Plumbing & Mechanical articles from June 2004

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from June 2004

Good old days?(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2004... Boy did seeing that pipe-threading tool make me feel my age (68) (Letters To The Editor, January 2004). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fifty years ago when I first started in the plumbing industry, everything was hard, heavy and dirty. This...

More 'Trash Talk'.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2004... I agree: Union apprenticeship programs are excellent. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I agree: ABC should respond to criticism regarding enrollments and cancellations. I agree: Unions are the last bastion of craftsmanship--but only because...

A little appreciation goes a long way.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2004... I just finished reading Al Levi's column on Lou Dinnella ("Who's Lou?" March 2004). What a guy! But the reason I felt compelled to contact you was how impressed I was with how much Al, his boss, seemed to appreciate Lou's service and...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
June 1, 2004... PM listed the wrong address for the Web site of Reflectix Inc. in our Radiant Heating Report 2004. The correct address is: www.reflectixinc.com. We apologize for any confusion.

VenVest plans to take contractors public by next year.(Around the Industry)(Plumbers' Success International)(VenVest Inc.)
June 1, 2004... Plumbers' Success International[R] plans to go public early next year along with two other affinity groups run by VenVest Inc., the group's top executive said during a speech April 30 at the PSI Summit, April 27-30, Orlando, Fla. "We're...

New England engineers join ISH North America.(Around the Industry)
June 1, 2004... ISH North America continues its momentum with the announcement that the 2004 New England Plant Engineering & Facilities Management Show and Conference will be co-located with ISH NA, Oct. 14-16 in Boston. It is expected to add an additional...

RPA holds first RadFest.(Around the Industry)(Radiant Panel Association)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... About 400 contractors attended the Radiant Panel Association's first RadFest, April 15-16, Madison, Wis., a combination trade show, educational seminar and informal meeting. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] More than 40 different companies,...

Drinking water legislation would impact fixtures.(Around the Industry)
June 1, 2004... Responding to the high lead levels in the drinking water systems of Boston and the nation's capitol, Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-Vt.), ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced legislation to overhaul the Safe...

Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Fund formed.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Relatives of those who died at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, have formed the Pentagon Memorial Fund to raise funds for construction and maintenance of a memorial on the Pentagon grounds. The fund's goal is to raise $30 million to build the...

DOL expands overtime regs.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The U.S. Department of Labor released final overtime regulations for "white collar" workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The new "FairPay" rules expand the number of workers eligible for overtime by tripling the salary threshold: Workers...

Technical Committees review 2006 UPC, UMC proposals.(Briefs)(Uniform Plumbing Code)(Uniform Mechanical Code)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... About 300 new Uniform Plumbing Code and 60 Uniform Mechanical Code proposals for the 2006 code documents were presented April 26-30 at the UPC and UMC Technical Committee meetings in Denver. The committees considered proposals on new materials...

NSPC hearing scheduled.(Briefs)(National Standard Plumbing Code)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The National Standard Plumbing Code Committee will consider proposed changes to the NSPC at a public hearing Aug. 26, 2004, at the Fairview Park Marriott, Falls Church, Va. Changes accepted by the committee will be included in the 2005...

K/BIS 2004 reports record numbers.(Briefs)(Kitchen/Bath Industry Show )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... More than 51,000 industry professionals--contractors, distributors, designers, architects, dealers, retailers and press--attended the 2004 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show April 2-4 in Chicago. New Product Awards were given to Julien Sinks (Best...

CCA discusses hot housing markets.(Briefs)(Construction Contractors Alliance)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Nevada, Arizona and Florida have the highest housing market "hotness" ratings, according to real estate expert Jeff Meyers, who spoke at the spring Construction Contractors Alliance meeting in San Francisco. The ratings are based on housing...

