Plumbing & Mechanical articles from August 2006

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from August 2006

?Habla espanol?(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2006... I received my June 2006 PM today, went to my favorite columnist, Ellen Rohr, and was greatly disappointed. She wants all of us to learn Spanish. Excuse me, I do not live in a Spanish-speaking country. My native language is American. If I ever...

Back to basics.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2006... I am a big fan of Carol Fey and have her books and like her style about teaching basic electricity. But the column is named Hydronic Controls and I would like to start reading about Hydronic Controls. I am getting bored with this basic house...

Correction.(Correction notice)
August 1, 2006... Due to a graphic error, the Truck Of The Month in PM's July issue did not print correctly. You can find the proper story on Precision Plumbing Services, Carol Stream, Ill., on page 82 in this issue. PM apologizes--especially to owner Matt Morse...

Johnson Controls buys Berg Inc.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2006... Johnson Controls Inc. bought mechanical contractor Berg Inc. in late-June, its latest move into the service business. "The company will operate just as it has," said James Mylett, regional vice president of Johnson Controls' service and...

Radiant Flooring Guide wins Publication Excellence Award.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2006... The 2006 Radiant Flooring Guide, a joint venture by the Radiant Panel Association and BNP Media, was recently presented a 2006 APEX Award for Publication Excellence in the Magazines & Journals--Print Four-Color category. APEX awards are based...

California lead bill passes house, but confusion reigns.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Plumbing Manufacturers Institute)(Copper Development Association)(Non-Ferrous Founders Society)
August 1, 2006... California Assembly Bill 1953, which calls for the reduction of lead content in plumbing pipes, fittings and fixtures to no more than 0.25 percent, passed the state House by one vote on May 31. The current law allows up to 8 percent lead for...

Taco Inc.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2006... Taco Inc. has broken ground for its major expansion of its manufacturing and corporate facility in Cranston, R.I. Late last year the company purchased a 1-acre adjacent lot to build a 64,900-sq.-ft. addition to serve as a warehouse for shipping...

National Association of Oil Heating Service.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2006... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers recently recognized the first graduates of its Professional Service Managers Academy (PROSMA) leadership program designed and conducted by Penn State University. The program helps owners,...

Contractor's Web site offers answers on toilet parts.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2006... After receiving more than his share of requests for toilet parts no matter what year, make or model, contractor J.P. Shields from Long Island did something about it. Earlier this year, Shields launched www.theanswerline.com after many months...

John R. Lindahl Sr., State Industries.(OBITUARIES)
August 1, 2006... John R. Lindahl Sr., 84, former chairman and CEO of State Industries, Ashland City, Tenn., died July 5. He was born in 1922 in Malvern, Ark. His family later relocated to Nashville, where his father, H.W. Lindahl Sr., started an appliance...

Seth Shepard III, former editor Contractor magazine.(OBITUARIES)
August 1, 2006... Seth Shepard, 89, of Elk Grove, Calif., died July 14. He was the editor-in-chief and co-publisher of Contractor magazine, where he worked from 1955 until his retirement in 1984. He spent his early years in Winnetka, Ill., where he got an...

Tax deductions for energy-efficient design.(Briefs)
August 1, 2006... In a mid-July briefing from The Construction Law Briefing Paper, U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman reported that "residential and commercial buildings consume 39 percent of total U.S. energy. Buildings alone account for 53 percent of...

Oil Heat Retreat, Sept. 21-24.
August 1, 2006... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers will host an Oil Heat Retreat Sept. 21-24 at the Lancaster Host Resort, in Lancaster, Pa. It will feature education from expert speakers such as Eugene Silberstein, Alan Mercurio and Dan...

SkillsUSA winners announced.(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association announced six winners of the residential plumbing contest of the SkillsUSA Championships in plumbing June 23 during an awards session of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills...

AGC commits to drug-free jobsites.(Associated General Contractors of America)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The Associated General Contractors of America announced its participation in the U.S. Department of Labor's Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, an agreement that focuses exclusively on improving worker safety and health through drug-free workplace...

China's plumbing demand continues to grow.(Briefs)
August 1, 2006... Demand for plumbing products in China is projected to increase nearly 13 percent per annum through 2009 to almost 85 billion yuan ($10.6 billion USD), outpacing growth in most other parts of the world, according to a new study by The Freedonia...

