Plumbing & Mechanical articles from February 2008

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from February 2008

FMI predicts 5.8% construction growth in 2008.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
February 1, 2008... Construction put in place for the coming year is expected to see a 5.8 percent growth, although it was down 3.7 percent in 2007, according to FMI's 2008 U.S. Construction Overview. In 2008, construction put in place will total $1.21 trillion,...

Five tax tips for contractors.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
February 1, 2008... As plumbing and heating contractors conduct business throughout 2008, it's a good idea to keep in mind these five tax tips, provided by accounting and tax firm Grant Thornton LLC, to help save money (consult your tax professional to see how...

Jay Fidler, former president, Hercules Chemical Co.(OBITUARIES)
February 1, 2008... Jay W. Fidler, former president and chairman of Hercules Chemical Co., died Oct. 31, 2007. He married into the Wander family (Hercules Chemical was founded by Samuel Wander) in the late 1940s and joined the company in 1946, working at its...

Reese William Warner Jr., owner, R.W. Warner.(Obituary)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Reese William "Bill" Warner Jr., 69, of R.W. Warner Inc., died Dec. 29, 2007. Warner's father, Reese William Sr., founded Warner & Winpigler, a small plumbing and heating company, in 1937 and ran it out of the Warners' Frederick, Md.,...

Arthur B. Brown, co-founder, Holby Valve Co.(OBITUARIES)
February 1, 2008... Arthur B. Brown, 99, co-founder of the Holby Valve Co. in New York City, died Dec. 31, 2007. He became a New York City licensed master plumber at the age of 21. Along with his brother, William Brown, he helped develop and market Holby Tempering...

ISH North America to highlight renewable energy.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
February 1, 2008... Reflecting the trend toward cleaner building and environmentally conscious construction, the 2008 ISH North America trade show will highlight renewable energies. It will include a renewable energies pavilion on the show floor for industry...

ARI, GAMA approve merger.
February 1, 2008... Members of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association approved the merger of the two trade associations. The merged association became the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration...

AFSA sets 2008 beginning fire sprinkler system schools.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
February 1, 2008... The American Fire Sprinkler Association announced the schedule for its 2008 Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School offering focused training on sprinkler system layout. The remaining classes for 2008 are: March 3-14; April 14-25; May...

The new GreenPlumbers program, which originated in Australia in 2001, is an accreditation program that trains plumbers in water conservation and climate care issues.('Green' news roundup)
February 1, 2008... The new GreenPlumbers program, which originated in Australia in 2001, is an accreditation program that trains plumbers in water conservation and climate care issues. The program is designed to help save water and reduce greenhouse gas...

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with state and national partners, released a comprehensive plan to reduce runoff and increase environmental and economic benefits for communities.('Green' news roundup)
February 1, 2008... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with state and national partners, released a comprehensive plan to reduce runoff and increase environmental and economic benefits for communities. The strategy will help reduce stormwater runoff and...

Upcoming events.(Calendar)
February 1, 2008... * The Mechanical Contractors Association of America has its annual convention scheduled for March 2-6 in Palm Springs, Calif. Speakers include former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright; fraud and identity theft expert Frank Abagnale; former...

Victaulic to open expanded distribution center.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Victaulic Company of America)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Victaulic recently announced plans to open a distribution center in Redlands, Calif., by February 2008. The new 75,390-square-foot facility will serve as a primary distribution point for Victaulic products and tools. Until the opening of...

Hubbard Enterprises/HOLDRITE wins workplace excellence award.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
February 1, 2008... For the second consecutive year, Hubbard Enterprises/ HOLDRITE has been named one of the Best Places to Work in San Diego County. This award was presented to Hubbard Enterprises/HOLDRITE by the Society of Human Resources Management and the San...

Johnson controls acquires Skymark International.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
February 1, 2008... Johnson Controls bought Skymark International, an indoor packaged HVAC products manufacturer headquartered in Ontario, Canada. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Skymark designs and manufactures indoor, through-the-wall and...

Elkay to open technology center.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Elkay Plumbing Products Division announced it has committed to a substantial investment to transform its Broadview, Ill., sink manufacturing facility into the Elkay Technology Center, which will include a new "rapid production facility." ...

Accubid User Conference: April 24-26.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Conference news)
February 1, 2008... The 3rd annual Accubid User Conference will be held April 24-26, 2008, at the Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel. This year's edition features something for every member of the team, with technical, leadership, networking and educational...

Tyco training now offering CEU credits.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Tyco Fire & Building Products)(continuing education units)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Tyco Fire & Building Products recently announced that it has become certified as an authorized provider of Continuing Education Units from the International Association for Continuing Education and Training. Tyco, which holds several fire...

Taking inventory: this country continues to have one of the highest per capita fire-related death rates in the world.(Fire PROTECTION)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Conventional wisdom tells us that the current state of fire protection engineering technology is fairly advanced and getting better all the time. But the fact remains that the of fire sprinkler systems inside...

