Plumbing & Mechanical articles from August 2008

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from August 2008

Drake to step down from RPA post.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Lawrence Drake)(Radiant Panel Association)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Lawrence Drake, executive director for the past 15 years of the Radiant Panel Association, said he will step down as the RPA chief. He made the announcement in his column published in the association's monthly newsletter. Drake said a...

CA poised to ban softeners.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(water softeners)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... The California state legislature will almost certainly pass a law banning water softeners, observers say, unless Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoes the bill. AB 2270, authored by Reps. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) and Mike Feuer (D-West...

Hawaii first state to require solar water heaters in new homes.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2008... Hawaii governor Linda Lingle signed a bill into law June 26 that requires the installation of solar water heating systems in homes starting in 2010. The new law prohibits issuing building permits for single-family homes that do not have solar...

ConsensusDOCS adds BIM.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Building Information Modeling)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... ConsensusDOCS, an industry-wide collaboration of 22 leading construction associations dedicated to publishing best-practice contracts, has added a groundbreaking Building Information Modeling (BIM) Addendum. BIM is a 3D modeling process...

HD Supply Plumbing/HVAC endorses ISH North America.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2008... ISH North America announced HD Supply Plumbing/HVAC would support its trade show and conference in Atlanta this fall. According to show organizers, this endorsement will both expand the show's attendee reach and create value for the company's...

Building owners decisive link in energy efficiency chain.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2008... Danfoss's latest EnVisioneering Symposium, June 21 in Denver, addressed the growing concerns over energy and climate change in the building industry. "The Owner Nexus: Will Building Owners Transform Energy Efficiency in the Built Environment?"...

New Trade Show to focus on disaster reconstruction.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2008... Imago Trade Shows and BNP Media (PM's parent company) have joined forces to launch a new trade show serving the Disaster Reconstruction Industry. The National Disaster Reconstruction Expo (NDRExpo) will be held June 17-18, 2009, in New...

Metal theft will drive you mad.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2008... Beware: Those in law enforcement, insurance, scrap metal recycling and auto repair circles all attest that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise. Inside a converter are traces of platinum, palladium and rhodium--some of the priciest metals...

Homeowners calling for energy efficient upgrades.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2008... As they grapple with skyrocketing energy costs, more homeowners are turning to remodelers for energy-saving solutions, according to the results of NAHB's quarterly Remodeling Market Index. Nearly 33 percent of surveyed remodelers report they...

14% of U.S. cities require green building standards.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2008... The American Institute of Architects study, "Local Leaders in Sustainability," reports that 14 percent of U.S. cities with populations of more than 50,000 have green building programs, and many more are about to follow suit. The results of the...

Plumbers play important role in green revolution.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
August 1, 2008... Plumbing contractors play a major role in the nation's effort to conserve both water and energy, says Kevin Tindall, owner of Tindall & Ranson Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning in Princeton, N.J. He also is chairman of PHCC's Green Plumbing...

Taco's Johnny White drives 'Smart'.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Taco President and CEO John Hazen White Jr. now commutes to and from work most days in his new 2008 Smart for two. Offered through Mercedes-Benz, the car gets 38-41 mpg on the highway. The 6-foot 1-inch CEO credits...

Lochinvar recognized for support of soldiers.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
August 1, 2008... Lochinvar Corp. has been recognized by the Department of Defense as one of the best employers for National Guard and Reserve soldiers. It will be awarded the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award during a ceremony in...

Noritz partners with PHCC.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
August 1, 2008... Noritz America Corp. has partnered with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association through its PHCC Partners for Professionalism program. According to the company, the announcement speaks volume to recent shifts in the...

Coming attractions: the NFPA 13 amendment proposals are chock full of revised wording and clarifications.(Fire PROTECTION)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The revision cycle for the upcoming edition of NFPA 13 is in full swing, and from the looks of things the new edition promises to be bigger, editorially cleaner and technologically up-to-date. It's a work in...

Getting the most out of your marketing mileage: how sales and marketing affect your bottom line.(Business TIPS)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Last month we discussed the often overlooked budget line item of marketing and its importance to your business. This month, lets see if we can get more miles per gallon out of your marketing budget. We may even be...

