Plumbing & Mechanical articles from July 2003

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from July 2003

Letters to the editor.(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2003... Open letter to a tv reporter. Editor's note: The following letter was addressed to David Goldstein, a reporter for Los Angeles KCBS TV He recently conducted a televised sting operation in which several plumbers were accused of...

Kudos to carol fey. (Letters to the Editor).(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2003... Thanks for writing your articles in PM magazine; you make it all so easy to understand. I wish other authors could do what you do. Thanks again for your wonderful writing style and your knowledge. Jerry Morris GC&M Services ...

Dwyer Group to merge with private equity firm. (Around the Industry).(The Riverside Co.)
July 1, 2003... The Dwyer Group, parent company of Mr. Rooter, recently entered into a merger agreement with The Riverside Co., a private equity firm with offices in New York, Cleveland, Dallas and San Francisco. Under the terms of the agreement, Dwyer's...

PM Trends.(pressure-assist toilet consumption)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... PM Trends Of the toilets you sell, how many are pressure-assist models? All 0% More than half 3% Less than half 57% None 40% Each month PMmag.com explores unique industry trends that affect our PHC...

Service Roundtable adds plumbing division. (Around the Industry).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Service Roundtable, an Internet-based organization providing sales, marketing and management tools primarily to HVAC contractors, is adding a plumbing division, as well as additional administrative support to improve service to members....

ServiceMaster, MSN team up for marketing venture. (Briefs).(House & Home online resource)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The ServiceMaster Co. and MSN's House & Home, an online resource for home buying, selling and ownership, announced a marketing and distribution agreement to provide consumers with various home ownership resources on the Internet ServiceMaster...

NSPC Committee schedules hearing. (Briefs).(National Standard Plumbing Code Committee)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The National Standard Plumbing Code Committee has scheduled a public hearing for 8 p.m., Aug. 21, 2003, at the Sheraton Premiere in Tysons Corner, Va. The committee will consider proposed changes to the NSPC. Any code changes accepted by the...

PHCC releases legislative survey. (Briefs).(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractor Association)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Results of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractor's recent legislative survey reveal that the rising cost of health care is the industry's No. 1 legislative priority. Slightly behind healthcare was estate tax relief, and in third place was...

AMPAM announces board changes, 1Q revenues. (Briefs).(American Plumbing and Mechanical Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... American Plumbing and Mechanical announced that Lloyd C. Smith and Stephen F. Turner were re-elected as directors of the company at the annual stockholders meeting May 29. However, Richard Pollard was not reelected, and David Baggett resigned...

European smarthouse coming to ISH North America. (Around the Industry).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... ISH North America is bringing the latest innovative SmartHouse display showcasing advanced building technology from Europe to the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Convention Center, Oct. 1-3. SmartHouse was a special feature at this year's ISH...

CSI releases MasterFormat draft 4 for comment. (Around the Industry).(Construction Specification Institute )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Construction Specification Institute and the MasterFormat Expansion Task Team released an outline version of Draft 4 for public comment. This newest draft has abandoned the "grouping concept" of Draft 3 and reinstates the basic core...

First quarter earnings decline for EMCOR. (Briefs).(2003)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... EMCOR Group announced that net income for the first quarter of 2003 was $3.3 million, or 21 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $7.3 million, or 47 cents per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2002. This is due in part to...

Comfort Systems announces first quarter earnings loss. (Briefs).(2002)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Comfort Systems USA reported a net loss of $4.82 million, or 13 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2003, compared to a net loss of $217.25 million for 2002's first quarter. These amounts include results of discontinued...

Bosch to take over buderus AG. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Robert Bosch GmbH of Stuttgart, Germany, has made a public takeover offer to the Buderus boiler firm. Bosch is a diversified manufacturer of products that include tools and appliances, such as wall-hanging gas-fired boilers and water heaters....

Masco appoints new president/coo. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Alan Barry succeeds Ray Kennedy)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Masco Corp. appointed Alan Barry its president and chief operating officer, succeeding Ray Kennedy, who passed away unexpectedly. Barry formerly was president of Masco's Brass Craft company and a group president of Masco's Installation Services...

Hacker Industries announces new licensed applicators. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Hacker Industries announced four new certified, licensed applicators of the company's floor underlayments: Gyp-Floor Inc. of Reno, Nev.; Advanced Flooring Systems of St. John, Ind.; Highlander Gypsum Floors of New Castle, Colo.; and Kinzler...

