Plumbing & Mechanical articles from February 2002

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from February 2002

Whatizit?? (Letters to the Editor).
February 1, 2002... After remembering the plumbing contraption first published in the December 2000 PM (and of which we still may not know the correct identity), I felt compelled to attempt to date an item I found years ago, and saved with the intention of...

Fighting skyscraper fires. (Letters to the Editor).
February 1, 2002... With the devastation of the World Trade Center something came to mind that was discussed during my apprenticeship days when the WTC was being built. The topic on the minds of plumbers/steamfitters at that time was how to protect life and...

Playing my song. (Letters to the Editor).
February 1, 2002... I just read (reread?) Frank Blau's reprinted column in the December PM ("Why Does Our Industry Resist Flat-Rate Pricing?"). Frank is a saint. I took the medicine back in 1994, and I am a "T&M" survivor! I applaud Frank's patience with the...

Perfect timing. (Letters to the Editor).
February 1, 2002... I remember over a year ago when I was trying to get 8a certified with the SBA as a mechanical contractor and I was describing some of the discrimination I have endured over the past 10 years as a plumber -- and there was a feature story in PM...

RPA refutes Canadian radiant study. (Around the Industry).(Radiant Panel Association, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. study on radiant heat)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... A Canadian radiant heat study claims that homeowners with radiant floors do not set their thermostats any lower than homeowners with other types of heat, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. But not so fast, says Lawrence...

PM Trends. (Around the Industry).(plumbing and mechanical industry trends)(Brief Article)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
February 1, 2002... PM Trends Time and material 18% Flat rate 36% Mainly T&M with some flat rate 25% Mainly flat rate, with some T&M 18% Other 2% Each...

Mr. Rooter announces $2.5 million National TV campaign. (Around the Industry).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 1, 2002... Mr. Rooter and Mr. Rooter of Canada announced a 2002 television advertising campaign worth a combined $2.5 million. The budget includes $1.9 million in commercials set to run 21 weeks in the United States, and $150,000 in commercials that will...

DaimlerChrysler to market commercial van in U.S. (Around the Industry).(DaimlerChrysler Sprinter)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC announced plans in December to market a new commercial van in the United States. The "Sprinter," a Glass 2 and 3 light commercial vehicle, will be marketed under the Freightliner brand and powered by a Mercedes-Benz...

Rheem, Paloma to buy water heater business. (Briefs).(Rheem Manufacturing Co., Paloma Industries, Southcorp Holdings Ltd.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Rheem Mfg. Co. and Paloma Industries of Japan have reached agreement to acquire the Australasian water heater business of Southcorp Holdings Ltd., effective Dec. 31. The acquisition includes Southcorp's water heater business in Australia...

Bradford White, F.W Webb donate to NY Firefighters. (Briefs).($70,000 to the New York Uniformed Firefighters Association Widows' and Children's Fund)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Bradford White Corp. and Burlington, Mass.-wholesaler F.W. Webb donated $10 for each water heater sold in October and November to the New York Uniformed Firefighters Association Widows' and Children's Fund. A check for $70,000 was presented by...

Slant/Fin offers free heat-loss software. (Briefs).(Hydronic Explorer heat-loss calculator and boiler-based specifier)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Slant/Fin Corp. recently released its new Hydronic Explorer heat-loss calculator and boiler-based specifier. The CD is free to heating contractors as a business tool to help them quickly and accurately size heating jobs and specify boilers and...

ServiceMaster to buy out partner in Home Service Center. (Around the Industry).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The ServiceMaster Co. announced it is acquiring the minority interest in The ServiceMaster Home Service Center held by Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The ServiceMaster Home Service Center has...

AT Plastics sells radiant heat business. (Around the Industry).(Flexet)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Brampton, Ontario-based AT Plastics announced it has completed the sale of the remainder of Flexet, located near Chicago and manufacturer of plumbing and radiant heat products. The buyer is a large North American company in the pipe and tubing...

ITT purchases process vessel maker; Reorganizes fluid technology division. (Around the Industry).(ITT Industries purchases Precision Stainless Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... ITT Industries signed an agreement to purchase the business and assets of Precision Stainless Inc. of Springfield, Mo. Precision's main product offerings include custom-designed shop-fabricated vessels, field-fabricated tanks and related...

BlueDot to use wireless technology. (Around the Industry).(partners with Airtuit)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... BlueDot, a division of NorthWestern Corp., announced the rollout of a wireless initiative that will enable its field service personnel to interact with corporate systems from remote locations, thereby automating work-order management. The...