Boiler substitute?(RADIANT & HYDRONICS E-NEWS: THE GLITCH & THE FIX)
August 1, 2008... Overview: As the price of fuel oil skyrockets, there is increasing interest in geothermal heat pumps as a heat source for hydronic radiant floor heating. A geothermal water-to-water heat pump operating with a seasonal average COP of 3.0 in an...

Practical green: a new expansion becomes a showcase for J.F. Ahern Co.'s LEED construction skills and design expertise.
August 1, 2008... J.F. Ahern Co. had the perfect opportunity to showcase the company's green building know-how when executives decided to add on to its Fond du Lac, Wis., headquarters--build the 58,000-square-foot expansion with Leadership in Energy and...

The 2008 pipe trades giants: positive attitude prevails despite faltering economy.
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In 2007, total private nonresidential construction spending rose 18.3 percent from 2006, reports the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The areas with the biggest increases in spending were lodging (a...

An appealing company.(PM TRUCK OF THE MONTH: The Katy Plumbing Co., Katy, Texas)(The Katy Plumbing Co.)(Company overview)
August 1, 2008... Economists say we're staring down a recession, but Texas hasn't gotten the memo just yet--it's still booming. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "It's incredible" says George Johnson, owner of The Katy Plumbing Co. He has been plumbing for about...

Drinking fountains and the building code: whenever you see a drinking fountain on a set of plans, start thinking two drinking fountains, not one.(Plumbing PRIMER)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Drinking water has become vogue again. Everyone seems to be carrying a bottle of water: Even briefcases and purses have sleeves hold water bottles. Of course, the bottled water industry has boomed. Who would...

Foreign or domestic: we've got our standards.(Director's Update)
August 1, 2008... We've seen a lot of news stories lately about products from China being recalled due to safety concerns. Without question, such reports raise eyebrows here at IAPMO R&T, where protecting the public's health and safety has been central to our...

They vote with their feet: make it a habit to welcome your employees each morning and let them know you care.(Managing YOUR BUSINESS)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As my dad, Irving, was approaching his mid-60s, he started a curious habit. He would stand by the parking lot door early in the morning so he could greet the staff one by one as each arrived at work. It s as if...

The virtual office concept: why not have some of your office employees stay home and get paid?(Practical MANAGEMENT)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The largest majority of contractors in all trades started out as mom-and-pop pop businesses, where Pop did all of the estimating and paperwork at home and Mom kept the financial books up-to-date. As the business...

General's J-2512 Typhoon trailer jet storms through big line clogs.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The J-2512 Typhoon[TM] trailer jet from General Pipe Cleaners blows away blockages in big lines and long runs. The Typhoon delivers 12 gpm at 2,500 psi to blast lines clean of grease, sediment and debris. A...

FlexHead Industries.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FlexHead is the premier manufacturer of flexible sprinkler hose fittings, which connect sprinkler heads to the branch line, eliminating traditional arm-overs of rigid pipe. Flexible sprinkler hose fittings have...

www.myhomeheating.org a powerful new force in the hydronic heating movement.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... Because consumers are increasingly demanding the comfort, security, efficiency and added value of hydronic heating (baseboard, radiator, radiant heating with hot water and indirect water heating), HVAC professionals, builders and architects...

Unlimited hot water.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ergomax heat exchangers continuously produce hot water as long as needed--for spa tubs, apartment buildings, hotels, dormitories, dishwashers needing 180-degree F water in restaurants, etc. Ergomax units operate at...

Myson offers European-style towel warmers.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Myson's new 32-page catalog offers more towel warmer choices than ever before. Through years of innovation, Myson Towel Warmers make beautiful fashion statements with their elegant and functional designs, a choice of...

Portable pump puller.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

Myson Radiators--heating through innovation.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Myson combines imagination and European tradition in its new 2008 catalog. You'll find innovative heating products for your home, baths and spas, retirement homes, or wherever your needs are more than just heat....

REHAU's RAUPANEL delivers more heat than competitive radiant systems.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In independent heat output testing of major radiant heating systems, RAUPANEL delivered the most heat. With this superior heat output, water temperatures can be lowered, saving energy. RAUPANEL works efficiently...

The dependable heating solution--Myson Fan Convectors.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Myson Fan Convectors are designed to provide heat in a minimum of space using forced convection. This new catalog details Myson's efficient tangential fan design, which forces air uniformly across a low-pressure drop...

New Gen-Eye GL video inspection/location system.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Gen-Eye GL[TM] video inspection system from General Pipe Cleaners now offers a self-leveling color camera that automatically keeps your picture right-side-up as the camera glides through the line, making it...