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing adds four new franchises.(Briefs)(AHC Enterprises)(McDaniel & Son Plumbing)(Liberty Plumbing)(Drain Masters Plumbing & Drain Co.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Benjamin Franklin Plumbing added four new plumbing contractors as franchisees: AHC Enterprises (Greenville, S.C.); McDaniel & Son Plumbing (Arlington, Texas); Liberty Plumbing (Duncanville, Texas); and Drain Masters Plumbing & Drain Co. (St....

SGI, Mister Sparky form Electricians' group.(Briefs)(Success Group International)(Mister Sparky Inc.)(Electricians' Success International)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Success Group International[TM] teamed up with Atlanta-based Mister Sparky Inc. to form Electricians' Success International[TM]. Modeled after SGI's similar affinity groups serving the plumbing and HVAC contracting industries, ESI is a new...

UAC holds unity conference.(Briefs)(Union-Affiliated Contractors)(Robert J. "Bud" Riestenberg appointed)(Tom Gent appointed)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Union-Affiliated Contractors recently learned how to go from "good" to "great" at Unity 2004 in Austin, Texas, as Kirk Alter provided insight into companies that made and sustained the transition to high-performing companies. Bill Ecklund...

Comfort systems' chambers resigns.(Briefs)(Comfort Systems USA Inc.)(Norman C. Chambers resigns)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Comfort Systems USA announced that Norman C. Chambers is resigning as president, chief operating officer and director to accept a senior position in a different industry, effective April 30, 2004. Bill Murdy will assume the president and COO...

Three companies join GAMA's HI division.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Potter Electric Signal, St. Louis, Mo.; tekmar Control Systems Ltd., Vernon, Canada; and Triad Boiler Systems Inc., West Chicago, Ill., recently joined the Hydronics Institute Division of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association. The...

Eljer turns 100.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Eljer Plumbingware)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... This year, Eljer Plumbingware marks its 100th anniversary. Eljer--a name formed from the combination of the middle name of the founders, Raymond Elmer Crane and cousin Oscar Jerome Backus--originally made flush valves in Oakland, Calif. In...

Obituary: Kenneth Zoeller VP engineering, Zoeller Co.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
June 1, 2004... Kenneth Everett "Ken" Zoeller, 59, vice president of engineering at Zoeller Co., died May 8 of a heart attack while traveling in Taipei, Taiwan, on business. He spent 37 years at Zoeller. He held nine patents related to pump technology and...

Irwin Tools supports SkillsUSA Championships.(Vendor & Supplier News)(IRWIN Industrial Tools)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Irwin Industrial Tools Co. is sponsoring the SkillsUSA Championships, June 24-25 in Kansas City, Mo., a two-day national competition for high school and postsecondary students participating in 75 hands-on skill and leadership categories. The...

REHAU offers radiant heating courses.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Rehau Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... REHAU announced it 2004 schedule of Skill Builders training classes, offered through the REHAU Academy. The three-day basic training course covers instruction in the use of Raupex[R] pipe and the Everloc[R] fitting system in radiant heating,...

Prier Products.(Rep News)(John Tew & Associates)(Whitt Sales)(Bulls-I Sales)(Prier Products Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Prier Products appointed John Tew & Associates of Goldsboro, N.C., as its representative for North Carolina and South Carolina; Whitt Sales of Baton Rouge, La., for Louisiana and Mississippi; and Bulls-I Sales as an exclusive rep in Iowa and...

Sussman Lifestyle Group.(Rep News)(Bystrom Associates Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Bystrom Associates Inc. of Seattle is the new manufacturers representative for Sussman Lifestyle Group, maker of steam-bath generators, sauna rooms, sauna heaters and towel warmers. Bystrom will cover the Pacific Northwest.

Price Pfister.(Rep News)(Price Pfister Inc.)(Access Marketing)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Price Pfister named Access Marketing of Detroit as its 2004 Agency of the Year. The award is based on an agency's ability to exceed sales goals, as well as other criteria including continuous growth and performance.

