Plumbing & Mechanical articles from March 2007

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from March 2007

'Illegal' means 'against the law'.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2007... After reading Dan Holohan's column, I go right to Jim Olsztynski's and then the rest. I enjoy PM 100 percent. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] November's issue raised my hackles quite a bit ("Those Illegals We Can't Live Without"), so I figured...

Go solar!(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2007... I just wanted to say thank-you to the editors for allowing Carol Fey to write her piece "The New Market For Solar" regarding solar heating in the February 2007 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical. Renewable energy (RE), such as solar domestic...

Home Depot considers selling HD supply.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
March 1, 2007... Analysts say renewed focus on retail is long overdue The division could be worth between $8 billion and $13 billion HD Supply's sales were about 15 percent of Home Depot's total 3Q 2006 sales Home Depot Inc. announced Feb. 12 it...

EPA adds bathroom faucets to WaterSense Program.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
March 1, 2007... The EPA released a draft specification establishing the criteria for high-efficiency bathroom sink faucets as part of its new WaterSense program that are a third lower than current federal standards. In addition to all applicable ASME...

NAHB, ICC announce green building agreement.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
March 1, 2007... At the recent International Builders' Show in Orlando, the National Association of Home Builders and the International Code Council announced a collaboration to develop and publish a residential green building standard. The joint effort will...

Proposed changes to NSPC requested.
March 1, 2007... The National Standard Plumbing Code Committee is requesting proposed changes to the 2006 NSPC by April 26. The committee will review all properly submitted proposals in May in preparation for the public hearing, scheduled for Aug. 23 in Falls...

Little change in 2006 construction employment.
March 1, 2007... The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, after increasing by 295,000 in 2005, construction employment was little changed in 2006. Over the year, gains in nonresidential specialty trades and in heavy construction were largely offset by...

2006 construction union membership drops slightly.
March 1, 2007... Labor union membership remained relatively unchanged in the construction industry last year, representing 13 percent (nearly 1.1 million workers) of the total construction industry workforce in 2006 (8.44 million workers), compared to 13.1...

Construction wage/benefit increases rose in 2006.
March 1, 2007... The Construction Labor Research Council reported that newly negotiated construction wages and benefit agreement settlements last year averaged a $1.73 increase, or 4.5 percent, for their first year. The average second-year increase for...

HARDI launches new hydronics & radiant heat council.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
March 1, 2007... In January, the Heating, Airconditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) board of directors voted unanimously to create a new Hydronics & Radiant Heat Council in response to the growing importance these products have among...

Foster McCarl Jr., founder, McCarl's Inc.(OBITUARIES)
March 1, 2007... Foster McCarl Jr., 83, founder of mechanical contracting firm McCarl's Inc., died Jan. 24 in Chippewa, Pa. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, McCarl used a $4,200 GI loan to start McCarl's Plumbing & Heating Co. in 1946. He was active in the...

Marvin J. Boede, UA general president emeritus.(OBITUARIES)(Obituary)
March 1, 2007... Marvin J. Boede, 78, general president emeritus of the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters and Sprinklerfitters, died Jan. 17 in Rockville, Md. He served in Europe with the Army's 11th Airborne Division. After World War II, he attended...

Radiant heat seminar to benefit Oil Heat Cares.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
March 1, 2007... Oil Heat Cares, the National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers, and Taco Inc. are teaming up to present a radiant heating seminar April 5, 2007, at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots football team. All proceeds will go...

NORA tank certification offered.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers will be conducting the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) Tank Certification seminar several times this year at locations throughout NAOHSM chapter areas. Each class is limited to...

CSST lawsuit settled.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
March 1, 2007... A class-action lawsuit over CSST and lightning strikes was settled last month. The lawsuit claimed that CSST was not thick enough to prevent damage to itself in the event of a lightning strike and that it posed an unreasonable risk of...

Meetings, conferences & workshops.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Calendar)
March 1, 2007... * March 26-27--HVAC Excellence is hosting its first National HVAC Educators and Trainers Conference at the Circus Circus Casino and Resort in Las Vegas. The conference brings together people from schools, manufacturing, distribution and...

PHCC auxiliary markets 'Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Opoly'.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... "Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Opoly," a board game that mimics the famous Monopoly board game, is the latest fundraiser from the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Auxiliary. The game was introduced at the PHCC National Convention...

