Plumbing & Mechanical articles from August 2004

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from August 2004

Controls are nothing new.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2004... I just read Carol Fey's column "Parallel Vs. Series Circuits" (April 2004). I happen to be a master electrician and a journeyman instrument man. I also run my own electrical contracting firm. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I'd like to say I...

Siggy's right on.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2004... John Siegenthaler has nailed the lid on the suspended tube coffin! I felt like he was writing about a radiant retrofit we're just in the process of completing. Identical 55 degrees F indoor temperatures on a design day and very upset...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
August 1, 2004... In July PM Around The Industry, we mistakenly identified All Service Plumbing Inc. as a St. Louis company when in fact it is based in East Hazel Crest, III. PM apologizes for any confusion.

Weil-McLain to close Michigan plant, shut down Indiana facility.(Around the Industry)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Company intends to maintain a presence in Michigan City Move likely to leave about 170 people out of work A new assembly plant near the Virginia and North Carolina border will open early 2005 SPX Corp., corporate parent of...

PM columnists to lead ISH NA educational seminars.(Around the Industry)
August 1, 2004... Most of the columnists for Plumbing & Mechanical will lead the following educational seminars at ISH North America, Oct. 14-16, Boston. To find out more details and to register for these and other seminars (more than 50 seminars in total),...

John W. Danforth purchases sheet metal fabricator.(Briefs)(Niagara Frontier Sheetmetal Inc)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... John W. Danforth Co. Inc., Tonawanda, N.Y., acquired a majority of the assets of Orchard Park-based Niagara Frontier Sheetmetal Inc., a 28-year-old sheet metal fabricator and installer. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. John W. Danforth had...

AMPAM reaches agreement with creditors.(Briefs)(American Plumbing & Mechanical Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... American Plumbing & Mechanical reached an agreement for a consensual plan of reorganization with its creditors, allowing the company to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The confirmation hearing was set for early July.

Cement prices increase, shortage looms.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Associated General Contractors of America, the nation's largest construction trade association, called on Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans to temporarily lift tariffs imposed upon Mexican cement products. The request came in light of...

Contractor builds homes for disabled Iraqi vets.(Briefs)
August 1, 2004... John Gonsalves, a Boston-area general contractor, started a nonprofit organization, Homes For Our Troops, to build homes to accommodate disabled troops returning from Iraq. His organization teamed up with the VA to serve a specific class of...

Money masters seminar Aug. 20-21.(Briefs)
August 1, 2004... Nexstar will offer its Money Masters[TM] two-day business seminar in Waterloo, Ind., on Aug. 20-21. The event will feature methods for implementing profitability, as well as a shop tour of Gibson's Heating & Plumbing Inc. For more information,...

IAPMO offers volunteer inspectors certification.(Briefs)
August 1, 2004... The International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials has expanded its roll-in program for inspector certification. If you are certified as a plumbing or mechanical inspector and have passed an inspector examination, you may be...

Plumber selects Baja Cruise winner.(Kevin Shaw Plumbing Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Leon Keyser, Monrovia, Calif., won a Mexican Baja Cruise for two people, compliments of his longtime plumber, Kevin Shaw Plumbing Inc. in Monrovia. Through April, customers were encouraged to register via the company's redesigned Web site to...

Special I=B=R School scheduled before ISH NA.(Around the Industry)
August 1, 2004... This year's ISH North America trade show also will feature an "attached" educational opportunity for heating contractors--an I=B=R Hydronic Heating School, Oct. 12-13, at the Boston Convention Center. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As an...

Roto-Rooter jingle turns 50.(Around the Industry)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Roto-Rooter celebrates the golden anniversary of its jingle this year, showing that for half a century customers have been singing "... and away go troubles down the drain." In 1954, the Roto-Rooter jingle had to compete with other...

Lochinvar opens Orlando distribution facility.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Lochinvar recently opened a new distribution facility in Orlando, Fla. The company will inventory its entire product line and complement the existing distribution center in Tampa, Fla. In other news, Lochinvar earned the state's top award...

Lasco begins new trailer campaign.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... This summer, Lasco Bathware is featuring new graphics on 50 trailers and tractors in six regions across the country. The mobile billboard graphics, or "fleetside advertising", display three Lasco product lines, including its high-end whirlpools...

Home Depot donates $1 million to military.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Home Depot Inc. is donating $1 million in tools and materials to support the U.S. military in Iraq. The company is sending nine truck trailers filled with 100,000 tools and materials, including shovels, table saws, concrete mixers, safety...

