Plumbing & Mechanical articles from April 2008

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from April 2008

Thanks, Randall.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... I enjoy Randall Hilton's column each month, but his December column ("Plumbing Is Like Bass Fishing," December 2007), reminded me of a story I heard many years ago: At a recent party, two doctors were discussing their practices. Doctor A...

Thanks, Dan.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... This is to tell Dan Holohan that I continue to enjoy his articles--the new ones and the resurrected ones. I go directly from the mailbox to the den and immediately turn to and read his latest offering. As a retired HVAC consulting engineer...

Old stories.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... I really enjoy PM. As an old plumber, I think once a month you should run a short story about the old-timers and their stories about the old days. I think your readers would enjoy them. I am 61 years old and still working, but my duties are all...

Good humor.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... I am a bit behind in reading PM, but I noticed in the November issue there were a couple of complaints about Dan's Holohan's "side-wiping" column. I hope that didn't bother Dan. I loved the article and could not stop laughing. I gave the...

MCAA 2008: BIM strives for coordinated construction solutions.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] English teachers would disagree, but "Building Information Modeling" is a verb, members of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America were told March 4 during their annual convention in Palm Desert, Calif. ...

Green issues to take center stage at NAOHSM convention.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Brief article)(Column)
April 1, 2008... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers 55th Annual Convention and Trade Show will take on green heating issues May 18-22, 2008, at the new Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Conn. PM columnist Ellen Rohr will show...

QSC: sustainable business growth depends on leader.(PHCC NEWS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Quality Service Contractors learned how to create a sustainable future for their companies that has nothing to do with the environment or green building craze. Educator Bob Kelley taught QSC members five steps to...

PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarship deadline May 1.(PHCC NEWS)
April 1, 2008... Applications are now being accepted for the PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarship programs sponsored by American Standard Bath and Kitchen, A.O. Smith Water Heaters, Bradford White Corp., Delta Faucet Co., the PHCC Educational Foundation...

Noritz joins PHCC's partner for professionalism program.(PHCC NEWS)
April 1, 2008... Tankless water heater manufacturer Noritz America Corp. is now a PHCC Partners for Professionalism. Noritz will offer an upgraded version of the Noritz PROCard membership. The enhanced features will include a PHCC icon inserted beside...

Bell & Gossett announces Little Red Schoolhouse Seminars.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
April 1, 2008... Bell & Gossett recently announced its training course schedule for the second quarter of 2008. The free training seminars are offered at B&G's Little Red Schoolhouse education center in Morton Grove, Ill., and are open to engineers, contractors...

Peerless pump acquires longtime partner.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
April 1, 2008... Peerless Pump Co. recently acquired Flometrico. Peerless has had a successful relationship with the wholesale pump manufacturer for more than 50 years. The Flometrico acquisition will give the company a Canadian base of operation. Percy...

At a recent media event in Las Vegas, Bobcat Co. celebrated its anniversary--"50 Years Unleashed"--with company executives and product managers as they displayed old and new equipment.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: At a recent media event in Las Vegas, Bobcat Co. celebrated its anniversary--"50 Years Unleashed"--with company executives and product managers as they displayed old and new equipment. What started as a...

InSinkErator responds to Raleigh ban of disposers.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
April 1, 2008... In early March, the Raleigh City Council approved a ban on all installations of new and replacement garbage disposal units as a way to reduce sewage overflows. The ordinance does not prohibit selling disposers. However, the council took...

Uponor Updates Factory Training schedule for 2008.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
April 1, 2008... Dates for Uponor's 2008 Factory Training Program are now available. The company will continue to offer weekend and weekday training sessions on topics such as radiant design, application and operation; radiant computer design and mechanical...

Taco announces 2008 hydronics factory training.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
April 1, 2008... Advanced training courses for professional hydronics installers and designers has been announced by Taco. All training will be conducted at Taco headquarters. Complete information on the courses, cost and schedule is available online at...

Business-improving webinar from DDI System.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
April 1, 2008... DDI System invites professionals to "Discover New Strategies to Improve Business Operations" during its exclusive industry-specific webinar April 23, 2008. Register at www.ddisys.com.

Pay me now, or pay me later: increased production efficiency means a better return on capital.(Business TIPS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This month we're going to re-visit hiring and recruiting from the vantage point of a production manager. First of all, let's consider the cost of capital. Capital comes in many forms--it may be a building, equipment...

Solar appliances: hardware consolidation will hasten adoption of active solar energy systems.(Hydronics WORKSHOP)
April 1, 2008... If you've been following PM over last year, or attended any recent show associated with hydronic you've probably noticed the availability of hardware for energy systems. The solar snowball seems well on its way down the hill, and increasing...

