Plumbing & Mechanical articles from April 2001

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from April 2001

Letters To The EDITOR.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Give Contractors Credit On Code Battles I strongly disagree with Julius Ballanco's view of today's plumbing contractors, tradesmen and inspectors. Today's craftsmen are much more code savvy than he gives them credit for in his column "2001...

MCAA Goes High Tech.(Mechanical Contractors Association of America)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... High technology is merely a rumor to most mechanical contractors. Less than one third of a class raised their hands when asked whether their companies were doing 3-D computer modeling of project drawings. Only four hands shot up in a class of...

How often do you buy materials from Home Depot or any other nontraditional plumbing/heating supplier?(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Each month PMmag.com explores unique industry trends that affect our PHC industry. The results represent PM's online community's opinions. To vote for the current question, go to www.PMmag.com. Frequently: 20% Occasionally: 27% ...

CCA Members Learn Value Starts On The Inside.(Construction Contractors Alliance)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Stop apologizing for being plumbers and your customers might automatically see you in a different light, said Joe Ivey, president and CEO of Encompass Service Corp., at a meeting of the Construction Contractors Alliance, Feb. 21-23, in Orlando,...

QSC Learns The Merit Of Leadership.(Quality Service Contractors)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... The Quality Service Contractors held its Power Meeting XIV Feb. 1-3 at Walt Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla. The fair weather was not what drew the record-setting 219 attendees to the meeting, and neither was Disney's...

Congress Kills OSHA Ergonomic Rules.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... By a vote of 56-44 in the Senate and 223-206 in the House, Congress overturned the sweeping OSHA regulations passed by President Bill Clinton in his final days in office. The vote that ran on a party line to clear the Congress will receive the...

Specialty Contractors Gain Prominence In 1990s.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... "Employment in construction grew almost as rapidly as the service-producing sector, although labor and supply shortages were evident late in the decade," according to an assessment of employment trends in the 1990s by the U.S. Department of...

PMI Urges Trade Show Consolidation.(Plumbing Manufacturers Institute)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... PMI has announced a series of steps to gain support for its vision: a single, large, annual building products trade show in North America by the year 2005. Members of the Institute's Trade Show Consolidation Issue Committee developed a plan...

Benign Earthquake Shakes Up Seattle.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Contractors in the Seattle, Wash., area are counting their blessings -- and invoices -- after the earthquake that hit the state Feb. 28. The quake, centered about 35 miles southwest of Seattle, had a magnitude of 6.8, with experts estimating...

RPA's REX Set For May.(Radiant Panel Association's annual conference)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... REX, or Radiant Expo, is the new name of the Radiant Panel Association's annual conference and trade show. The renamed event will be held May 9-12 at the new Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. REX offers seminars, workshops,...

AMPAM Reports Operating Results.(American Plumbing & Mechanical Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... American Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. announced its operating results for the quarter and fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2000. Revenues in the fourth quarter increased 21 percent to $145.6 million, versus $120.8 million for the comparable quarter in...

Chemed's Roto-Rooter Income Increases 38 Percent.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Chemed Corp. reported that, for the year 2000, earnings from continuing operations rose to $1.86 per share from $1.60 in 1999. These results were highlighted by a 38 percent increase in fourth-quarter net income at Chemed's largest subsidiary,...

Residential Remodeling Up In 4th Quarter 2000.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Remodeling expenditures by homeowners increased to $101.9 billion for the fourth quarter of 2000, according to the Remodeling Activity Indicator (RAI) developed by Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. This level of activity produced 2.7...

Dan Burnette Passes Away.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Dan Burnette, 60, active leader of the PHCC-NA, MCAA and PHCC Educational Foundation, died Feb.21 in Knoxville, Tenn., after a three-year battle with cancer. Burnette, Chairman of Interstate Mechanical Corp., held numerous leadership roles...

WearGuard Launches Online Account Tool.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... The supplier of customized workwear and uniforms is launching myWearGuard, a Web-based service for WearGuard customers. myWearGuard is integrated with the company's Web site at www.wearguard.com. Customers sign on and have access to several...

Symmons Updates Web Site.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Symmons Industries introduced a new look and feel for its Web site, www.symmons.com. The new design includes expanded product information with larger pictures, and downloadable PDF files outlining common modifications and detailed...