Milwaukee Electric Tool for sale.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. and AEG Electric Tools are for sale, its parent company announced. Sweden's Atlas Copco said that it has initiated a process to divest itself of its $700 million electric tool business. Sales are chiefly made under...

Armstrong purchases UK firm.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Armstrong Integrated Systems Ltd)(Plant Energy Systems)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... S.A. Armstrong Ltd. established a new company called Armstrong Integrated Systems Ltd., which bought the majority of assets of Plant Energy Systems. Armstrong Integrated is based in Birmingham, England, and is a specialist in off-site...

Watts Premier receives first perchlorate certification.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Watts Premier, a subsidiary of Watts Water Technologies, announced its completion of both NSF and California Department of Health Services certification for the reduction of perchlorate from drinking water on its line of residential reverse...

PowerStor water heater promotion.(Vendor & Supplier News)
August 1, 2004... Bradford White Corp. announced a new promotion for its PowerStor Series[TM] Single Wall and SS water heaters. Between July 1, 2004 and Oct. 31, 2004, professional installers will be eligible to receive a free 2.5-gallon wet/dry shop-vac for...

Grohe President Bob Atkins.(On the Move)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Grohe President Bob Atkins has retired from his position. Jeffrey P. Noll, who most recently served as Grohe general manager and vice president/sales, has been named his replacement. Also, David Haines is the new chairman of the board and CEO...

The Flowserve Corp.(On the Move)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * The Flowserve Corp. announced that Thomas Pajonas will join the company as president of the Flow Control Division. He succeeds George Shedlarski, who retired April 30. Previously, Pajonas was senior vice president of the Worldwide Power...

Stride Tool announced Ron Ortiz as its new CEO.(On the Move)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Stride Tool announced Ron Ortiz as its new CEO. He replaces founder Lori Northrup, who will continue as chairman of the board.

Hercules Chemical Co.(On the Move)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Hercules Chemical Co. announced the promotion of Gail S. Leicht to the position of brand manager. In addition to her current duties in communications, she will be responsible for helping grow the Hercules product line, as well as marketing...

Brass Craft appointed Larry Griffin as channel manager, whole-sale.(On the Move)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Brass Craft appointed Larry Griffin as channel manager, wholesale. He previously served as director of sales--Kmart for Huggy Service First, a national retail service organization. In addition to his wholesale segment duties, Griffin will be...

Kenneth Bachner, RSES vice president.(Obituary)
August 1, 2004... Kenneth Bachner, CMS, international vice president and Region 5 director of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society and controls engineer for Roth Brothers, died June 12, 2004, in Des Plaines, III. Bachner, 55, a resident of Palm Beach...

The sting: how helpful are they to our profession?(Business Tips)
August 1, 2004... It's just not right that these guys charge so much and get away with it," Jimmy mused as he waited for the phone to ring. "I know more about plumbing than most of these guys and I sure don't run up huge bills by adding on a bunch of unnecessary...

Radiant heat with shower pan.(Off the Wall)
August 1, 2004... Original inquiry: How do you guys like to install radiant heat when you have a pan? I am currently working on a project where the entire master bath will be the shower pan. Do you guys use Quik Trak in this application, tubes below the pan,...

Seasons in the sun: using hydronics and solar energy together.(Hydronics Workshop)
August 1, 2004... I entered the HVAC field in 1978 fresh out of college. My first job was as a junior engineer with Revere Solar & Architectural Products in Rome, N.Y. Our group manufactured flat plate solar energy collectors and designed both space heating and...

It's all in the planning: tips to help make that next piping or mechanical project run smoothly--before you even get to the jobsite.(Project Performance)
August 1, 2004... Every plumbing or mechanical contractor out there has had a project that just seemed like the Job From Hell from Day 1. Probably more than one. Maybe a lot. But did you ever stop to think why that was? Why these projects look so good on paper,...

The 2004 Pipe Trades Giants 100: how the Pipe Trades Giants happens.(Cover Story)
August 1, 2004... The information that Plumbing & Mechanical uses to rank the Pipe Trades Giants 100 is the most accurate we can gather. We use several different methods, but by far the most effective is the questionnaire we send to every company in our...

Luxury & economy: Steve Huff Plumbing Co. Inc., Kingsport, Tenn.(PM's Truck of the Month)
August 1, 2004... All year we've seen a fluctuation in the price of gas, and for a service company with drivers on the road, that's an issue to take note of. With prices climbing over $2 a gallon in some areas, business owners are looking for vehicles with...