Slant/Fin's new, big Jaguar has a very small footprint.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Compact, powerful and agile, Slant/Fin's new Jaguar sealed combustion gas boiler purrs with performance. It's compact and lightweight for easy handling and sets a new standard for reliability. It truly is a...

The Oxford Suite simple, durable and beautiful.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] At Symmons, we've been known for quality products for more than 60 years. Our professional-grade quality is getting a whole new look with beautifully designed suites that complement any project. The new Oxford Suite...

The finest tankless electric water heaters available.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

Award-winning condensing boiler.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AERCO's award-winning Modulex condensing boiler family has revolutionized the hydronic heating market. Available in six sizes from 300,000 to 1 million Btu/hr., the Modulex line features best-in-class turndown--up to...

Walton pipe extractors.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

Baxi modulating, condensing boilers.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Condensing boilers are heating up the hydronics world, and the spotlight is on proven products like Baxi. Preferred by green builders, Baxi Luna wall-hung boilers have a solid track record for quality, safety and...

Tubular products.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] At Wolverine Brass, the art of manufacturing is alive and well. For 110 years, we've continuously employed skilled workers who make a personal commitment to manufacturing durable, long-lasting plumbing products. Our...

Meet Ray.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mestek Inc., a leader in commercial and residential HVAC technologies, introduces its newest breakthrough in hydronic heating: Ray, a high-efficiency, low-mass, fully-condensing, cast-iron residential boiler. Ray...

HeatLines: your hotline to quality hydronic products.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HeatLines Inc. provides quality hydronic products, including its stainless-steel radiant floor manifolds and top-of-the-line panel radiators. Manifolds feature adjustable flowmeters up to 2 gpm per loop. Its slim...

New Futera XLF: 4 million Btuh through a doorway.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RBI Water Heaters introduces the Futera XLF, a high-efficiency, near-condensing, copperfin boiler offering 4 million Btuh with full modulation, a 5:1 turndown and efficiencies of 88 percent. This compact unit is 29...

Water Ram clears clogged drains with green power.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The environmentally safe Kinetic Water Ram uses compressed air to generate a shock wave that pulverizes stoppages instantly. Just pump it up, insert in the drain, and snap the trigger. The shock wave bypasses vents...

Smith CG-160 condensing combi boiler system.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Smith Cast Iron Boilers announces the new CG-160 wall-mounted condensing gas boiler. The CG-160 offers a patented premix air/gas modulation system, domestic hot water heat exchanger and electronic control. With...

On-Screen Digitizer.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With the new On-Screen Digitizer from FastEST Inc., users can import plans of many different digital formats directly into FastPIPE[TM] and FastDUCT[TM] Estimating Software. By having the digital plan interface with...

The answer to the high price of copper.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Keeping copper tube affordable today is a challenge. Because T-Drill reduces the cost of installing tee fittings by 90 percent, it is the answer to the high price of copper. Combine that with having the codes and...

Clean, renewable heating solutions.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Greenwood's high-efficiency biomass and wood boilers are the answer to today's high fuel prices. Up to 85 percent efficient, the Greenwood virtually eliminates smoke, creosote and ash. And homeowners save more than...

New! Electronic sensor valve.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Pool Shower Inc. manufactures wall-mount and free-standing stainless-steel shower units that are resistant to damage from harsh weather and pool chemicals. Perfect for pools, beaches, lakes and backyards. Unique...

Pro-Pal valves for professionals.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Webstone has created a line of valves that separate the professional installation from the DIY look by offering these innovative valves to the professional contractor only. They simplify installations, create an...

New Gen-Eye Spectra features hard drive, 15 LCD Monitor.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Gen-Eye Spectra[TM] video inspection system from General Pipe Cleaners features a 160 GB hard drive, DVD recorder and 15-inch LCD Monitor, along with a self-leveling color camera. With this system, the...

Flushmate Pressure-Assist Technology.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Flushmate[R] Pressure-Assist Technology is the leading flushing system for performance and conservation. ULF model, flushing less than 1.6 gpf and the HET model, flushing 1.0 gpf. For one-flush performance and 25...

Anvil International offers pipe hangers & supports catalog.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With the most complete selection of engineered hangers and supports in the industry, Anvil's Pipe Hangers and Supports catalog contains specs, illustrations/photos that engineers need when designing jobs requiring...