MH2 To Offer Online Training.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... MH2Technologies will offer full-spectrum online training to clients using its products for the construction industry -- MH2Build and MH2Supply. Clients will now have access to three new training options: a series of live, interactive courses...

MyHomeKey Adds HouseMaster, ServiceLane.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... MyHomeKey partnered with HouseMaster Home Inspection Services and ServiceLane Home Improvements to simplify home management. With the partnering, MyHomeKey members now can schedule home inspections through HouseMaster and access home...

BuildNet Launches BuildNet Express.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... BuildNet recently debuted its new product BuildNet Express, a collection of Web-based job management tools that include project management, collaboration, procurement and bid management. BuildNet Express subscribers do not need to buy...

Reliant Energy Minnegasco Launches New Web Site.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Reliant Energy Minnegasco launched a new Web site to replace its original site. The site, www.minnegasco.com, makes it easier to find the products, services and information with improved navigation and updated graphics. The Minnegasco homepage...

BuildPoint Integrates WESCO's Order Management System.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Build Point Corp. integrated WESCO Distribution's Order Management System, WESCOM, with BuildPoint's online catalog. Orders placed by the BuildPoint community of contractors now can be integrated directly into the WESCO order management system,...

ProTech Systems Launches New Web Site.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... The manufacturer of Natural Draft and Pressurized Vent Systems for residential and commercial heating equipment launched www.protechinfo.com. The site also presents information about the Ventinox[R] chimney lining system and the FastNSeal[R]...

NAOHSM Convention May 13-17.
April 1, 2001... Participants of the 2001 NAOHSM Convention in Hershey, Pa., May 13-17, have the option of participating in a live chat room for the "Service Roundtable Discussions." NAOHSM will, host a 21/2 -hour classroom presentation on basic electricity as...

'Energy Odyssey 2001' June 13-14.
April 1, 2001... The New England Fuel Institute (NEFI) will host "Energy Odyssey 2001," which includes the 2001 Heating and Energy Exposition, at its two day annual convention on June 13-14 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. The Expo is NEFI's 29th...

Newly Revised LEM Debuts At MCAA 2001.
April 1, 2001... The Labor Estimating Manual (LEM), one of MCAA's most popular publications, has been revised and nearly doubled in size. Since its first printing in 1972, the LEM has been a nationally recognized publication for labor units. The LEM Committee's...

Estimation Inc. Hosts 10th Annual User Conference.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Estimation Inc. will host its 10th annual User Conference April 18-20 in Orlando, Fla., at Walt Disney World's Yacht and Beach Club Resort. More than 150 contractors who use the Bidmaster NET computerized estimating and Purchase Master NET...

'Thanks For The Tip' At REX 2001.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Want to share a money-saving, time-saving tips with your fellow radiant heat contractors -- and have a chance at winning $50? Pass it on at our second annual "Thanks For The Tip" program held during RPA's REX 2001 this May in Salt Lake City,...

Real-Time Answers.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... One doesn't usually visit a heating and cooling company's Web site for amusement. But www.jc-heating-cooling.com's well-designed site has enough features, facts and fun to keep you entertained for a long time. This site goes the whole nine...

A.O. Smith's Tailored Rewards Program.
April 1, 2001... From Feb. 1 through June 30, 2001, members of the A.O. Smith Professional Contractors Association (PCA) can participate in the Tailored Rewards Program by redeeming points for a wide range of work or casual attire, including personalized...

Conbraco Opens European Center In UK.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Conbraco Industries opened a European Operations Center in Manchester, England, to better serve its valve and actuator customers in the region. The new 9,000-sq. ft. facility serves the entire European Union, Scandinavia, Africa and parts of...

ivalve.com Relocates.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... ivalve.com has relocated to Lakeport, Calif., to accommodate its rapid growth. The market reaction to the initial launch resulted in hundreds of responses in anticipation of the Web site dedicated to the e-commerce of industrial valves. Also...

When The Plunger Can't Save It...(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Clogged pipes and clogged arteries require vastly different methods of treatment, but San Diego, Calif.-based Drain Medic and Rx Plumbing is blurring that distinction and coming to clients' rescue in the form of the company's ambulance...

