Plumbing & Mechanical articles from February 2001

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from February 2001

Letters To The EDITOR.(Product Announcement)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2001... Educated Guesses Editor's Note: We received plenty of letters and emails concerning the mystery item Dan Dougan uncovered, which we pictured in our December Letters To The Editor. The consensus appears to be an early attempt at indoor...

ISH North America To Debut In October 2002.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Messe Frankfurt, ASA, CIPH and PHCC--NA band together to launch show. Attendance expected to reach 20,000 from around the world with exhibitors totaling 600. Show will be an annual event with stops in Chicago, Toronto and Las Vegas....

PHCIB Quietly Closes Its Doors.
February 1, 2001... The venerable Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Information Bureau (PHCIB), founded in 1919 to be the consumer public relations arm of the industry, quietly closed its doorson Dec. 31, 2000. PHCIB was founded as an all-industry organization, with...

Chuck Hile, Jr. Passes Away.(Brief Article)(Obituary)
February 1, 2001... Charles F. Hiley Jr., 57, an active leader of the PHCC-NA passed away December 25, 2000 in his home in Rochester, Minn., following recent heart surgery. Hiley was national PHCC secretary in 1994-95 and was a member of the board of directors...

Comfort Systems USA Florida Names New GM.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Terry Manrique has been promoted to General Manager of the Tampa, Fla., office and is now responsible for sales in excess of $5 million and a staff of 60. Manrique has 24 years of experience in HVAC and refrigation, and is a Florida Certified...

Symmons Wins Industry Awards.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Symmons Industries and its President Kevin Symmons recently collected several awards from the Massachusetts PHCC, The Educational Society for Resource Management, and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. The PHCC of Massachusetts...

MCA of Chicago Launches Labor Programs.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago (MCA), launched new programs to recruit new members and promote union pipefitters. The MSCA Service Bureau is a recruitment program that also serves as a labor resource for MCA's service...

Estimation Announces Winner of Computer Drawing.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Estimation Inc. proclaimed Chip Greene, president of Greene & Associates in Macon, Ga., the winner of its computer giveaway. Greene received a new Dell 800MHz Pentium III computer, a 17" monitor and Estimation's Bidmaser NET Plumbing Series...

Energy Utility Provides Charitable Assistance.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... FirstEnergy Corp. and the Salvation Army are encouraging customers with financial hardships to apply for emergency heating assistance programs. Customers who cannot pay their energy bills and have exhausted all other resources can apply by...

EMCOR Now Listed on NYSE.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... EMCOR Group, Inc. announced that its common stock is now listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol EME. It formerly was traded on the NASDAQ exchange.

Payne Retires From CDA.(Robert M. Payne)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Robert M. Payne retired after 10 years as president and CEO of CDA, the trade organization for the copper and brass industry. This culminates a 40-year career in nonferrous metals that began with Revere Copper and Brass, Inc. Andrew G....

Moen CEO Expands Duties.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Bruce Carbonari who currently leads the kitchen and bath business for Fortune Brands will assume leadership for the company's home and hardware products business. Under the new executive structure, the company's hardware business -- which...

PHCC Looks For New Staff Exec.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Terry Peters has left the top spot of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors -- National Association, leaving the group without a staff executive officer for the second time in less than 10 months. In a briefly worded press release, the...

Blue Book Partners with ASA.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) has become The Blue Book's first BB-Bid Affiliate Partner. The partnership will enable ASA members to search The Blue Book's online directory of more than 800,000 qualified vendor listings and...

Buildscape Deploys Wireless Construction Application.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... AvantGo, Inc., (Nasdaq:AVGO) today announced that its AvantGo Enterprise(TM) software has been deployed by Buildscape, Inc., an Internet-based e-commerce site for contractors and suppliers. It enables construction contractors and builders to...

Buzzsaw.com Achieves Highest Designation in the EMC Proven Program.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC), has named Buzzsaw.com to its EMC Proven(TM) program. The EMC Proven designation signifies Buzzsaw.com's successful ability to store, access, manage, share and protect large amount of information for its customers.

New Hard Dollar Application Predicts Competitors' Bid Prices.(Hard Dollar Price)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Hard Dollar Corp. provider of an online operations hub for the construction industry, introduced Hard Dollar PRICE, an online repository of historical bid prices collected and published by public agencies. By applying PRICE's analytical tools...

