Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

A Second Look at a Two-Pipe Steam System

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Thu, 14 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

A service job for an apartment building still using its original heating system from the 1970-1980s has unique issues.

Heat Pump Water Heater Brings Efficiency and Cost Savings to California Apartment Complex

Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:29 -0400

Unlike traditional high efficiency models, the Voltex 120V HPWH is designed to plug into a standard electrical outlet–eliminating the need for adaptors or restructuring.

Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: Women in the Plumbing Industry

Wed, 13 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Over the years, the industry has been evolving, with more women entering the field and bringing fresh perspectives and skills. To further this positive trend, it is essential to continue attracting and supporting women in plumbing.

How Installers Can Respond to Increasing Legionella Risk

Wed, 13 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Installers can decrease the risk of Legionella by staying informed.

ASA and PHCC Members Bring Unified Industry Voice to Capitol Hill

Tue, 12 May 2026 13:41:50 -0400

Among the primary topics discussed during congressional meetings was the need to strengthen workforce development initiatives and expand pathways into the skilled trades.

The International Code Council's Building Safety Month

Mon, 11 May 2026 16:32:02 -0400

For 46 years, Building Safety Month has helped people understand the impact that building codes have on their daily lives.

Why Prefabrication Is Becoming the Backbone of MEP Contractor Operations

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Fri, 08 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

New report from Stratus reveals how labor shortages, material costs, and limited operational visibility are driving digital adoption and prefabrication.

iWallet Joins NVIDIA Inception Program to Accelerate AI-Driven Contractor Payments Infrastructure

Thu, 07 May 2026 12:20:22 -0400

Through NVIDIA Inception, iWallet will gain access to GPU resources, software development kits, and engineering guidance.

87% of HVAC and Plumbing Contractors Are Invisible When Homeowners Ask AI

Thu, 07 May 2026 09:30:22 -0400

When a homeowner under 50 opens ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, or Google AI Overviews and asks "my AC stopped working — who do I call" or "best plumber in my city," the answer is almost never one of the 230,000 small or independent contractors in the U.S.

Partnership Awards 18 Trades Education Equipment Grants

Wed, 06 May 2026 16:06:48 -0400

Explore The Trades (ETT) received a record number of applications for this year’s grants, which the organization said demonstrates an unprecedented interest in career and technical education among students, educators, and school communities across the country.

Why the Skilled Labor Shortage Demands a New Approach

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Wed, 06 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As the industry marks National Skilled Trades Day, leaders are rethinking training and recruitment to build the next generation of technicians.

Trades Skills Expo Draws More Than 1,000

Mon, 04 May 2026 20:06:57 -0400

From heavy machinery to hands-on demonstrations, the community got a front-row-seat look at the careers that keep the world turning, a press release from Bring Back the Trade said.

Leaks Happen. Here’s the ‘Why’ When They Do

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes of leaks — especially in plastic piping systems — during installation, service and maintenance.

How Plumbing Contractors Can Grow Without Losing Their Team

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Mon, 04 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

As contractors focus on growth, strong supervisors and clear communication are becoming essential to workforce stability.

AD Reports Member Sales Growth in the First Three Months of 2026

Fri, 01 May 2026 17:09:08 -0400

AD’s member count increased by 74 on a net basis during the quarter, primarily driven by the merger with The Commonwealth Group (TCG).

Case Study: Noritz Hybrid Tank-Tankless System Install in Production Bakery

Fri, 01 May 2026 11:30:14 -0400

Three (3) Hybrid Hot commercial water heating systems (Model No.: NHH199100), manufactured by Noritz America, represented by its local sales agent, Tipton Company (Conroe, Texas), were used in this project.

Plumbing’s Hidden Miracle: Why Savvy Contractors are Betting on the Most Urgent Trade

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:28:56 -0400

Plumbing’s urgent, round-the-clock nature makes it a uniquely steady and profitable growth engine for contractors.

Beyond the Toolbox: PHCC Educational Foundation Prioritizes Communication Training with New Soft Skills Courses

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:18:42 -0400

New training tracks for technicians, leadership, and office staff emphasize communication, professionalism, and business growth.

Merit Brass Named IMARK Plumbing Supplier of the Year

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:55:09 -0400

This distinction reflects the strong partnerships, service commitment, and trust Merit Brass has built with IMARK members across the PVF industry.

Simpro launches AI tool to help contractors get paid faster

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:07:35 -0400

Fast Cash introduces an agentic AI model that takes ownership of the collections process, automatically following up, adapting to customer behavior, and resolving routine payment issues without adding back-office headcount.

Interplay Learning named one of America’s Top EdTech Companies by TIME

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:06:07 -0400

The company has earned multiple industry honors within the past year, including the 2025 IACET Instructional Impact Award, a spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list and recognition among the fastest-growing private companies in the Austin area by the Austin Business Journal.

WarmlyYours report shows pro customers grew Q1 snow melt sales

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:31:35 -0400

This report analyzes the sales of radiant heating products (by using WarmlyYours sales data as a proxy for the industry as a whole) within the wider context of the national housing and remodeling markets.

Making time to clean the shop and the truck

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As fuel systems change and customers get busier, heating contractors are adapting to a new service landscape.

The biggest interview mistakes plumbing contractors make with journalists

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As a contractor, one area you may overlook or may not fully understand is how media visibility can promote your business more effectively than traditional marketing or advertising.

And So It Flows: How AI and Gen Z Are Transforming the Trades

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400

In a recent episode of And So It Flows, Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro, joined host Kristen Bayles to discuss how AI, changing workforce priorities and evolving technology are driving renewed interest in careers across plumbing, HVAC and other home service trades.

AI can't fix a leak

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

A recent interview with the former CEO of Uber shows that jobs in the trades are on their way to being seen in a new way.

JobTread launches AI Connector

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:40:17 -0400

Any customer with an AI account can begin asking questions, generating outputs, and taking action in real time due to JobTread’s open API.

How manufacturers are reframing risk, resilience and return in 2026

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Bryan O'Toole and Paul Spradling weigh in on the state of the manufacturing market, and what it means for contractors.

Watts launches “Fast Track to Labor Savings” eLearning campaign

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:30:30 -0400

Participants can earn credits for completing each module, and those who complete 20+ modules during this campaign will receive a Beach Side Deluxe 36-Can Event Cooler.

The Plumbing Sales Coach expands offerings with new Blueprint training program

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:50:44 -0400

The new training program marks a shift for The Plumbing Sales Coach, which previously offered limited-capacity coaching for business owners.