2023 July

The July 2023 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features the new tools to increase your plumbing efficiency and productivity, 10 best practices for installing heat pumps, and much more!

Editorial Opinion

Nicole Krawcke: Use exit interviews to strengthen your plumbing company

Improve your company processes and better your hiring process by gathering important information from employees on their way out.

Nicole Krawcke

July 13, 2023

In my years in the workforce, I’ve had jobs with amazing bosses and managers. On the flip side, I’ve also had terrible managers who made me question whether or not I wanted to stay in that organization.

01 PM 0723 Guest Editorial Ratliff feature image

Guest Editorial | Water shortages series

David Ratfliff: Water shortage solutions

Part Three in a series exploring water shortages and possible solutions.

David Ratliff

July 12, 2023

There is no one solution to the issue of water shortages. If the discussion is about helping people get fresh water, most will initially think of water wells as the primary solution.

Guest Editorial

Jay Egg and Kristy Egg: What the IRA provides for geothermal technologies

The federal government is providing tax incentives, grants and more to drive adoption of geothermal and other energy efficient technologies.

Kristy Egg Jay Egg

July 11, 2023

In 2009 under President Barack Obama, the economic stimulus package of 2009 was signed into law. Egg Geo was a regional engineering and contracting company in the southeastern United States with robust business in our central Florida offices.

Matt Michel: What you should know about selling products made in the USA

Defining ‘made in America’ versus ‘made in the USA.’

Matt Michel

July 10, 2023

A product with a "Made in America" label is not necessarily made in the United States. It could be made in Canada or Mexico. Do you want products made in America or the USA?

Dave Yates: Some friendly advice on toilet talk

Dave Yates

July 7, 2023

Toilets are wonderful receptors for a wide variety of items. We've had many interesting calls regarding these clogged porcelain edifices of human waste removal devices. For instance...

Kenny Chapman: The benefits of looking at adversity as an opportunity

Problems always hold solutions.

Kenny Chapman

July 6, 2023

For business leaders in the plumbing contracting industry, it is crucial to understand that problems always hold solutions. Instead of shying away from them or seeking ways to avoid bumpy roads and obstacles, we should embrace challenges.

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Dan Holohan: Do you prefer educated customers?

Contractors weigh in on customer education preferences.

Dan Holohan

July 5, 2023

Over the years, I've had many homeowners read my books and then write to tell me they knew more about their system than the contractors that came to their houses. This was particularly true when it came to steam heating.

Column | John Siegenthaler

John Siegenthaler: Relays and switches — part one

The basics.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

July 3, 2023

The basics of relays and switches - part one.

01 PM 0723 Plumbing Tools DCE210 A2 enlarged 780

New tools increase plumbing efficiency, productivity

Advancements in underground technologies offer plumbers additional revenue opportunities.

Nicole Krawcke

July 17, 2023

How does the saying go? “A man is only as good as the tools in his toolbox?”

IRA reduces cost barriers for geothermal heating and cooling

Tax credits, rebates and accelerated depreciation help make geothermal a more attractive option.

Joe Parsons

July 26, 2023

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has delivered good news in the form of federal income tax credits and accelerated depreciation deductions that help make geothermal a more attractive option.

Tips for installing and servicing CPVC pipes

Getting the most out of CPVC plumbing systems

Jonathan Simon

July 24, 2023

When installed properly and protected from incompatible chemicals, CPVC can deliver years of reliable service in even the most aggressive water conditions. Get tips on installing and servicing CPVC pipes.

10 best practices for installing heat pumps

As heat pump adoption grows, plumbing contractors need to understand the basics of how to install and service products.

David Rames

July 19, 2023

It is more important than ever for plumbing and HVAC contractors to understand best practices for seamless and easy heat pump installations, so here are 10 basics.

Plumbing manufacturers take pride in being ‘Made in the USA’

Following the pandemic, the US is seeing a resurgence in American manufacturing.

Nicole Krawcke

Natalie Forster

July 3, 2023

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

Plumbing and Mechanical

Columnists

Nicole Krawcke: Use exit interviews to strengthen your plumbing company

David Ratfliff: Water shortage solutions

Jay Egg and Kristy Egg: What the IRA provides for geothermal technologies

Matt Michel: What you should know about selling products made in the USA

Dave Yates: Some friendly advice on toilet talk

Kenny Chapman: The benefits of looking at adversity as an opportunity

Dan Holohan: Do you prefer educated customers?

John Siegenthaler: Relays and switches — part one

Cover Story

New tools increase plumbing efficiency, productivity

Feature Articles

IRA reduces cost barriers for geothermal heating and cooling

Tips for installing and servicing CPVC pipes

10 best practices for installing heat pumps

Plumbing manufacturers take pride in being ‘Made in the USA’

New Products

ZURN ELKAY WATER SOLUTIONS: Flush sensor retrofit kit

U.S. BOILER CO.: Commercial boiler

NIBCO: Expansion tank service assembly

HOLDRITE: Fixture outlet boxes

DANFOSS: Thermostatic radiator valve operators

BRASSCRAFT MFG CO.: PEX water stops

SUNTOUCH: Electric Floor Warming Kits

WARMLYYOURS: Towel Bar Accessories

REHAU: Manifold Connectors

MRPEX: Intelligent Control System

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