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Dave Yates

About the Column

Join industry expert Dave Yates as he shares insights, tips, and strategies for plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (PHVAC) contractors, aimed at helping your business succeed in a competitive market.

What challenges are contractors facing today, and how can they adapt to remain competitive? Connect with Dave Yates.

]]> https://www.pmmag.com/rss/6564-dave-yates-contractor-s-corner en-us Cold snaps don’t just freeze pipes; they steal hot water dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107301 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107301-cold-snaps-dont-just-freeze-pipes-they-steal-hot-water Brazing safety in the A2L era dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) We become comfortable with what we perceive to be best practices and believe they are also safe for all involved. Cupric oxide will always be a concern when brazing copper refrigerant line sets, so purging with nitrogen is the best way to keep your refrigerant lines clean and pristine during brazing.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107171 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107171-brazing-safety-in-the-a2l-era What’s That Smell? A Troubleshooting Lesson When the Problem Isn’t the Plumbing dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Sometimes, the usual-suspects aren't to blame when it comes to sewer-like odors.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107127 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107127-whats-that-smell-a-troubleshooting-lesson-when-the-problem-isnt-the-plumbing My water stinks: Behind a common customer complaint dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Well, isn’t this just great: the faucet they purchased from the big box story stinks and now that’s my fault?! On arrival, I could not detect any odor at all, but they insisted there was an odor - except when I was there.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107026 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107026-my-water-stinks-behind-a-common-customer-complaint Weather disasters are increasing; keep your shop and team prepared dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Weather emergencies have steadily increased in frequency and severity over the past six decades. In addition to a gasoline-powered high-volume dewatering pump, we maintained an inventory of submersible sump pumps and if it looked like severe weather was potentially headed our way, I increased our inventory.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106965 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106965-weather-disasters-are-increasing-keep-your-shop-and-team-prepared Death waits for no one: A lesson in confined spaces dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) We didn't fully grasp the dangers since no one was OSHA certified or required to comply. It wasn't until one employee reported feeling faint while testing backflow preventers in a large underground pit that I recognized the risks. My right-hand man, also the Deputy Chief of the local hazmat team, had expertise in air quality testing.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106884 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106884-death-waits-for-no-one-a-lesson-in-confined-spaces Things are changing: What contractors need to know about the A2L transition dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) In a here-we-go-again move, we must now transition from HFC to A2L mildly flammable refrigerants. The good news is the operating pressures are virtually the same and this time, the refrigerant oil is the same.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106824 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106824-things-are-changing-what-contractors-need-to-know-about-the-a2l-transition Bacterial buildup in condensate lines presents both a challenge and a service strategy for HVAC professionals dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) If a customer complains about an air conditioning odor, mention bacteria in condensate drain pans and lines, which is bacterial zoogloea. It thrives in dark, moist, warm settings and can infest the indoor evaporator coil in extreme neglect. The bacteria feed on dust and organic matter not caught by filters.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106714 Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106714-bacterial-buildup-in-condensate-lines-presents-both-a-challenge-and-a-service-strategy-for-hvac-professionals Working with home warranty companies dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Since home warranty companies deal with numerous customers and service contracts, they can provide a steady stream of work, which helps maintain cash flow, even in slow seasons or during economic downturns.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106664 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106664-working-with-home-warranty-companies Troubleshooting common airflow plumbing issues dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Every time we try flushing our toilet, it just swirls around the bowl and ever so slowly goes down. Does it do this on every other flush? No. Well, that ruled out an after-fill tube having slipped off of the overflow tube and, sure enough, once on site with tank lid removed, the ballcock’s after-fill tube was securely inside the overflow tube. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106568 Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106568-troubleshooting-common-airflow-plumbing-issues Eye candy from The AHR Expo 2025 dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Eye candy would best describe many of the products on display at the great AHR Exposition recently held in Orlando Florida’s Convention Center.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106534 Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106534-eye-candy-from-the-ahr-expo-2025 AHR day 3: Best in show dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) As the morning passed, crowds thinned and by midmorning, you have unfettered access to folks working booths who are happy to see you and eager to show off their wares. This is by far the best time to establish inside contacts and create bonds with manufacturers.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106438 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106438-ahr-day-3-best-in-show Price complaint department dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Facing price complaints from customers? Remember to keep your cool! Start by empathizing with their frustrations about rising costs everywhere. Explain the challenges small businesses face, highlighting how online retailers can undercut prices due to lower overhead. Always keep the conversation constructive and focused on solutions. 


