2025 July

The July 2025 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features our cover story on the most-used tools for plumbers in 2025. Also inside, are onshoring and reshoring on the rise? Read our featured columns, new products and much more!

Guard on Compliance | Misty Guard

Navigating the Latest WaterSense Updates: What Plumbing Professionals Need to Know About Tank-Type Toilets and Faucets

Misty Guard

July 8, 2025

The U.S. EPA WaterSense program promotes water conservation by certifying products that save water without sacrificing performance, helping consumers select high-performing, water-efficient products.

A rented forklift with boom extension outside of a home during a historic boiler replacement.

Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

Boiler job proves the power of teamwork and the right rental equipment

Old building, heavy iron, and a small crew.

Scott Secor

July 10, 2025

On large jobs, we sometimes hire subcontractors to help us out. Other times, we will do all of the work in house. Often, we rent tools that make the job easier.

Happy couple shaking hands with their real estate agent after successful deal in the apartment. Workers wearing yellow safety hats and overalls are in the background.

Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Working with home warranty companies

The partnership can pay off, but only if you control the terms and play by the rules.

Dave Yates

July 8, 2025

Since home warranty companies deal with numerous customers and service contracts, they can provide a steady stream of work, which helps maintain cash flow, even in slow seasons or during economic downturns.

Integrate a heat pump with a boiler mounted on a brick wall.

Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

How to integrate a heat pump with a boiler for dual temperature hydronic heating and cooling

Delivering expectations

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

July 2, 2025

A building with slab-on-grade heating from a cast iron boiler plans to expand. A monobloc air-to-water heat pump will provide heating and cooling for the new space via a fan-coil unit, with the existing boiler serving as backup.

Plumber using the DEWALT 20V MAX* Plastic Tubing Cutter to cut a white tube.

Making tough jobs easier: Most-used tools by plumbers in 2025

Survey reveals most-used tools by plumbing contractors in 2025; tried-and-true hand tools and Pro Press solutions are nonnegotiable.

Natalie Forster

July 7, 2025

The 2025 survey asked a handful of simple questions, starting with, “What is your most-used plumbing tool?” Nearly 25% of respondents said Channel Locks, while the majority of other contractors shared that their most-reached-for tool is a set of pump pliers. Adjustable wrenches and screwdrivers, specifically Philips-head, are notably popular as well.

The The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., a blue sky with clouds in the background.

PHCC members meet with Legislators on Capitol Hill to make voices heard

Energy policy and workforce development among top concerns addressed.

Natalie Forster

July 11, 2025

Plumbing contractors are engaging directly with legislators to promote policies for clean water, workforce development, and resilient plumbing. Over 100 PHCC members, leaders, and industry stakeholders met in Washington from May 20–21 to support industry issues.

MADE IN USA text sign on rusty worn manufacturing metal

From global to local: Onshoring and reshoring in the plumbing & mechanical industry

Plumbing professionals in every part of the industry are rethinking and reimagining production to bring it closer to home.

Kristen R. Bayles

July 3, 2025

The pandemic's slowdowns are over, but new challenges have emerged, including geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and fluctuating tariffs, highlighting the risks of relying on offshore manufacturing.

An engineering worker bending over, repairing a pipeline outside. The pipes are orange in color.

Building the future of plumbing science: IAPMO’s expanding water research capacity

Water research will shape the future of plumbing system design.

Christoph Lohr

July 1, 2025

This article highlights how IAPMO is enhancing research through the Water Demand Calculator®, the Innovation and Research Fund, and the integration of ESPRI, signaling a shift towards evidence-based practices that align science with codes.

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

This Is The Place Heritage Park entrance located on the east side of Salt Lake City.

Radiant Comfort Report Spring 2025 Edition

Massive snow melt system provides safety for state park

Robust and flexible REHAU RAUPEX piping in one of area’s largest snow and ice melting systems helps State Park Welcome Center guests walk safely all winter long.

Kevin Hale

July 28, 2025

In a hydronic snow and ice melting (SIM) system, warm water/glycol circulates through pipes embedded in concrete slabs to melt snow and ice above. With sensors, the system automatically activates based on temperature and moisture, effectively melting snow on contact by evaporating it or directing water to drains.

Radiant Comfort Report Spring 2025 Edition

Best Practices for performance, comfort and longevity

Mastering radiant installation

William Werthman

July 23, 2025

As radiant heating and cooling systems continue to grow in popularity for their superior comfort, energy efficiency, and quiet operation, the importance of proper system installation cannot be overstated. A poorly installed system—no matter how advanced its components—can fall short of expectations, leading to hot and cold spots, energy waste, or costly callbacks.

Radiant Comfort Report Spring 2025 Edition

Radiant Professionals Alliance educating the industry

Resources and new technologies to stay up-to-date on radiant & hydronics.

Hugo Aguilar, P.E.

July 18, 2025

The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) provides superior comprehensive educational activities and innovative product awareness. This was evident at the 2025 AHR conference held in Orlando Florida. The RPA hosted eight sessions providing education to professionals and students. From the eight sessions, I would like to highlight five that deal with industry patterns, installation practices and innovative design.

RCR Spring2025 Geothermal JHJ manifold-2

Radiant Comfort Report Spring 2025 Edition

Geothermal and radiant: An energy-efficient powerhouse

Discover how combining geothermal ground source heat pumps with radiant can provide high-performance building design with maximum efficiencies.

Kim Bliss Hailey Mick Jacob Gribbon Tim Botten

July 18, 2025

Radiant heating and cooling systems integrated with geothermal ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) offer an energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable approach to indoor climate control. This combined system leverages the stable temperatures of the Earth to provide heating and cooling through radiant surfaces, most commonly on floors but also on walls or ceilings.

Radiant Comfort Report Spring 2025 Edition

Thermal energy networks and the future of radiant

A pathway to smarter heating systems.

Greg Cunniff P.E.

July 11, 2025

As the building industry shifts to electrification, decarbonization, and high-efficiency infrastructure, radiant heating and cooling professionals lead the change. At this year’s AHR Expo in Orlando, FL, Greg Cunniff of Egg Geo presented 'Future of BEST – Net the Energy with Community Thermal Energy Networks'.

Follow the PIM method for a perfect radiant installation everytime

A guide to installation success.

Fae Champagne-Walls

December 17, 2024

Use the PIM Method (Preparation, Installation, Maintenance) for effective radiant heating installations, emphasizing clear project intent, proper manifold placement, and regular fluid maintenance to ensure efficiency.