Wireless Leak Detection & Shutoff System.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Titan Safety presents the WaterTitan Wireless Leak Detection and Shutoff System. Well-priced and easy to use, the automated valve control installs into the client's water line. The line is shut off when a leak is...

History Of Plumbing series now on CD-ROM.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] More than 60 pages of plumbing and heating history articles are now available on CD-ROM. Plumbing & Mechanical's History Of Plumbing covers ancient plumbing, waterborne diseases, early-American innovation, the...

New! Automatic flood control system by Electro-Matic Products Co.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Drytrol[R] II provides superior flood protection by supplying high-quality uninterrupted 120VAC power to AC sump pumps during a power outage. This battery backup unit supports one or two AC pumps and an additional...

Radiant & Hydronics E-News, Web site.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Radiant & Hydronics E-News is a twice-monthly e-newsletter full of the latest happenings in the world of radiant and hydronic heating professionals. Each edition features industry news, the latest products,...

Flexible fit.(FIRST PLACE)
August 1, 2008... Ever get a leaking trip waste on an old tub or a tub that was re-fitted with a new liner, and when you install a new one, the telescope gasket never seems to fit the angle, no matter how you spin it? Try this. It works every time. Use a...

Unlikely cure.(tool tips)
August 1, 2008... With the ever-decreasing amount of flushing water available for newer toilets, the frequency of bowl skid marks has increased. When I recently installed a new toilet in my own house, it became a major, personal problem. When the Domestic...

Stick it.(tool tips)
August 1, 2008... Here's a trick if you're ever in tight quarters and you find yourself not being able to reach your tools. Stick a dab of Plumbers Putty on the surface in front of you. There you can stick your flashlight, tool or whatever you need to get the...

Updated software.(Products & LITERATURE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Updated Software: Accubid announces the release of Version 9 of its family of estimating solutions--Accubid Pro[TM], BidWinner[TM], BidWinner Plus[TM] and PowerBid[TM], along with ChangeOrder, ChangeOrder Pro, Time &...

Bamboo vessel sink.(Products & LITERATURE)
August 1, 2008... Bamboo Vessel Sink: Totally Bamboo unveils the market's first-ever, all-bamboo vessel sink for homes and businesses. Impervious to abuse, it is professionally sealed in waterproof maintenance-free polyurethane and has a 10-year guarantee. Its 1...

Solid stainless-steel faucets.(Products & LITERATURE)
August 1, 2008... Solid Stainless-Steel Faucets [no photo]: MGS offers solid stainless-steel faucets that eliminate the need for lead fittings or solder that could leak dangerous levels of lead into running water. Featuring a single-lever mixer, a pull-out...

Zone controller.(Products & LITERATURE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Zone Controller: Bell & Gossett introduces its Technologic[R] 5500 ZoneSav[TM] Controller that is designed to optimize zone/bridge flow and distribution loop delta T without sacrificing humidity control and comfort....

Energy transfer pipe.(Products & LITERATURE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Energy Transfer Pipe: Specially designed for the efficient transfer of hot or chilled water, INSULPEX[R] from REHAU is flexible, lightweight and consists of RAUPEX[R] pipe with an oxygen barrier surrounded by a solid...

Walk-in bath.(Products & LITERATURE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Walk-In Bath: American Standard's new walk-in baths, available in durable highgloss acrylic, feature a patented low-entry walk-in door for easy access and a contoured chair-height seat with deep soaking dimensions...

Decorative low-flow.(Products & LITERATURE)
August 1, 2008... Decorative Low-Flow: Danze recently introduced five low-flow showerheads based on its stylish designs to help homeowners reduce their water consumption without a noticeable difference to their shower experiance. The new low-flow showerheads use...

Pipe restoration system.(Products & LITERATURE)
August 1, 2008... Pipe Restoration System [no photo]: PROMOTEC, the patented Swiss pipe restoration system, is coming to America from Wotec Corp. It uses wet, pulsating aluminum oxide to completely clean the interior of old water pipes and causes no damage to...

Making do: end runs around craft labor make sustaining its value a priority.(Trane Co.)(Editorial)
August 1, 2008... A press release crossed my desk recently about a new technology developed by Trane to automatically and accurately provide certain of its systems with the correct refrigerant charge at the push of a button. This notice got my synapses crackling...