Image courtesy of: Rifky Rachman Safri (iStock / Getty Images Plus) Comprehensive source for engineers and designers: Plumbing, piping, hydronic, fire protection, and solar thermal systems. https://www.pmmag.com/rss/6653-plumbing-mechanical-engineer en-us chris@reputationigniter.com (Chris Lollini) If you want the next level, start acting like the operator your next level requires, someone financially disciplined, culture-driven, and relentlessly focused on building a team that can execute fast. If you want the next level, start acting like the operator your next level requires, someone financially disciplined, culture-driven, and relentlessly focused on building a team that can execute fast.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107767 Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:25:43 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107767-lead-yourself-first-the-operators-playbook-for-scaling-a-trades-business-without-losing-the-team baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) The PHCP-PVF industry has been fighting stereotypes for decades. Though the world seems to be coming around, and more people are recognizing the opportunities available in the trades, it hasn’t happened without a fight. And it certainly hasn’t happened overnight. That makes this contest, recognizing the people who decided to dedicate their careers — their life — to this industry, all the more important. The PHCP-PVF industry has been fighting stereotypes for decades. Though the world seems to be coming around, and more people are recognizing the opportunities available in the trades, it hasn’t happened without a fight. And it certainly hasn’t happened overnight. That makes this contest, recognizing the people who decided to dedicate their careers — their life — to this industry, all the more important.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107709 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107709-2026-next-gen-all-stars-top-40-under-40-phcp-pvf-professionals bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) Driven by curiosity and shaped by firsthand experiences with water scarcity, Patty Valdes is helping rethink how water systems are designed, while bringing the technical rigor to catch what others might miss. Driven by curiosity and shaped by firsthand experiences with water scarcity, Patty Valdes is helping rethink how water systems are designed, while bringing the technical rigor to catch what others might miss.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107757 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107757-2026-next-gen-all-star-patty-valdes baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Tyson Chen found his way into the trades through a chance meeting, but stayed for the people and the opportunity to help independent contractors use AI to improve customer service and grow their businesses. Tyson Chen found his way into the trades through a chance meeting, but stayed for the people and the opportunity to help independent contractors use AI to improve customer service and grow their businesses.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107753 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107753-2026-next-gen-all-star-apurva-shrivastava baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Cody McLeod grew up watching his father build a plumbing business. Two decades later, he’s carrying that legacy forward through a company of his own, with a focus on developing people, raising industry standards and creating lasting careers. Cody McLeod grew up watching his father build a plumbing business. Two decades later, he’s carrying that legacy forward through a company of his own, with a focus on developing people, raising industry standards and creating lasting careers.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107748 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107748-2026-next-gen-all-star-cody-mcleod bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) A visit to Paris’ Centre Pompidou changed how Jeanette Lin saw buildings. Today, she designs the plumbing and fire protection systems that safeguard public health while helping create a more visible path for women in engineering. A visit to Paris’ Centre Pompidou changed how Jeanette Lin saw buildings. Today, she designs the plumbing and fire protection systems that safeguard public health while helping create a more visible path for women in engineering.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107744 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107744-2026-next-gen-all-star-jeanette-lin baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) New to PHCP-PVF but not to serving others, Matthew Hasley is building his career by expanding his product knowledge, solving client challenges, and helping the next generation of engineers and designers learn along the way. New to PHCP-PVF but not to serving others, Matthew Hasley is building his career by expanding his product knowledge, solving client challenges, and helping the next generation of engineers and designers learn along the way.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107737 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107737-2026-next-gen-all-star-matthew-hasley baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) From an internship to leading operations in Central Texas, Ralph Cunningham has built his engineering career around teamwork, developing people and creating buildings designed to last for generations. From an internship to leading operations in Central Texas, Ralph Cunningham has built his engineering career around teamwork, developing people and creating buildings designed to last for generations.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107731 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107731-2026-next-gen-all-star-ralph-cunningham baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Tyson Chen found his way into the trades through a chance meeting, but stayed for the people and the opportunity to help independent contractors use AI to improve customer service and grow their businesses. Tyson Chen found his way into the trades through a chance meeting, but stayed for the people and the opportunity to help independent contractors use AI to improve customer service and grow their businesses.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107730 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107730-2026-next-gen-all-star-tyson-chen baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) From the call center to general manager, Kevin Carvajal has helped turn an early vision for Monkey Wrench into reality while creating opportunities for others to grow alongside the company. From the call center to general manager, Kevin Carvajal has helped turn an early vision for Monkey Wrench into reality while creating opportunities for others to grow alongside the company.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107729 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107729-2026-next-gen-all-star-kevin-carvajal baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Drawing on his roots in the trades and experience building technology companies, Chris Buttenham is helping independent business owners share the value they’ve built with the employees who helped create it. Drawing on his roots in the trades and experience building technology companies, Chris Buttenham is helping independent business owners share the value they’ve built with the employees who helped create it.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107727 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107727-top-40-under-40-chris-buttenham baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) What started with an Indeed job ad became a mission for Taylor Bray, who is helping tackle the skilled labor shortage by creating new pathways into the plumbing industry. What started with an Indeed job ad became a mission for Taylor Bray, who is helping tackle the skilled labor shortage by creating new pathways into the plumbing industry.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107724 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107724-2026-next-gen-all-star-taylor-bray baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) From mastering tough service calls to developing the next generation of technicians, Daniel “Danny” Bears has built his career around solving problems, sharing knowledge, and earning customers’ trust. From mastering tough service calls to developing the next generation of technicians, Daniel “Danny” Bears has built his career around solving problems, sharing knowledge, and earning customers’ trust.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107720 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107720-2026-next-gen-all-star-danny-bears 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107736 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 14:27:29 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107736-training-fills-jobs-leadership-builds-careers bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) How can contractors can look beyond wages and traditional retirement benefits to build compensation strategies that reward loyalty, leadership, and long-term contributions to the business? How can contractors can look beyond wages and traditional retirement benefits to build compensation strategies that reward loyalty, leadership, and long-term contributions to the business?

