2023 December

The December 2023 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features the 2024 plumbing industry forecast, the trends affecting residential plumbing, and much more!

01 PM 1223 Plumbing Forecast feature Uponor Johnson Residence

Plumbing Industry Forecast

Experts remain confident for 2024 plumbing industry forecast

Economic indicators point to a recession looming in 2024, but industry experts remain confident.

Nicole Krawcke

December 7, 2023

Finding, training, and retaining employees will continue to be a challenge moving into next year. With many homeowners still feeling the pinch of inflation, contractors will notice that more potential customers are price-shopping.

01 PM 1223 Nextech Thornton and Grooms onsite skills lab

Nexstar Network's NexTech Academy celebrates fifth anniversary

Since its inception five years ago, NexTech Academy has graduated 1,081 plumbing, HVAC and electrical students.

Nicole Krawcke

December 12, 2023

Roughly 250 Nexstar member contractors use the NexTech Academy program consistently for training new plumbers and technicians. The academy averages about 400 to 500 graduates a year.

01 PM 1223 Trends Residential Plumbing FGG Residential Install 160 RT

5 trends affecting residential plumbing systems

Design and material consideration is important for future-proofing plumbing systems.

Jonathan Simon

December 15, 2023

Various market forces and trends can influence the decisions plumbers and engineers make regarding those materials and designs. Here are five that should be considered in the coming year.

PM Profile: Plumbing contractor gives back

Hero Helps, Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air’s charity division, gives back to its community all year long.

Nicole Krawcke

December 18, 2023

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had the chance to chat with Magda Elizondo, Hero Helps coordinator for Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, about the company’s charitable efforts, not just during the giving season, but throughout the entire year.

PM 1223 Nicole Krawcke Column opening image of a gift jar full of coins.

Editorial Opinion | Nicole Krawcke

Contractors should prioritize giving back to their communities

‘Tis the season.

Nicole Krawcke

December 11, 2023

Generosity is the new marketing. In this era of social media, charitable companies can earn an enhanced brand reputation as being a “good” company and will make people want to do business with them.

Guest Editorial | Michael Copp

An aging population represents opportunities for plumbing and HVACR contractors

As the population grows older, there is a heightened need for affordable plumbing and HVACR systems that offer safety and accessibility.

Michael Copp

December 7, 2023

As the population grows older, there is a heightened need for affordable plumbing and HVACR systems that offer safety and accessibility.

PM 1223 Matt Michel Column opening image Plumber and apprentice

Service Plumbing Pros | Matt Michel

4 reasons to hire apprentices and grow them into plumbers

Build your team from the ground up.

Matt Michel

December 6, 2023

Should you hire apprentices instead of journeymen and master plumbers? Some contractors are finding more long-term success by building their team from the ground up.

PM 1223 Dave Yates Column opening image of utility room

Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Thermal expansion: control or limit?

One Florida AHJ is changing its requirements for thermal expansion.

Dave Yates

December 5, 2023

I recently received the following email: Advice needed on thermal expansion control. The homeowner has done his research and makes valid points regarding the conflicts within the UPC that was adopted by his local AHJ.

PM 1223 Kenny Chapman Column 2024 wooden blocks

The Blue Collar Coach | Kenny Chapman

Clear outcomes for leaders in the new year

Navigating success

Kenny Chapman

December 4, 2023

By diligently delineating well-structured goals and objectives for the upcoming year, you can guide your enterprise toward a path of unmatched growth and prosperity.

01 PM 1223 Dan Holohan Column Marianne and Dan Holohan Cape May

Heating Help | Dan Holohan

Longtime Plumbing Group columnist says goodbye

Dan Holohan

December 1, 2023

Hello, old friend. I’m writing today to say thanks, and to say farewell. This will be my last column.

01 PM 1223 John Seigenthaler Column opening photo of a manifold station

Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

A simple, repeatable and scalable approach to hydronic distribution

This one works…

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

November 30, 2023

One of the best things about hydronic heating is there is virtually no limit to how piping systems can be customized. One of the worst things about hydronic heating is that there is virtually no limit to how piping systems can be customized.

New Products

Wilo launches high-efficiency wet-rotor circulator pump

December 15, 2023

The new EC Motor-Driven, high-efficiency, wet-rotor circulator pump for the residential and commercial HVAC market is designed to improve performance and save energy consumption.

New Products

U.S. Boiler Co. launches electric boiler

December 14, 2023

The single-phase Ambient Electric Boiler is an ultra-compact, wall-hung boiler is available in three capacities.

New Products

Navien launches new Hydro-Furnace

December 13, 2023

Available in Upflow and Horizontal configurations, the NPF comes in two sizes of 60,000 Btu/h and 100,000 Btu/h.

New Products

BitRip launches material and equipment tracking app

December 12, 2023

BitRip is a free app that seamlessly tracks any type of physical asset using pre-printed BR Code labels.

07 PM 1223 Products Sloan’s Gravity Toilet

New Products

Sloan announces Gravity Toilet

December 11, 2023

Sloan’s Gravity Toilet features a sleek one-piece look with the benefits of a two-piece toilet.

06 PM 1223 Products Niagara Shadow 0.8 GPF toilet

New Products

Niagara Conservation announces Shadow high-efficiency toilet

December 8, 2023

The Niagara Shadow 0.8 GPF toilet delivers exceptional clog-free performance, using only half the water of traditional models, while leading in water efficiency.

New Products

Kohler announces Innate smart toilet

December 7, 2023

Innate offers integrated bidet functionality, including front and rear wash, water pressure and temperature control, electrolyzed water rinsing and UV cleaning.