https://www.pmmag.com/rss/2129-featured-stories en-us baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) When Ryan Edgington began exploring the value of Oxford Plumbing & Heating out of curiosity, the third-generation owner navigated the sale of a deeply rooted community business while preserving its people-first values. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107076 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107076-what-it-takes-to-sell-a-legacy-business baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Stopping the leak is only part of the job. Knowing when to call in a restoration expert can protect plumbers from callbacks, liability and long-term damage.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107069 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:00:23 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107069-when-to-call-in-a-restoration-expert Kit Dickinson explores six strategies contractors can use to train, retain, and motivate a younger workforce in an industry undergoing rapid change.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107040 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:40:57 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107040-six-ways-to-build-and-keep-the-next-generation-of-plumbing-and-mechanical-pros dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) My dear, sweet 95-year-old mother-in-law fell and cracked several vertebrae last year. A few days later, she was having extreme pain and her doctor told us we should take her to the ER at one of our two local hospitals. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102877 Thu, 21 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102877-dave-yates-believe-it-or-not Believe it or Not The Belanus residence was started in 2013. Our company, Arndt & Son Plumbing, began our work in June 2013, and completed the project in December 2014. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102866 Fri, 15 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102866-radiant-heating-system-solves-comfort-problems-twice-over Main Level The main level of the home consists of seven zones with REHAU PEXa tubing stapled to the top of the subfloor with 1 1/2-inch of gypsum poured over the top of the tubing. Mechanical Room Because the mechanical room location was in the middle of the house, we were able to keep all our REHAU PRO-BALANCE manifolds with flow indicators in the mechanical room. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102743 Thu, 26 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102743-thank-you-to-our-plumbers Even prior to COVID-19, 60% of Americans say they are extremely or quite concerned about catching the flu.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102727 Mon, 23 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102727-bradley-corp-shares-handwashing-habits-across-the-united-states Have you ever felt a lack of energy and/or excitement to jump out of bed and hit the ground running? Do you love what you do for a living? If you answered yes to either one or both of those questions, you are not alone. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102699 Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102699-kenny-chapman-identify-and-overcome-the-hidden-signs-of-business-burnout Business Burnout Pros can benefit from selling and installing this popular household appliance.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101729 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101729-what-plumbers-should-know-about-food-waste-disposers PM1218_FoodDisposers_opening Food waste disposers are present in three-quarters of all American homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Photo courtesy of InSinkErator PM1218_FoodDisposers_3 The Moen EX50C garbage disposer features a 2,600 rpm permanent magnet motor designed to reduce jamming. Photo courtesy of Moen PM1218_FoodDisposers_4 The Moen EX75C’s Fast Track feature facilitates a quicker installation. Photo courtesy of Moen PM1218_FoodDisposers_5 Food disposers are more powerful than ever, yet their footprint under the sink is also shrinking as motor and grinding technology improves. Photo courtesy of InSinkErator It’s never too early to start planning for winter safety.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101665 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 11:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101665-best-practices-for-snow--and-ice-melting-installations PM1018_SnowMelt_1 A REHAU snow- and ice-melting system is installed at Union Station in Toronto. Photo credit: REHAU PM1018_SnowMelt_3 REHAU RAUPEX crosslinked polyethylene (PEXa) pipe is installed at the Solaris Town Center in Vail, Colorado. Photo credit: REHAU PM1018_SnowMelt_4 A REHAU snow- and ice-melting system clears pathways around the Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.  Photo credit: REHAU Incoming PHCC President Ken Nielsen talks about his plans for the next year.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101594 Tue, 18 Sep 2018 11:50:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101594-pm-profile-incoming-phcc-president-ken-nielsen PM0918_PMprofile_KenNielsen Incoming 2018-2019 PHCC - National Association President Ken Nielsen. Photo credit: PHCC Reflecting on the past year as president of PHCC—National Association.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101585 Wed, 12 Sep 2018 15:45:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101585-guest-editorial-a-presidents-farewell 0918PHCC_Crigler Laurie Crigler is vice president of L&D Associates in Aroda, Virginia, and 2017-2018 PHCC - National Association president. