Plumbing and Mechanical

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2024 May

The May 2024 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features PSI's secret to success: simple and scalable hydronic designs, aesthetically pleasing restroom fixtures in a California K-12 school campus, and much more!

Cover Story

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11,000 square-foot modern chalet-style home

Contractor finds success in simple, scalable hydronic designs

The upside of down economies: forging an ironclad business.
Dan Vastyan
May 8, 2024

Jim Harper Sr. instilled a strong work ethic in his son, Jim Jr. who studied at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. Jim Jr. moved to Colorado in the 1990s to work with Caribou Plumbing, gaining experience in hydronics. He founded Plumbing Systems Inc. (PSI), which was put on hold after 9/11.


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Feature Articles

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Basement flooding through a door.

The plumber’s guide to backwater valves

Defending against sewage backup.
Sean Comerford
Sean Comerford
May 20, 2024

As plumbers, you understand the crucial role backwater valves play in maintaining plumbing system integrity, preventing sewage backups that can cause costly repairs and health risks. A backwater valve is a specialized device allowing wastewater to flow in one direction while blocking reverse flow, acting as a strong defense to ensure wastewater moves only in the intended direction.


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Columnists

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AI chatbot - Artificial Intelligence digital concept
Guest Editorial | Katie Donovan

Unlocking the power of AI in digital marketing

A guide for home service businesses.
Katie Donovan 200x200 headshot
Katie Donovan
May 10, 2024

AI is the cornerstone of innovation in home services, but its true essence is diverse and multifaceted. Bloomberg predicts AI will affect 40% of global job roles. AI's ripple effects will be consequential for paid and organic search.


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A tradesman stood at the side of his van with his arms folded smiling to camera on a housing estate
Guest Editorial | Kellene Safis

Shattering stereotypes to shape the future of plumbing

Revolutionizing the flow
Kellene Safis
Kellene Safis
May 9, 2024

US faces a shortage of 500k skilled plumbers, costing $33bn annually. Plumbing requires rigorous training, creative problem-solving, and meticulous execution. Valuing the critical role plumbers play can address the shortage and pave the way for a thriving water infrastructure.


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Diverse group of male and female business professionals talking together in corporate office lobby during social gathering.
Service Plumbing Pros | Matt Michel

Networking for commercial plumbers

Nine ways to build key relationships.
Matt Michel
Matt Michel
May 7, 2024

Larry Taylor, a renowned contractor, believed that networking is the key to commercial sales. Business is built on relationships, and networking helps build them. Here are nine ways to network effectively.


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Scott Secor column feature image of pipefitter installing underfloor heating system system.
Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

Not-so-common radiant retrofits

Be careful what you bid on.
Scott Secor
Scott Secor
May 6, 2024

Not many homes in our area have radiant heat. We mostly retrofit older homes and commercial buildings. Majority of new constructions in our area are apartment houses that use warm air for heating.


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Departments

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New Products

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Radiant Comfort Report

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

Resideo hydraulic separator radiant heating system
Radiant Comfort Report Spring 2024 Edition

Protecting what matters most in your radiant system — the water

Water quality is a critical component to radiant and hydronic systems.
Jason Abajian
May 23, 2024

Boiler systems are essential for residential heating and hot water. Their efficiency and longevity depend on good water quality. Poor water quality causes corrosion, scale buildup, and higher costs. Maintaining high water quality ensures smooth operation and durability.


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Ecowarm RadiantBoard EPS over un-insulated subfloor
Radiant Comfort Report Spring 2024 Edition

Martha's Vineyard mechanical contractor incorporates radiant heating into his own Net Zero strategy

Radiant heating board helps system operate more effectively at lower supply water temperatures.
May 21, 2024

Matt Millard, owner of Performance Mechanical in Edgartown, Massachusetts, loves to experiment with new technologies. Recently, Millard wanted to step up to hydronic radiant heating for his own home addition using an air-to-water heat pump.


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A trench filled with plastic tubing used for the installation of a geothermal residential heating and cooling system.
Radiant Comfort Report Spring 2024 Edition

Thermal Energy Networks for HVAC&W

Targeting the performance zone.
Rick Bostian
Rick Bostian
May 16, 2024

Circulating ground-temperature water in a Thermal Energy Network (TEN) provides efficient heating and cooling, reducing costs and mitigating climate change through decarbonization. The water must be kept within a specific temperature range, known as the performance zone.


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Radiant Comfort Report New Products: Warmbrothers Insulated Radiant Floor Panels
Radiant Comfort Report | New Products

Ecowarm announces insulated radiant floor panels

May 3, 2024

Ecowarm RadiantBoard EPS Premium Ply Panels are integrated with EPS foam and available in standard R-2.7 or R-5.6 models for use over concrete and over under-insulated subfloors.


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