Grundfos Hot Water System obtains industry safety approvals. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Grundfos Pumps Corp. announced that its Comfort Series Instant Hot Water Recirculation System has received ANSI/NSF Standard 61 and IAPMO safety certifications. For more information about this product, visit the Grundfos Web site at...

Halsey Taylor names new rep firms. (Vendor & Supplier News).(W&R Industrial Products, Ziel-Carlson)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Halsey Taylor recently appointed W&R Industrial Products as its sales representative for northern California and western Nevada. The agency is headquartered in Concord, Calif.; principals are Wally Pruett and Brad Vicknair. They can be reached...

Tyco reports loss. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Tyco International Ltd.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Tyco International Ltd. reported a loss from continuing operations of 23 cents per share for fiscal year 2003, compared to a loss of $1.03 for the same period last year. Revenues were $9 billion, a 4 percent increase from FY 2002's second...

Charlotte Pipe receives ISO 9001 cerification. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Co.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Co. recently received ISO 9001:2000 Certification for its castiron foundry. The 100-year-old company received the certification during a process review by Lloyd's Registration Quality Assurance (LRQA) officials....

Heat-fab celebrates 25 years. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Heat-fab, manufacturer of high-performance products for the hearth and heating industries, celebrated its 25th anniversary in June by sponsoring a community open house. Heat-fab was founded in Greenfield, Mass., in 1978 by Lloyd and Millie...

Elkay wins partnership for excellence award. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Illinois Council on Economic Education)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Elkay Mfg. has been presented the Partnership for Excellence Award by the Illinois Council on Economic Education, in recognition of the company's financial support of ICEE's goal to provide economic education through professional development...

Sloan Flushometers installed at stadiums, opera houses. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Ravens Stadium, Woodstock Opera House)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Ravens Stadium in Baltimore installed more than 1,000 Sloan Regal Flushometers to handle the 100,000 gallons of water pressure flushed during halftime at Ravens' football games. Sloan Valve Co.'s Regal Model 111 and 186 Flushometers were...

MISG adds to PHCP sales, marketing departments. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Management Information Systems Group plumbing, heating, cooling and piping section appointments )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Management Information Systems Group, a provider of electronic commerce solutions and Internet services, announced two promotions in its plumbing, heating, cooling and piping section: Paul Newman was named account manager of e-business...

Haws appoints product manager, out-reach authority. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Bob Bowles, Casey Hayes)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Haws Corp. appointed Bob Bowles to the newly created position of corporate product manager. He will be responsible for product enhancements and new product considerations. Casey Hayes was named as the company's out-reach "authority" on...

CIPH works on Niagara Falls Habitat home. (Briefs).(Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating, Habitat for Humanity)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Volunteers from Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating member companies joined other Habitat for Humanity builders in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in late April to work on the second phase of the home -- the interior framing and roof. CIPH...

IL licensing bill on hold. (Briefs).(Illinois Senate Bill 1880; licensing electricians)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Illinois Senate Bill 1880, which would require that only licensed electricians plan, install, repair and maintain wiring and equipment for electrical light, heat and power, is in a holding pattern. It is a shell bill with its previous language...

Turner Corp. forecasts flat 2q. (Briefs).(2003 construction costs )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Turner Corp., the nation's leading general builder, announced that construction costs in. 2003's second quarter are estimated to remain flat from the first quarter. The stagnant costs are primarily due to the commercial construction...

Coastal Mechanical presented abc safety award. (Briefs).(Associated Builders and Contractors Association )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Associated Builders and Contractors Association presented Melbourne, Fla.-based Coastal Mechanical Services with the 2003 Charles J. Eidel Safety Award at the Diamond Level. The award recognizes the highest level of achievement for a safety...

Chemed changes name to Roto-Rooter Inc. (Around the Industry).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Cincinnati-based Chemed Corp., Roto-Rooter's parent company, has changed its name to Roto-Rooter Inc., recognizing the dominant position of its largest asset. The name change will take effect "as soon as practicable," and the company's stock...