So you want to go solar?(RADIANT & HYDRONICS E-NEWS: THE GLITCH & THE FIX)
April 1, 2008... Overview: Given all the recent interest in solar domestic water heating, Joe Wrenchturner decides to have a go at it. He orders some goodies through the Internet store Solar-Is-Us and installs them according to the schematic below. ...

15 reasons why plumbers should use wholesaler showrooms: plumbing contractors must be proactive or they will continue to lose out on the buy/sell process for high-end product.(Cover story)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MY DAD worked his entire career for a large plumbing wholesaler in central Pennsylvania. I can remember when he built a new branch in Harrisburg, Pa., and incorporated a showroom the entire way across the front of...

ISH China 2008: while the 'S' in 'ISH' means the American equivalent of plumbing, that last initial for 'heating' was the main focus.
April 1, 2008... "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown" Any movie buff will recognize the last line from "Chinatown," along with its meaning: In other words, forget it because it's beyond your understanding. Besides, you'll be haunted in your dreams if you try to...

'It's just human nature': the evolution of Internet reality series flush TV.
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When Jennifer Katz graduated from NYU Film School, the furthest thing from her mind was plumbing--or plumbing contractors. In fact, she wrote and directed a comedy feature film titled "101 Ways (the things a girl...

Logo hits home run.(TRUCK OF THE MONTH: Marquez Plumbing, Hollister, Calif.)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Work hard, play hard--David Marquez of Marquez Plumbing does both. While he and his three employees are in the field each day, servicing customers around Hollister, Calif., Marquez also finds time in his busy...

Protecting bathtubs and whirlpool tubs: simple rules and requirements to follow to protect your customer.(Plumbling PRIMER)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Can you imagine someone dying in a bathtub or whirlpool tub? As I ask that, you are probably thinking of a drowning. Well, I am not. Can you imagine being scalded to death in a bathtub or whirlpool tub? It...

IAPMO to add staff, facilities here and abroad.(Director's Update)
April 1, 2008... The long-standing mission statement of the IAPMO organization is "to protect the health and safety of society through sound plumbing and mechanical systems." To support our mission in an ever-changing industry, IAPMO plans in the next few...

Eat an apple? Or eat fruit? We can do our staff a big favor when we offer choices instead of issuing a mandate.(Managing YOUR BUSINESS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When I do the first step in my Power Series with a contractor, I always start with Planning Power! because this step allows me to learn how a company works (or doesn't) from a 360-degree business perspective. ...

Calling all techs: any time you examine communications with techs, you have the potential to automate your entire business.(In The FIELD)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Field communications--contacting techs during their service calls and having them communicate needed data back to the office--used to be much more challenging than it is today. Remember when pagers, walkie-talkies...

Seniority--a mutual blessing: long-time employees can attract good employees and repeat customers.(Practical MANAGEMENT)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Seniority is a proud and honorable accomplishment for any employee, as well as the company by whom he or she is employed. You need to nurture and cherish these long-time relationships: * Your roster of long-time...

Plumbing companion.(FIRST PLACE)
April 1, 2008... The one I just can't live without! Over the last 37 years, I have set thousands of toilets, most of them in small, cramped bathrooms. To help me do the job easier, I made a small, four-wheeled cart (pictured) with two swivel wheels and two...

Struck camera.(tool tips)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Ever have a camera stuck in a drain, like when the spring head is caught on a fitting or broken section? A helpful way to dislodge it is to take the cable and twist a loop in the cable--at the same time keeping tension by slightly pulling back....

Twist tie.(tool tips)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... I keep a long twist tie on the male end of my extension cord. If l unplug anything of a customer's to use my cord, I twist that cord right to mine. Then I don't forget to plug their washing machine or whatever back in. Or if a helper unplugs...

Meet Ray.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Meet Ray: Mestek Inc. introduces Ray, a high-efficiency, low-mass, fully condensing, cast-iron residential boiler. It uses SmartCycle technology, an on-board digital control that learns optimum cycling pattern/firing...

Counter-top drain cleaner.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Counter-Top Drain Cleaner: The new Electric Eel Model CT features unique variable-speed motor control that gives the operator maximum cable control and cleaning power from 75 to 350 rpm with constant torque. Cleans...

New sink trap.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New Sink Trap: The Gleco Trap, a UPC-approved sink trap from Liquid Assets, is easy to install and easy for end-users to maintain. Designed to replace the P-trap, it traps sediment or small parts in a translucent...

Support System.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Support System: Sioux Chief Mfg.'s Strong Arm[TM] Support System is designed to prevent damage to stub-outs caused by sheet rock installation. Strong Arm with Lock Block[TM] works with any type of CTS stub-out. It...