NetClerk Offers Web Application to 1,200 Cities.(CityCentral)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... NetClerk, Inc. (www.netclerk.com) introduced CityCentral. CityCentral offers cities a secure system to view and manage licenses and permits as well as the ability to deliver approved permits back to contractors. Use of CityCentral requires...

PermitsNOW to Make E-Permitting Available in Southeast And Mid-Atlantic Regions by First Quarter, 2001.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... PermitsNOW, Inc. expanded its service in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions covering Delaware to Florida by the close of the first quarter of 2001. With PermitsNOW, contractors and local jurisdictions can use an automated permit processing...

MCAA Leader E. Robert Kent Passes Away.(Mechanical Contractors Association of America)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
February 1, 2001... E. Robert Kent succumbed to a stroke at Heritage Harbour Health Center near Annapolis MD. on Dec. 30, 2000. He was 87. He was a cofounder of the Poole & Kent Co., in 1947 and was recognized throughout the industry as a visionary, an intellect,...

Engineering News-Record (ENR) Calculates Worldwide Construction Market at $3.41 Trillion.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 1, 2001... The worldwide construction industry, valued at $3.41 trillion, has grown 5.8 percent since 1998, according to research by Engineering News-Record (ENR). The $190- billion increase is attributed to the continued strength of the U.S., which...

What's In Store For Construction.
February 1, 2001... 2001 looks like it will mark the point of low growth for this portion of the business cycle. The national economy continues to send mixed signals, with some parameters up and some down and very few moving in only one direction for more...

Wireless Technology: A Q&A For the Onsite Contractor.
February 1, 2001... How can the Internet be a business advantage when most of your business is done outside of your office? Most industries have found adapting to the Internet as simple as keying in a Web address. Existing networks have provided the perfect...

A Success Story For The Ages.
February 1, 2001... How do you become a multi-multi-multi-millionaire at age 31? Read on. I first met Jack Simonson Jr. In 989 at a seminar I put on in Chicago or the National Kitchen and Bath Association. I don't remember anything special about him at the...

New Drain Cleaner.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Our new upright-style machine, the GO 40 offers plumbers a choice of an enclosed drum, which can be pivoted from 0 to 90 degrees. It comes complete with an extension chord and air footswitch mounted onto a 1/10th horsepower reversible gear...

'WW' Residential Effluent Filter.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Zoeller announced the "WW" residential effluent filter for septic systems. The WW filter fits into your septic tank's 4-inch outlet and will keep lateral fields safe from damaging solids larger than 1/16 inches. Uniquely designed with a filter...

Lav Shield Lavatory Protective Enclosure.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Another ADA undersink solution from Truebro is the all new Lav Shield" under-lavatory enclosure. Designed to meet the aesthetic and dimensional criteria for accessible lavatories where insulation cannot adequately cover electronic faucet...

Hartell LTA Pumps.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The LTA drain pump provides contractors with a different solution for wet bars and kitchenettes. Installing an LTA pump is simple; no inlet piping or venting is required, saving installation time. The LTA is compact in size 7 by 8 by 11 inches,...

Solenoid Tester.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Regin Products, Shelton, Conn., is introducing the Solenoid Tester Plus for quick and easy tests of solenoids, relay, coils and motor starters. A wide range of testing instruments, smoke products and zone valves are available from stock at...

FasNSeal[R] -- Silicone-Free Gas Vent System.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... This revolutionary system for high efficiency gas heating appliances comes with a factory built-in gasket and locking band, eliminating the field application of silicone. Simply slide the FasNSeal[R] units together, tighten their clamps and...

Ridge Introduces ProPress[R] System[TM].(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Ridge Tool Co. is now offering its ProPress[R] System[TM], a revolutionary press connection system that crimps copper tubes in seconds for the sanitary and heating markets. The new system joins copper tube by crimping the fitting around the...

RIDGID/Kollmann[R] K-380 Drain Cleaner.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The RIDGID/Kollmann[R] K-380 draining cleaning machine for cleaning indoor drain lines from 1 1/2-4 inches, offers unique, user-friendly features. Designed with an ultra modern-style and sleek profile, it provides a new torque limit feature...