Silence your competition with customer kindness: implement a guaranteed customer satisfaction policy in your company today. (Guest Editorial).
July 1, 2003... If you're as disgusted as I used to be because your competitors are unfairly bad-mouthing you, slandering you, lying about you and generally making your life miserable, this column is for you. There is now a strategy that works to...

The value of providing value: you can learn a lot about being valuable to your customer by just going shopping. (Business Tips).
July 1, 2003... The PHC industry can learn a great deal from other branches of the service sector. For example, note the competition between Wal-Mart and K-Mart, the major players in the "sell for less" retail game. Both chains launched at about the same...

Electric snowmelt? (Off the Wall).
July 1, 2003... Original inquiry: A guy called me and wants to melt just 50 square feet in front of the door for his 80-year-old mother. After we talked awhile I realize he's not just talking electric heat source, but an entire electric system. He's "sure...

Less is more... A new generation of control products is ready for your next hydronic system. (Hydronics Workshop).
July 1, 2003... Residential hydronic heating systems have changed greatly over the last 20 years. In the early-1980s, a typical residential system consisted of two or three zones of fin-tube baseboard powered by a boiler with a tankless coil for providing...

Recession--proof remodeling.(growth in residential improvements)
July 1, 2003... The amount of money spent by U.S. homeowners on residential improvements, maintenance and repairs was an estimated $157.22 million last year, a 1.4 percent growth from the previous year, reports a study on the plumbing industry published by...

ISH North America. (Conference Brochure).
July 1, 2003... International Trade Show for Kitchen & Bath, Plumbing, PVF, Heating and Air Conditioning ISH NORTH AMERICA Don't miss the 2nd edition of ISH North America, the consolidated trade show for Kitchen & Bath, Plumbing, PVF, Heating...

Conference-at-a-glance.
July 1, 2003... 8:00am - 4:30 pm RPA1: Radiant Basics, Presented by Radiant Panel Association Wednesday, October 1 9:00 am KB1: Contemporary versus Traditional Design Trends, Panel Discussion PL1: What Makes It Tick? The Inside Story on...

2003 Conference Program.
July 1, 2003... KITCHEN & BATH KB1 Panel discussion: Mary Beth Duehr (moderator), Kevin Henry, John Buscarello and Ellen Cheever Contemporary versus Traditional Design Trends More and more American homes are embracing the streamlined, less...

Snowmelt safety: from commercial to residential; The comfort and efficiency of radiant takes on a new meaning for snowmelt systems.
July 1, 2003... Most radiant contractors consider comfort and efficiency to be the two major benefits for underfloor heat. The two words take on a slightly different meaning for snowmelt. Certainly, there's nothing more comforting than knowing you don't have...

The art of the bid: adding the human element can turn a good estimate into a great bid.
July 1, 2003... Recently, I found myself in a discussion with a colleague who (like me) has for many years been employed as a construction estimator and project manager. Our talk centered on whether a good construction estimator was merely a "technician" who...

The winners before: A first visit with the winners of the PM/Slant-Fin Business Makeover Contest, Timothy Flynn and Gene Cataldo, Winters Co., Belmont, Mass.
July 1, 2003... Tim Flynn was thrilled that he and Gene Cataldo, Winter Co., Belmont, Mass., had won the contest. But he did have one reservation. "What's that?," I asked. "We're not happy about the prospect of working with someone we figure is a...

ISH Germany: A perspective; The European experience was interesting, but it was also great to return home. (Plumbing Primer).
July 1, 2003... Every so often, you get lucky. I was lucky enough to be invited on the trip to ISH in Frankfort, Germany, this past March arch. The trip was sponsored by PM and Viega. I thought I would present my perspective of the trip. It was a fascinating...

To grow or not to 'grow: that's not the only question. (Managing Your Business).
July 1, 2003... I received a couple of e-mails from contractors who were struggling with whether to grow or not to grow. Some had grown their companies only to have it shrink again. Sometimes it was their choice and sometimes they had no choice. That got...

Sometimes you just need a nap: working with controls and a puppy-in-training have more in common than you think. (Hydronic Controls).(training a guide dog and analysing public perception)
July 1, 2003... Trapper, a 45-pound, 5-month-old yellow Lab puppy, went with me to the Radiant Panel Association convention in Sacramento this spring. As you would expect, there are many things to be learned traveling with a puppy. It turned out that those...