Water pump line.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... Water Pump Line: Franklin Electric Co. introduces the Little Giant[R] Water Systems line of jet pumps, lawn sprinkler pumps and 4-inch submersible pumps to plumbing wholesalers and distributors. The pumps are designed to draw water from a well,...

Temp-limiting devide.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Temp-Limiting Device: Symmons' Maxline series of dual-certified ASSE 1017/1070 thermostatic water temperature limiting devices are a cost-effective solution for controlling and limiting water temperature to fixture...

New low water cut-off.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... New Low Water Cut-Off [no photo]: Taco introduces its LTR Series of low water cut-offs, a more advanced control for use with residential hot water boilers. Designed around the expressed needs of residential boiler installers and service techs...

Strong sealant.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Strong Sealant: TVM Building Products introduces Bull Seal, designed to replace mechanical fasteners as well as caulks, sealants and adhesives. Bull Seal is an MS Polymer[TM]based adhesive sealant that will adhere to...

Cargo pants.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... Cargo Pants: Cintas Corp. now offers the Cargo Collection, a new line of retail-inspired rentable cargo pants. Available in light khaki and navy blue, it offers a contemporary cut with a longer "seat seam" for comfort, and uses a fabric with 11...

Gas sniffer.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gas Sniffer: RIDGID[R] introduces the new Micro CG-100[TM] combustible gas sniffer that quickly and accurately detects gas leakage. Offering unique Tri-Mode Detection[TM], an operator is alerted to the presence of...

Showering options.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Showering Options: JACLO[R] lets you build out the ultimate shower by offering a slate of fun fixtures, such as the new Rainbar. It functions as a linear body jet, allowing for a customized bathing experience as the...

Commercial KNIGHT.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... Commercial KNIGHT: Lochinvar Corp. introduces the KNIGHT XL commercial boiler, a modulating/condensing unit with 94.6 percent thermal efficiency, low NOx emissions and a fully modulating burner with 5:1 turndown. An ideal "green" choice for...

Four fittings in one.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Four Fittings In One: Combining four fittings in one, Cimberio Valve's CimPRESS 215 ball valve is a time, money and space saver. This 90-degree full port ball valve features an FIPT Xpress connection for flame-free...

Pocket-size handbook.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... Pocket-Size Handbook: The new "Hydronic Heating and Hot Water Recirc Systems Handbook" from Grundfos Pumps offers insight into the proper application and installation of a broad range of hydronic and domestic hot water recirculation system...

Freestanding tub.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Freestanding Tub: MTI Whirlpools unveils its Boutique Collection, with the Elise and Elise 2 freestanding tubs at the center of the collection. They combine organic design with solid-surface construction. Generously...

Hybrid water heating.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... Hybrid Water Heating: Grand Hall's Eternal[R] Direct Vent is a new water heating system that directly intakes and exhausts air outside the home, allowing for cleaner indoor air quality. Mirroring the technological capacity of the existing...

Concealed tank.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Concealed Tank: Geberit's new Concealed Tank and Carrier System gives a bathroom new dimension and flexibility by mounting the toilet on the wall instead of the floor. Geberit conceals the functional components...

Hammer Arresters.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hammer Arresters: IPS Corp. has added the Shock-Buster[TM] Hammer Arresters to its product line. They are "AA"-sized for use in residential and light commercial applications. Ideal for installation at or near the...

Hot-Rodder Drain Cleaner.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... Hot-Rodder Drain Cleaner [no photo]: The Hot-Rodder[TM] sectional drain cleaner from General Pipe Cleaners blends power and maneuverability for rapid removal of clogs in large lines and long runs. Just press down on the quick-release chuck...

Under carriage cleaner.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Under Carriage Cleaner: Water Cannon's Mud Cannon under carriage cleaner hooks up to a pressure washer hose and features a durable stainless-steel Mosmatic swivel and spray bar. Requires a minimum clearance height of...

Disposer flange.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... Disposer Flange: The Push-N-Seal II from Jomar International is a disposer flange with strainer that improves and replaces the original Push-N-Seal. Available in satin nickel and brushed stainless finishes, its ME-150 acrylic coating guarantees...

Solar panel/tank.(Products & LITERATURE)
April 1, 2008... Solar Panel/Tank [no photo]:The Stiebel Eltron indirect domestic hot water storage tank with one or two heat exchangers, paired with the company's solar flat plate collector panels, builds an economical and reliable solar domestic hot water...

What good are trade associations? From selfish interests spring accomplishments benefiting society at-large.(Editorial OPINION)
April 1, 2008... Last October I used this space to write "Reckoning Time For Trade Associations," which discussed the decline of trade associations not only in this industry but throughout the business world. Although some groups do better than others in...