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Home » Publications » Plumbing and Mechanical

Plumbing and Mechanical

PM May 2023 cover

2023 May

The May 2023 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features plumbing contractors find success in selling leak detection products, linear shower drain systems help deliver project on schedule,  and much more!

  • Columnists
  • Cover Story
  • Departments
  • Feature Articles
  • New Products
  • Radiant Comfort Report

Columnists

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Next Gen All Stars

Nicole Krawcke: Saluting the plumbing industry's next generation

Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 contest seeks nominees.
Nicole Krawcke
Nicole Krawcke
May 11, 2023
No Comments

Many of us have heard the term, ‘The Great Resignation,’ in describing the massive amount of employee turnover the last few years. In 2021, federal data shows nearly 50 million workers left their jobs for various reasons — higher pay, new career opportunities and more. With an already strained job market in the skilled trades, employee retention is more important than ever.


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Requirements for plumbing and HVAC professionals.

Lisa Trymbiski: Licensing and bonding for plumbing and HVAC contracting businesses

Requirements for plumbing and HVAC professionals.
Lisa Trymbiski
May 10, 2023
No Comments

Most construction contracting businesses, including plumbing and HVAC companies, are required to secure licenses before they are legally allowed to work in many states. However, the laws and requirements for licensing vary from state to state. One common condition of obtaining a license as a plumber or HVAC technician in most states is to secure plumbing or HVAC bonds. These bonds are required by various states to protect consumers and the state from potential losses caused by an HVAC technician or plumber. Here is some general information about the process of becoming licensed and bonded for plumbing and HVAC contractors.


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essential building systems

Garrett Wilson: How to price a plumbing job

Help your company stand out from competitors by creating compelling, accurate bids.
Garrett Wilson
May 9, 2023
No Comments

Because plumbing is one of the most essential building systems, demand for plumbers and excellent plumbing work continues to skyrocket. There are currently more than 480,000 licensed plumbers in the U.S. — a number that is expected to increase by nearly 16% over the next three years to meet current shortages.


Read More
plumbing fixtures

Joe Hammer: The most important tips for buying and managing an existing plumbing company

Considerations before buying a plumbing business.
Joe Hammer
May 8, 2023
No Comments

The plumbing industry is a stable industry. There is never a shortage of people who need plumbing work on their homes, businesses or apartment complexes, and this constant demand makes owning your own plumbing company an appealing opportunity for many prospective buyers. However, starting your own company from the ground up can be difficult.


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faucet hot water

Matt Michel: 7 ways to know it is time to exit

Understanding how increased private equity activiy is impacting plumbing businesses.
Matt Michel
Matt Michel
May 5, 2023
No Comments

There has been a lot of private equity activity in the service trades since the COVID-19 lockdowns. Suddenly, boring old businesses gained monetary sex appeal when they were declared essential and could continue making money while many other local businesses were effectively shuttered. This has led to a land rush for good service contracting businesses and many plumbers have grabbed the brass ring while the grabbing was seen as good.


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AHR Expo

Dave Yates: AHR 2023 — vendor visits

New products and technologies seen on the tradeshow floor.
Dave Yates
May 4, 2023
One Comment

I always seek out the Bradford White booth to see what’s new and visit with friends both old and new. It was fun catching up with Carlos Morales because we had worked closely together several years ago in the development of the company’s gas-fired tankless water heater line. Lois and I had the opportunity to beta-test a number of tankless models and report back on their performance. Stability of delivery temperature; showering while other hot water usages ran simultaneously or intermittently; and, of course, attempting to max out the full-flow capacity.


Read More
rockstar boss

Kenny Chapman: 10 secrets of successful leadership

How to be a rockstar boss without losing your humanity.
Kenny Chapman
Kenny Chapman
May 3, 2023
No Comments
Variable-speed heat pump

John Siegenthaler: Eyes for a heat pump — part two

Variable-speed heat pumps allow a better match between the rate of heat production and the rate of heat dissipation by the load.
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
May 1, 2023
2 Comments

Last month, we discussed the role of buffer tanks in combination with air-to-water and water-to-water heat pumps that operate as “on/off” devices. The buffer tank allows the heat pump to operate with reasonably long cycles (e.g., it prevents short cycling) when the hydronic distribution system is heavily zoned, and thus subject to “micro-loading” at times. We also discussed how some buffer tanks can do double duty as both buffers for space heating loads and domestic water heaters. The key concept was to turn the heat pump on and off based on changes in the buffer tank temperatures and not based on thermostats calling for heat.


