nicole Krawcke: Discussing bath and kitchen trends with the pros

Larger bath and kitchen spaces and bolder colors are trending in the remodeling market.
Nicole krawcke
Nicole Krawcke
March 13, 2023
No Comments

BNP Media’s Plumbing Group is finally settling back in after a whirlwind of travel this past month. We’ve been racking up those frequent flier miles attending NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), IMARK Plumbing, the AHR Expo and the WWETT show. While there was a ton to see at each event, for the purposes of this column, we’re going to focus on KBIS.


Read More
Account balancing

Michael Richter and Adam Fiedor: Enhancing the value of the MEP business

M&A opportunities in 2023 still remain strong for plumbing contracting businesses.
Michael Richter Adam Fiedor
March 10, 2023
No Comments

Many U.S. businesses across a variety of sectors have experienced new challenges over the last year — this is particularly true for those in the mechanical, engineering, and plumbing (MEP) industries. In early 2022, the MEP sector saw labor shortages and supply chain disruptions lead to increased labor and material costs, while later in the year and early into 2023, businesses are experiencing slowing demand for building and renovation. Unsurprisingly, this dynamic has culminated in constantly fluctuating profit margins for many MEP business owners.


Read More
lead generation

Mike Disney: Become the authority to the right audience

Stand out from competitors by becoming the authority and educating your customers.
Michael Disney
March 9, 2023
No Comments

The ultimate goal when developing your home service company’s best practices for sales and lead generation is to become the only opportunity or alternative your customers see.


Read More
Opioid use in employees

Michael Copp: Opioid-related deaths and suicides in construction

A critical aspect of employee retention is caring about your employees and their health.
Michael Copp
March 8, 2023
No Comments

Employee retention is a critical key to contractor’s business success given historically low U.S. unemployment at 3.5%, and continued difficulty in filling plumbing and HVAC positions — with only one of four positions being filled.


Read More
boost review scores

Matt Michel: 9 simple communication tips to boost review scores

These simple steps are essential to creating happy, repeat customers.
Matt michel
Matt Michel
March 7, 2023
No Comments

You may be the best technical plumber in town, but you will earn poor reviews and bad word-of-mouth if you cannot communicate well. Here are nine simple steps you can take to improve your communication skills. Almost all of them are non-verbal.


Read More
snow-melt systems

Dave Yates: Get onboard the snow-melt train

Manufacturers offer training and design and installation support for contractors when it comes to selling snow-melt systems.
Dave Yates
March 6, 2023
No Comments

Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!
For older folks, that’s a serious consideration, and falls can break bones and cause lifelong debilitating injuries, while ice and snow present numerous dangers.


Read More
Hitting the target

Kenny Chapman: How to move forward despite past mistakes

Letting go of past mistakes is essential for continued success.
Chapman
Kenny Chapman
March 3, 2023
No Comments

Are you struggling to move on from past mistakes? Many leaders in the trades find themselves in this position at some point in their careers. It can be difficult to let go of what's happened and focus on the future, but it's essential for your continued success. This month, I’m sharing some tips on how to move forward despite past mistakes.


Read More
U.S. Capitol

Dan Holohan: Why Congress has no windows

The history behind the U.S. Capitol building.
Holohan
Dan Holohan
March 2, 2023
No Comments

People who knew Capt. Montgomery C. Meigs said he was occasionally pompous, but when the job was done to his satisfaction, he said, “This was the most difficult piece of engineering and construction that I have yet to undertake.”


Read More
ductless mini-split heat pump system

John Siegenthaler: Air-to-water heat pumps offer more than ductless

Little white boxes
Siegenthaler
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
March 1, 2023
5 Comments

Government planners, taking their queues from politicians and advocacy organizations, have steered the future of energy supply away from fossil fuels and toward renewably-sourced electricity. It’s happening on every level from the feds right down to local city councils.