Who Pays The Price For The Going Rate?
April 1, 2001... The "going rate" is not sound numbers crunching. What is the "going rate?" The going rate is nothing more than the price set for goods and services by competitors -- not sound numbers crunching. It is a rate established by calling several...

Panel Radiator Piping Options.
April 1, 2001... The use of European-style panel radiators continues to grow in North America. By my count there are at least eight companies now offering panel radiators to hydronic heating professionals in the United States. They range from compact towel...

How About Just Calling It 'Easier To Use'.
April 1, 2001... WE'VE READ (and written) plenty of stories that treat the bathroom as a grand escape from the stress of everyday life. So well has this concept been marketed that what might have been eye-popping opulence just 10 years ago is downright...

RESIDENTIAL Fire Sprinklers Q&A.
April 1, 2001... The notion of home fire sprinklers has been in the back of many minds for almost 30 years. Here's a rundown of where we've been and where we may be going. How did we get to this point? The first ordinance mandating sprinklers in new...

Making The JUMP To Municipal Service.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Increasing drain-cleaning technology helps a company succeed Throughout his more than 20 years experience in residential drain cleaning, Jim Holcomb saw pipe cleaning and inspection transformed by computers. With his first company RotoCo, a...

Hot Water -- How Fast?
April 1, 2001... The time it takes for hot water to arrive is still a great debate. Every so often, I get a letter from a reader that really intrigues me. I received one such letter recently from Jimmy Mahaffey. To say the least, Jimmy was passionate in his...

How e-Business Contributes To Your Bottom Line.
April 1, 2001... A Web presence helps improve communication between you and other members of the supply chain. For many, the term "e-business brings to mind Amazon.com and the Christmas rush of purchasing last-minute presents online. While companies that...

Construction's Female Workforce -- Put Me In, Coach.
April 1, 2001... How can you successfully integrate female employees with the manly men on your crew? Last month, I showed you techniques for maintaining a proud and productive female workforce. Those techniques were not just for the ladies. You should...

Economic Fluctuation.
April 1, 2001... Keeping your business prosperous -- even if the economy is slowing down. The last several years have been some of the best economic times this country has ever seen. I hope it continues, but I can't be certain it will. In fact, it's...

A New Approach To Installed Sales.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Retailers are partnering with a company that knows how to make mediocrity respectable. The big box retailers understand they have a service gap to fill as our aging population becomes ever less inclined to tackle do-it-yourself projects....

ADA Fountain Coolers:.
April 1, 2001... Sunroc Corp. introduces its fully ADA-compliant fountain cooler. It combines a vinyl-steel clad exterior, deep drawn-stainless steel basin, universal rough-in capabilities, NSF 61.9 compliance and mechanical push bar activation. Whether child...

Grab Bars.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Seachrome offers a line of grab bars that meets all building codes. All mounting flanges are heliarc welded to the bars to support loads in excess of 420 pounds when properly installed. Standard finish is a polished, 180-grit satin finish. The...

A Protective Pipe Cover Systems.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Insul-tect TM protective covers can be trimmed to any length with a knife or scissors. Reusable plastic cable ties are used to secure covers to pipes. The covers feature a tongue-and-groove closure system to maintain a complete seal at all...

Lav-Shield.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... The new lav-Shield TM lavatory enclosure from Truebro represents the next generation of ADA piping protection systems. An alternative to insulation covers around each pipe and component, the designer-style, single-piece Lav-Shield conceals all...

Wall Mount Kitchen Faucet.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... The Gerber wall-mounted, two-handle kitchen faucet can be adapted for a variety of stem options, It is available in chrome and features a cast-brass body with an optional soap dish. It also features a 2.2-gpm (60-psi maximum) aerator. In...

Flushometers.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Optima Flushometers are ADA compliant and feature the EL-1500-L self-adaptive infrared sensors, which meet every type of commercial and institutional restroom installation requirement for high traffic/abuse to low traffic/abuse traffic...

ProWrap.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... McGuire Mfg.'s ProWrap [TM], was developed for the professional mechanical contractor. It is installed at the factory onto P-traps, lavatory and sink offsets and virtually all other McGuire drainage products. McGuire will custom package ProWrap...