The Chicago Faucet Co.(Rep News)(Chicago Faucet Co.)(Renco)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * The Chicago Faucet Co. recently named Tucson, Ariz.-based Renco--Arizona its 2003 Rep of the Year. President George Vandergrift and Jeff Maples (Sales) of Renco were presented with an award from Chicago Faucets management.

Basco Shower Door Co.(Rep News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Basco Shower Door Co. recently presented the following awards to its sales representatives: Founder's Cup -- Bill Boehnlein, Bill Boehnlein Sales Inc., Hudson, Wis.; Sales Rep of the Year -- Dominion Marketing Inc., Timonium, Md.; Eastern...

Richard "Buddy" McMahon.(Rep News)(Creative Bath Products Inc.)(Richard "Buddy" McMahon appointed)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Richard "Buddy" McMahon joined Creative Bath Sales, a manufacturers rep for the decorative plumbing industry, as its metro New York rep.

What's new in industry Web sites.(Around the Industry)
June 1, 2004... * State-of-the-art business, marketing and operational training will be available online to all Quality Service Contractors (www.qsc-phcc.org) members through the organization's alliance with EPL for Residential (www.eplresidential.com), an...

The Plumbing 'fields': what kind of 'crops' are you sowing in your business?(Business Tips)
June 1, 2004... Farmer Bob was restless. He hadn't had a good night's sleep in weeks because he was worried about his freshly planted crops. Oh, there had been just enough rain and he knew that the bottom land he planted was rich and fertile. He was worried...

The arsenic rule: how plumbers can tap into the market of new technologies.
June 1, 2004... It's been three years since the Environmental Protection Agency adopted a rule for arsenic in drinking water to be at a level of 10 parts per billion (ppb) or lower, and the water community has been busy developing technologies to meet this...

It's always something ... new ground water contaminants to be aware of.
June 1, 2004... Arsenic. Lead. Mercury. Pesticides. Legionella. E. coli. We're all familiar with these contaminants that have been found, at one time or another, in our drinking water. Some at dangerous levels. Various consumer groups, environmental groups and...

Buyer aware: third-party testing and certification takes the guesswork out of choosing water treatment equipment.(Certification programs )
June 1, 2004... If concerns over what's in a glass of water have grown rapidly in the past decade, then it's no surprise that the number of water treatment devices on the market should be just as expansive. Want a simple water filter? There are more than 2,500...

Eliminating chlorine from drinking water: while chlorine is a common disinfectant, too much residual chlorine can be the difference between 'good' water and 'bad' water.
June 1, 2004... For hundreds of years, the conventional wisdom has been to treat water centrally and pipe it to its users. This brings up several challenges. In many areas of the country, a significant challenge exists in dealing with the definition of...

Valve smarts: a mixing valve without 'brains' will not properly perform.(Hydronics Workshop)
June 1, 2004... There are several types of mixing controls currently available for situations where conventional boilers (e.g., those designed to operate without sustained flue gas condensation) are matched up with low-temperature distribution systems. They...

A pipe within a pipe: plenty of products promise to make underground repairs as unobtrusive as possible.(Feltner's Sewer & Drain)
June 1, 2004... CONTRACTOR Steve Feltner runs Feltner's Sewer & Drain, Milwaukee, and as the name suggests, the family-owned business specializes in piping that lies under grass, dirt, cement, tile, etc. You name it, and if piping is under there, Feltner will...

Renovating corroded pipe from the inside.(protection from corrosiveness)
June 1, 2004... SMASHING through wallpaper, tile, drywall, wood floors and ceilings to repipe corroded domestic water pipe may make even more of a mess than ripping up the front yard to expose a damaged lateral line. At the very least, the lateral is outside....

Then & now: from "quarters" to millions, this company gets it done. The Waterworks, Columbus, Ohio.(PM's Truck of the Month)
June 1, 2004... This month, PM's Truck Of The Month company was chosen for its sheer force of numbers. When you operate a fleet of more than 128 vehicles--of all shapes, sizes and styles--you win hands-down in our book. But this Columbus, Ohio-based company...