Hard work, low pay: The rules of economics are clear; no value, no good hourly rate. (In the Field).
July 1, 2003... It's the same all over. I hear service business owners complain, "I work hard, long hours, and I am not making much money for my work." The problem appears to be uniform in all geographic areas of the country, so it's not just a few...

Share the gold! Follow some time-tested advice to separate yourself from all the other contractors. (Practical Management).
July 1, 2003... Webster's dictionary defines "unique" as: 1) one and only, sole; 2) different from all others, having no like or equal; and 3): singular, unusual, rare. Do any of those descriptions fit you personally or your company? Or are you just...

Marketing radiant: marketing is not just selling it is managing the message.(radiant heating)
July 1, 2003... Today's radiant contractors in-the-know understand the I difference between marketing and selling. While selling is a tool used to expose customers to your product or service with an end result of volume, marketing is a proactive concept...

What and how to think about radiant heat.(training sources)
July 1, 2003... When it comes to education, Wet Heads need a combination of not just what to think about, but also how to think about what to think about. For this year's issue of the Radiant Heating Report, we wanted to find out what type of training...

The gospel of radiant: The gospel of radiant heating can be a hard one to preach, but when the benefits are explained it's easier to get the customer to say "Amen".
July 1, 2003... Training contractors on radiant heat isn't such a tough thing to do, but one wholesaler in Pittsburgh has found that contractors already understand the pros of radiant, they just need some help understanding how to sell it. Energy...

Futera II. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... 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...

Beacon/Morris horizontal serpentine hot water unit heaters. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... 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...

RBI Dominator series boilers and water heaters. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... 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....

The first name in Kickspace heaters. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Beacon/Morris 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;...

SpacePak central air conditioning. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... 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...

Hydrotherm Sabre Boiler. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Introducing 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...

Programmable thermostat 510, 511 & 512. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... tekmar Control Systems' Programmable Thermostats were designed specifically for the Radiant Floor Heating market. Models are available for One Stage Heat or Two Stage Heat/Heat-Cool. Optional slab sensors allow the user to set minimum slab...

Thermostat 507, 508 & 509. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... tekmar Control Systems' Thermostats have been designed with state-of-the-art technology and packaged in a compact and attractive enclosure. The large display and easy-to-use buttons make these thermostats extremely user friendly. These...

Roth mini-shunt system. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Want to add hydronic floor heat/warming for a small area to an existing boiler system? The Roth Mini-Shunt is the ticket! Our package includes a mixing valve, circulator with 40-inch cord, 1/2-inch sweat boiler connections, capillary tube space...

Zurn radiant heating systems. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The Zurn Plumbing Products Group, through its PEX Plumbing and Radiant Heating Operation, features its radiant heating systems. Radiant heating systems, using cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing, are commonly installed under floors in new...

Get more comfortable with Stadler-Viega. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Introducing four new ways to get more comfortable with Stadler-Viega. NEW Basic Thermostat: With live anticipator for accurate control; NEW T-stat with Setback & Floor Sensor: Same as Basic model plus manual setback switch and optional...

Radiant ceiling panels. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... 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...

No-Freez for radiant and hydronic systems. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... UTILITY NO-FREEZ, the original nontoxic antifreeze heat transfer fluid, available in a variety of concentrations. Chemically balanced, fully inhibited solutions engineered for radiant and hydronic systems and many other uses. The proven...

Airtherm HVAC. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Airtherm fan coils are the smart solution for institutional, commercial and multiresidential heating and cooling applications. Airtherm units are extremely durable with 18-gauge casing standard and the industry's only 14gauge option. With its...

PowerStor series indirect water heater. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The new PowerStor Series[TM] indirect fired water heater is a top performer with the numbers to prove it. A large, single-wall heat exchanger -- the powerful heart of each PowerStor model -- helps provide tremendous hot water output. The coil's...

Low-profile convector. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Rittling's Mach Series low-profile convector offers an architectural, space-saving solution to today's heating problems. Distinctive beauty and high capacity performance highlight this ultra-slim, 3-inch deep unit that can be easily installed...

Wendes Mechanical Estimating and piping CAD. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The new affordable Wenpipe Mechanical Estimating system includes HVAC piping, plumbing and process piping in all material types. Takeoff is fast and easy with digitizer, or keyboard and mouse entry directly from a drawing. A comprehensive labor...