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107705 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107705-rethinking-compensation-to-improve-contractor-retention hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) Two identical air-to-water heat pumps deliver nearly twice the expected output when operating together, but when either unit runs alone, its measured output falls well below its rating. What’s causing the performance drop, and how can the system be corrected? Two identical air-to-water heat pumps deliver nearly twice the expected output when operating together, but when either unit runs alone, its measured output falls well below its rating. What’s causing the performance drop, and how can the system be corrected?

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107704 Wed, 09 Sep 2026 09:21:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107704-the-glitch-and-the-fix-checking-details 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107702 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:18:09 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107702-why-plumbing-contractors-are-losing-leads-they-dont-know-exist bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) September brings another relatively light round of PHCP-PVF price increases, with adjustments affecting pumps, valves, piping products, and other plumbing-related product categories, with increases from 3% to 30%. September brings another relatively light round of PHCP-PVF price increases, with adjustments affecting pumps, valves, piping products, and other plumbing-related product categories, with increases from 3% to 30%.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107701 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:19:51 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107701-phcp-pvf-price-increases-september-2026 bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) In this episode of So It Flows, ASPE president Bryan L. Hutton shares what attendees can expect from the organization’s big biennial event, from technical education and new technologies to networking with plumbing engineers, designers, contractors, manufacturers, and other industry professionals. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107700 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107700-inside-aspes-2026-convention-and-expo-education-innovation-and-connections-in-okc A frozen pipe at 9 p.m. doesn't wait for business hours, and neither does the homeowner calling about it. A frozen pipe at 9 p.m. doesn't wait for business hours, and neither does the homeowner calling about it.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107694 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107694-the-hidden-cost-of-missed-calls-for-plumbers Tasked with protecting valuable artwork while controlling operating costs, the Tacoma Art Museum upgraded its heating system with Lochinvar Crest with Hellcat boilers. The retrofit has delivered energy savings of more than 10% while helping the nonprofit secure grant funding for the project. Tasked with protecting valuable artwork while controlling operating costs, the Tacoma Art Museum upgraded its heating system with Lochinvar Crest with Hellcat boilers. The retrofit has delivered energy savings of more than 10% while helping the nonprofit secure grant funding for the project.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107693 Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107693-boiler-upgrade-helps-tacoma-art-museum-secure-grant-cut-costs ClearLOC improves upon a familiar connection method by making it easier to confirm a proper connection during installation. ClearLOC improves upon a familiar connection method by making it easier to confirm a proper connection during installation.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107615 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107615-how-plumbing-professionals-are-reducing-installation-time-through-smarter-connection-design 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107692 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107692-beyond-lead-free-new-priorities-in-faucet-component-design Timing for expansion in the San Antonio-Austin corridor coincides with the company’s 20th anniversary and increased focus on regional growth as a highly specialized small- and minority-owned business enterprise. Timing for expansion in the San Antonio-Austin corridor coincides with the company’s 20th anniversary and increased focus on regional growth as a highly specialized small- and minority-owned business enterprise.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107686 Sun, 30 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107686-mbroh-names-jeannie-cisneros-executive-vice-president-opens-san-antonio-office Rinnai America Corporation has announced the launch of PRO Tech, a loyalty program that recognizes individual plumbers and HVAC contractors who install and register Rinnai products. Rinnai America Corporation has announced the launch of PRO Tech, a loyalty program that recognizes individual plumbers and HVAC contractors who install and register Rinnai products.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107689 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:41:37 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107689-rinnai-launches-loyalty-program-for-plumbing-and-hvac-installers Milenkov is a leader in mechanical engineering with more than 22 years of focused experience in HVAC, steam and chilled water systems, utility master planning, facility energy auditing and analysis, energy/stress/flow modeling, and construction administration. Milenkov is a leader in mechanical engineering with more than 22 years of focused experience in HVAC, steam and chilled water systems, utility master planning, facility energy auditing and analysis, energy/stress/flow modeling, and construction administration.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107680 Wed, 26 Aug 2026 08:59:22 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107680-aleksandar-milenkov-promoted-to-president-of-kai-engineering 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107677 Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107677-the-click-goes-to-the-contractor-theyve-heard-of The owner of a high-rise multi-family residential building in Battery Park, Manhattan faced a pressing infrastructure decision: replace an aging, gas-fired domestic hot water (DHW) system that could no longer deliver reliable, efficient service to residents. The owner of a high-rise multi-family residential building in Battery Park, Manhattan faced a pressing infrastructure decision: replace an aging, gas-fired domestic hot water (DHW) system that could no longer deliver reliable, efficient service to residents.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107662 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:31:57 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107662-case-study-veritus-heat-pump-water-heater-in-new-york-retrofit 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 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