Plumbing & Mechanical articles from May 2001

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from May 2001

Letters To The EDITOR.
May 1, 2001... Be Careful Of Averages I run the Water Conservation Office for the city of Phoenix. We were the ones who initiated the research on aging 1.6-gpf toilets that was done by Gary Woodard and Jim Henderson and reported in PM ("Aging Low Flows,"...

ISH 2001 Attracts 202,000 Attendees.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Just how big was ISH 2001? We can't verify this with our own feet, but we were told that if you had walked down every aisle of every building of every floor, you would have walked 17 miles. While your feet may not have noticed the...

What is the employee tool policy at your company?
May 1, 2001... Each month PMmag.com explores unique industry trends that affect our PHC industry. The results represent PM's online community's opinions. Workers Provide Own Tools 41% We Split The Cost of Tools 14% Other 14%...

Knollenberg Resurrects Bill To Amend Federal Low-Flow Law.(Energy Policy and Conservation Act to eliminate certain regulation of plumbing supplies)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... In another attempt to "get the federal government out of our bathroom," Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Mich., reintroduced his bill proposing amending water conservation laws. The bill H.R. 1479 was introduced by Knollenberg and 34 cosponsors to the...

C-2000 Professionals Gather For Super Meeting XIX.(Contractors 2000 )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... As an organization of professionals, Contractors 2000 is working hard to advance the image of the service and repair industry as a whole. Right now, Americans have come to take clean drinking water and indoor comfort systems for granted, and...

Wirsbo Now 'Uponor Wirsbo'.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Citing a new focused branding effort, Wirsbo, manufacturer of PEX tubing, assumed the addition of its Finnish parent company's name. Uponor is traded on the Helsinki Exchange and is the second largest pipe supplier in the world. Uponor, founded...

Labor Rates In Construction Rise.(Construction Labor Research Council )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The Construction Labor Research Council announced that labor rates in construction rose 3.8 percent in 2000, representing an increase over 1999 in which labor rates rose 3.3 percent. Based upon the many increases already negotiated in contracts...

UAC Elects New Leadership.(Union-Affiliated Contractors)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The Union-Affiliated Contractors (UAC) elected new leadership at a March 3 trustees' meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. Malcolm Sweet, Jr., Condaire Inc., and Buddy Parkes, Parkes Mechanical & Metals Inc., were elected UAC co-chairs for 2001. Elected...

Plumbing Industry Loses Two Friends.(Bob Gelman; John Hazen White)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
May 1, 2001... John Hazen White, Taco Chairman John Hazen White Sr., who built Taco Inc. into a well-known manufacturer of hydronic pumps and related equipment, died on March 28. He was 87. At the time of his death, White was chairman of Taco,...

Delta, PHCC Offer Scholarship.(Delta Faucet Co. and Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The Delta Faucet Co. is offering six scholarships, each for a one-year award of $2,500. The purpose is to elevate the technical and business competence of the p-h-c industry by offering the scholarships to students enrolled in a p-h-c-related...

MCA Of Chicago Unveils Career Information Site.(Mechanical Contractors Association)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago has established a new career center on its Web site for anyone interested in learning more about careers in the piping industry. The "Career Opportunities" area on the MCA site, www.mca.org,...

'Big Fun Toys' Promotion.(Bradford-White Corp.'s water heaters earn plumbers points)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Bradford White introduces a program that allows plumbing professionals who purchase Magnum Series[R] commercial water heaters to earn points towards 24 prizes, including a mountain bike, DVD player, Palm Pilot, golfing equipment and more. The...

ISH North America Team, Up With Former K/BIS Executives.(kitchen and bath industry shows)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... ISH North America officials will be working with two former marketing and sales executives who helped produce the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show. Todd Davis and Alan Peterson, Davis Peterson Collaborative, will be in charge of marketing the kitchen...

Mestek Unveils New Technology Subsidiary.(new products from Mestek Technology Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2001... Mestek Inc., parent company of several notable industry names -- including Smith Cast Iron Boilers, Hydrotherm, RBI and SpacePak -- has created a new wholly owned technology subsidiary. Mestek Technology Inc. (MTI) will develop technologies to...

i2 Acquires Trade Service, EC-Content.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... i2 Technologies Inc. announced the acquisition of Trade Service Corp. and its affiliate EC-Content Inc., the content divisions of Trade Services Holdings LLC, a privately held company primarily owned by Boston Ventures Management Inc. ...