Shower system: wish lists.(Homeowners seeking fashionable and functional shower systems)
June 1, 2004... An unanswerable want ad? Not anymore. Today's shower systems are designed to meet the needs of end users--and end users want it all. American homeowners especially have placed improved shower systems high on their priority lists when...

Code politics: the content of the code is what's important.(Plumbing Primer)(National Standard Plumbing Code )
June 1, 2004... There is a new round of plumbing code politics that has permeated the plumbing industry. As with any political arena, there are a lot of half-truths and innuendo being passed around. Furthermore, all sides are to blame. [ILLUSTRATION...

Why don't you hold people accountable? Take control by recruiting, hiring, training and rewarding the right people.(Managing Your Business)
June 1, 2004... About a year ago, I was talking with a trainer who specializes in sales and sales coaching. He wanted to know why some owners and managers refuse to hold their people accountable to their own sales standards. He genuinely wanted them to be...

Blue collar roots, white collar dreams: are we living in limbo?(Hydronic Controls)
June 1, 2004... In the March issue of this magazine, there were three letters to the editor in response to my January column about "Back Row Boy" technicians. All three letters observed that the Back Row Boy syndrome applies to contracting business owners as...

More than a business: create a wealth-building strategy in your managerial system.(In the Field)
June 1, 2004... Every day when you go to work, you focus your energy on making your business a success. But are you putting the same type of effort toward making yourself and your future a success? Let me explain the difference. Hard work and applying the...

Keeping score--project managers: the project management position is too critical for you to overlook.(Practical Management)
June 1, 2004... Most of you have heard the statement, "You can't put 10 pounds of potatoes in a five-pound bag." This is the best job description I've ever heard to describe what a project manager does or should be doing! Any good employee wants to be measured...

Radiant insulation: tarp vs. board.(Heating Trends)
June 1, 2004... Insulating under a poured slab for radiant heating applications is nothing new, even in an industry that's only been around the last third of a century. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] But emerging products and materials have changed the way...

Change, change, change ... flexible gas pipe, CPVC, PEX, now EasyFit.(Product Of The Month)
June 1, 2004... The plumbing and heating industry continues to experience significant changes. These changes have been brought on because the industry is losing qualified labor faster than it can train new people and competition is getting tougher everyday....

Traditional modernity.(Products & Literature)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Traditional Modernity: The Bannockburn is the newest addition to the Danze product line. Its sleek, transitional styling fits both contemporary and traditionally styled bathrooms, and is the first to feature the new Permanence[R] brushed brass...

Best Flushing System.(Products & Literature)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Best Flushing System: American Standard now offers its Champion toilet with America's Best Flushing System, which creates a powerful current in the bowl with one flush. A Flush Tower[TM] replaces rubber flappers, and efficiently cleans the...

ShowHouse by Moen.(Products & Literature)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... ShowHouse By Moen: Moen has begun offering its new brand of upscale kitchen and bath decor--ShowHouse[TM] by Moen. Featuring three complete powder room collections, a full kitchen and bath suite, and a line of pulldown kitchen and prep faucets....

Blast from the past.(Products & Literature)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Blast From The Past: Retroaktiv is a premium line of traditionally styled faucets from Hansgrohe. Released this year, it offers three distinctive handle designs and spouts with names of three popular dances from the 1950s: Swing, Tango and...

Brizo brand.(Products & Literature)(Delta)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Brizo Brand: Delta has launched its new high-end kitchen and bath faucet line--Brizo. Designed to provide aesthetic beauty and superior performance, Brizo is Delta's premium line of two new product offerings for the kitchen and bath:...

Washbasin.(Products & Literature)(Deca)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Washbasin: Deca from South America presents its UL 93 Washbasin to the United States market. Its dimensions practically eliminate space requirements. Made of fireclay with an above-counter design, UL 93 accents the bath with elegant,...

