Columns

How Can a Princess Ever Love a Plumber?

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Even Super Mario isn’t immune to outdated stereotypes about plumbers. One line from the iconic character offers a reminder of why the industry must continue sharing the skill, knowledge, and essential work behind the plumbing profession.

From Classroom to Jobsite: Preparing the Next Generation of Tradespeople

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Recruiting the next generation is only part of the workforce challenge. Hands-on training, apprenticeships and stronger industry partnerships can help new tradespeople arrive on the jobsite ready to contribute.

Letters to the Editor: The Heat Pump Water Heater Debate

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The conversation around heat pump water heaters is far from settled. In this letter, a retired plumbing contractor shares why he believes the industry should continue the debate.

How Contractors Can Use AI to Avoid a $9,500 Consulting Bill

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:51:12 -0400

AI can do more than offer advice. With the right business context, it can turn a consultant’s playbook into scripts, processes, and workflows a contractor can put to work. Here’s where AI can replace costly playbook work, and where human judgment still matters.

Training Fills Jobs. Leadership Builds Careers

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 14:27:29 -0400

America is investing in the next generation of skilled tradespeople, but recruitment and technical training are only part of the equation. Building a stronger trades workforce also means developing leaders who can grow businesses, create careers, and strengthen communities. Discover why leadership development could be the industry’s critical next investment.

Why Plumbing Contractors Are Losing Leads They Don't Know Exist

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:18:09 -0400

In a category where the first contractor to respond wins the job more than 70% of the time, a six-hour window is not slow — it is a forfeit.

The Hidden Cost of Missed Calls for Plumbers

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400

A frozen pipe at 9 p.m. doesn't wait for business hours, and neither does the homeowner calling about it.

Beyond Lead-Free: New Priorities in Faucet Component Design

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The lead-free transition is entering its next phase, and engineered polymers are helping plumbing manufacturers and contractors balance long-term performance, manufacturing efficiency and sustainability in demanding drinking water applications.

An Open & Shut Case (Part 2)

hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Non-pressurized storage systems have advantages and limitations. In applications where cost per gallon of storage is critical, or where it’s otherwise impractical to bring in one or more pressure-rated tanks, a non-pressurized tank combined with the piping and control concepts discussed represents a viable solution to leverage the combination of time-of-use electrical rates, heat pumps, and the unsurpassed comfort made possible by modern hydronics technology.

The Click Goes to the Contractor They’ve Heard Of

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400

A familiar name can make all the difference when a homeowner needs help fast. That's why building brand recognition before the emergency can give plumbing and mechanical contractors an edge when customers are ready to call.

Setting Up a Failproof System with an Air-to-Water Heat Pump and Boiler

hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Many air-to-water heat pumps are combined with boilers. In retrofit projects, it’s likely an existing boiler; in new projects, it’s likely a mod/con boiler. The boiler can provide supplemental heat during very cold weather. It can also serve as a backup heat source should the heat pump become inoperable.

Water Goes Where It Wants To

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:07:48 -0400

Water doesn’t care about travel plans or escaping the Alabama heat, or whether the right contractor is available before Monday morning. It finds the weak point, and if that weak point goes unnoticed long enough, a small issue can become a much bigger one.

Improving Hydronic Efficiency

hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400

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

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:30:00 -0400

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.

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

chris@reputationigniter.com (Chris Lollini) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:30:00 -0400

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.

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

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0400

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

The Next Level Leader: Building a Company That Runs Without You

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:56:51 -0400

The next-level leader does not do everything. They build the people and the systems that make everything work, long after they step away from the day-to-day.

Driving Growth in Plumbing Today

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

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.

Funding the Future: Smart Financing Strategies for Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:43:20 -0400

Whether you're looking to acquire a retiring owner's book of business or simply need working capital to bridge the gap between completing a job and getting paid, understanding your financing options is one of the most important business skills you can develop.

The TV Strategy That Builds Trust and Makes the Phone Ring

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:30:39 -0400

TV ads can build awareness, but earned media builds trust. Learn how a strong public relations strategy can position your company as the local expert, increase credibility, and keep your business top of mind when customers need to make a call.

Extreme Ownership in the Trades: The Leadership Standard That Changes Everything

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:28:44 -0400

Problems do not go away in business. They are part of the process. But in a culture of ownership, problems become opportunities for leadership. Instead of frustration, you get solutions. Instead of finger pointing, you get growth.

The Marketing Materials Your Sales Team Actually Needs

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 10:00:11 -0400

As companies begin evaluating budgets and planning for the future, many leaders focus on lead generation and brand awareness. While those initiatives are important, it is equally important to examine what happens after a prospect enters the sales funnel.

Visibility Matters for Contractors During Home Improvement Season

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:20:26 -0400

For contractors, summer is the perfect opportunity to build trust and establish themselves as the experts homeowners can turn to when those projects become more complicated and they need professional support. Home service professionals who have already built credibility and visibility are far more likely to earn that business.

The View From the New Desk

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:43:32 -0400

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.

The Benefits Package Your Best Technicians Are Quietly Comparing You Against

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

In a hyper-competitive market, talent poaching happens instantly. Salary matches provide short-term retention, but fail to build long-term loyalty. The true competitive advantage comes from the daily workplace experience.

Does Buying a Company Make Sense?

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:06:59 -0400

Thinking about acquiring another plumbing company? Growth can be appealing, but an acquisition may create more challenges than opportunities, especially if you plan to sell your business in the near future. Learn why debt, integration hurdles, operational risks and buyer perceptions can impact your company’s value, and what business owners should consider before making a move.

The Hidden Cost of Material Procurement in Plumbing Projects

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400

While managing field productivity is critical, many contractors routinely overlook a silent profit killer hiding in plain sight: material procurement.

Clear the Clutter and Make Your Company Ready to Sell

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:29:41 -0400

Whatever the reason, preparing to sell the company you have created and managed is a major decision that requires careful planning.

The Impact of EU Reach on Plumbing Component Materials

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

European Union (E.U.) regulators have concluded that PFAS, which do not degrade in the environment, are a major problem.

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.