The sign of the drip. (PM's Truck of the Month).(Roderick and Son Plumbing and Heating Supply Co. takes after Shell Oil's marketing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... When Dick Roderick took over his father's plumbing business in 1954 (Fall River, Mass.-based Roderick & Son Plumbing and Heating Supply Co.), he wanted his trucks to be distinctive. He took a liking to the brightness of Shell Oil's then...

Recession blues & then some: It's more than an economic downturn that plagues PHC service companies. (Business Tips).(economic aspects of plumbing, heating and cooling companies)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Business has taken a steep turn south in recent months for many of my friends around the country, as well as our own firm. Every time I ask, How's business?" the answer seems to range from not very good to downright awful. I heard a report...

Simply Elegant: We can probably leave a bit more slack on our slide rules when it comes to designing a good heating system. (Hydronics Workshop).
February 1, 2002... Recently I had an opportunity to walk through some very impressive radiantly heated "trophy homes" near a large ski resort. Miles of tubing, hundreds of valves, chimneys that easily accommodate Santa's girth, and control boards that would make...

Mold: Environmental bogeyman or contractor nightmare?
February 1, 2002... It has been labeled a "silent killer," plaguing homes, schools and places of business around the country. It has been the cause of several multimillion-dollar lawsuits. It was found in nearly 50,000 homes in Houston last June. It has been...

When a cable won't do: Cable machines have their place, but jets are the best bet for clearing grease, sand and even ice from drain lines.
February 1, 2002... Nothing clears the line faster than a jet. When a drain-cleaning cable goes through grease, the grease will close up behind the cable and still leave the line clogged. A jet, however, use a stream of high-pressure water that hits the stoppage...

Sometimes accidents can't be prevented. (Update).(master plumber Aaron Wentz)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Editor's Note: In the October 2001 issue of PM, a special supplement was included for the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors. In it, a story was published about Kearney, Neb., master plumber Aaron Wentz ("Aaron Wentz,...

Another source of revenue: Owning your building will pay off big dividends in the short and long term.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... We have been looking at slower economic times for a few months and the reality of a more sluggish economy is facing most service business operators. Add to the reduction in economic growth the lingering economic effects of the Sept. 11 tragedy...

Water hammer update: If you are still installing air chambers, stop what you are doing. (Plumbing Primer).(Statistical Data Included)
February 1, 2002... I have received a lot of renewed interest in the subject of water hammer. I recall the outcry in regard to an article I wrote on the subject matter more than 10 years ago. I declared that air chambers don't work. But I wasn't the first to make...

Back to the future: No miracles are needed to resolve the labor shortage in our industry. (Practical Management).
February 1, 2002... We may never have one of those imaginary vehicles they used in that 1985 movie to go back in time and visit the childhood years of our par Fortunately, many young Americans can still share those early experiences with living grandparents,...

SpacePak central air conditioning. (Information Showcase).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... 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...

Waterless no-flush urinals. (Information Showcase).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Since 1991, Waterless Co. continues to offer urinals that work completely without water or flush valves for high-traffic commercial facilities. The fixtures install to existing 2-inch waste lines. Dry surfaces improve hygiene. Each urinal saves...

Free Plumber's Sample Pack. (Information Showcase).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... 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...

Portable pump puller. (Information Showcase).
February 1, 2002... 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 automatic water feeder. (Information Showcase).
February 1, 2002... Hydrolevel's newly redesigned VXT water feeder for steam boilers includes a digital feed counter to monitor the amount of water added to the boiler. The counter helps diagnose system leaks that can significantly shorten a boiler's life. Also...

EriStrut Channel Framing/Caddy strut hardware solutions. (Information Showcase).
February 1, 2002... Erico[R] offers information for EriStrut[TM] Channel Framing and the latest Caddy[R] strut hardware solutions, including one-piece pipe clamps, dual-purpose beam clamps, spring nut alternatives and Pipe Pier[TM] roof/floor solutions. ...

Radiant ceiling panels. (Information Showcase).
February 1, 2002... 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...

More cast iron means better performance. (Information Showcase).
February 1, 2002... 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,...

New LD-12 Water Leak Detector. (Information Showcase).
February 1, 2002... The SubSurface Leak Detection LD-12 "Professional's Plus" Water Leak Detector is even better than its predecessor, the popular LD-10. The LD-12 has even greater sensitivity and better electronic amplification than the LD-10, and the LD-12's...

Walton pipe extractors. (Information Showcase).
February 1, 2002... 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...

New drain cleaner. (Information Showcase).
February 1, 2002... 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...

TT-100 Toilet Truck. (Information Showcase).
February 1, 2002... Installing a toilet? Don't break your back or the toilet, use the #TT-100 Toilet Truck. Lifts and sets one- and two-piece toilets, bidets and wall-hung toilets. Advantages: quickly attaches to toilet, gets toilet into tight places, helps remove...

