April 2021 | PM Magazine

The April 2021 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features how the Plumbing industry rallies to repair Texas, marketing 101 for plumbing contractors, and much more!

Plumbing Industry Rallies to Repair Texas

Following winter freeze, plumbing contractors scramble to fix broken pipes and equipment amidst shortage of supplies.

Natalie Forster

Nicole Krawcke

April 12, 2021

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A perfect storm of events left Texas residents grasping for the most basic needs — power and running water.

Connected Products saturate plumbing market

Projected growth of smart home market to reach almost $208 billion by 2027.

Nicole Krawcke

April 14, 2021

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The smart home market is booming. There are now connected devices in practically every room of the house — smart lights, smart cameras, smart door locks, smart refrigerators, smart HVAC systems, and yes, smart plumbing devices.

Water treatment presents growth opportunity for plumbing contractors

COVID-19 pandemic spurs consumer interest in water quality solutions.

Nicole Krawcke

April 9, 2021

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“Water quality has grown 300% across the U.S. since the pandemic began,” says Glen Blavet, founder and CEO of HALO Water Systems. “People are at home, and they’re looking to improve their quality of life and their health, so they’re looking at the water they’re drinking out of the tap.”

Matt Michel: 6 plans every plumber should make

Elements of a strategy to increase success.

Matt Michel

April 5, 2021

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Far too many plumbing contractors’ business strategy is to simply wing it.

Nicole Krawcke: Reviews make or break contracting businesses

Once considered nice to have, online reviews are now essential for small businesses.

Nicole Krawcke

April 8, 2021

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In today’s world, online reviews matter. I recently decided to switch dentists and find one closer to our new home.

Karen Scally: How technology can solve the skilled trades shortage

Trade Hounds, founded in 2019, is an online platform created exclusively for tradespeople.

Karen Scally

April 7, 2021

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The service trades shortage is dire.

According to a 2020 report, 71% of contractors say there is a lack of skilled tradespeople.

Josh Smith: Connecting with new homeowners during COVID-19

Three core areas to focus on in 2021 to generate new business.

Josh Smith

April 7, 2021

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We are officially in the tailwinds of one of the most challenging years of the past two decades.

Marketing Magic: Digital marketing tips for enhancing your success

Reach new customers and engage with existing ones.

Becky Brotherton

April 6, 2021

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No longer an optional form of advertising, digital marketing has become the norm.

Codes Corner: An introduction to IAPMO IS 34

This comprehensive document serves as the first illustrative manual of its kind in the nation.

Taylor Costea

April 6, 2021

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IAPMO has collaborated with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to produce an installation standard for solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems (ESS) in residential applications.

Al Levi: Marketing needs great testimonials

Great testimonials help keep the phone ringing.

Al Levi

March 31, 2021

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When we see a testimonial, we know someone else has already tested the waters for us. Especially in today’s crowded marketplace, you need something that sets your contracting company apart.

John Siegenthaler: 4-way versus 3-way motorized mixing valves

Which is the better choice, and why?

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

April 1, 2021

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Although the market for gas-fired boilers continues to track toward those that can modulate and operate with sustained flue gas condensation, conventional boilers (e.g., those not designed to operate with sustained flue gas condensation) still represent a significant portion of the market.

Dan Holohan: Learning from history

Hydronic tidbits from the past.

Dan Holohan

April 1, 2021

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We’ve come a long way since the days of gravity-hot-water heating. The physics haven’t changed a bit, but the systems sure have.

Kenny Chapman: 4 simple steps for improving yourself

Only you can make yourself a better leader.

Kenny Chapman

April 2, 2021

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We’re all leaders. We have people that work with us, clients to service, family and friends to pay attention to and our own fulfillment to work toward. It sounds like a lot, and it is.

Dave Yates: Heroes and zeros

Texas PHVAC contractors face unprecedented challenge.

Dave Yates

April 5, 2021

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As Texas settled into a deadly-serious Polar Vortex, you could predict the pattern emerging based on your own past experiences with bitter-cold sustained weather conditions: No-heat calls inundating your emergency calls; heating systems not able to keep up with demand; heating systems stressed to the breaking-point; followed by frozen water lines, water services and water mains; and then biblical flooding and damage once thawing temperatures arrived.

Viega donates press tools for Texas relief

Donated tools part of company drive to help repair and replace plumbing systems damaged in freeze.

March 10, 2021

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Viega has donated 10 press tools to help restore plumbing to Texans affected by last month’s killer freeze.

Watts acquires Silicon Valley provider of wireless water security solutions

March 3, 2021

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The Detection Group (TDG), with headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, currently protects over 50 million square feet of floor space in well over 400 commercial buildings across the United States.

NIBCO names Ashley Martin executive vice president

March 4, 2021

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Martin continues in her role as corporate officer and executive leadership team member; and serves as member of the Board of Directors, a position she has held since 2018.

Davey home pressure system

April 5, 2021

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Davey Water Products’ DynaDrive is an all-in-one home pressure system with a variable-speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household, the company notes.

Bradford White commercial gas water heater

April 16, 2021

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Bradford White Water Heaters notes it continues to meet demand for world-class reliability and efficiency with the launch of its new BMS-ready Commander Series commercial gas water heaters.

Niagara compact, elongated toilet

April 16, 2021

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Experience comfort in small spaces with the Compact Elongated Nano toilet from Niagara.

Isuzu work truck enhancements

April 15, 2021

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Isuzu Commercial Truck of America announces major enhancements to its 2022 interim model year N-Series diesel trucks (designated as model year 2022i).

General Pipe Cleaners reel cage cover

April 14, 2021

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Protect work sites and equipment from dripping video cable reels with the new Reel Cage Cover for Gen-Eye sewer cameras from General Pipe Cleaners.

Matco Norca lead-free Press X PEX adapter fittings

April 13, 2021

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Matco-Norca now carries additional lead-free brass Press X PEX adapter fittings in various sizes.

Gerber plumbing fixtures

April 12, 2021

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The Gerber Avalanche offers impressive flush technology for consistently reliable performance, a tall and narrow tank, increased flush speed, is easy to install and is ideal for replacements with a large footprint, Gerber states.

Franklin Electric grinder pump

April 9, 2021

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Offered in both 115V and 230V versions with multiple switch options, Little Giant’s new 16G Series 1 hp Grinder Pump features a powerful 1 hp Class F motor, a cutting mechanism design based on Franklin Electric’s patented 2 hp grinder pump, and a 2" discharge adapter preassembled onto the pump for ultimate versatility.

Saniflo residential greywater pump

April 8, 2021

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Designed to meet larger commercial and conventional residential drainage applications, the Saniswift Pro can handle greywater from up to three fixtures: sink, shower, dishwasher or washing machine (via a laundry sink).

Noritz external pump kit

April 7, 2021

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The new Noritz America RPK-EXT external pump kit gives users time, water and energy-saving benefits of hot water recirculation on an even broader array of residential taknless water heaters, the company notes.