Nexstar Money Masters in NY, Sept. 8-9.(Briefs)
August 1, 2006... Learn the fundamentals of running a service business at Nexstar's Money Masters[TM] seminar in Westchester, N.Y., Sept. 8-9. Attendees will also tour a successful contractor's operations, Frank & Lindy Plumbing & Heating Service Co....

NSPC now available.(Briefs)
August 1, 2006... The 2006 revised and illustrated edition of the National Standard Plumbing Code is now available through the PHCC in three-ring binder format and CD-ROM. Order copies through PHCC's Web site at www.phccweb.org/ bookstore, or by calling...

Nominate your 'Silent Defender'.
August 1, 2006... The International Code Council Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2007 Silent Defender Awards that recognize individuals and organizations that commit to building stronger and safer communities through fire prevention. Nominations are...

Green principles at MasterClass.(Briefs)
August 1, 2006... The National Kitchen & Bath Association's third annual MasterClass Conference will be held Aug. 17-18 in Montreal, Canada, and will focus on the growing trend of incorporating green design principles into innovative and efficient kitchens and...

Frank J. Blau Jr. Scholarship application available online.(Briefs)
August 1, 2006... The Nexstar Legacy Foundation announced that the application for Frank J. Blau Jr. Scholarships is now available online at the Nexstar Legacy Foundation Web site, www.nexstarfoundation.org. The first Frank J. Blau Jr. Scholarships will be...

Charlotte Pipe purchases ABS pipe manufacturer.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
August 1, 2006... Effective Aug. 1, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Co. entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Standard Pipe, a manufacturer of ABS pipe. Standard Pipe has plant locations in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, and has approximately 35...

Heating school begins this fall.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
August 1, 2006... Weil-McLain's School of Better Heating kicks off the fall heating season with two class sessions at its state-of-the-art training facility in Eden, N.C. Two class sessions are set for Sept. 10-12 and Sept. 12-14. Attendees choose which classes...

Marketing materials available for A.O. Smith Vertex.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
August 1, 2006... A new brochure and sales DVD is available about the Vertex[TM] power-vent residential gas water heater by A.O. Smith Water Products Co. It contains product points, a diagram, installation information, color photos and more, and can easily be...

REHAU sets 2006 Skill Builders radiant training dates.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
August 1, 2006... REHAU has announced its 2006 fall schedule for the Skill Builders Complete radiant training classes, three days of instruction on marketing the advantages of radiant heat; designing complete systems; using RFH WarmSource[R] software; and...

Wohler Institute of Technology launches this fall.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
August 1, 2006... Wohler USA Inc. announced the launch of its Wohler Institute of Technology, developed to address up-to-date training procedures for combustion testing, carbon monoxide testing and efficiency evaluation. The instructors are oilheat industry...

Clockwork buys Mister Sparky.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Clockwork Home Services Inc.)(Mister Sparky Inc.)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Benjamin Franklin Plumbing parent, Clockwork Home Services Inc., acquired Atlanta-based Mister Sparky Inc., one of the largest residential electrical service and repair companies in North America. Mister Sparky employs a staff of 68 in the...

InSinkErator redesigns Web site.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
August 1, 2006... InSinkErator redesigned its Web site, www.insinkerator.com, to mirror the modern look of its Evolution Series[TM] disposers. It features product-oriented content, user-friendly navigation, animated graphics and product demonstrations.

Uponor gives blood.(Uponor North America)
August 1, 2006... Uponor North America hosted a successful blood drive for the American Red Cross June 9 with 32 employees present and 26 donating for the worthy cause. The American Red Cross was very pleased with the event and said they will be happy to return...

Lasco to comply with new emissions standards.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
August 1, 2006... Lasco Bathware has instituted a series of initiatives to comply with new air pollution standards under MACT (maximum achievable control technology) established by the EPA. Reinforced plastic composite manufacturers need to capture and control...

Cash Acme.(On The Move)
August 1, 2006... Cash Acme named expert Les Engelmann as its national backflow director. He was in retirement after previously working with Ames and Watts.

Uponor North America.(On The Move)
August 1, 2006... Jim Bjork, executive vice president of Uponor North America, announced his resignation to pursue other interests. He has served the company in a variety of management positions since 1990. Bjork will stay on until the end of August, and his...

Bradford White.(On The Move)
August 1, 2006... Bradford White promoted Robert G. McKenney to the position of district sales manager. McKenney has been employed with Bradford White since 2001 as product analyst and assistant regional sales manager.

