Explore the freshest and most trending topics currently making waves in the plumbing/mechanical contracting industry. Dive into the latest buzz, timely insights, and noteworthy content that's driving our industry forward. https://www.pmmag.com/rss/5169-plumbing-mechanical-top-stories en-us Plumbing Manufacturers International’s “Plumbing Manufacturing Industry Economic Impact Study” reveals the combined, total economic impact of plumbers and plumbing manufacturers to be more than $442 billion annually, with almost 1.8 million jobs, and over $142 billion in wages. Plumbing Manufacturers International’s “Plumbing Manufacturing Industry Economic Impact Study” reveals the combined, total economic impact of plumbers and plumbing manufacturers to be more than $442 billion annually, with almost 1.8 million jobs, and over $142 billion in wages. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107673 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107673-plumbing-industry-adds-442b-to-us-economy-faces-550-000-worker-shortage baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) On this episode of And So It Flows, Plumbing & Mechanical Associate Editor Kristen Bayles is joined by Mike Rizzuto, National Technical Sales West for Infinity Drain, to discuss how changing consumer expectations are reshaping shower and drain design. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107666 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107666-how-shower-design-is-changing bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) From common misconceptions to evolving technology, this episode explores what contractors need to know about backflow prevention, including inspections, repairs, replacements, codes, and selecting the right solutions. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107664 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107664-understanding-backflow-prevention ADP Research reports that workers hired within the previous three months represented 3.6% of construction employment on average between 2019 and 2025. In 2026, that share has climbed to 4.6%, suggesting that hiring activity is accelerating. Even so, bringing new people through the door is only part of the workforce challenge. As competition for experienced talent intensifies, contractors must focus not only on attracting workers but also on creating reasons for them to stay. ADP Research reports that workers hired within the previous three months represented 3.6% of construction employment on average between 2019 and 2025. In 2026, that share has climbed to 4.6%, suggesting that hiring activity is accelerating. Even so, bringing new people through the door is only part of the workforce challenge. As competition for experienced talent intensifies, contractors must focus not only on attracting workers but also on creating reasons for them to stay.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107656 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107656-why-skilled-technicians-are-harder-than-ever-to-keep hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107657 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107657-setting-up-a-failproof-system-with-an-air-to-water-heat-pump-and-boiler baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) For Nyad, success is not measured by removing operators from the process. It is measured by giving more operators access to the kind of guidance that has traditionally depended on who happened to be on shift. For Nyad, success is not measured by removing operators from the process. It is measured by giving more operators access to the kind of guidance that has traditionally depended on who happened to be on shift.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107642 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107642-the-next-shift-in-wastewater-training bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) Georgia’s new contractor licensing provision aims to curb misleading advertising by unlicensed businesses while strengthening consumer protections and supporting contractors who meet state licensing requirements. Georgia’s new contractor licensing provision aims to curb misleading advertising by unlicensed businesses while strengthening consumer protections and supporting contractors who meet state licensing requirements.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107650 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:40:51 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107650-georgia-law-cracks-down-on-unlicensed-contractor-advertising Backflow can compromise potable water systems and pose serious public health risks. Learn how the 2024 International Plumbing Code, proper backflow prevention, routine testing, and cross-connection control strategies work together to help protect drinking water. Backflow can compromise potable water systems and pose serious public health risks. Learn how the 2024 International Plumbing Code, proper backflow prevention, routine testing, and cross-connection control strategies work together to help protect drinking water.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107646 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107646-understanding-backflow-risks-regulations-and-prevention-measures bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) While this month's announcements were more limited, price adjustments still affected valves, hydronic controls, pipe, supports, water heating products, and other plumbing and PVF product categories, with increases reaching close to double digits for some lines. While this month's announcements were more limited, price adjustments still affected valves, hydronic controls, pipe, supports, water heating products, and other plumbing and PVF product categories, with increases reaching close to double digits for some lines. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107644 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107644-phcp-pvf-price-increases-august-2026 baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Today's plumbing professionals do far more than repair broken pipes. By connecting homeowners with trusted restoration partners early in the process, they can help minimize structural damage, preserve irreplaceable belongings and guide customers through one of the most stressful events they may ever experience. Today's plumbing professionals do far more than repair broken pipes. By connecting homeowners with trusted restoration partners early in the process, they can help minimize structural damage, preserve irreplaceable belongings and guide customers through one of the most stressful events they may ever experience. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107632 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107632-when-every-minute-counts-the-plumbers-role-in-water-damage-recovery Federal standards may set the timeline, but state policies, building owner expectations and new technologies are accelerating commercial water heating’s high-efficiency transition. Federal standards may set the timeline, but state policies, building owner expectations and new technologies are accelerating commercial water heating’s high-efficiency transition.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107643 Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107643-navigating-the-shift-innovation-in-commercial-water-heating bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) Data centers, AI infrastructure, and large commercial construction are fueling demand for industrial PVF products, even as tariffs, commodity volatility and labor shortages force manufacturers and distributors to rethink supply chain strategies. Data centers, AI infrastructure, and large commercial construction are fueling demand for industrial PVF products, even as tariffs, commodity volatility and labor shortages force manufacturers and distributors to rethink supply chain strategies.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107641 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107641-state-of-the-industrial-pvf-market-data-centers-drive-growth baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) While project stakeholders maintain that closeout on a development of this scale can take months, and in some cases years, the mounting number of mechanics' liens underscores the financial strain unresolved payment disputes can place on specialty contractors and subcontractors. While project stakeholders maintain that closeout on a development of this scale can take months, and in some cases years, the mounting number of mechanics' liens underscores the financial strain unresolved payment disputes can place on specialty contractors and subcontractors.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107634 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107634-plumbing-contractor-cites-39m-in-losses-tied-to-obama-presidential-center-project baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107631 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:07:48 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107631-water-goes-where-it-wants-to Upon completion of the transaction, Taco is planned to be a part of Pentair’s Water Solutions reportable segment, and it is expected to continue to go-to-market under the Taco brand. Taco will maintain a significant presence in Cranston, Rhode Island. Upon completion of the transaction, Taco is planned to be a part of Pentair’s Water Solutions reportable segment, and it is expected to continue to go-to-market under the Taco brand. Taco will maintain a significant presence in Cranston, Rhode Island.