American Standard to sell namesake B&K business.(Vendor & Supplier: NEWS)
March 1, 2007... American Standard announced last month that the $11 billion toilets-to-brakes conglomerate dating back to the 19th century would sell its well-known bath-and-kitchen division, spin off its vehicle controls group and rename itself Trane after...

The right price, Part two: continuing the quest for the 'sweet spot' of pricing.(Business: TIPS)
March 1, 2007... Last month, we began exploring a series of maxims--business truths you can count on. Our quest: the "right price." We begin the pricing process with a budgeted cost based upon the true cost of being in business. If you don't know your cost of...

Can water go too fast? New perspectives on a long-standing question.(Hydronics: WORKSHOP)
March 1, 2007... One hydronic heating topic that seems to get endless debate centers on this question: If water moves too fast through a hydronic circuit, will the heat it holds be unable to "jump off" as the stream passes through a heat emitter? I wrote a PM...

Finding better perfomance.(THE GLITCH & THE FIX)
March 1, 2007... Overview: Here is a multitemp/multiload system with several types of heat emitters. The modulating/condensing boiler supplies space-heating loads through a buffer tank. It also supplies an indirect DHW tank as a priority load. Exercise: As...

The 'greening' of the bathroom: conservation techniques and environmental practices are going mainstream.
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You hear a lot of discussion about "green" building these days. And not just by environmentalists; some in the construction industry are "going green" to appeal to a growing number of homeowners concerned about...

You can take it with you.(TRUCK OF THE MONTH)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As a one-man shop, Ron Keuschel Plumbing Inc. needs to operate at maximum efficiency during the day to complete as many service calls as possible. Owner and sole-operator Ron Keuschel excels at this by carrying all...

Bosch acquires FHP.(Vendor & Supplier: NEWS)
March 1, 2007... Germany-based Bosch recently bought Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based FHP Mfg. Co., a manufacturer of electric geothermal heat pumps, to strengthen Bosch's thermotechnology division. FHP will be integrated into that division, which is led by BBT...

Sale of Jacuzzi completed.(Vendor & Supplier: NEWS)
March 1, 2007... Affiliates of Apollo Management completed the acquisition of Jacuzzi Brands in early February. Stockholders approved the merger on Jan. 25. Four class-action stockholder lawsuits filed after the merger announcement were settled by the company...

JB Industries partners with Rothenberger.(Vendor & Supplier: NEWS)
March 1, 2007... JB Industries, Aurora, Ill., announced its exclusive partnership with Germany-based Rothenberger. JB carries a wide selection of Rothenberger pipe tools, which are featured in its new 2007 product catalog. For more information, contact JB...

Masco cuts 16 percent of U.S. workforce.(Vendor & Supplier: NEWS)
March 1, 2007... Masco reported a big loss for its fourth quarter and will cut 8,000 U.S. jobs as a result of the steep decline in the nation's housing market. The company lost $187 million for the quarter compared with a profit of $173 million in the...

Taco dedicates new addition.(Vendor & Supplier: NEWS)
March 1, 2007... Taco Inc. dedicated a new 60,000-square-foot addition to its Cranston, R.I., manufacturing facility in a ceremony Feb. 16 that featured local and state politicians and a performance by the Rhode Island Philharmonic. But the most notable...

NIBCO expands PEX operations.(Vendor & Supplier: NEWS)
March 1, 2007... NIBCO opened its new 80,000-square-foot facility in Franklin, Ohio, which will absorb the PEX pipe post-processing functions and East Coast distribution of PEX pipe that was done at its Lebanon, Ohio, facility. The Lebanon facility will...

REHAU named Mc4 design software reseller.(Vendor & Supplier: NEWS)
March 1, 2007... REHAU was named an authorized reseller of Mc4 software, a heating system design program with graphical input and AutoCad capability, for the United States and Canada. Mc4 is offered in four modules--HvacCad, PipeCad, FireCad and the Mc4 Suite....

HET--here we go again: the government is still trying to get behind the bathroom door.(Plumbing: PRIMER)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] On Jan. 24, 2007, the EPA began its HET program. HET stands for high-efficiency toilets. I find it somewhat annoying that our own government doesn't know that the fixtures are called water closets, not toilets. ...

What, no mercury?! Mercury bulb thermostats have been 'mandatory equipment' for decades. Chances are, however, you'll never miss them now.(Hydronic: CONTROLS)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There's lots of lamenting that the age of mercury thermostats is coming to an end. But I think it's a positive step forward with not much lost at all. Mercury-free models look the same on the outside so you won't get...

