2026 July

In the July 2026 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical, PHCP manufacturers discuss the impact of domestic manufacturing on quality, workforce development and long-term growth. We sound the alarm about a case of contractor fraud in Riverside, CA. We explain how contractors can drive growth through technology, customer engagement and recurring revenue. And last but not least, the monthly columns, new products, and more.

Check back throughout the month for additional content.

Made in America: A Commitment Beyond the Product

PHCP manufacturers discuss the impact of domestic manufacturing on quality, workforce development and long-term growth.

Kristen R. Bayles

July 21, 2026

At a time when supply chains, workforce development and economic resilience remain top concerns, many manufacturers are reaffirming their commitment to producing products in the United States. Beyond supporting local jobs, domestic operations can offer greater quality control, shorter lead times, closer collaboration between engineering and production teams, and stronger connections to customers and distribution partners.

PHCP-PVF Price Increases: June 2026

Double-digit increases hit select PHCP-PVF product categories

Hannah Belloli-Oster

June 9, 2026

Manufacturers announced another round of PHCP-PVF price increases in June, with adjustments affecting insulation, valves, fittings, pumps, water heating products, and specialty plumbing components. See which suppliers raised prices and when the changes take effect.

Fake Plumbing Contractor Arrested on Fraud, Burglary, and Elder Abuse Charges

Authorities say the suspect used a stolen contractor license number

Hannah Belloli-Oster

June 17, 2026

A Riverside, California, contractor fraud investigation has led to the arrest of a man accused of posing as a licensed plumbing contractor, stealing from an elderly resident, and using a stolen contractor license number.

Driving Growth in Plumbing Today

Labor shortages and changing regulations are reshaping the industry, making adaptability a competitive advantage

Tim House

July 13, 2026

Contractors who continue to grow will be the ones who stay informed, embrace training, and prepare to move in the direction that the industry is heading.

Expanded Training Center Prepares the Next Generation of Technicians

With enrollment rising and demand for skilled technicians increasing, PPATEC's new Grantville facility is designed to provide hands-on training, certifications and career pathways for HVAC professionals.

John Vastyan

July 29, 2026

PPATEC’s course offerings are specifically tailored to train HVAC/R, energy industry, and hydronic technicians in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. PPA member companies contribute to coursework to help design training programs that offer students a direct, hands-on learning experience that results in strengthening the professional skills of their employees.

The View From the New Desk

Reflections on joining Plumbing & Mechanical and the industry I'll be covering alongside you

Hannah Belloli-Oster

June 22, 2026

In her first editor's note, Hannah Belloli-Oster shares how a carpenter father, a journalism degree, and a few career leaps led her to Plumbing & Mechanical, and why she's excited to learn alongside the industry she now serves.

Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

Improving Hydronic Efficiency

Watts the problem?

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

July 27, 2026

Upcoming DOE regulations and rising energy costs are creating new opportunities to improve hydronic distribution efficiency through smarter circulator strategies.

Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park

Historic charm, noisy pipes and hydronic curiosity at Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn.

Scott Secor

July 23, 2026

What happens when a heating contractor spends three nights in one of America's most iconic historic hotels? Scott Secor shares observations on the Old Faithful Inn's hydronic heating system, from ornate cast-iron radiators to noisy TRVs and the questions they raised.

Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electric team

Serving Beyond the Service Call: Building a People-First Trades Business

Why human connection, not hustle or hype, is the real differentiator in residential HVAC and plumbing

Chris Lollini

Cassie Pound

July 22, 2026

In a business driven by efficiency and productivity, Cassie Pound believes the greatest competitive advantage is human connection. Learn how her people-first approach to leadership, hiring and customer service has built a culture of trust that extends far beyond the service call.

Building contractor looking at data on his laptop

Plugging the Leaks: How to Fix the Data Gaps in Your Plumbing Business

Phil Hotarek

July 21, 2026

Understanding where business intelligence leaks occur can help contractors improve cash flow, strengthen margins and make smarter operational decisions.

In this webinar, you’ll learn how to reframe training as a measurable revenue driver by connecting contractor performance improvements to real business outcomes—like increased equipment sales, stronger margins, and greater share-of-wallet.

Plumbing and Mechanical

Cover Story

Made in America: A Commitment Beyond the Product

Feature Articles

PHCP-PVF Price Increases: June 2026

Fake Plumbing Contractor Arrested on Fraud, Burglary, and Elder Abuse Charges

Driving Growth in Plumbing Today

Expanded Training Center Prepares the Next Generation of Technicians

Columnists

The View From the New Desk

Improving Hydronic Efficiency

Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park

Serving Beyond the Service Call: Building a People-First Trades Business

Plugging the Leaks: How to Fix the Data Gaps in Your Plumbing Business

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