2024 February

The February 2024 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features the 60th anniversary celebration of KBIS in Las Vegas, an Amish hardware store with smart hydronics technology, the top 20 products of 2023 and much more!

PM Feb 2024 Editors Note column image of chalk drawing on a blackboard of a human brain lifting weights.

Editorial Opinion | Nicole Krawcke

Breaking the silence on mental health awareness in the construction industries

For the first time, MCAA shares suicide-prevention video with general public.

Nicole Krawcke

February 9, 2024

The construction industry is often associated with strength, resilience and tough work. However, there has been an alarming rise in mental health challenges. MCAA is taking that to heart with the first-ever public release of its suicide prevention video.

Guest Editorial | Brad Williams

Global and U.S. economic 2024 predictions

Commercial construction related to on-shoring to drive revenue growth.

Brad Williams

February 8, 2024

As 2023 comes to a close it is now time to review my predictions from last year as well as predict ten more trends I see as we enter 2024.

01 PM Feb 2024 Scott Secor column GettyImages 1316154791.jpg

Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

Site visit notes for boiler replacement(s)

What to look for during your site visit.

Scott Secor

February 7, 2024

I try to be on time for appointments and call ahead if I'll be late. I pay attention to my surroundings and take notes on important details. It's important to silence your phone during meetings. Door widths and route planning are important when removing or installing equipment.

PM Feb 2024 Kenny Chapman column. Businessman standing in virtual reality display.

The Blue Collar Coach | Kenny Chapman

Balancing data-driven decisions with human emotion

A service business leader’s guide.

Kenny Chapman

February 6, 2024

The service industry needs both data and emotion. Emotional intelligence is crucial to balance them. Strive to understand the 'why' behind the numbers, promote emotional intelligence, pilot programs, open feedback channels, and keep an eye on the long game.

PM Feb 2024 Dave Yates column feature image of plumbing rough in for shower

Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

The home improvement market is rising

Grab your share

Dave Yates

February 2, 2024

Luxury bathrooms and kitchens have evolved, and the home improvement market is booming with IT-connected products. People want to control their heating, kitchen appliances, and plumbing products through apps.

01 February 2024 PM John Siegenthaler column. A modern air heat pump installed in the home's boiler room, visible plastic pipes and valves

Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

Options for connecting heat pumps to existing boiler systems

Tie ins

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

February 1, 2024

Find out about piping options for retrofitting an air-to-water heat pump into an existing hydronic system.

Trade show attendees at the 2023 DCW in Las Vegas

Kitchen and Bath

Kitchen & Bath Industry Show returns to Las Vegas

2024 marks 60 years for industry’s largest kitchen and bath show.

Natalie Forster

February 5, 2024

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) returned to Las Vegas in 2023. Hoping to break records again, KBIS/IBS returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center this year. Explore the latest products, technologies, and trends in kitchen and bath design.

PM Top 20 Products of 2023 feature image of a star stamp with stamped stars on the table.

Plumbing & Mechanical Top 20 Products of 2023

Check out 2023’s most popular products based on pageviews from PM’s website.

Nicole Krawcke

February 14, 2024

The 20 products highlighted here have earned the distinction of being Plumbing & Mechanical’s Top Products of 2023 based on the number of pageviews on www.pmmag.com. Congratulations to those products on this year’s list.

01 PM Feb 2024 Keystone Air Power Smart Hydronics Facility

Case Study

Amish Hardware Store with smart hydronics technology

Keystone Air Power, Lebanon County’s fastest-growing hardware store, is a robust Amish enterprise full of surprises.

Dave Raabe

February 12, 2024

Keystone Air Power is a thriving Amish enterprise that runs a fully modern hardware store in Central Pennsylvania. The 52,000-square-foot building is constructed around a cutting-edge, off-grid mechanical and electrical system that demonstrates the Amish's knowledge of smart technology.

KBIS Product Preview: Elkay Workstation Sink on a marble countertop

Product Focus | KBIS Product Preview

Zurn-Elkay announces workstation sinks

February 15, 2024

Available in stainless steel, fireclay or quartz, Elkay workstation sinks are designed to fit all kitchen styles and are engineered for convenience. Zurn Elkay will be at KBIS Booth N313.

KBIS Product Preview: Ruvati Freestanding Bathtub in gold with a white interior.

Product Focus | KBIS Product Preview

Ruvati announces freestanding bathtubs

February 9, 2024

Ruvati’s Sinatra is a bathtub with a gleaming satin gold exterior and oval silhouette, crafted in Ruvati’s signature epiStone. Pfister Faucets will be at KBIS Booth N1409 & N1413.

06 PM Feb 2024 KBIS Product Preview: Pfister Faucet's Tenet kitchen faucet

Product Focus | KBIS Product Preview

Pfister highlights Tenet kitchen faucets

February 8, 2024

Pfister Faucet’s Tenet kitchen faucet is available now in a variety of dual-tone finish options including Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Brushed Gold and Matte Black. Pfister Faucets will be at KBIS booth N2927.

05 PM February 2024 KBIS Product Preview: Oatey Dearborn True Blue Bath Waste Kit

Product Focus | KBIS Product Preview

Oatey announces Dearborn True Blue Bath Waste Kit

February 7, 2024

The Dearborn True Blue Bath Waste Kit helps installers overcome multiple frustrations when putting in bathtub waste and overflows. Oatey will be at KBIS booth N3227.

04 PM February 2024 KBIS Product Preview Niagara One-piece Toilet

Product Focus | KBIS Produce Preview

Niagara Conservation highlights Phantom one-piece toilets

February 6, 2024

Niagara’s Phantom One Piece is a fresh blend of design and award-winning technology, offering industry leading performance and water efficiency. Niagara will be at KBIS booth N471.

PM February 2024 KBIS Product Preview: Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff

Product Focus | KBIS Produce Preview

Moen highlights leak monitoring systems

February 5, 2024

Reduce the risk of water leaks and damage with the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff. Moen will be at KBIS booth N2605.

02 PM Feb 2024 KBIS Product Preview Kohler PureWash E930 bidet toilet, an elongated bidet seat, shown here in black, in a bathroom.

Product Focus | KBIS Produce Preview

Kohler announces elongated bidet seats

February 2, 2024

The PureWash E930 bidet toilet seat offers the freshness of personal cleansing in a slim, low-profile design that fits most elongated toilets. Kohler will be at KBIS booth N2205.

PM Feb 2024 KBIS Product Preview Brizo Steam Smart Shower

Product Focus | KBIS Produce Preview

Brizo announces smart steam shower

February 1, 2024

The Mystix Steam System Transcendent Experience creates a holistic ambiance, combining all the benefits of the Brizo Elemental Experience. Brizo will be at KBIS booth N2037.