Sloan Valve Co.(On The Move)
August 1, 2006... Sloan Valve Co. appointed David Woodworth as network sales and engineering specialist for its Programmed Water Technologies Division.

Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath.(On The Move)
August 1, 2006... Brett Mueller was named vice president of engineering and western manufacturing for Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath. He has been general manager at Clarke Products for six years. Prior to that he was with Aqua Glass.

IAPMO.(On The Move)
August 1, 2006... Irene Gould was hired as IAPMO's director of marketing and communications.

Briggs Industries Inc.(On The Move)
August 1, 2006... Matt Holmes was named vice president sales-retail at Briggs Industries Inc. Bob Robison, vice president sales-wholesale for the U.S. and the Caribbean, will assume responsibility for that channel of distribution in Canada, as well as for the...

Grainger.(On The Move)
August 1, 2006... Industrial distributor Grainger announced James T. Ryan as its president. Most recently he was group president. The company also promoted Kevin Peters to senior vice president, supply chain; and Deb Oler to vice president of sales.

T & S Brass and Bronze Works.(T and S Brass and Bronze Works Inc. appoints Jack Criswell, Jane VanBergen and Richard Fahey )(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... T & S Brass and Bronze Works appointed Jack Criswell to the role of business development manager, hose reel products. Criswell's responsibilities include marketing collaboration, new markets and products strategies, and training of T & S...

Tom Weaver Associates of Clinton.(Rep News)
August 1, 2006... Tom Weaver Associates of Clinton, Md., was recently named the 2005 Halsey Taylor Rep of the Year. Ray Bourne of Tom Weaver Associates was presented with the award during the recent Halsey Taylor 2006 national sales meeting in Williamsburg, Va.

New tool Web site for Rothenberger.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
August 1, 2006... Plumbing tool manufacturer Rothenberger USA's new Web site, www.rothenberger-usa.com, provides more information about product promotions, materials and images. It is easy to navigate and contains downloadable materials, such as product catalog...

Watermelon barons--Part III: 'you want how much for that melon?'.(Business TIPS)
August 1, 2006... In episodes I and II, we saw Bubba and Goober's attempt to become watermelon barons turn into unexpected losses. Fortunately, their wise Uncle Frank treated them to some homegrown business lessons that, if they've learned the lessons, could put...

Work safe--live longer.(HEATINGHELP.COM)
August 1, 2006... Original inquiry: Replaced a sewer line in a factory today--12-ft. deep. Thank God we rented our own hydraulic shoring as the commercial excavator's trench box he'd rented was too wide for the ditch. Macho attitudes being what they are, our...

Picturing [DELTA]P: visualizing pressure differences is key to proper hydronic design.(Hydronics WORKSHOP)
August 1, 2006... Without flow, hydronic heating is not possible, and without delta P ([DELTA]P) flow is not possible. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Just as heat flows from warm to cool, fluid flows from higher pressure to lower pressure. Pressure difference...

Looks can be deceiving.(RADIANT & HYDRONICS E-NEWS)
August 1, 2006... Are You An Ace Troubleshooter? John Siegenthaler, P.E., has been challenging heating professionals to take a closer look at how radiant and hydronic systems should be designed to fit today's efficiency-minded world. His Web site,...

The ups and downs of consolidation: utilities, Part 1: of the roller-coaster story of mechanical contracting industry consolidation.(Company overview)
August 1, 2006... Consolidation in the mechanical contracting industry can trace its roots back to 1996, when roll-up firms Service Experts, American Residential Services and Group Maintenance America Corp. burst onto the scene. These early consolidators paved...

The 2006 pipe trades giants: booming construction and remodeling boosts the industry.(Cover story)
August 1, 2006... We saw another year of steady growth in the construction industry, as Americans spent $1.12 trillion on new construction in 2005. Of nonresidential construction, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the largest chunk came from educational...

First 'Innovative Thinking' conference gains rave reviews: hiring, retention and training get examined by more than a dozen experts.(Staff Report)
August 1, 2006... "I enjoyed the two days and will come to the next one as well. In retrospect, I probably should have brought two of my people with me." --Parker Wheat, Emerson-Swan, Randolph, Mass. "Networking opportunities and sharing of best practices...

ISH North America in Chicago: education, products, networking.(Staff Report)
August 1, 2006... ISH NORTH AMERICA, the only North American trade show that addresses the complete supply chain for the kitchen and bath, plumbing, PVF, HVAC, and hydronics industries, will hold its fourth trade show, Sept. 28-30, McCormick Place North Hall,...