The First Name In Kickspace Heaters.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Beacon Kickspace heaters are the space-saving alternative to hot water baseboard. Designed to fit inconspicuously under a cabinet, in the floor, on or in the wall, kickspace heaters are ideal for hard to heat areas such as foyers, kitchens and...

Sterling's Commercial Finned-Tube Specifier.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... This newly expanded and updated selection and specification program covers the Sterling product lines of Versaline, Classic, and Guardian, as well as the light commercial LB2 and LCS10. This program also offers a full CAD library which provides...

More Cast Iron Means Better Performance.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The 8 Series, with its rugged cast-iron construction, offers commercial quality in a residential boiler. With cast-iron sections, thicker and deeper than in other leading boilers, the 8 Series offers a multitude of performance advantages,...

Radiant Ceiling Panels.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Sterling radiant panel ceiling systems are an energy- and cost-saving method of heating and cooling. They are available in three basic types: linear for wall-to-wall installation, modular for installation in standard t-bar ceiling grids, and...

What's Old Is New Again.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... New cast-iron baseboard design with attractive slope top as well as column-style free-standing and convector styles for comfortable radiant and convective heat.

Gruvlok[R] Figure 7011 Standard Coupling.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The Gruvlok[R] Figure 7011 Standard Coupling is a flexible coupling designed to join roll-grooved or cut-grooved 30-inch OD pipe for a wide range of applications, including Commercial/Industrial Construction, Mining, Process Piping and many...

Free Plumber's Sample Pack.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Get your free Plumber's Sample Pack -- loaded with work orders, invoices, service orders, labels, proposals and doorknob hangers -- designed to help your business run better. Also, receive a free NEBS catalog filled with products you use every...

Heat & Hot Water In One Footprint.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... In the same footprint as a water heater, the Phase III HM Series combination heater can provide space heating and an abundant supply of domestic water. Unlike other water heaters that provide space heating with domestic hot water, the HM Series...

Full-Line, Instruction Catalog.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The Gorton Heating catalog includes its line of fast-venting valves for every steam heating system. A complete schematic, with accompanying instructions, explains the exact placement of its valves within a building to ensure efficient,...

Roll Groovers.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Reed roll groovers are compact, durable tools for use at installation sites. No other portable roll groover combines the compact RG6S design with sealed, heavy duty bearings and 1 1/4- to 6-inch steel pipe capacity. The RG265 is for grooving 2-...

S2000WIN Service Dispatch Software.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... This 32bit, Windows-ready software product can be used for Service Dispatch, Scheduling, Invoicing, A/R, Purchasing, Inventory, Paging, Fleet Maintenance, Sales & Marketing and more. S2000WIN software can be interfaced to QuickBooks Pro,...

Walton Pipe Extractors.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... 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...

The Hackney Performer.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The Hackney Performer is revolutionary -- a rolling warehouse and billboard in one. This tough, great driving vehicle is the smartest, most productive innovation ever in service contracting.

Watts Heatway's Onix.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Onix gives the professional installer a safe, reliable way of putting radiant heat where other products can't be easily installed. It's the perfect fit for staple-up heating applications. Besides the tube, quality materials are also used in the...

PHD Pipe Hangers & Devices.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Your one-stop source for hanger support products, PHD manufactures a wide selection of pipe hangers in various sizes and finishes. Many products are Underwriters Laboratory listed and Factory Mutual approved. Available finishes include...

Raypak Hi Delta Sealed-Combustion Boiler.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Raypak's Hi Delta sealed-combustion boiler offers optimum thermal delivery with super low [NO.sub.x] levels, multiple firing options and venting flexibility in a compact footprint. It is now available in a range of capacities, from 150,000...

PHD Strut Products & Accessories.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... PHD Manufacturing offers a wide selection of strut products and strut accessories in several profiles and finishes for applications that include hanging pipe and housing electrical conduit. Available finishes include electro-galvanized,...

PF/2 BowlTender Toilet Bowl Sanitizer and Deodorizer.(tablet dispenser)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... The BowlTender[TM] is an automatic dispenser for toilet bowl sanitizer and deodorizer tablets (such as 2,000 Flushes'). Corrosion and staining problems common to other dispensing systems are prevented. Liquified chemicals stored in the...