Water line repair [no photo].(Products & Literature)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Water Line Repair [no photo]: The Cold-Shot[TM] Pipe Freezing Kit from General Pipe Cleaners lets you repair an operating water system without draining water lines. Using carbon dioxide in dip-tube cylinders, the Cold-Shot freezes liquids in...

Bath waste trim kit.(Products & Literature)
June 1, 2004... Bath Waste Trim Kit: The new bath waste and trim kit 2004 product illustration and price book has been released by WATCO Mfg. Co. The 32 pages include the full line of bath waste and trim kits, as well as a complete parts list and 2004 prices...

Concept sink.(Products & Literature)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Concept Sink: Elkay Mfg. offers its Concept 2004 oversized undermount stainless-steel sink. For family gatherings, the 360-degree design can fit four adults comfortably, and features a 6-inch-high faucet pedestal positioned in the center of the...

Water heater valve [no photo].(Products & Literature)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Water Heater Valve [no photo]: Hodesco's new full port water heater drain ball valve comes with forged brass hose cap and stainless-steel chain. It is also available with custom handles featuring your company name and phone number. Circle...

Software update [no photo].(Products & Literature)(Cloversoft)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Software Update [no photo]: Cloversoft announces the release of PricePoint 4, the newest version of its pricing database software. Designed for the "Mom and Pop"-sized business, PricePoint 4 is simple to operate with a straightforward approach...

'Watering can' showerhead.(Products & Literature)
June 1, 2004... 'Watering Can' Showerhead: Homeowners can have broader shower coverage through a "watering can" showerhead from Alsons Corp. The 682 Series features an 8 1/2-inch watering can style showerhead with an elegant look and ample spray coverage. ...

Water treatment.(Products & Literature)(American Plumber )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Water Treatment: American Plumber has introduced a new complete line of water treatment products to the plumbing wholesale channel. It consists of both water softeners and automatic water treatment filters, and is available through 3,300...

Limescale eliminator.(Products & Literature)
June 1, 2004... Limescale Eliminator: The ScaleBlaster from Clearwater Enviro Tech eliminates formation of limescale deposits in ground water pipes without the need of water softening equipment, salts or chemicals. Integrated circuitry produces complex...

Contractor-grade sump pump.(Products & Literature)
June 1, 2004... Contractor-Grade Sump Pump: The Model 247 sump pump by Liberty Pumps is a "contractor-grade" 1/4-horsepower pump with a one-piece, cast-iron body. The 247 features a peripheral-port suction which helps reduce sand and gravel from entering the...

'Green' Flushometer [no photo].(Products & Literature)
June 1, 2004... 'Green' Flushometer [no photo]: The Crown[R] II Piston Flushometer designed for "green" environments is now available with new aesthetics from Sloan Valve Co. Designed with a new handle assembly and an outside cover with accent rings offered...

Tankless water heater [no photo].(Products & Literature)
June 1, 2004... Tankless Water Heater [no photo]: Bradford White Corp. recently added the EverHot[R] tankless gas water heater to its product line. The new, on-demand water heaters provide continuous hot water to multiple points-of-use without using a storage...

Power Drive [no photo].(Products & Literature)
June 1, 2004... Power Drive [no photo]: The Reed Mfg. Co. 300PD Power Drive is electric-motor-driven for up to 2-inch diameter pipe, conduit and rod/bolt stock. It rotates pipe while cutting, threading and reaming. Accessories include a tripod, transporter,...

Your jobs cannot be outsourced: take advantage of this moment in time to sell young people on industry careers.(Editorial Opinion)(Editorial)
June 1, 2004... For about 20 years, the most persistent problem facing PHC contractors has been the skilled labor shortage. Talented young people have been forsaking industry careers for a variety of reasons that have been detailed many times in these pages...