StainlessSteel manifold. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Watts Radiant introduces top-of-the-line StainlessSteel radiant manifolds for the most discerning customers. Manifolds are solid-body stainless steel with flow indicators, balancing valves and optional zone actuators. All accessories are...

Lightweight Pipe Threader. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Wheeler-Rex announces the arrival of a new Lightweight Pipe Threader -- the Sidekick II. Model 7991 has more power and more features than its smaller companion the Sidekick, Model 6991. Sidekick II features an auto-open, auto-oiling die head,...

Modular radiant systems. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The Hydronic Heart is a modular temperature and flow control manifold that makes radiant heat installation quick and easy No soldering and no custom wiring. Includes stainless-steel piping, pumps, zone, isolation, drain and mix valves,...

Wall-hung condensing boiler. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The MZ is a wall-hung, fully-condensing boiler. Compact, silent, self-contained, beautifully-finished. Very low maintenance, easy to install and service. 140,000+ installations since 1981. Exceptionally reliable, near-zero failure rate....

GA124 sealed-combustion gas boilers. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Buderus features the GA124 sealed-combustion series gas boilers for direct-vent and induced-draft applications. All models exceed 85 percent AFUE rating and qualify as Energy Star-rated products. Models range from 70,000 to 123,000 Btu/hr....

New 'Radiant Smart' thermostats. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... New Slant/Fin Terra Therma radiant heating thermostats provide better comfort and reduce heating costs. 'Radiant Smart' digital thermostats have microprocessor controlled on-times and cycles-per-hour, setback scheduling and a self-learning,...

Reflectix Inc. Concrete Pad. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Introducing Reflectix[R] Concrete Pad for use in radiant heating and snowmelt applications. The Concrete Pad's performance is the result of two natural causes. First, the use of this product reduces or eliminates groundwater intrusion into the...

ThermoFin heat transfer plate. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Radiant Engineering produces the original heat transfer extrusions designed expressly for radiant panel heating systems. ThermoFin heavy-gauge extrusions feature our unique patented snap channel design, which holds radiant tubing in a tight...

More cast iron means better performance. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The Series 8, 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 Series 8 offers a multitude of performance advantages,...

New sealed combustion gas boiler. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... With AFUE to 86.1 percent, Slant/Fin's new value-priced Victory VSPH sealed combustion gas boiler promises fuel savings for homeowners. All models are Energy Star-rated. Contractors will appreciate its installer-friendly features and economy...

Myson bench radiator. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... 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).
July 1, 2003... 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...

Cash Acme HeatGuard 100. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Cash Acme's HeatGuard[R] 100 thermostatic mixing valve is an ASSE1017-approved device that can improve safety and increase the effective amount of hot water. When installed at the water heater, HeatGuard 100 acts as a master thermostatic mixing...

Visit the Market$harp booth #539 at Comfortech 2003. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Do you want more business from your HVAC Dealers? Want to show them you care about their business? Do you want to have loyal dealers? If the answer to all these questions is, "Yes," then you should find out what Peirce HVAC Market$harp can do...

Unlimited hot water. (Information Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Ergomax[R] instantaneous, indirect water heaters/heat exchangers produce hot water as long as needed -- from filling spa tubs to restaurants needing 180-degree F water for dishwashing. Ergomax units operate at 99 percent efficiency. Virtually...

Taming the beast in the basement: it may be your pride and joy, but that radiant control/piping system can be intimidating to customers.
July 1, 2003... Pride in your work is not a bad thing. In fact, it's a very good thing. But when your work is a complex system of pipes, fittings, pumps and controls that takes up an entire basement wall and terrifies that home's owner, it may be time to...

Get ready for 1 gpf. (Plumbing Trends).(plumbing industry develops 1-gallon-per-flush systems)
July 1, 2003... The new buzz in pressure-assist technology is 1-gallon-per-flush systems. Both W/C Technology Corp. and Sloan Flushmate are developing such systems in response to the looming water crisis in many parts of the United States. "There are...

Larger-size boiler. (Product Focus Boilers).
July 1, 2003... In order to meet larger heating applications, Viessmann offers its Vitogas 100 G510 Series of boilers with two-stage firing operation. Three model sizes are available -- 300, 340 and 380 MBH -- in natural gas or propane. Circle 1