Plumbing & Mechanical articles from February 2006

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from February 2006

Putting the electricity puzzle together.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... I just finished reading Carol Fey's article, "Volts, Amps & Watts," in the December 2005 edition of Plumbing & Mechanical. Once again she has captured the simplicity of electricity. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Volts times amps equals watts....

Addressing market changes.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... [Jim Olsztynski's "High Velocity Contracting," December 2005] was the best articulation of the transformation process for traditional HVAC and plumbing contractors, suppliers and manufactures entering the age of e-commerce. You are actually...

The Home Depot to acquire Hughes Supply.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
February 1, 2006... The Home Depot[R] said it will acquire Orlando, Fla.-based wholesaler Hughes Supply for $3.47 billion, including the payment of $46.50 per outstanding share and the assumption of $285 million in net debt. Hughes Supply will operate as part...

Spring 2006 I=B=R schedule announced.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
February 1, 2006... This spring, hydronic heating professionals have eight chances to attend I=B=R Hydronic Heating Schools, presented by the Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA and managed by BNP Media. With some new locations this year, I=B=R remains a...

NASCLA continues work on national contractor exams.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies is continuing its work on developing national contractor exams. The goals of such exams would be to enable countrywide license reciprocity; facilitate contractor mobility; reduce...

2006 Pipe Trades Giants form available online.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
February 1, 2006... It's your chance to make the list! Download the 2006 PM Pipe Trades Giants form at www.PMmag.com, fill out all the information, and return to Senior Editor Kelly Faloon at faloonk@bnpmedia.com, or fax to 248/502-1006. The 2006 Pipe Trades...

Ren Owen, vice president of business development, Sloan Valve Co.(OBITUARIES)
February 1, 2006... Ren Owen, 60, Sloan Valve Co.'s vice president of business development, died Jan. 6, 2006, but left behind a legacy of innovation and growth in the plumbing industry. Owen began working at Sloan in 1965 at the age of 19 as a castings...

Herbert W. Lindahl, former president, State Industries.(OBITUARIES)
February 1, 2006... Herbert W. Lindahl, former president of State Industries, died Jan. 3. He joined State Stove and Manufacturing Co. shortly after the company was founded in 1946 by his older brother, John R. Lindahl. He was instrumental in the company's growth,...

Comfort Systems sells two independent dealers.(Briefs)(United Environmental Services L.P.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Automated Logic Corp., a Carrier company and unit of United Technologies Corp., acquired two of Comfort Systems USA's independent dealers--United Environmental Services L.P. of Houston, and Comfort Systems USA of Twin Cities Inc., Minneapolis....

Legislation would establish Clean Water Trust Fund.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Rep. John J. Duncan Jr., R-Tenn., introduced the Clean Water Trust bill, H.R. 4560, which would create a dedicated, deficit-neutral Clean Water Trust Fund, similar to those that successfully finance highways and airports. It would "provide for...

Reflective industry continues to grow.(Briefs)
February 1, 2006... A recent survey of Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association members revealed an average sales growth rate of 26.8 percent in the last 12 months among the companies participating, with continued growth expected in the years ahead. RIMA...

Reverse auction ban struck out of DOD bill.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... A provision in the House version of the Department of Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 1815, S. 1042) that would have required federal purchasing agents to use Internet reverse auction procurement for all commercial items the federal government...

PHCC changes date for Legislative Conference.(Briefs)
February 1, 2006... Because of a St. Patrick's Day recess planned by Congress the week of March 20, the PHCC-National Association has rescheduled its annual Legislative/Leadership Conference to March 16-18, 2006. The Legislative Conference will be held March 16,...

CIPH calls for uniform use of water-conserving plumbing products.(Briefs)
February 1, 2006... The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating has called for uniform Canada-wide use of water-conserving plumbing products for both new construction and replacement, and has written to all provinces and territories urging them to mandate their...

53rd Annual NAOHSM Convention, May 14-18.(Briefs)(National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers will keep its attendees busy with activities, education and fun at its 53rd Annual Convention & Trade Show, held May 14-18, 2006, in Hartford, Conn. The theme will be "Sports and...

National Green Building Conference set for March.(Briefs)
February 1, 2006... The National Green Building Conference, sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders, will take place March 12-14, 2006, in Albuquerque, N.M. Seminars include an explanation of NAHB's Model Green Building Home Guidelines, a detailed...

