Plumbing & Mechanical articles from June 2002

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from June 2002

True success. (Letters to the Editor).
June 1, 2002... I just finished reading Jim Olsztynski's editorial, "Can Consolidation Succeed?" (March 2002). Three years ago I joined Excellence Alliance Inc. because I was concerned about the effects consolidators and utilities would have on my continued...

Filters aren't the problem. (Letters to the Editor).
June 1, 2002... I enjoyed reading Kelly Faloon's article regarding the water treatment industry ("Water Treatment: A Business For The Professional Trades," April 2002). However, the quote from Julius Ballanco regarding growth of bacteria on carbon filters is...

No laughing matter. (Letters to the Editor).
June 1, 2002... Regarding Dan Holohan's column, "Road Warriors" (April 2002), where he lifted up the assault on the elderly woman as a humorous anecdote, imagine an elderly woman being tailgated, honked at, and finally having her ear screamed into. Plus in...

U.S. rules unanimously on China dumping fittings. (Around the Industry).(Ward Manufacturing and Anvil International Inc. bring case to United States International Trade Commission)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... In a 5-0 vote April 8, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled there is a "reasonable indication" that nonmalleable cast-iron pipe fittings manufactured in China are being sold in the United States at "less than fair value." That's good...

Does your company offer remodeling services? (PM Trends).
June 1, 2002... Each month PMmag.com explores unique industry trends that affect our PHC industry. The results represent PM's online community's opinions. To vote for the current question, go to www.PMmag.com. [GRAPH OMITTED]

Service Nation to launch next month. (Around the Industry).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Service Nation Inc. is a new contractor business organization scheduled for launch in July. It will deliver a variety of marketing, administrative and other business tools over the Internet at a cost affordable to the small companies that...

ECR International recalls boilers. (Briefs).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... ECR International of Utica, N.Y., is recalling about 8,000 gas boilers due to overproduction of carbon monoxide. The problem was discovered during routine testing and the company has not received any reports of injuries, according to the...

PMI tables self-certification. (Briefs).(Plumbing Manufacturers Institute)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The Conformity Assessment Task Force of the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute has refocused its efforts to streamline the NSF Standard 61 product certification, auditing and testing processes working through the NSF 60/61 Joint Committee. Slow...

U.S. Industries completes sale of lighting companies. (Briefs).(Hubbell Inc. acquires LCA Group)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... U.S. Industries said it has completed the previously announced sale of its domestic lighting companies, including LCA Group, to Hubbell Inc. of Orange, Conn. In addition, current LCA Chairman and CEO James O'Leary will leave the company to...

Insurer pulls out of California due to rising claims. (Around the Industry).(State Farm to cease to provide policies for California homes)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
June 1, 2002... Rising toxic mold claims have left their mark on yet another state as State Farm -- the largest insurer in California -- has decided it would no longer write new policies in the state starting May 1. With 1.5 million home policyholders in...

ISH NA becomes 'anchor' for industry events. (Around the Industry).(Toronto trade show)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... ISH North America is rapidly becoming the "anchor" for a variety of industry-related events. International exhibitor and buyer interest is on a continuous rise. In addition to the events listed below, the show producers and sponsors are in...

Nevada Contractor-Owned Insurance firm expands into New Mexico. (Around the Industry).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Nevada Contractors Insurance, based in Las Vegas, recently expanded its reach into New Mexico, offering workers' compensation coverage to New Mexico contractors under NCI's wholly owned subsidiary Builders Insurance Co., the workers' comp arm...

Peerless announces training dates. (Around the Industry).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Peerless Heater Co. has announced the following dates and locations for its "Colors of Heat" training seminars. All locations will feature two seminars, each with a different topic -- except for the Boyertown, Pa., location, which will feature...

Halsey Taylor celebrates 90th year. (Around the Industry).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... We tend to take for granted what a bleak and dangerous world surrounded us within the life spans of people still alive today. In 1896, Halsey W. Taylor lost his father to an outbreak of typhoid fever caused by contaminated water. A few years...