Precision Plumbing Services, Carol Stream, Ill: the face of quality service.(TRUCK OF THE MONTH)
August 1, 2006... We ran into this month's Truck Of The Month in our very own neighborhood while sitting in traffic. Let's face it; it's hard to ignore a full-size box truck with a larger-than-life image of a clean-cut, uniformed, service technician promising...

From tank to tankless: keep these sizing requirements in mind as you switch to tankless water heaters.(Plumbing PRIMER)
August 1, 2006... Everyone was raised in this profession knowing how to size a water heater. However, when you said "water heater," you meant a tank-type water heater. The standard size has been a 40-gallon water heater with an input rating ranging from...

Life on the technical hot line: you won't find anyone who knows what you do to be willing to answer phones for customer support.(Hydronic CONTROLS)
August 1, 2006... I answered the phone and heard a familiar voice. "This is Andy from Connecticut. Remember me? I kept calling until I got you. You won't believe this." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Hi Andy. What am I not going to...

Take the money and run: the decision to take any and all business can be short sighted and damage a company's reputation.(In The FIELD)
August 1, 2006... When it is hot, people need their air-conditioning systems serviced, repaired or replaced. When it is cold, they need the same attention to their heating systems. Money pours in for service and repair businesses during the busy seasons. The...

You're more related than you think: every person in a business may as well be related, since it turns into a family--regardless of last name.(Managing YOUR BUSINESS)
August 1, 2006... Growing up in a family business, dinner conversations were peppered with as much talk about jobs and the business as they were about the New York sports scene. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Working in my family...

Negotiating your route to success: you cannot negotiate with anyone unless they need you.(Practical MANAGEMENT)
August 1, 2006... Dreams can come true. For contractors, the ultimate dream is for a customer to say, "The job is yours, we will settle on a price later." We have many contractors in all trades, as well as general contractors, construction managers, architects...

AutoCut copper tube cutter available in 1-inch size.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... 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...

Walton pipe extractors.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... 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...

Wohler Vis 220 Service Camera.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... The Wohler Vis 220 Service Camera combines state-of-the-art camera technology, cordless operation, compact portability and a rugged durability. Inspects piping from 1 1/4 inches to 6 inches in diameter. The 1-inch mini color camera head...

CSST tubing cutters.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Reed offers CSST tubing cutters in different models to accommodate cuts with the outer plastic wrapper jacket on or off. CSST tubing cutters fit 1/4-inch up to 2 5/8-inch CSST flexible gas piping. The special nylon roller design allows for...

Bradford White introduces EverHot on-demand tankless water heaters.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Bradford White Corp.[R] recently introduced the EverHot[R] tankless gas water heater product line. These new, on-demand water heaters provide continuous hot water to multiple points-of-use without utilizing a storage tank. Available in two...

ChemDrain CPVC Chemical Waste Drain technical manual.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Learn more about Charlotte Pipe's ChemDrain[TM] CPVC Chemical Waste Drain System, technical specifications and installation requirements in this convenient manual. ChemDrain offers a safe, durable and economical alternative for the disposal of...

General Cordless Super-Vee more power, longer battery life.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... General Pipe Cleaners has increased the power and longevity of the Cordless Super-Vee[TM] power drain cleaner. The stronger 12-volt variable speed motor easily unclogs sink, shower, toilet and laundry drain lines ranging up to 3 inches in...

Anvil's 260 Insulation Saddle System.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Anvil has released a revolutionary product for installing insulation--the 260 Insulation Saddle System (260 ISS). Used for copper and steel pipe systems, the 260 ISS dramatically saves time and money by eliminating the wood block and shield as...

FindaPlumber.com.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Today's homeowners are using the Internet to find a plumber. Will they find you? Our listed plumbers have capitalized on this trend and have cut back or completely eliminated costly phone book ads. Availability is limited based on ZIP Code...

Cuts pipe square and fast.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... T-DRILL offers the new PCS 8+ and the PCS 14. As shown in the picture, the PCS 8+ has four new features: improved cutting alignment, curved blade guard for cutting thick wall C900, easier blade change and assured advance cutting. Ready for the...

Portable pump puller.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... 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...

Hackney shelving/tray kits for service bodies.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... 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...