ASPE/PMCA hold Plumbing Trade Show.(Briefs)
February 1, 2006... The 2006 ASPE/PMCA Plumbing and Mechanical Trade Show will be held March 30, 2006, from 2-7 p.m. at the Hearthstone Manor, Depew, N.Y. The show will be sponsored by the Buffalo/Niagara Chapter of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers and...

The Dwyer Group celebrates 25 years.(Briefs)
February 1, 2006... The Dwyer Group, parent company of Mr. Rooter[R] and Aire Serv[R] Heating and Air Conditioning, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2006. Established in 1981 by the late Don Dwyer Sr. when he launched Rainbow International, The Dwyer Group now...

Tyco splits into three public companies.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
February 1, 2006... Tyco International recently announced that it will split into three public companies. Tyco Healthcare and Tyco Electronics will separate from the Tyco Fire & Security and Engineered Products & Services businesses through tax-free stock...

SFA Saniflo Inc.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Bob Lechner, U.S. national sales manager of SFA Saniflo Inc., was recently called for active duty in the U.S. Naval Reserves. His tour will be 12 months, including service in the Middle East. A 10-year veteran in the reserves with a current...

Taco to expand headquarters.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Taco will expand its manufacturing and corporate facility in Cranston, R.I. Expansion plans call for the construction of a 64,900-sq.-ft. addition to the existing plant, which will serve as a warehouse for shipping and distribution. This will...

Roth to begin production in U.S.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Roth Industries will start producing its double-wall oil tanks in the United States with a new production facility in Watertown, N.Y., to improve service levels by providing faster reaction time and shorter lead time. Roth is investing $10...

Rheem's tankless water heaters qualify for federal tax credit.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
February 1, 2006... The Water Heating Division of Rheem Manufacturing Co. announced that its entire line of gas-fired tankless water heaters qualify for a $300 federal income tax credit under the new Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005. A provision of the...

Elkay forms new division.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Elkay Manufacturing is forming a new Plumbing Products Division, which will incorporate the company's lines of residential and commercial sinks, faucets, water coolers and related accessories. R. James Scott, current president of the Elkay...

ThermaSol introduces Pocket Bike promotion.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... ThermoSol is launching a nationwide promotion--each time a licensed professional plumber purchases a ThermoSol ProSeries steam bath generator, he is eligible to enter the monthly drawing for a Fast Start Pocket Bike. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Basco University spring 2006 schedule announced.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Calendar)
February 1, 2006... Basco announced the 2006 schedule for its Basco University. Jason DeBruer, Basco's training specialist, teaches all of the clauses, which are held at Basco's new state-of-the-art training center in Mason, Ohio. Courses are designed so...

Symmons Industries.(retirement of Jim Galvin)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Jim Galvin, vice president of sales and marketing, retired from Symmons Industries after 36 years of service. He started out in the shipping room, moved up to district manager in 1980, was a regional sales manager, then was named director of...

Harrington Brass Works.(On The Move)
February 1, 2006... Harrington Brass Works hired Tim Herley as general manager/vice president. Herley is a 25-year veteran of the kitchen and bath industry, most recently heading American Standard's luxury segment for the U.S. marketplace.

Selkirk Canada.(On The Move)
February 1, 2006... Selkirk Canada made changes to its management team: Susan Cornwell was hired as newly created director of finance; Glenda Iuliani was promoted to director of human resources; Chuck Gyuka was promoted to director of logistics, succeeding Jim...

Harvel Plastics.(On The Move)
February 1, 2006... Bill Sallee was named Harvel Plastics' national sales manager for fire protection products. The 35-year fire protection industry veteran most recently served with Thompson Plastics.

Briggs Industries.(On The Move)
February 1, 2006... Mauricio Lavandero joined Briggs Industries as vice president of marketing. He was formerly commercial director for Latin America for both Newell Rubbermaid and Polaroid Corp., as well as Latin America marketing manager for Black & Decker and...

Eljer.(On The Move)
February 1, 2006... Eljer promoted Chris Miller to director of marketing and product manager, kitchen sinks. Miller is a 15-year veteran with Eljer.

Rinnai America.(On The Move)
February 1, 2006... Paul Sellers was hired as an account manager for Rinnai America. He formerly served as Western regional sales manager for A.O. Smith, and also held positions with Jacuzzi and Kohler.

A.O. Smith awards PCA Scholarships.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
February 1, 2006... A.O. Smith Water Products Co. announced the 10 winners of its Professional Contractor Association Scholarships. Each is $2,000: * Margaret Bertram of Fond du Lac, Wis., representing Ahern Gross Plumbing in Fond du Lac. * Chelsey...