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1974 living room

Dan Holohan: Electrification may become more mainstream, but not overnight

Times change
Dan Holohan
Dan Holohan
May 2, 2023
One Comment

Cover Story

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leak detection

Plumbing contractors find success in selling leak detection products

Insurance companies driving leak detection technology adoption amongst consumers.
Nicole Krawcke
Nicole Krawcke
May 12, 2023
No Comments

John Wallace, owner of Atlanta-based JM Wallace Plumbing, has been offering leak detection solutions since 2007, but it’s only recently during the last few years where he’s really seen the technology take off.


Read More

Departments

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PHCC-Logo.gif

PHCC releases 1st Quarter 2023 Contractor Confidence Index Report; survey cites cautious optimism, but challenges still ahead

April 14, 2023
No Comments

Sponsored by PHCC Strategic Partner Bradford White, the PHCC CCI is based on a quarterly survey of PHCC members designed to take the pulse of the plumbing, heating, and cooling market.


Read More
Thermogenics-Logo.gif

Thermogenics acquires Plains Mechanical Services

April 18, 2023
No Comments

Founded in 1994, Plains is a full-service boiler company providing sales, service installation and repair of boilers, pressure vessels, piping systems, and industrial combustion applications.


Read More
Niles_Microban.gif

Niles Steel Tank enhances protection with exclusive Microban partnership

April 17, 2023
No Comments

Niles Steel Tank proprietary Ultonium tank lining will now incorporate Microban antimicrobial technology to provide additional protection against the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface of the interior tank lining.


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Feature Articles

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RainStick founders Alisha and Sean McFetridge.

PM Profile: Canadian company brings first-ever recirculating shower to U.S. market

RainStick Shower can save 80% water and energy with twice the flowrate of a common shower.
Natalie Forster
Natalie Forster
May 26, 2023
2 Comments

RainStick Shower co-founders Alisha McFetridge and Sean McFetridge share a longtime passion for water conservation. In 2019, the two began building the North American Market’s first water circulating shower. Supply House Times Chief Editor Natalie Forster sat down with Alisha McFetridge to dive into RainStick Shower’s backstory and plans for the future.


Read More
NIBCO HQ

PM Profile: Behind the NIBCO-Matco-Norca acquisition

Q&A with leadership dives into future plans for both companies.
Natalie Forster
Natalie Forster
May 24, 2023
One Comment

On Feb. 1, NIBCO announced it acquired Matco-Norca and its subsidiary SVF Flow Controls.
NIBCO Chairman Rex Martin stated, “This acquisition supports our strategic long-range goal of growth through acquisition, expanding our market reach and providing customers with access to a broader portfolio of products.This is an extraordinary time in NIBCO’s evolving history.”


Read More
Market District Apartments in Ohio City
CASE STUDY

Linear shower drain systems help deliver project on schedule

Long lead times on fiberglass shower pans lead to a last-minute design alternative.
Tom Stewart
May 22, 2023
No Comments

The new Market District Apartments in Ohio City will be located near the historic West Side Market, the oldest operating indoor/outdoor market space in Cleveland. Currently, the 13-story development is the largest sustainable, wood-constructed building in the country. Among other facilities, the new 385-unit structure encompasses a first-floor retail space, residential suites on floors two through seven and luxury penthouse suites on the ninth floor, as well as amenity space, including a large rental hall.


Read More
Wasilla Alaska
CASE STUDY

New Alaskan police station locks up heating efficiency and safety with PEX hydronic systems

Radiant heating and snow- and ice-melt system provide new station with safety and reliability.
Steve Cooper
May 15, 2023
No Comments

Opened in 2020, the new Wasilla police headquarters has the latest technology to supply heat and keep walkways free of ice — critical components where sub-zero temperatures and five feet of snow are common in the winter. Both the hydronic radiant heat system and the snow- and ice-melting (SIM) system consist of 5/8-inch diameter PEX barrier tubing installed in circuits in concrete slabs.


Read More
ServiceTitan’s Chris Hunter

Inflation Reduction Act offers opportunities for plumbing contractors

ServiceTitan’s Chris Hunter discusses how contractors can grow their workforce and maximize existing labor to capitalize on opportunities presented by the IRA.
Nicole Krawcke
Nicole Krawcke
May 17, 2023
One Comment

ServiceTitan’s Chris Hunter discusses how contractors can grow their workforce and maximize existing labor to capitalize on opportunities presented by the IRA.