Quik Trak Design & Installation Manual.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Quik Trak[TM] is a cost-effective radiant floor heating installation method using a thin profile (1/2-inch) wood panel system. The 22-page Quik Trak Design & Installation Manual provides installers with easy-to-follow instructions on heat loss,...

Thermostatic Flow Controls.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Ammark's thermostatic flow controls are applied in hot water, steam and chilled water systems to automatically control room temperature. Our program includes nonelectric air and water temperature controls, electric controls, and direct digital...

Freezeless Wall Hydrant.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Prier Products is pleased to announce continued improvements to our popular C-144 Anti-Siphon Freezeless Wall Hydrant. The backflange of the freezeless hydrant is now wider than ever before, virtually eliminating the problem of screws splitting...

Modular Boiler Brochure.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Hydrotherm MultiTemp cast-iron modular heating plants consist of individual heating modules that step fire for maximum efficiency. Modules fit through standard 30-inch doors and can be arranged to fit any boiler room. The heating capacity of...

SpacePak Central Air Conditioning.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... SpacePak is the ideal compliment for homes using today's modern radiant heating systems. It is a central air conditioning system for homes unable to accommodate conventional systems. Ideal for older "ductless" homes, SpacePak uses flexible...

R450+ Series TriStands.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Reed's six TriStand models with unique features remain the sturdiest, with the heaviest gauge steel and the only overlapping hinges and clamp to keep the lower tray assembly and entire portable workbench tight. TriStands offer up to 6 inches of...

DHC Series Tankless Electric Water Heaters.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Stiebel Eltron, Inc., is introducing the DHC Series water heaters. The units are designed for all point-of-use water heating. The controls on the units take the water flow rate and the temperature of the incoming water into account, ensuring...

Stadler-Viega Pureflow[TM].(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Safer, faster and easier than soldering copper, the Stadler-Viega NSF-approved Pexcel Pureflow[TM] Water System dramatically increases the plumber's efficiency. With the unique lightweight Pureflow press tool, tight-sealing, hydraulic-style...

Vitorond 200 Boiler.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Viessman introduces an oil-fired, sectional cast-iron boiler that features triple pass design that provides reduced emissions and efficient fuel utilization. Available in seven model sizes from 77 to 245 MBH input, with an AFUE up to 86.9...

Radiant Floor Heating.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The Terra Therma radiant floor heating systems offer superior PEX tubing and easy-to-install manifolds and controls. All accessories work for both wet and dry installations. The system provides precalculated zone setting with Slant/Fin system...

The Best Connector For Your Water Flow Needs.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... This IAPMO and UPC approved connector comes with a full 10-year guarantee. With a 30,000-pound tensile strength and 1,800-PSI burst pressure rate, it is stronger and more flexible than copper. It won't kink, crimp, corrode, discolor, rust or...

Caddy Corner Mechanical Edition Newsletter.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... In this issue of the CADDY CORNER Mechanical Edition newsletter, plumbing and mechanical contractors get useful information and installation tips. Increase job site efficiency by preplanning and using just the right CADDY Hanger. See how the...

Qick/Sert I Crimp Fittings.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... The Qest Qick/Sert I fittings are used to connect QesPEX cross-linked polyethylene tubing to hydronic fin tube baseboards. They feature easy installation and accessibility from the side after assembly for routine maintenance. The Qest Qick/Sert...

Drain-Rooter PH[TM].(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The 22-pound Drain Rooter PH[TM] from General Pipe Cleaners features a compact and portable design with a variable speed power cable feed. A 4-foot guide hose keeps the cable from whipping and prevents floors and fixtures from becoming dirty....

Quickport Manifold.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The Quickport plumbing manifold by Zurn Industries Inc., replaces conventional main and branch piping systems and reduces the number of fittings behind the wall. The Quickport is available unassembled or in pre-assembled five- or ten-port...

I-95[TM] Drain Cleaning Machine.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The portable I-95[TM] drain cleaning machine from General Pipe Cleaners packs the versatility to drive sectional or drum-mounted cables through 1-1/4-inch to 4-inch lines -- yet weighs only 39 pounds. It's three machines in one. Use 7/8-inch x...