DOL says plumbers missed 8 work days. (Around the Industry).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
June 1, 2002... The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released lost work time stats from injuries and illnesses: About 1.7 million injuries and illnesses required workers to take time off work for 2000, the same as 1999. While...

PSI offers members online purchasing. (Around the Industry).(VenVest Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... VenVest, a St. Louis-based venture capital and holding company, is launching a self-service Internet portal for the more than 750 members of VenVest portfolio companies AirTime500 and Plumbers' Success International. Plumbing and HVAC...

ImproveNet slashes workforce. (Briefs).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... ImproveNet, a national home improvement service, announced a restructuring effective March 29, 2002, which included the closure of its service center in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Customer service operations are now handled out of the company's...

ServiceMaster reports first-quarter increase. (Briefs).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
June 1, 2002... ServiceMaster announced that its first quarter 2002 revenues were up 2 percent to a total of $747 million. First-quarter earnings were 10 cents per share, compared with 6 cents per share in 2001. The Home Maintenance and Improvement segment was...

A.O. Smith moves headquarters. (Briefs).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... A.O. Smith Water Products Co. announced it will move its headquarters from Irving, Texas, to Ashland City, Tenn., by July 1. This is the site of the primary manufacturing facility of State Industries, which was acquired by A.O. Smith. The...

Partnership or serfdom? Does working for a big box sound too good to be true? It probably is! (Business Tips).
June 1, 2002... On the pages of this and other plumbing industry trade magazines we now see advertisements touting the "generous" offer by one of the world's largest retailers to "come and work for us." Many of you reacted with outrage to this intrusion on our...

A signature system: combining modern hydronics technology with old-fashioned professionalism. (Hydronics Workshop).
June 1, 2002... Over the last few years, I've had the opportunity of presenting many training seminars on modern hydronic heating all over North America. Along the way, I've met many people who are eager to learn and apply new concepts. True professionals who...

Thoughts on water heaters. (Off the Wall).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Original inquiry: Several years ago I saw a program on PBS showing how to install pipes in the floor, then attach them to a hot water heater, which then put hot water under the floor to heat the house. I cannot find anything on this in the...

Low flow is the only way to go: think bath remodeling is all about fashion? well, it might just be about the water.(Statistical Data Included)
June 1, 2002... Bath remodeling usually, means a "makeover" for the most utilitarian room in the house. While there's no discounting the influence that fashion, color and style have had recently in the bathroom, here's another "trend" to think about this year...

Behind the curtain: an unconventional research method helps one company develop the perfect showerhead for today's consumers.(Moen Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... "Pay close attention to the man behind the (shower) curtain." You don't need to be a wizard and read the minds of your clients to figure out their wants and needs. All you ever wanted to know about the showering habits of consumers has...

Don't get mad, get soaked: a hot shower may dean your body, but a soak in a bathtub can renew your spirit.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The Romans did it. The Turks did it. The Japanese still do it. I'm talking about bathing. Bathing in deep tubs with hot water. Just close your eyes. Forget about the creep who cut you off on your way home. Forget about the impossible deadlines...

Leak detection overview: leak detection can be a profitable specialty addition to your firm with the proper equipment and training.
June 1, 2002... Leak detection is one specialty more plumbing contractors need to understand better. Difficult to do? Without proper training and quality leak detection instruments, that assessment isn't far off the mark. But that's true of anything. If...

Moisture specialist dries out Pentagon devastation: mechanical contractor calls in specialty firm to save completed construction.(Munters Moisture Control Services)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Considering the human toll taken by the events of last Sept. 11, no one's first, second or third thought was on the structural damage to the Pentagon. "While the horrific loss of life and the attack on our country makes this event one of...

The change order challenge: preserve your profit in the field.
June 1, 2002... Overall, the job went pretty well -- fast paced and harried (as usual) -- but no major problems. There were a few changes by the owner and architect during the work, plus a few more your own guys flushed out, but nothing that couldn't be...