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101584 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101584-connor-lokar-keynote-speaker-at-connect-2018 http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101583 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101583-eric-chester-keynote-speaker-at-connect-2018 http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101582 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101582-mike-michalowicz-keynote-speaker-at-qsc-connect-2018 A 146-year-old Pennsylvania barn-turned-home poses unique comfort challenges.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101029 Tue, 28 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101029-barn-home-project-uses-radiant-heating Vince Youndt, Vertex Mechanical president Vince Youndt, Vertex Mechanical president, left, and Vertex technicians Ryan Schweitzer, installer, and Man Khadka, lead installer, secure Watts Radiant PEX tubing to subfloor prior to a lightweight gypcrete pour. Youndt convinced the owners to abandon the earlier plan to install under-floor radiant in favor of in-floor. Wall framing was later double-plated and caulked prior to the pour. Photo credit: Common Ground Jared Fox, lead technical installer Jared Fox, lead technical installer, reviews final installation details in the mechanical room prior to commissioning. Photo credit: Common Ground Vertex Mechanical technicians Vertex Mechanical technicians install thousands of feet of Watts Radiant PEX tubing in the barn’s main living area. Photo credit: Common Ground During the radiant heat tubing installations During the radiant heat tubing installations, Vince Youndt (right) works with installer Ryan Schweitzer (foreground) and Man Khadka, lead installer, prior to the double-plating and pour. Photo credit: Common Ground A 175 MBtu Laars Mascot LX boiler and a host of Bradford White units A 175 MBtu Laars Mascot LX boiler and a host of Bradford White units — including a 50-gallon indirect, 60-gallon radiant heat storage tank, and a 50-gallon geothermal buffer tank — supply all heating and domestic hot water needs in the home. Photo credit: Common Ground Radiant heating brings comfort to the Simons’ lofty living room and kitchen Radiant heating brings comfort to the Simons’ lofty living room and kitchen. Photo credit: Common Ground Battery technology, ergonomics and the IoT are changing how plumbers use tools.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101028 Tue, 28 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101028-the-wireless-tool-revolution The wireless tool revolution he Bosch 18V EC Brushless 1-inch SDS-plus Bulldog Rotary Hammer Kit with CORE 18V 6.3 Ah batteries feature KickBack Control, an integrated sensor to stop tool rotation in bind-up situations; Electronic Precision Control for smoother bit starts; and Vibration Control for extended user comfort. Photo credit: Bosch Hilti’s B22 lightweight Hilti’s B22 lightweight, fast-charging batteries are designed to fit cordless tools and are designed for demanding applications. Photo credit: Hilti DeWalt’s 20V MAX XR Brushless Drain Snake DeWalt’s 20V MAX XR Brushless Drain Snake comes equipped with a 5/16-inch-by-25-foot Black Oxide Drain Cable with Bulb Head, and the removable inner drum can accept up to 3/8-inch-by-35-foot cable for pipes up to 3 inches. Photo credit: DeWalt The Lenox Lazer CT stainless steel The Lenox Lazer CT stainless steel reciprocating saw blade is helping to redefine what a reciprocating saw can be used to cut. Photo credit: Lenox Ridgid’s RP 241 Pressing Tool is 25% smaller and 10% lighter than its predecessor Ridgid’s RP 241 Pressing Tool is 25% smaller and 10% lighter than its predecessor. It is ergonomically designed to help the user easily work overhead and in tight spaces. Photo credit: RIDGID Milwaukee Tools Milwaukee Tools’ M12 Airsnake allows users to clear clogged drains while leaving fixtures and drain covers intact. Designed for 1-inch to 4-inch drain lines, it has the power to clear up to 35 feet, past vent stacks and tees, while the variable-pressure dial allows for control on delicate pipe systems. Photo credit: Milwaukee Tools DeWalt’s 20V MAX XR Brushless Drain Snake DeWalt's 20V MAX XR Brushless Drain Snake features a built-in LED light as well as a variable-speed trigger with drill-style in-line forward/reverse modes for ease of use. Photo credit: DeWalt The hilmor 1948121 5 cfm vacuum pump The hilmor 1948121 5 cfm vacuum pump is ergonomic in its product design and features a hoist point built into the handle for attaching a carrying strap. Photo credit: hilmor The Victaulic RG5200i Intelligent Roll Grooving Tool The Victaulic RG5200i Intelligent Roll Grooving Tool provides state-of-the-art grooving technology that ensures accuracy, reliability, traceability and safety. Photo credit: Victaulic askarn@bnpmedia.com (Nadia Askar) Your truck wrap is sending a message to homeowners, so make it a good one.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100993 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100993-pms-best-looking-plumbing-contractor-trucks-of-2017 ABMA President and CEO Scott Lynch talks trends and goals for 2018.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100989 Wed, 08 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100989-pm-profile-abma-president-and-ceo-scott-lynch Willeford, who lives near the church, grabbed his own rifle and ran to the church barefoot after hearing gunshots.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100981 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 16:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100981-reports-plumber-shoots-injures-first-baptist-church-gunman MikeFeutz@ferris.edu (Mike Feutz) Endless options exist, but there are resources that can help.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100966 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 00:01:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100966-common-pipe-joining-methods Tool Tips—October 2017