Slice through grease, sludge, sand & Ice with the Jet Set.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... General Pipe Cleaners manufactures a full line of high pressure jet drain cleaning machines for clearing drains clogged with grease, sand, sludge and ice. General's Jet Set, designed to clear drains from 1 1/2 inches to 8 inches in diameter, is...

FlexHead industries.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... FlexHead is the premier manufacturer of flexible sprinkler connections. Because of the ease of installation, you can install at least four flexible connections in the time it takes to do one hard-pipe armover. The benefits include higher...

The finest tankless electric water heaters available.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Stiebel Eltron offers the finest tankless electric water heaters available. Its Tempra DHC-E outperforms bulky hot water tanks and reduces hot water pipe runs. It offers the best warranty in the industry. For more information, contact Stiebel...

General's Speedrooter 91 offers durability and ease-of-use.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... The Speedrooter 91[TM] from General Pipe Cleaners blends rugged reliability with optimal ease-of-use. Design enhancements make it exceptionally user-friendly. One person can easily load it onto a truck. The machine's redesigned frame slides...

Oventrop Solar Systems.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Oventrop Solar Systems is a complete line of solar collectors, solar controls and solar hot water storage tanks. It features aluminum absorbers mounted in either eight or 16 evacuated glass tubes. The aluminum nitride layer converts incoming...

IPS Twist 'N Seal.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... The IPS Twist 'N Seal is used during soldering or cementing of valves or couplings. Installing this plug eliminates the annoying "dribble" of water that prevents successful soldering or cementing. With no extra tools required, Twist 'N Seal is...

New 3-inch replacement flappers from Lavelle.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Lavelle recently introduced new 3-inch replacement flappers and seals, including the Fits Kohler Class Five Flapper (p/n 3010BP), Fits Eljer Titan Flapper (p/n 3030BP), and Fits American Standard Champion Flush Valve Seal (p/n 428BP). These...

Viega Snap Panel speeds wet mass radiant installation.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Installing radiant tubing just got faster and easier with the introduction of the Viega Snap Panel[TM]. This versatile high-density polystyrene fastener system is designed to facilitate every tubing configuration. Unique secure-grip heads hold...

Stainless-steel showers fromThe Pool Shower Inc.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... The WMHC-445-Deluxe stainless-steel shower unit has been the top seller for The Pool Shower Inc. this summer. This hot/cold wall-mounted unit is available with a 6-inch Sunflower Shower Head, Hand Sprayer and Stainless-Steel Flex Hose, and/or a...

Efficient, compact, lightweight boiler.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Smith's new GT Series offers high efficiencies, up to 92+ percent AFUE for hot water applications when using either natural or propane gas. Its compact, lightweight design is available in 150 and 200 mbh sizes, with modulating turndown ratios...

Gas-fired residential boilers.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Hydrotherm's Model HW and HV Series gas-fired residential boilers have thicker walls and up to 30 percent more cast-iron than competitive boilers, allowing for better heat transfer, heat retention and a fuel efficiency rating of up to 84...

The Futera II and Futera III boilers.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... RBI's next generation of sealed-combustion, direct-vent Futera boilers feature full modulation and 3:1 turndown. They supply the precise amount of heat necessary to maintain desired building temperature by matching heating demand without...

KN Series boilers up to 99 percent efficient.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Hydrotherm's KN Series of condensing, high-efficiency commercial gas-fired boilers feature a self-adaptive design that is tolerant to changing conditions. All KN boilers (the KN-6, the KN-10 and the new KN-20) combine the high efficiency and...

New gas-fired Series 8.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Smith's Series 8 cast-iron residential boiler with inputs ranging from 105-245 mph, is now available with a Carlin EZ Gas Burner for use with both natural and propane gas. The Series 8 rugged cast-iron construction offers commercial quality in...

SpacePak introduces ElectriPak.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... SpacePak, the originator and leading manufacturer of high-velocity air-conditioning systems, has introduced an innovative new product called ElectriPak, an electric heat module that can be added to the standard SpacePak air distribution system....

Comfort System by Grundfos.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... Comfort System technology by Grundfos goes in fast, providing hot water recirculation without the need for a dedicated return line to the water heater. The pump and valve combination is typically installed within an hour or two. The system...

Sheet Metal Estimating Software.(Information Showcase)
August 1, 2006... The makers of FastPIPE Mechanical Estimating Software announce the release of FastDUCT Sheet Metal Estimating Software. FastDUCT is easy to learn and use, and includes training and telephone support. Contractors can customize pre-built specs to...