What's your tag line? Focus on what your business essentially stands for, what staff must deliver, and why customers should care.(Managing YOUR BUSINESS)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The purpose of a great tag line is to tap into what marketers call TOMA or "Top of the Mind Awareness." This is the mental real estate that all great marketers are looking to own. With TOMA, customers think of you...

Do you enjoy getting that extra inch? Getting to know the personal side of your employees can have a very positive result.(Practical: MANAGEMENT)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Let's talk about item No. 13 on the September 2006 "Just Say Yes" checklist (available in the www.PMmag.com archives; free registration required). It deals with treating every employee as part of the family by...

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry cast-iron products.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Learn about the benefits of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry's cast-iron pipe and fittings in this informative brochure. Charlotte Pipe is the only company that offers a complete line of cast-iron pipe and fittings,...

New Gen-Ear LE water leak detection system.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [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....

Anvil international offers pipe hangers & supports catalog.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With the most complete selection of engineered hangers and supports in the industry, Anvil[R]'s Pipe Hangers and Supports catalog contains specs and illustrations/photos that engineers need when designing jobs...

Unlimited hot water.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [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...

General's J-2512 Typhoon trailer jet storms through big line clogs.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [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...

FindaPlumber.com.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For more than seven years, and with almost 1 million hits a month and growing, FindaPlumber.com is the fastest and most reliable way for homeowners to find a plumber. FindaPlumber. com is the pioneer and leader in...

Grease+Gard automatic grease recovery device.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Grease+Gard is an automatic grease recovery device that relies on a belt and heater assembly to pick up the grease. In a process known as grease recovery, the grease is then skimmed into a small trough where it...

RG6HDCOMBO Roll Groover.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Reed's professional-grade RG6HDCOMBO Roll Groover forms standard rolled grooves in steel, stainless-steel and aluminum pipe, from 1 1/4 inches to 6 inches, in both Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 pipe. The only...

Center-connection radiator.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Myson T6 IVC center-connection radiator features innovative design, high-quality workmanship and high heat output. This dual-panel, double-convector model offers the advantage of a standard 2-inch central...

Portable pump puller.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pul-A-Pump's patented design provides state-of-the-art performance in a portable pump-pulling device. Built-in features allow efficient, one-man operation. Unique belt-drive mechanism affords continual automatic...

FlexHead Industries.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [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...

Award-winning condensing boiler.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [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 bestin-class turndown--up to...

New Gen-Eye GL video inspection/location system.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Gen-Eye GL[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...

PricePoint software now has service agreements.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PricePoint for "Mom and Pop" plumbing and HVAC contractors now adds service agreements, which improves repeat business while managing your schedule to avoid down time. The software reminds users to contact the...

New Grease+Gard brochure.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Grease+Gard automatic grease recovery device relies on a belt and heater assembly to extract grease from sink and disposal discharge. This four-color brochure features a product isometric that illustrates how the...

Essence two-handle faucets.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wolverine Brass recently introduced its next generation of two-handle Essence faucets that feature ceramic disc technology, plus a smooth graceful design that'll make you say, "Ooooh, nice curves." Wolverine's new...

Full-line instruction catalog.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [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...

Walton pipe extractors.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [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 new Metro-Rooter offers root-cutting power at a bargain price.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] General Pipe Cleaners' new economical Metro-Rooter[TM] is the Mini-Rooter[TM] of root-cutting machines. With a capacity of 75 feet of 5/8-inch Flexicore[R] wire rope center cable, it handles roots and other tough...

The finest tankless electric water heaters available.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stiebel Eltron offers the finest tankless 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...

Symmons' new elements line of luxury kitchen faucets.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Symmons announces the launch of an innovative collection of pull-out kitchen faucets for the home. Featuring five new styles, the Andora[TM], Fiano[TM], Forza[TM], Moscato[TM] and Vella[TM], the Elements Kitchen Line...

Online resource and directory for industry professionals.(Information Showcase)(Directory)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HVACWebConnection.com is an online resource and industry directory dedicated to the needs of HVAC professionals. This free Web site is designed to be your one-stop destination for anything related to your HVAC...

Efficient, compact, lightweight boiler.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Smith's new GT Series offers high efficiencies, up to 92+ percent AFUE for hot water applications when using either natural or propane gas. Its compact, lightweight design is available in 150 and 200 mbh sizes, with...