Selecting the right business tools, part 2: before running out to buy the latest new software, make sure you know what you need to get the job done.(Business TIPS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tracy, a contractor, is greeted by the enthusiastic-sales rep at the tool emporium. "Looking for some tools today?" "As a matter of fact, I am. I just landed a really big, job and I need some of your best...

Simplification: trimming away extraneous design details and hardware for the most efficient hydronic heating systems.(Hydronics WORKSHOP)
February 1, 2008... Do you ever feel there are just too many pipes, circulators, controls and other gadgets in the hydronic systems you install? Its amazing how a system shown on a well-organized schematic can sometimes turn into a dizzying array of hardware when...

Are you an ace troubleshooter?(RADIANT & HYDRONICS E-NEWS: THE GLITCH & THE FIX)
February 1, 2008... John Siegenthaler, P.E., has been challenging heating professionals to take a closer look at how radiant and hydronic systems should be designed to fit today's efficiency-minded world. His Web site, www.HydronicPros.com, offers some of the...

Trying something new.(RADIANT & HYDRONICS E-NEWS: THE GLITCH & THE FIX)
February 1, 2008... Overview: A heating contractor, who's tired of coaxing 500-pound cast-iron boilers into homes, decides to try out a wall-mounted mod/con boiler because of its light weight and side wall venting. He pipes it up as shown below. All flow to...

The 90-day interview.
February 1, 2008... One sentence in a session handout at last year's Mechanical Contractors Association of America's annual convention stuck with us: "While student interns are temporary employees, they are also professionals in training." With all the talk...

Drain cleaning health & hygiene: awareness of occupational exposure and proper prevention is key to staying healthy on the job.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To be a plumber, you need to leave any squeamish tendencies at the door. How else could you willingly and gladly reach down into waste pipe, traps and drains? But while plumbers are far from germ-a-phobes--and...

A new 'sin' tax? Bottled water: cigarettes, liquor and bottled water are all taxable 'sins' in the Windy City.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The backlash against bottled water continues. While some U.S. cities have banned bottled water at city functions and slashed it from city budgets, one of the largest cities in the country has decided to tax the...

Plumbers in kilts.(TRUCK OF THE MONTH: Royal Flush Plumbing Inc., Seekonk, Mass.)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Business is booming for Massachusetts company Royal Flush Plumbing, and it may owe some of its recent success to bare legs. Owner and Scotsman James Watson immigrated to the United States in 1992, and immediately...

Engineering combustion air: When you write a column, you never Know what kind of response you will receive.(Plumbing PRIMER)(Column)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In the October 2007 issue of PM, I wrote an article titled, "Water Heater and Boiler Combustion Air." Many of you contacted me asking for information on engineering combustion air. So this month let me review how you...

Upfront time saves time in the end: if you don't have time to do it right the first time, how will you find time to do it right?(Managing YOUR BUSINESS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The good news is I finally had graduated to a tech and was no longer a lowly apprentice (a glorified helper in those days). The bad news is I was generating a lot of callbacks. That would be bad news for any...

Preventing costly turnover, part 1: why some employees may leave your company, and what you can do about it.(Practical MANAGEMENT)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Most contractors do not realize the horrendous cost of turnover. I hope these next two articles will show you what it costs when you lose a good employee, and also how little it costs for you to keep him or her. ...

Pro-pal valves for professionals.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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...

Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. drainage systems.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co, offers a broad selection of trench drains for your jobsite requirements. The Smith/ ACO Polymer Concrete and Fiberglass trench drain series and the EnviroFlo[R] Polypropylene trench drain series...

Award-winning condensing boiler.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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...

Myson offers European-style towel warmers.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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...

New Gen-Ear LE water leak detection system.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Gen-Ear LE[TM] from General Pipe Cleaners is a simplified, more economical water leak locator with stronger sound amplification than other systems. The compact amplifier fits easily in the palm of your hand....

PricePoint software.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PricePoint has been helping "Moro and Pop" plumbing and HVAC contractors get organized and stay profitable since 1993. Version 4.26 makes scheduling and dispatching even easier with day/week/ month views, and a...

The Channel Brute: a 12-inch-wide polymer trench drain from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Smith Drainage Systems offers this pre-sloped, 12-inch-wide, high-capacity, polymer concrete trench drain series with integral ductile iron rails. The Channel Brute is designed for extra heavy-duty installations such...

On-Screen Digitizer.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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...

Power-Vee works great in tight spots.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When working under sinks or in other awkward places, General's Power-Vee[TM] is like having a third hand. lust squeeze the feed lever and three offset rollers in the automatic feed grip the cable and drive it into...

Stainless-steel outdoor showers.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Pool Shower Inc. manufactures stainless-steel shower units that are resistant to damage from harsh weather and pool chemicals. All showers come complete with installation hardware, and are available in...