The evolution of high static oil burners: how the move toward energy conservation changed the oil-heating business.(Burner BASICS)
February 1, 2006... A friend of mine had been working on a solar heat system using a Fresnel lens to generate steam. His thought was to heat large buildings by directing magnified levels of solar energy on a collector, and his proposal included a set of pen and...

Drain cleaning: an opportunity, not a burden; A drain cleaning job may be just the tip of the iceberg.(Business TIPS)
February 1, 2006... When a plunger doesn't get the throne room back into operation, homeowners usually turn to their plumber for relief. For some plumbers, these calls are a necessary evil that are more trouble than they're worth, but others find special...

Radiant flow direction.(HEATINGHELP.COM)
February 1, 2006... Original inquiry: I have two radiant loops in a small basement floor (each loop runs back and forth lengthwise) running along the outside wall with closer spaced runs than they are toward the middle (each loop ending length-wise down the...

High head radiant: long tubing circuits and powerful circulators may not be the optimal choice.(Hydronics WORKSHOP)
February 1, 2006... Last fall I received an inquiry that went something like this: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I'm planning a radiant floor heating system for my 3,000-sq.-ft. shop. One of the installers I've spoken with wants to install 500-ft. circuits of...

The comfort contractor.(Cover Story)
February 1, 2006... So back in 1991 this HVAC contractor walks into a seminar taught by some guy named Dan Holohan. The contractor had never heard of him before and only knew of radiant heat from what he had seen on TV shows. But Dan Holohan, being Dan...

Drain Savers Inc., Thornton, Colo.: clear message--clean drains.(TRUCK OF THE MONTH)
February 1, 2006... Robert Browning, owner of Drain Savers Inc. near Denver, believes the days of plumbers showing up in dirty overalls and a bucket of tools are over. His full-service drain cleaning, plumbing and pipe relining company realizes the importance of...

Radiant subfloors: market expected to show growth; new installs win over retrofits.(radiant subfloor installations)
February 1, 2006... Eight out of 10 radiant contractors agree: Significant growth in radiant subfloor installations will occur over the next five years. This information was taken from a recent PM installation survey of radiant readers on the "channeled...

The pipe joint conundrum: what do the codes allow?
February 1, 2006... Over the past few years, we have seen a number of new joining methods introduced. They have ranged from press-connect, to push-fit, to one-step solvent cement, to unshielded couplings. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Wall outlets: a look inside the walls.(wiring in the unfinished walls)(Column)
February 1, 2006... I grew up in a house under construction. Every day for the first 18 years of my life, I looked at the wiring in the unfinished walls. It was nice to have the wires. They were fat, black and rubber-coated. Because they ran horizontally through...

What can golf teach you about business? It's all about the fundamentals.
February 1, 2006... If you've become addicted to the sport of golf, like me, don't despair. There are very valuable lessons to learn from your pursuit of mastering the game of golf that directly apply to mastering the game of business. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Bigger is better: why growing your business is a good thing.
February 1, 2006... Most of our clothes come in small, medium, large and extra large. Contractors have the very same options for the size of their businesses, but unfortunately they can't simply make their selection from the shelves of a department store. ...

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing[R].
February 1, 2006... "My family has owned a plumbing business for almost half a century. But I found out it had very little name recognition with the public." "I'm proud of my business, but I can't eat my name. So I made a big change..." My name is...

Wall-mounted surgery.(FIRST PLACE)
February 1, 2006... Here's a simple way to prevent a broken nipple in the wall when replacing a wall-mounted faucet. Many times when you are replacing a wall-mounced faucet, the old galvanized nipples coming off the wall have just a few threads showing. Trying to...

Color picture.(tool tips)
February 1, 2006... I've never understood why the fitting brush companies haven't done this. I spray paint the different brush sizes different colors so they're quickly identified in dark cellars and crawl spaces. Bill Walsh Bill The Plumber ...

Color picture, II.(tool tips)
February 1, 2006... I've found that using a red (for hot) or blue (for cold) Sharpie marking pen on the metal ends of washing machine hoses make a new installation or reconnect a piece of cake, especially when those slippery hoses get away from you. It's also...

Send us your tool tips.(tool tips)
February 1, 2006... If you have an idea that has saved you time and money, Plumbing & Mechanical would like to share your tip with our readers. You can e-mail your idea directly to PM editor Steve Smith at smiths@bnpmedia.com, or mail it to him c/o PM, 1050 IL...

Noncondensing.(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Noncondensing: The Baxi Luna 310Fi noncondensing boiler from Marathon International offers central heating and instantaneous DHW production. Heat output modulation is between 35,486 and 105,776 Btu/hr. It has a self-check and outdoor probe...