Product Overview.(literature list)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... This is your Product Overview of available literature and products that make up Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. Let us show you we mean business. When designing or executing your next project, ask for this guide to get the information you need. To obtain...

Cold-Shot[TM] Pipe Freezing Kit.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... 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 ([CO.sub.2]) in...

Bayonet Disposal Kit.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... The Allen Division of Federal Process Corporation introduces the Bayonet leak-free disposal kit and p-trap, the first in a series of tubular products that utilizes revolutionary Bayonet connections. These patented connections snap tight for...

Coordinated Looks For Symmetrix[R] And Temptrol[R].(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Symmons Industries, a pioneer in the development of anti-scald pressure-balancing valves, announced the release of new Lucite knob handles for Temptrol shower valves and Symmetrix faucets. These matching handles greatly enhance design options...

Software To Manage Your Mobile Resources.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... MagnaSoft's Scheduling, Dispatching, and Business Management Software will enable you to increase your profits through: * Efficient and effective scheduling and dispatching of your technicians. * Reduced staffing requirements. *...

New Copper-Sizing Tool.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Our copper-sizing tool is designed for re-sizing copper tubing prior to soldering. Made in black oxide-coated steel with coarse knurl for easy grip. Its two-piece design has a retainer cup to hold the tool together when not in use. Manufactured...

Is 2 Foot Too Far?
February 1, 2001... Some radiant installation can afford to push the envelope. What's the most commonly used tube spacing for floor heating systems in the United States? Most of you will no doubt answer one foot. But have you ever wondered why? Why should...

Take A Peek Inside A Utility's Mechanical Subsidiary.
February 1, 2001... Exelon Services is not your father's mechanical contracting company. It doesn't even resemble most of today's. First thing I noticed was a reception area unadorned by industry-related paraphernalia. No recognition certificates and plaques,...

Adventures In Drain Cleaning.
February 1, 2001... Contractors have plenty of opportunity to service their clients better, solve their problems more permanently and significantly increase drain cleaning profits. Mini-Jetters When your staff cables a 2-inch drain with a 3/8-inch cable,...

Man's best friend gets a new twist.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... "AQUALUNG, MY FRIEND, DON'T YOU START AWAY UNHEATED." Remember that Jethro Tull song? (Remember Jethro Tull?) I put a little hydronic slant to the lyrics. Aqualung is my latest project in my never-ending quest for the perfect balance...

SELLING YOURSELF.
February 1, 2001... How to build better relationships with GCs. For many construction professionals, subcontracted work can make up a large part of the yearly revenue. That's fine by itself, but sometimes selling your services to general contractors can prove...

2001 -- A Code Odyssey.
February 1, 2001... Get involved with code adoption or face arbitrary restrictions. The plumbing code situation in this country was supposed to get better in the new millennium. The question many of you have been asking me is, "What happened?" In...

Construction's Female Workforce -- Obstacles & Inroads.
February 1, 2001... Plenty of women aren't cut out for construction jobs. But the same goes for a lot of men, too! In last month's column, we quoted this statement from the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson: "We hold these truths to be...

Commercial Water Heater.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Lochinvar[R]'s new Power-Fin[R] line of commercial water heaters uses all the features of the original models, plus temperature control, expanded firing ranges and more flexible venting. Models offered in 1.5 million Btus, 1.7 million Btus and...

Tankless Water Heater.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Space savings and an endless hot water supply are two benefits accompanying the PowerStar, Controlled Energy Corp.'s electric whole-house tankless water heater. The unit rates at 11 percent efficiency and weighs in at 11 pounds. Mount on wall...

Indirect-Fired Water Heater.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Amtrol's BoilerMate Series of indirect-fired water heaters uses a heat exchanger coil to boost performance and energy efficient operation. Rugged construction ensures unit built to last, and solid brass threaded fittings provide strength and...

Instant-Temp Heater.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Meet ANSI Z358-1 requirements for eyewash fountains with the new microprocessor-controlled Instant-Temp[R] tankless electric water heating system from Chronomite. Unlimited quantities of hot water are delivered on demand, and the system is 98...

Crown Mega-Stor.(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Crown Boiler Co.'s Mega-Stor indirect water heater features an all stainless, tig-welded tank and coil, plus a lifetime full warranty. Units available in five sizes up to 119 gallons and are dent resistant.