Oil/Gas-Fired Boiler.(Viessmann)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... The Vitola 200 from Viessmann is available in an input size range from 83-300 mbh (24-88 kW). This boiler was specifically designed for operation with modulating boiler water temperatures without the requirement for a low limit, It is built for...

Flow Control Valve.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... [no photo] Bell & Gossett's Hydrotrol [TM] flow control valve is designed to prevent gravity circulation that leads to overheating. The valve allows for summer/winter operation of an indirect water heater. It can be installed in a vertical...

Short Water Heater.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Bradford White Corp.'s 30-gallon short water heater is oil-powered and designed for tight installation spaces with a 48 3/8-inch floor to centerline vent height. It allows on-the-spot replacements of both center flue and rear flue setups. The...

Symmons' New Handles.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Symmons Industries released new Lucite knob handles for Temptrol[R] shower valves and Symmetrix[R] faucets. The handles enhance design options with more coordinated looks for shower and sink uses. The handles feature a scalloped shape and can...

Gasketed Closet Flange.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Dallas' new gasketed closet flange is designed to fit 4-inch plastic, lead and cast iron pipes. The "Push & Shuv" closet flange can be lubricated with gasket lube or liquid hand soap, and then pushed until flush with the floor. The opening is...

FastFix Installation System.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... The FastFix system saves up to 50 percent of the time used to install Viessmann Viotec boiler enclosure panels and control systems. Features include alignment pins to center the boiler precisely, and the plug-and-work, quick-connect system for...

Big Box Sprinklers.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... Gem Sprinkler Co.'s new K-25 EC Upright Big Box Sprinklers are now available for area-density fire protection needs. Designed specifically to meet the fire protection needs of big box retailing, extra hazard and high piled storage occupancies...

Designer Radiators.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2001... The Steamview Series by Steam Radiators is an alternative to cast-iron radiators. They are 24 inches in height, available in six lengths (24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 inches) and 2 1/2 to 3 inches deep. The radiators are made of cold-rolled steel with...

Power-Vee.(General Pipe Cleaners' automatic-feed drain cleaner)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
April 1, 2001... General Pipe Cleaners' improved Power-Vee [TM] automatic-feed drain cleaner has a simplified feeding system that's lighter and easier to operate. Squeezing the lever feeds the cable at a rate of 16 ft. per minute. It can unclog sink, shower,...

Hot Water Recirculation System.(Grundfos Hot Water Re-circulation System)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2001... The Grundfos Hot Water Re-circulation System uses a pump and hot water return line to circulate water through a home's water heater so that hot water is available immediately upon opening the tap. This saves thousands of gallons of water...

Heating Manifold System.(Precision Plumbing Products Inc.'s Hydro-Tek heating system)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2001... Precision Plumbing Products Inc. manufactures the Hydro-Tek heating manifold system from Type "K" copper tube. Each manifold has swedged ends, making connections fast and simple. The 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch manifold drops include brass...

High Efficiency Boiler/Water Heater.(from Laars Heating Systems)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2001... Laars Heating Systems introduces the new Summit modulating, condensing, high efficiency boiler and water heater. It is rated at 125,000 to 250,000 Btu/hr. and has a sealed combustion design. It is designed for hotel, apartment and contemporary...

Electronic Shower System.(from Ondine)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2001... Ondine introduces the ESS[R] high-tech electronic shower system. Backed by a lifetime warranty, it features up to three pre-set shower sequence settings. No valving needs to be installed in wall surfaces that are typically tile or marble. The...

Combustion Flue Gas Analyzer.(BW Technologies' GasProbe)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2001... BW Technologies' GasProbe is a flue gas analyzer, a gas appliance tester, a carbon monoxide safety monitor, a pressure meter and a digital thermometer. Compact and lightweight, the handheld device calculates combustion efficiency of up to five...

Pendent Sprinkler.(K17 ESFR Pendent Sprinkler from Central Sprinkler Corp.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2001... The K17 ESFR Pendent Sprinkler by Central uses the same flows as traditional 14 K-factor ESFR sprinklers, but at much lower pressures, which saves on installation costs by reducing branch lines and potentially eliminating fire pumps. The K17...