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100965 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100965-tool-tips-removing-a-push-on-hose Retrofit opportunities grow as products become more customizable than ever.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100962 Tue, 24 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100962-electric-radiant-heating-on-the-rise Electric radiant heating on the rise HeatMatrix uncoupling membranes hold the wire securely in place for fast installation. Photo credit: SunTouch WarmlyYours emedded Snow Melting Systems WarmlyYours emedded Snow Melting Systems are growing in popularity. Photo credit: WarmlyYours The DCM-PRO Floor Heating System The DCM-PRO Floor Heating System combines the Heating Cable, anti-fracture Membrane and 4iE Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat. Photo credit: Warmup askarn@bnpmedia.com (Nadia Askar) PAR Plumbing, PAR Heating and Air Conditioning, PAR Fire Protection and PAR Green Solutions are autonomous business units.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100963 Mon, 23 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100963-truck-of-the-month-the-par-group-lynbrook-ny Serving for 100 years The design of the vehicles are different for each division but all are simple, modern and to the point. Photo credit: The PAR Group 1017ToTM-truck-side “We have more than 85 vehicles in our fleet,” says Jesse Levine. Photo credit: The PAR Group These trends are driving the boiler and hydronic heating market leading into 2018.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100941 Wed, 18 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100941-top-5-boiler-trends-of-2017 Top 5 boiler trends of 2017 An ADEY lab technician Bosch Buderus SSB boilers Bosch Buderus SSB boilers can achieve up to 96% AFUE. Photo credit: Bosch Two Navien NHB boilers Two Navien NHB boilers serve a multi-family building complex. Photo credit: Navien The residential NRCB The residential NRCB allows for simultaneous domestic water and space heating. Photo credit: Noritz Industry members aid in rescue, relief efforts after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100942 Tue, 17 Oct 2017 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100942-industry-steps-up-to-help-during-historic-hurricanes Industry steps up to help during historic hurricanes A pararescueman from the 58th Rescue Squadron pulls a boat carrying victims of Hurricane Harvey Aug. 30 in Orange, Texas. Photo credit: Staff Sgt. Ryan Callaghan/U.S. Air Force Texas National Guard soldiers Texas National Guard soldiers assist residents affected by flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey Aug. 27 in Houston. Photo credit: Lt. Zachary West/National Guard TDPartners from TDIndustries TDPartners from TDIndustries, a construction and facilities services contractor with 2,400 employees and eight locations in Arizona and Texas (including Houston), load up donations to send to Houston for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Photo credit: TDIndustries Ruined possessions line this middle-class neighborhood street Ruined possessions line this middle-class neighborhood street in Houston in the midst of Hurricane Harvey cleanup. Photo credit: Jack Sweet/Reeves Journal askarn@bnpmedia.com (Nadia Askar) Best practices for installing sump pumps from contractors, for contractors.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100943 Tue, 17 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100943-tips-for-installing-sump-pumps Ara Mahdessian and Vahe Kuzoyan founded ServiceTitan eight years ago.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100930 Wed, 11 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100930-pm-profile-servicetitans-ara-mahdessian-and-vahe-kuzoyan PM Profile: ServiceTitan's Ara Mahdessian and Vahe Kuzoyan Ara Mahdessian (left) and Vahe Kuzoyan founded ServiceTitan eight years ago. Photo credit: ServiceTitan ServiceTitan founders Vahe Kuzoyan (left) and Ara Mahdessian are both sons of tradesmen ServiceTitan founders Vahe Kuzoyan (left) and Ara Mahdessian are both sons of tradesmen. Photo credit: ServiceTitan Austin Davis of Riverside, Calif., was a pipefitter with UA Local 364 in California. ]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100927 Fri, 06 Oct 2017 18:55:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100927-ua-pipefitter-29-among-victims-of-las-vegas-shooting kim.bliss@uponor.com (Kim Bliss) Radiant manifolds distribute water throughout radiant heating and cooling systems.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100882 Mon, 02 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100882-the-heart-of-the-radiant-hydronic-system The heart of the radiant hydronic system A 6-loop TruFLOW brass manifold supplies a water/glycol mix to the snow-and ice-melt system at the light rail station in Ramsey, Minn. Photo courtesy of: Uponor Six manifold boxes placed every 85 feet along the edge of the light rail platform house Six manifold boxes placed every 85 feet along the edge of the light rail platform house a total of 20 TruFLOW brass manifolds. Photo courtesy of: Uponor Wirsbo hePEX tubing The Ramsey, Minn., light rail project uses 48,000 feet of ¾-inch Wirsbo hePEX tubing placed 6 inches on center for the snow- and ice-melt system. Photo courtesy of: Uponor A nine-loop engineered polymer (EP) manifold A nine-loop engineered polymer (EP) manifold in a manifold wall cabinet manages the supply and return water for a hydronic radiant system. Photo courtesy of: Uponor The turf conditioning system at Toyota Park The turf conditioning system at Toyota Park features copper manifolds connected to 150,000 linear feet of ¾-inch Wirsbo hePEX tubing spaced 8 inches on center. Photo courtesy of: Uponor