Unlimited hot water.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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...

New Gen-Eye GL video inspection/location system.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Gen-Eye GU[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...

The finest tankless electric water heaters available.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stiebel Eltron offers the finest tank-less 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...

Flushmate Pressure-Assist Technology.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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...

The answer to the high price of copper.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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...

FlexHead industries.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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...

The dependable heating solution--Myson fan convectors.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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...

RTS--Return Temperature Stabilizer.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Return Temperature Stabilizer is now standard equipment on all Smith 28 and 28HE (900-4629 mbh) water boilers. Smith has developed this integral system that evenly distributes return water throughout all the boiler...

RBI Futera Fusion boiler.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RBI has introduced the next generation of high-efficiency commercial boilers and water heaters with the Futera Fusion, a boiler that is IBR-listed and up to 97.5 percent efficient. The new boiler is designed to meet...

The Smith Series DV-8 direct vent boiler.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Smith Series DV-8 is designed for homes that have efficient, tight construction. It features easy-to-install concentric sidewall venting with 15 feet of double-wall insulated stainless-steel flexible vent pipe...

Meet Ray.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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...

Radiant ceiling panels.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

SpacePak introduces ElectriPak.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SpacePak, the originator and leading manufacturer of high-velocity air-conditioning systems, has introduced an innovative new product called ElectriPak, an electric heat module that can be added to the standard...

Myson radiators--heating through innovation.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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....

Wohler service camera.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Wohler VIS 220 and VIS 230 Service Camera Series inspect piping from 1 1/4- to 6-inch diameters. The 1-inch mini camera head delivers a crystal clear image of any internal piping problem and is waterproof to a...

Full-line instruction catalog.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

Installing insulation.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Anvil has released a revolutionary product for installing insulation--the 260 Insulation Saddle System (260 ISS). Used for copper and steel pipe systems, the 260 ISS dramatically saves time and money by eliminating...

Pipe hangers.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Copper-color epoxy finish pipe hangers are zinc-plated plus copper-colored epoxy-coated to provide a superior protective barrier between copper pipes and metal pipe hangers. Traditional copper plating provides no...

Walton pipe extractors.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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...

General's J-2512 Typhoon trailer jet storms through big line clogs.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 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...

Now you tell me.(FIRST PLACE)
February 1, 2008... Did you ever have to re-tighten a carrier rod locking nut after the tile has been installed? I welded a socket to the end of a 12-inch piece of 1-inch black pipe. This long socket fits through the tile on to the nut. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Flip it.(tool tips)
February 1, 2008... This pertains to garbage disposals. Many times when installing the garbage disposal, it's difficult to put the clamp onto the strainer without having another person holding it down or looking around for something to put weight on top of it. ...

Clogged tub.(tool tips)
February 1, 2008... Here's a variation of a Tool Tip that appeared in the August 2007 issue. When you have a clogged bathtub that has a trip-lever overflow assembly, try this: Remove the face plate and linkage. Put the handle of your coated Channellock pliers into...

Scheduling software.(Products & LITERATURE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Scheduling Software: Cloversoft announces Version 4.26 of its popular PricePoint software. Now scheduling is easier and more intuitive with day, week and month views. Drag-and-drop scheduling panels make transferring...

Powerful tankless.(Products & LITERATURE)
February 1, 2008... Powerful Tankless: Takagi's T-M50 tankless water heater uses two heavy-duty copper heat exchangers to produce up to 380,000 Btu/hr. The dual system ensures that if one unit breaks down, the other would continue operating without any...

Water jetter.(Products & LITERATURE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Water Jetter: General Pipe Cleaners' JetSet[TM] Model J-2900 gas-powered water jetter is lighter and more maneuverable, and features a 3,000-psi, 4-gpm triplex pump with Vibra-pulse[R] on demand, for getting around...

Tankless valve kit.(Products & LITERATURE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tankless Valve Kit: The tankless water heater valve kit from Jomar includes two forged-brass valves, each with a single three-way style ball. Each valve is quarter-turn operation, and standard port with color-coded...

Thermostatic Tempering.(Products & LITERATURE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Thermostatic Tempering: Symmons' Max Line ASSE 1070 Thermostatic Tempering device is a cost-efficient solution for controlling and limiting water temperature to fittings for fixtures. Water must completely pass over...

Sprinkler monitor.(Products & LITERATURE)
February 1, 2008... Sprinkler Monitor [no photo]: System Sensor's fire sprinkler systems monitoring line includes the PDRP-2001 and PDRP-200] E fire alarm control panels. These deluge-releasing control panels are compatible with conventional sprinkler system input...

Working smarter: MCERF's RFID use study is just the tip of the iceberg for technology potential.(Editorial OPINION)
February 1, 2008... MCAA's Mechanical Contracting Education and Research Foundation (MCERF) recently came out with an Lowing how mechanical contractors could realize significant cost savings through the use of Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) for...