Read More

Cover Story

Back to Top
Zoom-Drain-Residential

Pulling the trigger on a plumbing franchise

What plumbers should know about franchising.
Nicole krawcke
Nicole Krawcke
March 14, 2023
No Comments

Ray Bramble, along with his sons, Ryan Bramble and Bradley Bramble, are no strangers to franchising. The Brambles converted their family-owned and operated HVAC contracting business to an Aire Serv franchise — a Neighborly company — in 2009, mostly due to a lack of systems in place at the time.


Read More

Departments

Back to Top
PHCC-Scholarship.gif

PHCC Educational Foundation announces availability of 56 scholarships totaling over $140,000

February 21, 2023
No Comments

PHCC's new online application system will make applying easier for apprentices and students and streamline the evaluation process. 


Read More
Petri-Plumbing.gif

Petri Plumbing & Heating hires experienced installation manager to lead HVAC department

February 21, 2023
No Comments

Michael Blouin will oversee the company’s heating and air division.


Read More
Uponor-Unsung-Heroes.gif

Uponor North America makes donations honoring ‘Unsung Heroes’

February 20, 2023
No Comments

The Uponor Unsung Heroes program launched in 2022 and aims to recognize the selfless, community-focused efforts of Uponor employees around the world.


Read More

Feature Articles

Back to Top
Basco Rolaire GRID shabby chic

PM Profile: LIXIL's Trey Northrup

LIXIL exec discusses recent acquisition, labor shortage, industry trends and more.
Nicole krawcke
Nicole Krawcke
March 23, 2023
No Comments

Late last year, LIXIL made headlines when it announced the acquisition of Basco, a U.S.-based shower door manufacturing company.


Read More
Attic fire protection design

Attic fire protection design

Choosing your scope for sloped roofs.
Karl Wiegand, PE
March 21, 2023
No Comments

Concealed attic spaces combine some of the most difficult aspects of fire protection design and require carefully tailored fire sprinkler solutions for effectiveness.


Read More
property in coastal Connecticut

Logic, technique and proven components are hydronic pro's hallmark

No conventional recipe for this hydronic pro.
March 15, 2023
No Comments

Many hydronic installers look for ways to differentiate their work, to craft a specific look — maybe even a “brand” — that resonates with customers. For Fernando Lobo, owner of Fairfield, Connecticut-based 1 Call Services, that unique look begins with the raw material list he builds when sizing a boiler replacement, or new boiler install.


Read More
Joi Wilson

Women breaking gender stereotypes in the plumbing industry

Recruiting more women to the skilled trades can help solve labor woes.
Nicole krawcke
Nicole Krawcke
March 8, 2023
No Comments

Jobs don’t have genders.
That’s the message Judaline Cassidy wants to get across. Cassidy, founder and chief vision officer of Tools & Tiaras and self-proclaimed feminist plumber, has more than 20 years’ of experience in the trades.


Read More

New Products

Back to Top
Watts Water Technologies' smart, connected thermostat

Watts Water Technologies' smart, connected thermostat

March 16, 2023
No Comments

The Watts W561 smart and connected Wi-Fi thermostat provides precise temperature control of a single-stage heating system.


Read More
WaterFurnace International modular screw chiller

WaterFurnace International modular screw chiller

March 15, 2023
No Comments

WaterFurnace International’s TruClimate 700 Modular Screw Chiller provides a variable speed, single-screw solution that is ideal for large tonnage commercial and industrial applications with varying load requirements.


Read More
Noritz hybrid water heater

Noritz hybrid water heater

March 14, 2023
No Comments

The new Hybrid Hot Series provides a continuous hot water supply and quick hot-water recovery with a 10-year warranty.


Read More
Johnson Controls-Hitachi’s new Yutaki M R32 monobloc air-to-water heat pump

Johnson Controls-Hitatchi air-to-water heat pump

March 13, 2023
No Comments

Johnson Controls-Hitachi’s new Yutaki M R32 monobloc air-to-water heat pump is an all-in-one solution, delivering heating, cooling and domestic water heater with an external tank.


Read More
Cherne’s 72-120” Test-Ball Plug

Cherne world's largest test ball

March 10, 2023
No Comments

Cherne Industries introduced its 72-120 inch Test-Ball Plug. 