KN Series boilers up to 99 percent efficient.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hydrotherm's KN Series of condensing, high-efficiency commercial gas-fired boilers feature a self-adaptive design that is tolerant to changing conditions. All KN boilers (the KN-6, the KN-10 and the new KN-20)...

Gas-fired residential boilers.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hydrotherm's Model HW and HV Series gas-fired residential boilers have thicker walls and up to 30 percent more cast-iron than competitive boilers, allowing for better heat transfer, heat retention and a fuel...

New gas-fired series 8.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Smith's Series 8 cast-iron residential boiler with inputs ranging from 105-245 mph, is now available with a Carlin EZ Gas Burner for use with both natural and propane gas. The Series 8 rugged cast-iron construction...

The Futera II and Futera III boilers.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RBI's next generation of sealed-combustion, direct-vent Futera boilers feature full modulation and 3:1 turndown. They supply the precise amount of heat necessary to maintain desired building temperature by matching...

SpacePak introduces ElectriPak.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2007... [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...

EZ removal.(FIRST PLACE)(Plumbing works Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... It took many times of breaking larger metal fittings in the wall for me to come up with this solution. Cut the nipples' length so you are able to get your recip saw in there. With a metal blade, cut out a 1/2-inch portion of the pipe at the top...

Pull through.(tool tips)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... When you need to replace a poly supply line to a dishwasher with a new stainless-steel flex supply line, couple the old supply line to the new one with a 3/8-inch compression coupling and pull new line though old route. This way you don't have...

A better bucket.(tool tips)
March 1, 2007... Who doesn't use plastic five-gallon buckets to carry tools, parts, etc.? But one careless move dropping a pipe wrench into the bottom of the bucket can crack it, plus you usually don't find out until you're draining something into it. I've cut...

Leak-proof connections.(Products & LITERATURE)
March 1, 2007... Leak-Proof Connections: ROTHENBERGER's new ROMAX[R] Compact is a handy crimping tool that provides leak-proof connections of 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-inch copper tube. The slim, battery-powered tool is lightweight and fits in one hand, leaving the...

Low-NOx boilers.(Products & LITERATURE)
March 1, 2007... Low-NOx Boilers: AERCO International Inc. has enhanced its low-NOx line of KC1000 high-efficiency boilers and water heaters. The 1 million Btu/hr. condensing units deliver unmatched turndown while maintaining an environmentally friendly...

Wood-fired boilers.(Products & LITERATURE)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wood-Fired Boiler: Greenwood Technologies offers smoke-free wood-fired boilers that burn 85 percent efficient. Leaves no smoke and virtually no ash. They can permanently reduce consumers' heating bills by 70 percent....

Outlet boxes.(Products & LITERATURE)
March 1, 2007... Outlet Boxes: IPS Corp. introduces the Guy Gray FR-12 Series of fire-rated outlet boxes. Made of high temperature resin, FR-12 series boxes are Warnock Hersey-certified and have a one- and two-hour fire rating. With the intumescent pad attached...

Press-To-Connect.(Products & LITERATURE)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Press-To-Connect: NIBCO Inc. has expanded its offering of press-to-connect copper fittings, valves and associated tools. Designed for potable water, mechanical HVAC and process water applications, the NIBCO[R] Press...

No hub pipe.(Products & LITERATURE)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] No Hub Pipe: Matco-Norca introduces its new imported soil pipe and fittings that conform to the requirements contained in ASTM A888. The products have been third-party tested, a requirement contained in both the...

Toilet fill valve.(Products & LITERATURE)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Toilet Fill Valve: MJSI Inc.'s HydroClean[R] 550 toilet fill valve is designed for areas where the water supply contains little iron bacteria, sediment or other particulate matter. The valves are engineered to save...

Compact leak locator.(Products & LITERATURE)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Compact Leak Locator: The new Gen-Ear LE[TM] from General Pipe Cleaners is a simplified, economical water leak locator with stronger sound amplification. Pinpoint water leaks in residential and commercial water lines...

Anti-microbial protection.(Products & LITERATURE)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Anti-Microbial Protection: Careguard[R] is the perfect combination of hygienic features for faucet attachments with built-in AgION[TM] anti-microbial protection, laminar stream (non-aerated) and screenless...

The real meaning of teamwork: people in our industry could teach a lot to the football coaches of the world.(Editorial: OPINION)
March 1, 2007... I'm one of those guys who turns to the sports pages first thing when I open the daily newspaper. Don't get me going or I could talk all day about the DH rule, zone vs. man coverage, or a thousand other sports-related topics. This is a lifelong...