Zeros are the real winners: an FBI sting indicts l3 Philly plumbing inspectors. (Plumbing Primer).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... I received a call from a friend on March 19, telling me to go online to Philly.com. That is the Web site that has all the local information on the happenings in Philadelphia. The lead story on the site was that 13 plumbing inspectors (all but...

Improving your return on investment: make the advertising dollars you spend on Yellow Pages ads count. (In the Field).
June 1, 2002... If you're like me, when you travel u reach for the Yellow Pages in the hotel in the city you are in and scan the advertisements -- just to see what the contractors' advertisements look like I am curious as to whether their ads are better or...

Should your foreman drink with his crew? Trying to be a good boss and stay friends is a tough balancing act. (Practical Management).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... We have hundreds of good reasons why your foremen should be trained to work with and supervise your employees. Our great construction industry is filled with hard-working, diligent foremen who were never instructed how to train, motivate,...

Single-lever faucet. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Elkay Mfg. Co. introduces a new bath addition to its Allure[TM] faucet line. The new single-lever lay faucet features a streamlined profile and a contemporary chrome finish, and complements the existing line of kitchen, bar and bath faucets....

Sensor faucets. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Symmons introduces its Ultra-Sense[R] S-6080, the latest addition to its opto-electronic faucet line. The faucets perform an "active triangulation measurement" to pinpoint the approach of a hand or other object, providing greater accuracy and...

Single-control Roman tub faucet. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Price Pfister[R] introduces the industry's first single-control Roman tub faucet manufactured in North America. Part of the Parisa[TM] collection, it features the company's TwistPfit[TM] system that cuts installation time in half. Ideal for...

Hardwater faucet. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Gerber Plumbing Fixtures Corp. introduced a complete line of Gerber Hardwater[R] faucets and valves to fight water's corrosive properties, which can damage internal working parts. The Easy Filler Hardwater kitchen faucet features a high arch...

Infrared faucet. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Geberit Mfg. introduces an infrared faucet that combines micro-electronic technology with a sleek design. Ideal for commercial renovation or new construction where frequency is the norm, it is battery-powered and requires no electrical hookup,...

Single-lever faucets. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Single-Lever Faucets: [not pictured] T&S Brass announces its line of single-lever faucets that feature solid brass bodies as opposed to plastic. They deliver greater durability, and the ceramic cartridges give the faucet a longer life....

Pull-down faucet. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Pull-Down Faucet: The Vinnata[TM] from Kohler Co. is a pull-down spray kitchen faucet boasting design and functionality. A high arch spout and ergonomically designed pull-down sprayhead with swivel joint at the end make this faucet unique. ...

Faucet collections. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Bach[TM] introduces four artistically inspired bathroom faucet collections: the Morceau[TM], Arietta[TM], Allemande[TM] and Grazia[TM]. Composed of solid cast brass for strength and durability, and ceramic disc valves, each collection includes...

Bar faucet. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... The new Medallion Bar Faucet from Blanco America Inc. is inspired by neoclassic style with a high arch and postmount configuration. Features include a solid brass body, 2,2-gpm flow rate, ceramic disk cartridge and lifetime drip-free warranty....

Single-control product line. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Wolverine Brass offers its Encore II[TM] lavatory single-control lever faucet with 35mm cartridge and 100-year cartridge warranty. All chrome lavatories available with and without popup 8-1/2-inch D-type tube spout. Circle 10

Bather safety device. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Powers introduces its Hydroguard HT115 for thermostatic protection in the shower, designed to instantly reduce the flow to less than 0.25 gpm if the temperature reaches 115 degrees F. Solid brass construction enhances durability. Circle 11...

Under-sink guardian. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Watts Regulator Co. offers its Under Sink Guardian[TM] (USG-B), a professional-grade thermostatic mixing valve. It automatically blends hot and cold water to produce safe, mixed water from the hot water faucet. Constructed of heavy-duty bronze...