Cast-iron.(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Cast-Iron: The GA244 by Buderus features flexible GL-180M cast iron, designed to resist thermal shock for long life. It is constructed with a high silicone cast-iron surface for excellent corrosion resistance and optimum heat transfer and...

High efficiency [no photo].(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... High Efficiency [no photo]: Burnham's new MPO[TM] cast-iron boiler has an efficiency rating of 87 percent AFUE. It is also now available as natural draft and direct vent to meet all your venting needs. It is easy to install with plug-and-play...

Low NOx [no photo].(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Low NOx [no photo]: Bryan Boiler's Compliance+[R] hot water and steam boilers in DR, AB, RV and RW Series are available as "LX" type with NOx level of sub 30 ppm gas and reduced oil NOx as standard. Models that meet stricter emissions levels...

Efficient commercial.(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Efficient Commercial: HydroTherm expanded its popular "KN" series with the addition of two high-efficient, high-technology commercial gas-fired boilers--the KN-6 and the KN-20. Both are up to 99 percent efficient and feature Tru-Flow[TM], a...

Wall hung [no photo].(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Wall Hung [no photo]: Energy Kinetics introduces EKpak, its new small-size, wall-hung boiler that offers energy savings with high output. It is reliable and versatile in installation, as well as quiet in operation. Great as a solution to heat a...

Compact size [no photo].(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Compact Size [no photo]: Dunkirk's Quantum Series natural gas-fired boilers are flexible to meet your needs. They can operate with water temperatures between 60 degrees and 200 degrees F, and can be customized to the application without the...

Lochinvar knight.(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Lochinvar Knight: Lochinvar[R] Corp. introduces its Knight[TM] commercial boiler line, which offers a fully modulating burner with 5:1 turndown and a cascading feature to allow multiple boilers controlled by one central boiler. Fuel use is kept...

Compact & vesatile [no photo].(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Compact & Vesatile [no photo]: The Munchkin VWH from Heat Transfer Products Inc. is a compact and versatile hot water supply boiler with condensing technology at 96 percent efficiency, which lowers energy costs. It features a durable...

Drain & Sewer Cleaner.(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Drain & Sewer Cleaner: The Model D-5 Drain and Sewer Cleaning Machine from Electric Eel Mfg. combines professional quality and affordability in a continuous cable drum machine for cleaning 3-inch to 10-inch diameter lines up to 100 ft. The...

Stainless-steel venting [no photo].(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Stainless-Steel Venting [no photo]: Noritz introduces its line of Stainless-Steel (Category Ill) Venting. The company offers a complete line of vertical and horizontal, 4-inch and 5-inch venting for various applications. Circle 48

Mini truck boom.(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Mini Truck Boom: The Spitzlift is a compact mini boom system that lifts heavy tools and equipment from your service vehicle. It comes in a preassembled package weighing only 33 lbs., but can lift up to 700 lbs. It features a 360-degree pivoting...

Automatic water shutoff.(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Automatic Water Shutoff: FloLogic Inc.'s FloLogic System[TM] provides an extra line of defense against water damage caused by freezing pipes. The automatic residential water shutoff system monitors water flow and incorporates the use of...

Dirt separator.(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Dirt Separator: Spirotherm Inc. manufactures the Spirotrap[R] Junior dirt separators for residential or light commercial hydronic systems. It creates a low velocity area of water that allows dirt and scale particles to sink to the bottom of the...

Two-way vent.(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Two-Way Vent: The Maxi-Filtra, the newest product from Studor[R], operates as a two-way vent that filters air in both directions. Its replaceable active carbon filter is designed to eliminate bad odors produced by the plumbing drainage system....

Shielding lotion.(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Shielding Lotion: Skin MD Natural is a lotion perfect for protecting working hands. It enhances the skin's own natural protective factor while hydrating the skin, preventing damage caused when working with chemicals, cleaning products,...

Video inspection.(Product Focus: Boilers)
February 1, 2006... Video Inspection: The award-winning Gen-Eye Junior[TM] video inspection system from General Pipe Cleaners is rugged and affordable, offering greater reel capacity, larger LCD display and better protection from abuse. With two camera and pushrod...

Innovative thinking in hiring, training & retention: the industry's most pressing problem will be addressed at our conference in June.(Editorial OPINION)
February 1, 2006... Is there anyone reading this who doesn't rank hiring, retention and training as among the thorniest business issues? Ask the manufacturers who need engineers to help them design products and processes, and intelligent production workers capable...