PricePoint from Cloversoft.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... PricePoint software has been helping mom-and-pop-sized plumbing and HVACR contractors get organized and stay profitable for the last decade. The new version of the software, PricePoint 4, is simple to operate with a straightforward approach...

New Anvil pipe hanger catalog.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... The most comprehensive catalog of pipe hangers and supports available to the industry has now been published by Anvil International. Anvil, formerly known as Grinnell Supply Sales, offers the most complete selection of engineered hangers and...

Walton pipe extractors.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Walton "REPS" extractors remove broken pipes and studs that defy movement. They make a strong, four-point grip without hammering or pounding and are made of hardened steel. The extractors pull rather than ream, and they release instantly. They...

Portable pump puller.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Pul-A-Pump's patented design provides state-of-the-art performance in a portable pump-pulling device. Built-in features allow efficient, one-man operation. Unique belt drive mechanism affords continual automatic adjustment to varying diameters...

New sealed combustion gas boiler.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... With AFUE to 86.1 percent, Slant/Fin's new value-priced Victory VSPH sealed combustion gas boiler promises fuel savings for homeowners. All models are Energy Star-rated. Contractors will appreciate its installer-friendly features and economy...

Fin-tube radiation.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... New 32-page catalog features descriptions, ratings and specifications for a broad selection of commercial fin-tube heating products. Most models available in a variety of heights with multitiered elements for hot water or steam heating....

Reed introduces crimpers.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... These Reed crimpers squeeze the copper rings used on brass fitting PEX systems. Plumbers and mechanical contractors install PEX systems for potable water lines, radiant heating and snowmelt systems. The design of these crimpers eliminates tool...

New Hydrolevel catalog.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Hydrolevel's new 16-page catalog features its recently introduced VXTC water feeder for commercial steam boilers. Like the VXT residential feeder, this new control offers programmable delay and feed amount settings with lock-out flood...

WARDFLEX--more feet per day.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... WARDFLEX[R] delivers more performance and installation advantages over either black-steel pipe or other ordinary CSST systems. Compared to conventional steel, WARDFLEX installs without the heavy lifting, carrying, threading, extensive measuring...

Hackney shelving/tray kits for service bodies.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Available for 12-ft.- and 14-ft.-length bodies. All 56 aluminum shelves are 22-inches wide with a 1-inch retainer lip; mounted on vertical tracks for adjustability. Includes fixed pipe shelves for 10-ft. lengths, and fixed ladder shelves...

CPVC IPS to CPVC CTS transition fittings brochure.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... With Charlotte Pipe's new IPS to CTS reducing tees, bushings and transition bushings, you now can more easily join FlowGuard Gold[R] CPVC pipe and fittings to Corzan[R] CPVC pipe and fittings to complete large-diameter installations. For...

Pocket-sized industrial fittings dimensional catalog.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... This handy pocket-sized industrial fittings catalog is available from Charlotte Pipe and Foundry. The guide features dimensional data and product specifications for PVC Schedule 40 and 80 fittings, and Corzan[R] CPVC Schedule 80 fittings....

FlowGuard Gold technical manual in Spanish.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Charlotte Pipe and Foundry now offers its complete FlowGuard Gold[R] technical manual in Spanish. Learn more about Charlotte Pipe's FlowGuard Gold product offering, technical specifications and installation requirements in this convenient...

Injection boards 65100 Series.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... The injection boards 65100 Series from Heatlink features a compact metal cabinet with a capacity of 70,000-195,000 Btu output. It is pre-engineered, fabricated and wired. It includes a five-year parts and labor warranty. The 65100 Series...

PowerMate from LP international.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Why send two men out to install a hot water tank, boiler or furnace when you can send one? Get more done with the PowerMate[R] 4-in-1: a power stairclimber; portable tailgate lift; curb/dock leveler; and well-balanced handtruck. PowerMate does...

Tecumseh Indoor Water Quality.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... With Tecumseh Indoor Water Quality (IWQ) water treatment products, you can offer customers an alternative to high-cost water treatment. Tecumseh IWQ systems use the best available technology in the industry to provide clean, clear, softened...

Affordable underground boring with improved BorZit System.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... BorZit lays pipe under sidewalks, drive-ways or streets faster with less effort for under $250. Bores a 2-inch, 3-inch or 5-inch hole at 1 ft. per minute with amazing accuracy. Can bore up to 60 feet under most soil conditions. Powered by a...

Lavelle's Korky 1.6 toilet flapper.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Lavelle's Korky[R] 1.6 toilet flapper is now made from its premium red Chlorazone[R] material. Chlorazone is designed to withstand chlorine and toilet tank cleaners. The Korky 1.6 flapper has an easy adjustment dial and fits 1.6 gpf toilets. It...