Read More
Series e-90E Smart Pump

Bell & Gossett smart pump

March 9, 2023
No Comments

The new Series e-90E Smart Pump combines the e-90 pump series with the Xylem Smart Motor in a fully in-house integrated system that offers pump, motor and variable speed drive all in one.


Read More
Infinity X1 LED Hybrid Powered flashlight
Product Focus: Tools

Infinity X1 hybrid flashlight

March 8, 2023
No Comments

Created from durable and rugged aircraft grade aluminum, the Infinity X1 LED Hybrid Powered flashlight series features high lumen counts, three lighting modes, dual power options, IPx4 water resistance and 1 meter drop protection.


Read More
RIDGID 760 FXP Power Drive
Product Focus: Tools

RIDGID cordless threader

March 7, 2023
No Comments

The RIDGID 760 FXP Power Drive is a hand-held cordless threading solution designed for portability and ease of use on the jobsite.


Read More
Milwaukee Tool leveling tripod chain vise
Product Focus: Tools

Milwaukee Tool leveling tripod chain vise

March 6, 2023
No Comments

Milwaukee Tool’s 6” leveling Tripod Chain Vise delivers unmatched portability and lifelong steadiness for tradesmen installing pipe, conduit and other materials.


Read More
Hilti compact rotary hammer drill
Product Focus: Tools

Hilti compact rotary hammer drill

March 3, 2023
No Comments

From hanging pipes to ductwork, the new TE 4-22 Compact rotary hammer drill makes overhead drilling in concrete easier.


Read More
General Pipe Cleaners flexible shaft machine
Product Focus: Tools

General Pipe Cleaners flexible shaft machine

March 2, 2023
No Comments

General Pipe Cleaners has rethought high-speed, flexible shaft machines with the Flexi-Rooter, the next generation flexible shaft machine.


Read More
DeWalt pipe cutter
Product Focus: Tools

DeWalt pipe cutter

March 1, 2023
No Comments

The DeWalt Impact Connect Copper Pipe Cutter Attachment (DWACPRIR) and PVC/PEX Pipe Cutter Attachment (DWAPVCIR) are a new line of attachments to quickly convert select impact drivers into fast, powerful cutting tools.


Read More
Subscribe For Free!
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Plumbing & Mechanical audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep.

close
  • Compression sleeves REHAU
    Sponsored byREHAU

    Top three reasons to pair PEXa with cold expansion compression-sleeve fittings

Popular Stories

Joi Wilson

Women breaking gender stereotypes in the plumbing industry

U.S. Capitol

Dan Holohan: Why Congress has no windows

property in coastal Connecticut

Logic, technique and proven components are hydronic pro's hallmark

PM Trimble Webinar


PM Sera webinar

Events

May 4, 2023

How to Make Your Bids Standout Beyond the Price

As market conditions continue to shift, are you looking for a way to make your company’s bids stand out from the competition without compromising the job’s profitability?

May 10, 2023

Embracing Change to Grow Your Plumbing Business

During the webinar, Billy Stevens, owner of an $11 million Plumbing and HVAC company, will share how embracing change has played a role in his company’s success.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Exit interviews

Does your company conduct exit interviews?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

Modern Hydronic Heating and Cooling For Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, 4th Edition

Modern Hydronic Heating and Cooling For Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, 4th Edition

See More Products
Letters to the Editor

Get our new eMagazine delivered to your inbox every month.

Stay in the know on the latest plumbing & piping industry trends.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
  • Resources
    • Contact Us
    • Radiant & Hydronics
    • Industry Links
    • Reprints
    • List Rental
    • Market Research
    • Survey And Sample
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
  • Want More
    • Connect
    • eNewsletters
    • Store
  • Plumbing Group
    • Plumbing & Mechanical
    • PM Engineer
    • Supply House Times
  • Advertise
    • Advertise
  • Privacy
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY
    • UPDATE MY PREFERENCES

Copyright ©2023. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing