Plumbing & Mechanical

What's the best-paying state for a plumber?

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:30:27 -0400

Plumbing remains a stable and essential career, but the competition for talent is increasing. Contractors who understand regional wage trends and adjust accordingly will be better positioned to attract and retain the workforce they need.

Quickbase acquires Solvice

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:10:07 -0400

The acquisition aims to strengthen Quickbase’s native resource management capabilities with decision intelligence across field service, logistics and enterprise operations.

Podcast: Rethinking Upselling

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Editor Kristen Bayles spoke with Blake Turner, master trainer at Nexstar, to discuss the misconceptions surrounding "upselling," and how through a few simple steps — focusing on communication, presenting options, and helping customers make informed decisions — contractors can improve both the customer experience and their business outcomes, without ever feeling like a salesperson.

The air-to-water heat pump summit brought contractors, suppliers, and educators together for hydronic technology

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The air-to-water heat pump summit was held on March 4th in Burlington, VT, and attended by over 120 people.

Oatey Co. announces two promotions

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:50:07 -0400

Wells joined Oatey in 2021, and Wright joined in January of 2025.

BDR wraps Profit Launch business planning season, announces 2026 workshop dates

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:01:45 -0400

The three-day experience guides home service leadership teams through the development of a comprehensive business plan.

tekmar wireless mesh sensors

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:20:45 -0400

tekmar wireless mesh sensors are designed to integrate with controls such as Smart Boiler Control 294 and Smart Steam Control 289, and can be used across a wide range of boiler systems.

PHCP-PVF price increases April 2026

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:30:40 -0400

The latest round of adjustments, effective from mid-March through mid-April, reflects that same trend, with measured increases across venting systems, brass and PVF components, HVAC parts, controls and copper fittings.

Rinnai America Corporation promotes Perry McGuire to senior vice president, legal, government affairs & people

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:45:03 -0400

Since joining Rinnai in 2020 as Vice President and General Counsel, McGuire has played a role in strengthening the company’s legal and compliance framework while supporting strategic growth initiatives across North America.

Communities across U.S. mark March4Water and World Plumbing Day with proclamations, advocacy events and public outreach

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:50:02 -0400

Throughout the month, IAPMO marked March4Water by lighting World Headquarters buildings in blue, distributing World Plumbing Day activation kits, and hosting city dignitaries and industry leaders at a lunch celebration on World Plumbing Day.

ACCA and Baton collaborate to help contractors plan successful business transitions

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:07:02 -0400

Baton helps HVACR business owners navigate the complexities of valuation, buyer matching, and ownership transition.

Can you find the problems with this space heating set-up?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:00:23 -0400

Can you identify some problems that are likely with this set up, and propose an alternative design to eliminate any such problems?

GF Flow Symposium "Building North America's Future" scheduled for May 3-6

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:00:13 -0400

This event combines practical, hands-on learning with forward-looking insight.

RIDGID partners with Mechanical Hub Media on “American Trades person” series

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:45:13 -0400

The premiere episode, “After the Fires,” takes viewers to Pacific Palisades and Altadena, California, where devastating fires in January 2025 left lasting impacts on homes, businesses and communities.

F.W. Webb launches mobile app to help trade professionals order faster

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

During beta testing, F.W. Webb customers praised the app’s ease of use and time-saving features. They highlighted the ability to switch locations and view product availability by store as standout features. Customers also appreciated the option to register for training events at their nearest F.W. Webb store right in the app.

Amplify the trades: How technology and leadership multiply performance

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

One often-overlooked factor in technology adoption is how the human brain responds to change. We’re naturally wired to seek familiarity and avoid uncertainty, especially in high-pressure environments like the trades. When new systems are introduced without context or preparation, the brain reads that change as a threat, triggering resistance or disengagement. That reaction isn’t stubbornness; it’s human nature.

Women in HVACR opens call for speakers for 2026 annual conference

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:15:17 -0400

The organization is seeking industry professionals who can deliver engaging presentations that support career advancement, leadership development and innovation within the HVACR industry.

Jay’s Heating, Air & Plumbing launches Altitude Academy

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:45:17 -0400

The launch of Altitude Academy follows a milestone year for Jay’s Heating, Air & Plumbing, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025. The company was named the 2025 Large Business of the Year by the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce.

Exhibitor space sold out for Bring Back the Trades' Londonderry Skills Expo on April 18

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:45:13 -0400

While exhibitor booths are no longer available for the Londonderry event, BBTT is still accepting registrations for its inaugural Maine Skills Expo at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland in May.

ServiceTitan report finds AI adoption more than doubles among commercial contractors

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:10:13 -0400

Nearly 40% of contractors report measurable AI impact, up from 17% in 2025, signaling a shift toward technology-driven operations.

Truck of the Month: Skagit Plumbing

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:46:41 -0400

Watts LFUSG-CS Under Sink Guardian mixing valve

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:20:58 -0400

The patented upgrade solution features installation between the shutoff valves and the faucet and includes four compression nuts and a cold water outlet cap for a three-port application.

Late night show comedian mocks plumbing industry

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:05:38 -0400

A joke about plumbers on late-night TV is a reminder of a deeper problem the trades have been dealing with for years.

Why retention is the new growth strategy for contractors

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

How do you grow when hiring remains difficult?

Lochinvar Regent commercial tankless water heater

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:30:17 -0400

The Regent unit features a Lochinvar-exclusive single water-tube, stainless steel heat exchanger and an internal circulating pump to maintain high-velocity flow.

Sylvester & Cockrum announces acquisition of Mechanical Systems Technology

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:33:11 -0400

As part of the integration, MST will leverage S&C’s established infrastructure, including recruiting support, technical resources, IT systems and purchasing capabilities.

Contractor Commerce brings rebate data to Instant Estimate software

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:15:11 -0400

This launch aims to reduce friction around cost and affordability.

AHR and KBIS/IBS highlighted how AI, efficiency mandates and workforce evolution are converging on the jobsite

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The conversation has clearly moved beyond connectivity for connectivity’s sake, and into something more actionable; and, with new expectations for energy-efficient and low-carbon systems, more necessary.

New report details how lead pipe replacement can drive workforce opportunity

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:25:11 -0400

The report warns that without intentional workforce training strategies, the people and places with the greatest exposure to lead service lines are unlikely to benefit from the employment opportunities presented by this massive infrastructure investment.

Sloan’s carbon neutral program helps buildings reduce environmental impact

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:30:11 -0400

Sloan calculates each product’s carbon footprint with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), then offsets these emissions through partnerships with Climate Vault.