Pressure-balancing valve. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... The 37P from TWI Industrial features a forged brass body without stop-valve; a 1/2-inch PS (F.I.P.) valve body; a 40 m/m washerless cartridge with temperature limit stop; and back-to-back function. Ceramic cartridge and washerless cartridge can...

High-flow thermostat valve. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Grohe announces the introduction of its new "high flow" Grohtherm thermostatic temperature control valves and trim. The 3/4-inch Grohtherm shower safety valve flows 18 gpm (at 45 psi) and meets the scald-protection requirements of ASSE Standard...

Shower system. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Shower System: [not pictured] Moen's Posi-Temp[R], Moentrol[R] and ExactTemp[R] shower valves each offer consumers various showering benefits. The Posi-Temp is a pressure-balancing cycling valve that ensures water remains a constant +/-2...

Mixing valve bulletin. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... The Leonard Valve Co. introduces a new bulletin covering its complete line of emergency mixing valves. It includes 10 models, all of which deliver tepid water for every emergency or eyewash application. All systems are factory assembled, tested...

Anti-scald valve. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Anti-Scald Valve: [not pictured] Speakman Co. offers its Sentinel Mark II[R] Regency[TM] concealed antiscald balanced pressure shower valve. Chrome-plated brass wall plate with metal lever handle accommodates roughing-in variations. Features a...

Gas-powered water jet. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... The new J-2950[TM] gas-powered water jet from General Pipe Cleaners slices through stubborn grease, sludge, sand and ice stoppages. Power comes from an 11-horsepower Honda engine connected directly to a 3,000 psi, 4 gallon/min. triplex pump....

Leak detection. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... American Leak Detection uses a new testing device called "LeakTell" that uses ultra-sensitive computer microprocessors to detect microscopic changes in fluid levels of pools, fountains and spas. This innovative equipment is so precise it can...

Fill valve. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... The new adjustable, antisiphon toilet tank fill valve from Brass Craft Mfg. Co. adjusts from g inches to 14 inches to fit most toilet tanks. Unlike competitive units that must be removed from the tank to adjust, this fill valve can be raised or...

Trenchless pipe replacement. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Pipe Genie[TM] offers the next generation of trenchless technology with a complete line of underground pipework equipment. Install any type of pipe: cast or ductile iron, clay, concrete, ABS, PVC or PE. Circle 21

Slope designer. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Slope Designer: [not pictured] The Noble Co. offers Pro-Slope[TM], which creates the required slope to drain under a waterproof membrane and allows moisture to escape and eliminates bacterial contamination. Made from expanded polystyrene, it...

Septic cleaner. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Septic Cleaner: EcoPow!Green from Utility clears drains, grease traps, sewers, cesspools, septic tanks, waste systems and drain fields. It liquefies hardened detergents and greases, eliminates the need for expensive pumping, improves drainage...

Dura-PEX piping. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Chemically free, flexible Dura-PEX[R] piping from Consolidated Plumbing Industries (CPI) provides homebuilders and remodeling contractors with fast and easy plumbing installations. Clean and abrasion-resistant, the plastic piping is flexible...

Radiant ready. (Product Focus: Faucets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... Builders and homeowners are installing Wirsbo PEX tubing during construction, even if they don't plan to complete the system immediately. Planning ahead to make a home Radiant Ready[TM] lets you complete installation at any time in the future....

Midsize trail Jetter. (Product Focus: Fauets).(advertisement)
June 1, 2002... The new 3515-FC HydroJetter[TM] from O'Brien Mfg. is designed for increased power and cost efficiency. The trailer-mounted unit is equipped with "catwalk" finders and a 350-gallon arch-style water tank. Also features a 48-horsepower Kubota...

5 Keys to success in the plumbing business: excerpted from an address to the Georgia PHCC, May 7, 2002. (Editorial Opinion).
June 1, 2002... It's tricky to generalize about what makes a successful plumbing contractor, because there are so many facets to the business. Service is completely different than construction work, and residential specialists often don't have much in common...