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106410 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106410-price-complaint-department Wet vents: Take full advantage of the minimum standards set forth in plumbing code books dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Discussions about wet venting in plumbing often spark heated debates, but if you're competing against a plumber who effectively utilizes it, you may lose bids by venting every fixture. Wet venting allows for a more efficient use of materials and labor, making bids more competitive.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106318 Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106318-wet-vents-take-full-advantage-of-the-minimum-standards-set-forth-in-plumbing-code-books Staying safe in extreme weather dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) In January 1979, a plumber dealt with severe winter emergencies, including a radiator explosion and frozen pipes. Reflecting on past experiences like a romantic evening turned dangerous by extreme cold, he faced unpredictable challenges in his trade.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106286 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106286-staying-safe-in-extreme-weather The evolution of dishwashers dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) In my old farmhouse, a discarded dishwasher became a reliable kitchen staple for nearly two decades. Now, as I help reconstruct Horn Farm after a fire, I’m intrigued by the evolution of dishwashers—from simple gravity-fed designs to today's advanced models—while focusing on energy efficiency. Join me as I explore this journey of innovation!

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106229 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106229-the-evolution-of-dishwashers Industry connections are worth their weight in gold dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Education enhanced my earning potential. I became a more skilled technician, gained knowledge about new and emerging technologies, and became a much more valuable asset to my employers. Throughout my journey, I met numerous mentors in various aspects of the PHVAC trades and established insider contacts that proved to be invaluable.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106148 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106148-industry-connections-are-worth-their-weight-in-gold Customer service 101: Don't burn bridges dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) If you treat a customer well, they will recommend your services to three others. However, if you treat a customer poorly and make them feel cheated, they will spend a lot of time spreading negative feedback, especially on social media.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106033 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106033-customer-service-101-dont-burn-bridges Propane as a renewable energy source could offer many potential benefits dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) When I think about renewable energy, solar power is the first thing that comes to mind. There's also hydroelectric power and other forms of renewable energy.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105890 Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105890-propane-as-a-renewable-energy-source-could-offer-many-potential-benefits Do the actual heat loss calculation dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Ah, the age-old question of which came first – the chicken or the egg. If you watch “Loudermilk” on Netflix, you know the answer!

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105629 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105629-do-the-actual-heat-loss-calculation Discussing thread sealants with Oatey dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) During the AHR Expo in Chicago, I met John O'Reilly at the Uponor booth. He mentioned that he represents Oatey, in addition to Uponor, and I'm interested in interviewing someone there about pipe dope and PTFE tape. John agreed to set me up with someone at Oatey.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105570 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105570-discussing-thread-sealants-with-oatey What's in your tool bag? dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) As a PHVAC apprentice, I was required to purchase my own tools. With no help from my employers, I remember some mighty thin paychecks. I never forgot the financial strain that caused, so when I became a business owner, I set up tool purchasing accounts for employees and created a supportive work environment.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105530 Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105530-whats-in-your-tool-bag Repairing a 30-year-old hydronic system after construction damage dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) How do you deal with damaged embedded-in-concrete PEX tubing? Read on to find out the challenge I met and resolved.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105471 Thu, 02 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105471-repairing-a-30-year-old-hydronic-system-after-construction-damage Reap the benefits of heat pump technology dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) There was a time when furnaces and boilers shared equal flexibility in Btu/h input/output and air delivery. It's hard to imagine, right? But times are changing. Will you embrace this change for profit, or cling to old ways as sales slip away?


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105412 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105412-reap-the-benefits-of-heat-pump-technology AHR Expo wows attendees dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) The AHR Expo was held in Chicago's McCormick Convention Center from Jan. 22-24, 2024. Over 48,000 attendees interacted with 1,875 exhibitors across the North and South Halls, with 527,520 sq. ft. of space for products, technologies, and skill demonstrations.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105349 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105349-ahr-expo-wows-attendees The home improvement market is rising dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Luxury bathrooms and kitchens have evolved, and the home improvement market is booming with IT-connected products. People want to control their heating, kitchen appliances, and plumbing products through apps.


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105315 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105315-the-home-improvement-market-is-rising Exceed customer expectations dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Happy New Year! Let 2024 be your breakout year.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105265 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105265-exceed-customer-expectations Thermal expansion: control or limit? dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) I recently received the following email: Advice needed on thermal expansion control. The homeowner has done his research and makes valid points regarding the conflicts within the UPC that was adopted by his local AHJ.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105229 Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105229-thermal-expansion-control-or-limit Ruby’s Inn wins national PERC award dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Ruby’s Inn was awarded with an Energy for Everyone Hero Award by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105184 Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105184-rubys-inn-wins-national-perc-award On-the-job learning dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) Scanning the help-wanted section of our local paper, I spied an opening for a plumber with six years of experience — experience I did not have.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105132 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105132-on-the-job-learning