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107625 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:03:42 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107625-pentair-to-acquire-taco PPATEC’s course offerings are specifically tailored to train HVAC/R, energy industry, and hydronic technicians in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. PPA member companies contribute to coursework to help design training programs that offer students a direct, hands-on learning experience that results in strengthening the professional skills of their employees. PPATEC’s course offerings are specifically tailored to train HVAC/R, energy industry, and hydronic technicians in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. PPA member companies contribute to coursework to help design training programs that offer students a direct, hands-on learning experience that results in strengthening the professional skills of their employees.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107624 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107624-expanded-training-center-prepares-the-next-generation-of-technicians From AI-powered leak detection to smart faucets, water heaters, and bottle filling stations, connected plumbing is reshaping how water systems are managed. Learn how intelligent plumbing technology is reducing maintenance costs, conserving resources, improving hygiene, and creating new opportunities for contractors and distributors. From AI-powered leak detection to smart faucets, water heaters, and bottle filling stations, connected plumbing is reshaping how water systems are managed. Learn how intelligent plumbing technology is reducing maintenance costs, conserving resources, improving hygiene, and creating new opportunities for contractors and distributors.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107622 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107622-connected-plumbing-an-intelligent-choice hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) Upcoming DOE regulations and rising energy costs are creating new opportunities to improve hydronic distribution efficiency through smarter circulator strategies. Upcoming DOE regulations and rising energy costs are creating new opportunities to improve hydronic distribution efficiency through smarter circulator strategies.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107620 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107620-improving-hydronic-efficiency baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) The latest numbers indicate that residential demand remains under pressure, particularly for electric storage water heaters, while commercial shipments present a more mixed picture. The latest numbers indicate that residential demand remains under pressure, particularly for electric storage water heaters, while commercial shipments present a more mixed picture. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107618 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107618-water-heater-shipments-stay-under-pressure-through-may scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107617 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107617-old-faithful-inn-yellowstone-national-park bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) As sustainability goals, labor shortages, and connected building technologies continue to reshape the market, valve selection has become more strategic than ever. Manufacturers say successful valve selection requires looking beyond initial cost and considering how the valve will perform as part of the overall piping system throughout the life of the building. As sustainability goals, labor shortages, and connected building technologies continue to reshape the market, valve selection has become more strategic than ever. Manufacturers say successful valve selection requires looking beyond initial cost and considering how the valve will perform as part of the overall piping system throughout the life of the building.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107606 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107606-getting-valve-selection-right-in-commercial-buildings chris@reputationigniter.com (Chris Lollini) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107608 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107608-serving-beyond-the-service-call-building-a-people-first-trades-business Understanding where business intelligence leaks occur can help contractors improve cash flow, strengthen margins and make smarter operational decisions. Understanding where business intelligence leaks occur can help contractors improve cash flow, strengthen margins and make smarter operational decisions.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107605 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107605-plugging-the-leaks-how-to-fix-the-data-gaps-in-your-plumbing-business baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) At a time when supply chains, workforce development and economic resilience remain top concerns, many manufacturers are reaffirming their commitment to producing products in the United States. Beyond supporting local jobs, domestic operations can offer greater quality control, shorter lead times, closer collaboration between engineering and production teams, and stronger connections to customers and distribution partners. At a time when supply chains, workforce development and economic resilience remain top concerns, many manufacturers are reaffirming their commitment to producing products in the United States. Beyond supporting local jobs, domestic operations can offer greater quality control, shorter lead times, closer collaboration between engineering and production teams, and stronger connections to customers and distribution partners.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107600 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107600-made-in-america-a-commitment-beyond-the-product baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) For many contractors, heat pump water heaters still feel like a niche product; something tied more closely to rebates, energy programs or high-efficiency upgrades than to everyday water heater replacement work. But, according to Gregg Holladay of Bradford White, that perception is about to change quickly. For many contractors, heat pump water heaters still feel like a niche product; something tied more closely to rebates, energy programs or high-efficiency upgrades than to everyday water heater replacement work. But, according to Gregg Holladay of Bradford White, that perception is about to change quickly.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107602 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107602-is-the-industry-ready-for-heat-pump-water-heaters baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Buttenham says plumbing business owners should start thinking about retention years before a sale, especially if they want the company to thrive after they step away. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107595 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107595-retention-the-best-exit-strategy 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107593 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:56:51 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107593-the-next-level-leader-building-a-company-that-runs-without-you baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Continuing education is no longer just about learning what is new. It is about protecting quality, reducing risk and making sure contractors are prepared for the systems they will be expected to install and service next. Continuing education is no longer just about learning what is new. It is about protecting quality, reducing risk and making sure contractors are prepared for the systems they will be expected to install and service next.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107589 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:00:26 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107589-continuing-education-moves-from-optional-to-essential-in-plumbing 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107587 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107587-driving-growth-in-plumbing-today New PFAS labeling requirements could impact product documentation for certain HVAC, refrigeration and plumbing equipment sold in New Mexico. New PFAS labeling requirements could impact product documentation for certain HVAC, refrigeration and plumbing equipment sold in New Mexico.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107585 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:23:16 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107585-new-mexicos-final-pfas-rule-lightens-the-label-not-the-timeline