New Power Feed for Mini-Rooter. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... 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...

Drain Rooter PH. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... 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-ft. guide hose keeps the cable from whipping and prevents floors and fixtures from becoming dirty....

I-95 drain cleaning machine. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... 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...

Cold-Shot Pipe Freezing Kit. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... 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...

New economy baseboard from Slant/Fin. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Base/Line 2000 is Slant/Fin's new lower-priced baseboard for quick, trouble-free installation. Base/Line 2000 is fully assembled, ready for box-to-wall installation. Choice of 3/42 or 1/22 heating element, precut lengths from 21 to 101, ample...

Replacement Shower Drain. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Introducing the Wingtite Replacement Shower Drain, designed to replace leaking drains in plastic and fiberglass shower stalls without removing the shower. After removing the existing drain (detailed instructions provided), the Wingtite drain is...

Futera II. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Futera II, the next generation of innovative, advanced hot-water-supply boilers, provides 85 percent efficiency, noncondensing with industry-leading NOx levels of less than 10 ppm. The Futera II operates a step-by-step cycle of operation in...

Myson bench radiator. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... This new Myson radiator offers symmetry and elegance that will feel just right in a contemporary or traditional home. Ideal for a spa or gym, perfect for the entranceway or as a design element in a conservatory, this classic design is...

Myson decor radiator. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... With four distinctive styles to choose from -- vertical, horizontal, column and baseboard -- there is a model to complement any style interior. This stunning alternative to mainstream radiators delivers style, quality of construction and a...

Clamp-All brochure. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Clamp-All's new brochure details the advantage of Hi-Torq 80 and Hi-Torq 125 pipe couplings in their new larger sizes, 12 inches and 15 inches. Factory Mutual-approved to FM 1680 Class 1, Clamp-All couplings are guaranteed for the life of the...

Hydrocarbon Encapsulation System. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... The Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. Hydrocarbon Encapsulation System (HCES) proprietary media is a mixed polymer material that will capture and adsorb all types of hydrocarbons allowing the water to pass through. Adsorption is the process in which...

OLBUCKT1 Oiler system. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Reed Oilers effectively deliver threading oil to piping work. The gun-and-trigger approach makes it easy to pump oil directly on the work. The hook allows hanging near work for quick draw pickup. The rugged and completely portable Reed OLBUCKT1...

www.anvilintl.com. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Check out Anvil's new Web site, www.anvilintl.com. Anvil is the largest and most complete manufacturer of fittings and hangers in the world, and also manufactures Gruvlok(r), a complete line of pump package products for all your HVAC and...

Fin-Tube radiation. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... 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....

Eel Cam--fast-peek inspection system. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... New from Electric Eel Mfg. is the Eel Cam -- 7LCD fast-peek pipeline inspection system. The new, fully portable, self-contained video inspection system features a 7-inch LCD monitor located on the unit's handle for quick viewing at a variety of...

Model EJ2500 gas jetter. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Electric Eel Mfg. Go. Inc. announces the introduction of the new EJ2500 gas-powered water jetter for cleaning 1 1/2- to 6-inch diameter lines up to 200 ft. Compact and portable, the EJ2500 has a 2 to 1 gear-reduced pump for longer life and...

RootX. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... RootX foaming root control is an effective and profitable tool for eliminating damaging root growth. Professional drain cleaners and municipal sewer departments can solve their customers' root problems with an environmentally friendly product...

Strom Plumbing by Sign of the Crab. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... The building and renovation source for solid brass plumbing fixtures, bath accessories and door hardware. Strom Plumbing by Sign of the Grab distributes a wide range of high-quality solid brass leg tub faucets, shower enclosure sets, lavatory...

Up-To-Date Tech Info & Resources. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Get the current technical information and resources you need to ensure proper installation of copper tube, pipe and fittings for water/gas distribution and fire sprinkler systems. The Copper Development Association's Web site provides you with...

Bosch AquaStar Model 125FX tankless water heater. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Controlled Energy Corp. leads North America's tankless water-heating industry by offering the Bosch AquaStar Model 125FX. It brings exceptional installation flexibility to whole-house tankless water heating and comes with a 15-year warranty....

PowerStar whole-house electric tankless water heater. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... PowerStar electric tankless water heaters offer benefits ranging from incredible energy efficiency and endless hot water to space savings and a long lifespan. Ideal for use where natural gas or propane is not available, the PowerStar is one of...

Wirsbo MultiCor. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... The tubing you choose says a lot about your business. Wirsbo MultiCor[R] is a multilayer composite tubing made of an interior aluminum tube lined with inner and outer layers of PEX. The PEX protects against corrosion and the aluminum prevents...