General's Hot-Rodder blends power & maneuverability.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... The compact 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. General engineered the design for easy use. Just press the quick-release...

New Power Feed for Mini-Rooter.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... General Pipe Cleaners announces a new Power Feed attachment for its Mini-Rooter[TM] that makes feeding and retracting the cable much easier. Quickly attached to all Mini Rooters manufactured by General Pipe Cleaners in the last 15 years, the...

Cold-Shot Pipe Freezing Kit.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... The Cold-Shot[TM] Pipe Freezing Kit from General Pipe Cleaners lets you repair an operating water system--without draining water lines, sprinkler systems or hot water systems before cutting pipe or tubing. Using carbon dioxide (C[O.sub.2]) in...

AutoCut copper tube cutter available in 1-inch size.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... The new 1-inch AutoCut[TM] from General Pipe Cleaners slices copper tubing in tight spots--even with less than 1 inch of clearance from a wall during stub-out work. Like the 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch models, the new AutoCut fits in the palm of your...

The Quad-Flo bypass valve from Tomlinson Industries.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Tomlinson Industries' Quad-Flo[TM] bypass valve is a four-way, two-position valve made of solid brass, featuring a Teflon[R] "QuadSeal[TM]" to ensure a smooth, positive operating action. A single two-position handle requires an easy 90-degree...

Perfect Fit[TM] DWV fittings from Plastic Trends.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Perfect Fit[TM] DWV fittings from Plastic Trends eliminate typical problems commonly associated with installing a DWV system. When installing or specifying Perfect Fit DWV fittings you can count on a 90-degree bend being exactly that, a...

Unlimited hot water.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Ergomax[R] instantaneous, indirect water heaters/heat exchangers produce hot water as long as needed--from filling spa tubs to restaurants needing 180-degree F water for dishwashing. Ergomax units operate at 99 percent efficiency. Virtually...

New 'Heating Your Home' catalog from Myson.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Myson unveils its new "Heating Your Home" catalog, which offers very dramatic European-style designer models. Available in five different style groups. Select Steel Panel Radiator offers traditional styling; the Eclipse Radiator has a flat...

Myson offers complete Collection of Euro-styled Towel Warmers.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Myson releases its 28-page, Euro-styled Towel Warmer catalog with more than 500 styles and sizes. The Classic Towel Warmers are a perfect selection for both traditional and contemporary settings. Premier Collection has new space-saver sizing....

FastPIPE estimating system.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Estimating software designed by professionals with over 20 years of estimating and programming experience, FastPIPE generates fast, consistent and accurate estimates. It's easy to implement, learn and use. Whatever the size or type of company,...

Sqeeze nuts now available from PHD Mfg.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Looking for fast installtion of nuts into steel channel/strut? With squeeze nuts, you simply squeeze the wings, insert and twist, position, and release. The hardened teeth form a strong vise-like connection that prevents slippage. The wings...

Lightweight, no rust.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... IAPMO, UPC and PDI listed. Light weight, no rust or corrosion. Seemless construction. Certified for above or below ground installation. 4 gpm to 300 gpm grease, lint and oil interceptors available. Easy to handle. UPS anywhere. Call for...

Flat Rate Plu$ software.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Flat Rate Plu$[TM] is an easy-to-use program. Add/edit tasks, inventory and more. Easy customization at the touch of a button. Choose technician and report book styles. Manager's guide and technician videotape free. Complete video/written help...

American Environmental Outfitters.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Get 200 quality custom imprinted, one-color, one-location T-shirts for $500, sizes S--XL (screens and art additional). These T-shirts have a high-perceived value and are a walking billboard for your company. They have a 100 percent retention...

Energy Kinetics.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Have you checked out System 2000 lately? This compact, high performance combined heat and hot water system features an advanced whisper quiet spiral boiler design that delivers peak efficiency regardless of the heating load. System 2000...

Showcase your company here.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2004... PM's Information Showcase runs three times a year. To highlight your company's Product, Literature or Service, please contact your PM sales representative through www.PMmag.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Electronic faucet explosion: water conservation. Hygiene. Safety. Whatever the reason, automatic faucets are here to stay.(Plumbing Primer)
August 1, 2004... A few years ago, I was asked to predict the future in plumbing. I made a statement regarding the use of electronic automatic faucets. In discussion with the president of one of the faucet manufacturers, he commented that my prediction was far...

