2025 June

The June 2025 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features our cover story on the 2025 Rep of the Year. Also read features on water conservation as risk management, reasons to consider trenchless technology, featured columns, and much more!

Plumber And Apprentice Fitting Central Heating

Prepping for the next generation

The next generation is inheriting the skilled trades industry at an interesting time. How can you prepare them?

Kristen R. Bayles

June 18, 2025

Allow your young workers time to learn. Mistakes will happen; turn them into learning opportunities. Do your best to create an environment where questions are encouraged! We all start somewhere, after all. And, most importantly, recognize growth when you see it. Gen-Z workers seem to thrive off of praise, so don’t be shy with it!

The future of energy: How natural gas is shaping sustainable heating solutions

Electrification on track to be largest energy consumption source by 2050.

Ellie Gabel

June 18, 2025

Advancements in renewable energy are well underway, and several exciting developments are already in use. However, homes and businesses require consistent, reliable solutions today and can't wait for a full transition to sustainable power. While nonrenewable, natural gas is shaping a cleaner energy future to meet growing heating and electricity demands.

She's wearing a white safety helmet and safety glasses.

Guest Editorial | Phil Hotarek

Connecting with gen Z – why they’re the plumbing trade’s next big thing

Why you should be recruiting gen Z, and how to do it.

Phil Hotarek

June 18, 2025

Gen Z is reshaping the workforce by opting for trades like plumbing instead of costly four-year degrees. With rising tuition and student debt, they’re seeking immediate job opportunities, which presents a tremendous opportunity for our industry. If you're not tapping into their potential, you're missing out.

Heat pump of air-water technology for the home.

Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

Rethinking Heat Transfer: Why 'Natural' Isn't Always Ideal for Air-to-Water Systems

As air-to-water heat pumps replace boilers in North American hydronic systems, designers must rethink traditional approaches to heat transfer, or risk costly and inefficient installations.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

June 16, 2025

Air-to-water heat pumps are gaining popularity in North American hydronic systems, but many practitioners are discovering that they operate differently from boilers.

Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

Hidden issues and high bills: troubleshooting radiant heat in a luxury home

A seven-figure renovation leaves a high-end radiant heating system underperforming.

Scott Secor

June 10, 2025

A plumber recently asked us to inspect a home with issues related to radiant heating. The homeowner, Ronny, runs a company that builds commercial office buildings, and the plumber handles the plumbing work.

Latin American plumber fixing a toilet in the bathroom.

Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Troubleshooting common airflow plumbing issues

Gone with the flow: Gasping for air!

Dave Yates

June 2, 2025

Every time we try flushing our toilet, it just swirls around the bowl and ever so slowly goes down. Does it do this on every other flush? No. Well, that ruled out an after-fill tube having slipped off of the overflow tube and, sure enough, once on site with tank lid removed, the ballcock’s after-fill tube was securely inside the overflow tube.

Harry Warren, Inc. directors posing for a group photo in the conference room.

Plumbing & Mechanical 2025 Rep of the Year: Harry Warren, Inc.

A rep agency with small beginnings and a focus on family

Kristen R. Bayles

June 5, 2025

Celebrating over 50 years of service, Harry Warren, Inc. has been named Plumbing & Mechanical’s 2025 Rep of the Year. Over the years, this family-run agency has grown from a one-man operation into a leading manufacturers’ rep by staying true to its core values: integrity, service and people-first leadership.

Exterior of a home having a State water heater installed.

Project Profile

State Water Heater Ultra Force case study: built to last

Two decades of exceptional hot water supply leads to like-for-like replacement of State commercial water heater.

Patrick Fulford

June 13, 2025

By 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is expected to require all commercial water heaters to use condensing technology. The SUF commercial water heater offers superior performance with advanced features and complies with evolving local and national regulations.

Hexagon-shaped wooden pieces with a human figure in black in the center. Some pieces are placed together with single pieces around it on a blue table.

Bradford White makes big moves: 8 companies unite for remarkable growth

Company makes four acquisitions in less than two years; CEO talks strategic expansions and expectations moving forward.

Natalie Forster

June 11, 2025

Plumbing & Mechanical sat down with Bruce Carnevale, CEO of Bradford White, just after its most recent acquisition of Bock Water Heats, to learn the strategy behind this aggressive expansion approach.

A overhead view of a digger and an excavation at an urban construction site.

4 Reasons to consider trenchless technologies

Trenchless technology offers a less disruptive, faster and more sustainable way to replace and rehabilitate aging infrastructure.

Mark Fasel

June 10, 2025

The condition of underground sanitary drainage is crucial for community health, but aging pipes pose significant challenges globally. Traditional replacement methods disrupt daily life and harm the environment. Trenchless technology minimizes these issues, making it essential for creating sustainable and resilient cities.

Farmer watering the plants, vegetables and seedlings in a greenhouse.

Beyond green: water conservation as risk management

People have seen water conservation as a strictly environmental issue for many years, but things are changing.

Kristen R. Bayles

June 4, 2025

Water conservation has become a critical issue, with over 4 billion people living in water-stressed areas. Effective water management is vital for both commercial and residential businesses to address consumer concerns and comply with regulations.

The Centrus the Centrus air-to-water hydronic heat pump.

Lochinvar Centrus air to water hydronic heat pump

Lochinvar debuts air-to-water heat pump designed for year-round residential and light commercial use.

May 5, 2025

The new Centrus unit provides heating, cooling, and hot water from a compact system engineered for cold-weather performance and compatibility with standard North American components.

A bronze Wall Flush Plates from California Faucets on a bathroom wall.

California Faucets Dual-Flush Actuator wall flush plate

The plate is available in 25 finishes.

May 6, 2025

The solid brass flush plates match faucets and other hardware finishes.

Gripple TecLoc Conduit Claw seismic rod stiffener

The product is engineered for quick and versatile seismic stiffening.

May 7, 2025

The TecLoc Conduit Claw has been specifically engineered to be retrofittable, allowing it to be installed after services are fully suspended.

Watts' new Single-Stage Total PFAS Reduction Filtration System

Watts Single-Stage Total PFAS Reduction filtration system

This system is designed to be easily connected to existing faucets.

May 9, 2025

Watts introduces a high-flow, easy-install filtration system that offers certified 99.5% reduction of Total PFAS for kitchen and bath applications.

The Esco MILLHOG Rolling Motors & Tube Expander Kits

Esco Tool MILLHOG rolling motors and tube expander kits

Esco Tools introduces new line of rolling motors and tube expander kits.

May 13, 2025

Esco's newest addition is designed to work for specific job requirements.

Bradley changing table

Bradley announced a new changing table for use in public restrooms.

May 13, 2025

Designed to improve accessibility and inclusivity in public restroom spaces, this enhanced solution is designed for individuals with mobility challenges and their caregivers, setting a new standard for universal public restroom accommodations.