Read More

New Products

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Uponor North America residential radiant heating panels

Uponor North America residential radiant heating panels

May 15, 2023
No Comments

Designed for residential new construction and remodels, Xpress Trak is a single-panel system with lightweight XPS foam at its core and laminated aluminum around the entire surface to provide heat-transfer capability.


Read More
Grohe Pressure Balancing Valve

Grohe Pressure Balancing Valve

May 16, 2023
No Comments

The GrohSafe 3.0 Pressure Balance Valve (PBV) with Integrated Diverter is designed to make installation easier by eliminating the need to install and align a separate diverter and separate trims, reducing labor costs and saving time during the build-and-install process, the company says.


Read More
Matco-Norca tankless water heater valve kits

Matco-Norca tankless water heater valve kits

May 17, 2023
No Comments

Matco-Norca’s tankless water heater isolation valve kit is now available in three new configurations; press, PEX and cold expansion PEX.


Read More
In2Aqua shower line

In2Aqua shower line

May 18, 2023
No Comments

in2aqua announced the launch of its new Performance Shower line to the North American market.


Read More
Weil-McLain commercial boiler
Product Focus: Boilers

Weil-McLain commercial boiler

May 10, 2023
One Comment

The Weil-McLain® SVF boiler line has expanded to include BTU sizes of 500, 600, 725, 850 and 1000 MBH models.


Read More
Milwaukee Tool inspection camera

Milwaukee Tool inspection camera

May 11, 2023
One Comment

The new M-Spector 4’ Inspection Camera is optimized for diagnostic use in hard-to-reach areas. Featuring improved image quality, a 4.3” LCD screen, and a smaller camera head, this cordless inspection camera is optimized for drain lines and behind-wall use.


Read More
SharkBite push-to-connect fittings

SharkBite push-to-connect fittings

May 12, 2023
No Comments

The new SharkBite Max push-to-connect fittings are re-engineered to deliver the same reliability as its first generation fittings but with new product enhancements that provide more strength and an easier installation, the company says.


Read More
Thermal Solutions water-tube boiler
Product Focus: Boilers

Thermal Solutions water-tube boiler

May 8, 2023
No Comments

The AMP-L condensing boiler and water heater is available in five sizes: 400, 500, 650, 800 and 1000 MBH.


Read More
Weil-McLain residential boiler

Weil-McLain residential boiler

May 9, 2023
One Comment

The Weil-McLain ECO Tec Series 2 features integrated control software that allows for multiple boiler configurations.


Read More
U.S. Boiler Co. condensing boiler
Product Focus: Boilers

U.S. Boiler Co. condensing boiler

May 9, 2023
No Comments

The high efficiency Alta and Alta Combi boilers feature next-generation gas adaptive technology that provides the shortest installation time and lowest operating costs, the company says.


Read More
Rinnai wall-hung commercial boiler
Product Focus: Boilers

Rinnai wall-hung commercial boiler

May 5, 2023
No Comments

The new high-efficiency RCB-Series wall-hung commercial condensing boiler delivers reliable, energy-saving performance, the company says.


Read More
Navien commercial fire tube boiler
Product Focus: Boilers

Navien commercial fire tube boiler

May 4, 2023
No Comments

Navien NFB-C commercial condensing fire tube boilers have all key components designed and manufactured in-house, and offer an industry leading 97.5% thermal efficiency, 15:1 turndown ratio, intuitive 7” color touch screen with advanced controls and easy intuitive navigation for setup, troubleshooting and operation, extremely low NOx levels, BMS communications, and 3” venting up to 60’ or 4” up to 150’ with PVC/CPVC/PP/SS approved materials, the company says.


Read More
Lochinvar floor mount combi-boiler
Product Focus: Boilers

Lochinvar floor mount combi-boiler

May 3, 2023
No Comments

The NOBLE floor mount fire tube combi-boiler brings to market a brand new floor mount boiler option for homeowners and multi-family facilities with models ranging from 110,000 to 199,000 Btu/h.


Read More
Bradford White wall-hung residential boiler
Product Focus: Boilers

Bradford White wall-hung residential boiler

May 2, 2023
No Comments

From 2023 Energy Star Partner of the Year Bradford White Water Heaters, the Brute FT Wall Hung Boilers have modulating gas valves to allow up to 10:1 turndown and ensure top performance (80,000-199,000 Btu) and efficiency (95+% AFUE).


