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.

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

March 13, 2023

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Matt Michel: 9 simple communication tips to boost review scores

These simple steps are essential to creating happy, repeat customers.

Matt Michel

March 7, 2023

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.

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

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.

Kenny Chapman: How to move forward despite past mistakes

Letting go of past mistakes is essential for continued success.

Kenny Chapman

March 3, 2023

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.

Dan Holohan: Why Congress has no windows

The history behind the U.S. Capitol building.

Dan Holohan

March 2, 2023

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.”

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

Little white boxes

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

March 1, 2023

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.

Pulling the trigger on a plumbing franchise

What plumbers should know about franchising.

Nicole Krawcke

March 14, 2023

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.

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

February 21, 2023

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

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

February 21, 2023

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

Uponor North America makes donations honoring ‘Unsung Heroes’

February 20, 2023

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

PM Profile: LIXIL's Trey Northrup

LIXIL exec discusses recent acquisition, labor shortage, industry trends and more.

Nicole Krawcke

March 23, 2023

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

Attic fire protection design

Choosing your scope for sloped roofs.

Karl Wiegand, PE

March 21, 2023

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

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

No conventional recipe for this hydronic pro.

March 15, 2023

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.

Women breaking gender stereotypes in the plumbing industry

Recruiting more women to the skilled trades can help solve labor woes.

Nicole Krawcke

March 8, 2023

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.

Watts Water Technologies' smart, connected thermostat

March 16, 2023

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

WaterFurnace International modular screw chiller

March 15, 2023

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.

Noritz hybrid water heater

March 14, 2023

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

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

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.

Cherne world's largest test ball

March 10, 2023

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

Bell & Gossett smart pump

March 9, 2023

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.

Infinity X1 LED Hybrid Powered flashlight

Product Focus: Tools

Infinity X1 hybrid flashlight

March 8, 2023

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.

Product Focus: Tools

RIDGID cordless threader

March 7, 2023

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

Product Focus: Tools

Milwaukee Tool leveling tripod chain vise

March 6, 2023

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

Product Focus: Tools

Hilti compact rotary hammer drill

March 3, 2023

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

Product Focus: Tools

General Pipe Cleaners flexible shaft machine

March 2, 2023

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

Product Focus: Tools

DeWalt pipe cutter

March 1, 2023

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.

Plumbing and Mechanical

Columnists

Nicole Krawcke: Discussing bath and kitchen trends with the pros

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

Mike Disney: Become the authority to the right audience

Michael Copp: Opioid-related deaths and suicides in construction

Matt Michel: 9 simple communication tips to boost review scores

Dave Yates: Get onboard the snow-melt train

Kenny Chapman: How to move forward despite past mistakes

Dan Holohan: Why Congress has no windows

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

Cover Story

Pulling the trigger on a plumbing franchise

Departments

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

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

Uponor North America makes donations honoring ‘Unsung Heroes’

Feature Articles

PM Profile: LIXIL's Trey Northrup

Attic fire protection design

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

Women breaking gender stereotypes in the plumbing industry

New Products

Watts Water Technologies' smart, connected thermostat

WaterFurnace International modular screw chiller

Noritz hybrid water heater

Johnson Controls-Hitatchi air-to-water heat pump

Cherne world's largest test ball

Bell & Gossett smart pump

Infinity X1 hybrid flashlight

RIDGID cordless threader

Milwaukee Tool leveling tripod chain vise

Hilti compact rotary hammer drill

General Pipe Cleaners flexible shaft machine

DeWalt pipe cutter

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