Learn more about the design, installation, and maintenance of piping systems for various applications, including plumbing, HVAC, and industrial processes. Including pipe materials, sizing, support, and the integration of valves, fittings, and pumps https://www.pmmag.com/rss/6659 en-us 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 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 By combining 100% recyclability with long-term durability and performance, HyperPure® PE-RT tubing from Legend demonstrates how the next generation of plastic pipe can support a more sustainable future without sacrificing reliability. By combining 100% recyclability with long-term durability and performance, HyperPure® PE-RT tubing from Legend demonstrates how the next generation of plastic pipe can support a more sustainable future without sacrificing reliability.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107601 Sat, 01 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107601-why-sustainable-innovation-will-shape-the-future-of-plastic-pipe 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 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 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 Based on PPI’s review, these PEX tubing products may not comply with and are not third-party certified to mandatory industry standards, despite implied claims regarding the suitability of these products for plumbing and mechanical applications. Based on PPI’s review, these PEX tubing products may not comply with and are not third-party certified to mandatory industry standards, despite implied claims regarding the suitability of these products for plumbing and mechanical applications.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107607 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:38:20 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107607-ppi-issues-pex-tubing-standards-advisory 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 The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of the year, pending approval from antitrust regulators and other closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of the year, pending approval from antitrust regulators and other closing conditions.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107597 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:33:46 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107597-ferguson-to-acquire-floworks-for-16b 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 bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) While many manufacturers implemented modest increases in the low-single-digit range, some select product categories saw increases of 10% or more. While many manufacturers implemented modest increases in the low-single-digit range, some select product categories saw increases of 10% or more.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107578 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:33:35 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107578-phcp-pvf-price-increases-july-2026 bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times Top 40 Under 40 Next Gen All-Star competition. Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times Top 40 Under 40 Next Gen All-Star competition.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107569 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:54:14 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107569-top-40-under-40-next-gen-all-star-competition-officially-open PEX has earned its place in the plumbing industry through decades of proven performance. That success, however, can make it easy to overlook materials that have continued to evolve alongside it. PEX has earned its place in the plumbing industry through decades of proven performance. That success, however, can make it easy to overlook materials that have continued to evolve alongside it.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107550 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107550-more-than-one-right-answer-rethinking-pe-rt-in-modern-plumbing-systems bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) Manufacturers announced another round of PHCP-PVF price increases in June, with adjustments affecting insulation, valves, fittings, pumps, water heating products, and specialty plumbing components. See which suppliers raised prices and when the changes take effect. Manufacturers announced another round of PHCP-PVF price increases in June, with adjustments affecting insulation, valves, fittings, pumps, water heating products, and specialty plumbing components. See which suppliers raised prices and when the changes take effect.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107505 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107505-phcp-pvf-price-increases-june-2026 baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) As commercial building owners continue to navigate economic uncertainty, labor shortages and changing customer demands, retrofit and renovation work is becoming a key opportunity across the plumbing market. In this article, learn where the commercial market is headed and how manufacturers, wholesalers, and contractors can adapt. As commercial building owners continue to navigate economic uncertainty, labor shortages and changing customer demands, retrofit and renovation work is becoming a key opportunity across the plumbing market. In this article, learn where the commercial market is headed and how manufacturers, wholesalers, and contractors can adapt.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107456 Mon, 25 May 2026 09:55:49 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107456-commercial-market-outlook-retrofit-projects-lead-the-way baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) At the GF Flow Symposium, conversations focused not just on solving individual problems, but on building the relationships needed to address them over time. At the GF Flow Symposium, conversations focused not just on solving individual problems, but on building the relationships needed to address them over time.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107453 Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107453-rethinking-how-we-work-together-at-the-gf-flow-symposium 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107435 Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:29 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107435-heat-pump-water-heater-brings-efficiency-and-cost-savings-to-california-apartment-complex Pipe cleaning is not just a preliminary step; it directly affects the integrity of the finished liner. Fortunately, the right combination of nozzles and cutters allows crews to remove even the most stubborn buildup, allowing the liner to work properly once it is installed. Pipe cleaning is not just a preliminary step; it directly affects the integrity of the finished liner. Fortunately, the right combination of nozzles and cutters allows crews to remove even the most stubborn buildup, allowing the liner to work properly once it is installed.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107413 Mon, 11 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107413-spotless-sewer-lines-play-a-key-role-in-lining-success According to the PPI, while New York State’s fund of $250 million for water infrastructure improvements should be applauded, not allowing an open procurement process would diminish results and not provide the most cost-effective solution. According to the PPI,  while New York State’s fund of $250 million for water infrastructure improvements should be applauded, not allowing an open procurement process would diminish results and not provide the most cost-effective solution.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107305 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:50:45 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107305-new-york-lead-pipe-replacement-funding-program-requires-open-material-evaluation Housing affordability has declined significantly in recent years. The deterioration in price-to-income ratio has been a key factor, as home prices have risen 53% since 2019, while median household income has risen only 24%. This has notably decreased the share of first-time home buyers in the market, which dropped to 21% in 2025 from 44% in 1981. Over that same time frame, the median age for first-time buyers reached a record high of 40 in 2025 from 29 in 1981. Housing affordability has declined significantly in recent years. The deterioration in price-to-income ratio has been a key factor, as home prices have risen 53% since 2019, while median household income has risen only 24%. This has notably decreased the share of first-time home buyers in the market, which dropped to 21% in 2025 from 44% in 1981. Over that same time frame, the median age for first-time buyers reached a record high of 40 in 2025 from 29 in 1981. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107232 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107232-impact-of-affordability-challenges-and-demographic-shifts-on-housing-trends-in-2026 Pipe support plays a foundational role in the performance, safety, and longevity of commercial plumbing and mechanical systems. Pipe support plays a foundational role in the performance, safety, and longevity of commercial plumbing and mechanical systems.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107215 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107215-commercial-pipe-support-best-practices-applications-materials-and-code-compliance-explained Stagnant water is a threat to public health in recreation facilities that are intermittently used. Stagnant water is a threat to public health in recreation facilities that are intermittently used.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107213 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107213-designing-out-water-stagnation-in-recreation-plumbing-systems baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Data centers are moving faster than ever, and prefabrication is helping them keep up. Data centers are moving faster than ever, and prefabrication is helping them keep up.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107173 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107173-data-centers-why-prefab-fits This new standard will mark a turning point for water supply and sanitary drainage pipe sizing, which together haven’t received a meaningful update since the 1940s. This new standard will mark a turning point for water supply and sanitary drainage pipe sizing, which together haven’t received a meaningful update since the 1940s.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107134 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107134-new-pipe-sizing-standard-brings-critical-changes-and-innovation-to-building-services