What can you learn from the best? Tips to achieve excellence in your business.(Managing Your Business)
August 1, 2004... When I was a contractor in my family business, I would travel around the country to attend seminars, workshops and trade association meetings. I traveled internationally to trade shows and to interact with other contractors there. The knowledge...

Wiring diagrams for series and parallel circuits: more visual stimulation to help wire circuits.(Hydronic Controls)
August 1, 2004... In last month's column you learned about wiring diagrams for a simple circuit. A simple circuit is the building block for more complex circuits. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Series Circuit -- Switches: As you...

More than a business: standardization produces results.(In the Field)
August 1, 2004... We see successful business models and admire their consistency and their profitability. We even know why they are so consistently successful. In fact, we can predict the viability of a new location before it opens its doors. Whether it is a...

The VIP program: using temp agencies as a labor resource.(Want More in '04?)
August 1, 2004... Although it may be quite painful and frustrating, you should keep a realistic scorecard on your out-of-pocket costs related to our skilled craft shortage. We all have seen the false shortage rip-offs that suppliers are using this year to double...

Stylish lavs: here's what's hot in bathroom sinks.(Plumbing Trends)
August 1, 2004... Ask any bathroom lavatory manufacturer what's new in the industry today and you'll get several answers--"wet surface" lavs, stainless-steel and brass bathroom sinks, furniture pieces, pedestal lavs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] But one...

Lightweight & efficient radiant.(Products & Literature)
August 1, 2004... Lightweight & Efficient Radiant: REHAU announces the introduction of its new RAUPANEL system for radiant heating. Ideal for retrofit and new construction applications, it is lightweight, efficient and easy to install. Consisting of REHAU's...

Multilayer PEX.(Products & Literature)
August 1, 2004... Multilayer PEX: Vanguard introduces its Vanex[R] Ultra multilayer PEX to enhance flexibility and resist chlorine. It features proven UV resistance and consists of three layers: a thin inner chlorine shield; a center core of black Temprite PEX;...

Flexible system.(Products & Literature)
August 1, 2004... Flexible System: The EasyFloor[TM] radiant floor heating system from The FlorHeat Co. is flexible for adding any style of floor coverings. Eliminating hard-to-handle concrete and similar materials, it snaps together and provides savings in...

PEX staple strip.(Products & Literature)
August 1, 2004... PEX Staple Strip: Designed for foam-board applications, the ReddiStrip[TM] System from Peter Mangone Inc. speeds installation time and reduces costs. Connected strips of 50 staples make the system easier to use. No individual staples to fumble...

Battery-powered flushometer.(Products & Literature)
August 1, 2004... Battery-Powered Flushometer: The G2 Optima Plus[R] battery-powered Flushometer Retrofit Kit from Sloan Valve Co. combines advanced electronics with a new sleek hi-tech appearance. Incorporates Sloan's patented Isolated Operator provides...

Affordable luxury.(Products & Literature)
August 1, 2004... Affordable Luxury: Matco-Norca introduces its latest line of luxury affordable faucets. The Portia Faucet Series adds an elegant look, and is available in various styles and finishes for both the kitchen and bath. The AE-255S kitchen faucet...

Improved Power-Vee.(Products & Literature)
August 1, 2004... Improved Power-Vee: General Pipe Cleaners' improved Power-Vee[TM] automatic feed drain cleaner has a simplified feeding system that's lighter and easier to operate--just squeeze the lever and the cable feeds at a rate of up to 16 feet per...

New grinder features.(Products & Literature)
August 1, 2004... New Grinder Features: Bosch Power Tools and Accessories' popular 1700 series small angle grinders now feature vibration-dampening side-assist handles and a new tool-free guard. The new models are the 4 1/2-inch 1700 and 1710 units; 5-inch 1701,...

Customized plunger.(Products & Literature)
August 1, 2004... Customized Plunger: Keep your name and phone number literally at your customers' fingertips with Hodesco's custom ProGold[TM] Big Yella hydro-thrust plungers. Great for giveaways or other thank yous, it comes with your logo and phone number...

Potable water ball valves.(Products & Literature)
August 1, 2004... Potable Water Ball Valves: RuB Inc. introduces a full line of NPT and sweat end Puri-T ball valves. Available in a variety of sizes 1/8 inch to 2 inches. Complies with California Prop 65 on several models 1 inch and smaller. [ILLUSTRATION...

Inspection Checklist [no photo].(Products & Literature)
August 1, 2004... Inspection Checklist [no photo]: Fluidmaster offers a new tool to help plumbers reveal hidden profits during repair calls. Its free one-page Inspection Checklist for homeowners identifies plumbing risk factors and potential problems,...