Read More
Bosch Thermotechnology gas condensing boiler
Product Focus: Boilers

Bosch Home Comfort gas condensing boiler

May 1, 2023
No Comments

The Bosch Greenstar gas condensing boiler is compact and highly-efficient, boasting 95% AFUE efficiency, the company says.


Read More

Radiant Comfort Report

Back to Top

The biannual Radiant Comfort Report highlights the latest technology, products and training for radiant heating/cooling professionals.

Snow-melt systems are common in Park City, Utah

Steering clear of snow

Elaborate system keeps driveway clean for Utah homeowner.
Thomas Renner
May 23, 2023
No Comments

The first snowflakes hit the ground in Park City, Utah, in late October, before a single peanut butter cup hit the bottom of the Halloween bag. The first snow of the 2022 season dumped 10 inches of fresh powder on the town on Oct. 23, giving skiers and winter sports enthusiasts an early start to their activities.


Read More
Solar panels

The USHGC: Putting the pieces together

The 2021 USHGC is one tool to help ensure high-quality radiant installations.
Hugo Aguilar, P.E.
May 16, 2023
No Comments

The Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (USHGC) includes provisions for alternative energy sources for the transfer of energy in a hydronic system for space heating and cooling, or for other purposes such as snow and ice melting.


Read More
Weil-McLain residential boiler

Weil-McLain residential boiler

May 9, 2023
One Comment

The Weil-McLain ECO Tec Series 2 features integrated control software that allows for multiple boiler configurations.


Read More
SunTouch electric floor warming kits

SunTouch electric floor warming kits

May 8, 2023
No Comments

SunTouch ConnectPlus WarmWire Kits provide heat to warm floors and help keep bathroom, kitchen and entry way floors dry and safe.


Read More
WarmlyYours towel bar accessories

WarmlyYours towel bar accessories

May 5, 2023
No Comments

These towel bar accessories are meant to be paired with Ember radiant panel heaters to turn the devices into towel warmers as well as sources of supplemental heat.


Read More
U.S. Boiler Co. Bluetooth smartphone app

U.S. Boiler Co. Bluetooth smartphone app

May 4, 2023
No Comments

The new USB-Connect smartphone app streamlines installation, service and troubleshooting for condensing and combi-boilers.


Read More
REHAU manifold connectors

REHAU manifold connectors

May 3, 2023
No Comments

REHAU’s EVERLOC+ R-20 manifold connectors for hydronic applications support leak-free reliability in a one-piece assembly including an EVERLOC+ insert with a pre-installed O-ring and swivel nut.


Read More
MrPEX intelligent control system

MrPEX intelligent control system

May 2, 2023
No Comments

Integrated Dynamic Control (IDC) is a PC-based intelligent control system delivering optimized comfort and maximized efficiency by coordinating HVAC, IAQ and hydronic systems in one control.


Read More
Wythe-Hotel

Radiant retrofit transforms factory into luxury hotel

New York hotel combines modern radiant technology with a historical building.
Max Rohr
May 2, 2023
One Comment

The luxurious Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn, New York, was once a waterfront barrel and rope factory. This renovated structure now has 72 boutique guest rooms. As part of the update, it was important to retain the character of the original turn of the century building, which opened in 1901. In order to convert the cold, utilitarian factory space into comfortable rooms, a major mechanical update was required. By adding radiant floor heat, they were able to meet and exceed the comfort benchmark of a modern-day hotel while balancing for energy efficiency.


Read More
HUGO AGUILAR, P.E.

Hugo Aguilar: What's on the horizon for the Radiant Professionals Alliance

There has never been a better time to join RPA.
Hugo Aguilar, P.E.
May 1, 2023
One Comment

Ever since the RPA was formed, members have taken advantage of the great benefits the alliance has to offer, such as codes and standards advocacy, a job center network, obtaining and creating valuable education, the annual Radiant Flooring Guide, newsletter subscription, discounts for IAPMO products and services, access to webinars and more. RPA members are professionals from all facets of the radiant profession, including manufacturers, installers, engineers, architects, students, apprentices and inspectors.


Read More
Lochinvar commercial boiler

Lochinvar commercial boiler

May 1, 2023
No Comments

Lochinvar’s CREST with Hellcat Combustion Technology commercial boiler is available in eight models ranging from 999,000-6,000,000 Btu/h.


Read More
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