Korky QuietFill Toilet Fill Valve. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Why did the world leader in toilets choose the Korky[R] QuietFill[R] Toilet Fill Valve -- it's the technology. TOTO[R] manufactures the most technically-advanced toilets today. That's why it's not surprising to find the Korky QuietFill in...

Buderus 'thermal shock proof' boiler design. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... The "Thermostream" design of Buderus Hydronic Systems Inc.'s new high efficiency G215, G315, G515 and G615 cast-iron boilers (134-3,982 MBH) renders them "thermal shock proof" at any flow rate and return water temperature. Different diameter...

Seamless P-Trap insulator saves installation time. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... McGuire's ProWrap seamless p-trap insulators save installers time and money. ProWrap's seamless prewrapped construction saves unit labor costs and direct material costs. There is no fussing with awkward fasteners or trips back to the trailer or...

Easy Riser water well pump puller. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... One operator can install the Easy Riser on any type of well and pull pumps from depths up to 600 ft. Easy Risers are proven by users worldwide and are powered by Ridge R700 or similar portable power drives. Increase your profits; put an Easy...

America's No. 1 Lead-Free solid wire Solder. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Taramet Sterling[R] Solder is the best flowing, has the lowest melting temperature (410 degrees F) and has the highest tensile strength of any lead-free available today. It meets all federal specifications and is certified to ANSI/NSF Standard...

Pipe Shredder. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... The PIPE SHREDDER is a unique plumbing tool with many useful applications. It can ream fittings, cut out stubs for pedestals to be used with desankos, remove cracked or broken water closet flanges, and remove glued PVC pipe from fittings to be...

QSC offers new HVAC Fast Trac training program. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... A new HVAC Fast Trac training program is now available through the Quality Service Contractors (QSC). The home study program, administered by QSC, teaches individuals the proper techniques of service, repair and replacement of residential and...

GYP-SPAN Radiant from Hacker. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Hacker Industries' GYP-SPAN Radiant is the preferred thermal mass to deliver exceptional uniform heat transfer and a hard, smooth, crack-free surface for finished floor coverings. Using GYP-SPAN Radiant, the homeowner is treated to the warm,...

Brushes & Accessories. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... This 48-page catalog describes Clean Fit Products' complete line of brushes, abrasives, Teflon sealants and specialty tools used by professional contractors. The four-color literature includes product photographs, illustrations and reference...

Hydrotherm Sabre Boiler. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... The HYDROTHERM SABRE BOILER, with its brushed stainless steel jacket and its all-on-top connections. A boiler that is sure to be well received by contractors and homeowners alike. The brushed stainless steel jacket gives an architectural...

RBI Dominator Series boilers and water heaters. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... RBI Dominator Series boilers and water heaters offer Btu sizes from 300 to 2,100 MBH, with thermal efficiencies up to 85 percent. Proportional firing up to four stages provides built-in redundancy and high turndown for system efficiency....

Beacon/Morris horizontal serpentine hot water unit heaters. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Beacon/Morris is pleased to offer hot water horizontal unit heaters for residential, commercial and industrial use. With pipe connections from the side, these units are ideal for installation in areas where ceiling space is limited such as...

The first name in Kickspace heaters. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... 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...

Radiant floor system. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... The Ultra Fin system by MacDuffco Inc., uses aluminum fins to heat wood-frame houses. It was designed to simplify existing models of radiant heating. It uses 5/8-inch O.D. composite tubing installed 3 inches below the floor, through joists....

DHC series tankless electric water heaters. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Stiebel Eltron Inc. offers dependable DHC series tankless electric water heaters for all point-of-use water heating applications in a commercial or residential environment. The water is heated when and where it is needed--with 99 percent...

Mechanical estimating system. (Information Showcase).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Mechanical estimating is made fast and accurate with FastPIPE[TM] estimating software. With more than 50,000 items in the catalog database, FastPIPE can handle all of your plumbing and piping projects. Manufacturers list prices with discounts...

Turning the offbeat into the mainstream: Electronic faucets make their transition to the home front. (Plumbing Trends).(Delta Faucet Co.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Electronic faucet technology, once limited to airport and restaurant bathrooms, is beginning to make the transition to the home front. At last year's Kitchen/Bath Industry Show, for example, Delta Faucet Co. launched e-Flow[TM], an electronic...

Why we're bullish on ISH North America: It's not just a trade show. It represents an industry ready to burst out of its provincial shell. (Editorial Opinion).(Messe Frankfurt)
February 1, 2002... Looks to me like ISH North America will be nothing more than NEX under new management," a potential exhibitor told me. Others have echoed the same thought. These comments stem from the fact that ISH-NA has so far failed to fulfill its...