Agency.com, Skil Power Tools Create Web Site.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Agency.com announced it has teamed with S-B Power Tool Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bosch Group, to provide online information services for its consumer tools brand, Skil[R] Power Tools.Agency.com will work with Skil Power Tools to...

Electric Eel Redesigns Site.(drain cleaning manufacturer)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Electric Eel Mfg. has completed its totally redesigned Web site www.electriceel.com. The new and improved site offers detailed product information, literature, operating manuals and parts listings. It navigates through sectional and drum...

Buzzsaw.com Debuts 'Plans & Specs'.(al plan room system allows reprographers to host customers files locally)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Adding to its online services for the construction industry, Buzzsaw.com announced its Plans & Specs[TM] digital plan room system, giving the $3.5 billion global reprographic printing market an online link to its customers. Plans & Specs allows...

Red-White Site Offers Online Ordering.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Red-White Valve Corp. launched its online ordering capabilities in April. Access to the online order desk is secure and easy to navigate.

Standard Pacific Allies With BuildNet.(electronic commerce services)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... BuildNet has entered into a contract with the Dallas division of Standard Pacific Corp. to provide business-to-business electronic commerce services. Under the agreement, BuildNet will provide Standard Pacific with business server...

NxTrend, Acorn Systems Establish Partnership.(NxTrend Technology Inc.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Acorn Systems Inc. has entered into a partnership agreement with NxTrend Technology Inc. Under the partnership, Acorn's profit management solution will be integrated with NxTrend's strategic exchange product line.

UL Launches Link Program For Plastics Manufacturers.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) launched the UL IQ[TM] Link program, UL's first foray into the e-business arena. Plastics manufacturers now will have the opportunity to provide plastics buyers with hyperlinks from the manufacturer's UL...

Anvil, Pelican Forge Produce Software Library.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Anvil International Inc. (formerly Grinnell Supply Sales and Mfg.) and Pelican Forge Software Co., implemented the Anvil pipe support product line as part of the SupportModeler collection of vendor libraries. SupportModeler is a 3D CAD modeling...

BuildPoint Raises $28 Million.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... BuildPoint Corp. announced the completion of its Series C round of funding. New entities, as well as previous investors, participated in this latest effort which generated $28 million. Strategic industry partners that participated in the...

Clean-Cut Image.(Cabrillo Plumbing and Heating)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
May 1, 2001... Based in San Francisco, Calif., Cabrillo Plumbing and Heating prides itself on its cleanliness and professionalism. The company requires its techs to be clean-cut, and wear spotless white uniforms. One of Cabrillo's mottoes is "The people you...

Census Breakdown.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2001... There are 84,876 plumbing-heating-cooling contractor establishments, according to the updated national Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors economic census issued by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here is a breakdown of...

PMI Possible Third Party Certifier.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The lack of harmonization between ANSI-accredited organizations has prompted the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute to study the possibility of becoming a third party certifier. Universal Conformity Assessment -- where plumbing products are...

Hourly Union Wages Released.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The average hourly union wage for plumbers in a 20-city survey is $36.62 (up 3.3 percent), according to Engineering News-Record magazine. The average hourly union wage for pipefitters in that same 20-city survey is $36.14 (up 3.3 percent), and...

Fluidmaster Now ISO 9001 Compliant.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The results of a registration audit conducted by the National Standards Authority of Ireland deemed Fluidmaster has an established and functioning quality management system.

Hercules Names New Regional Manager.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Chris Mediate was named Hercules's Midwest Regional Manager. Prior to joining Hercules, Mediate spent 12 years in the plumbing products and wholesale distribution industry with Kohler Co., Russell Metals, Symmons Industries and Dwyer Compact...

Bradley, Lawler Reach Agreement.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Bradley Corp. and Lawler Mfg. Co. Inc. have entered into a settlement agreement as a result of a patent infiingement lawsuit filed by Lawler Mfg. Bradley acknowledges the infringement on portions of two specific Lawler patents associated...

Michael Robinson To Head VenVest Internet Exchange.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Ven Vest Inc., a St. Louis-based venture capital firm, has employed Michael S. Robinson to develop the company's Internet exchange, which will link vendors with contractors in the PHC industry. Robinson was president of Contractors Success...

Where's Your Money?(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Anyone in the service business without a c.o.d. policy ought to have his head examined. Sending out a bill for your services entails numerous disadvantages. For instance: 1. Most obviously, the money sits in the customer's checking...

Radiant For The Common Man.(economic and design aspects of radiant heating)
May 1, 2001... As with all major purchases, economic decisions must be made. At last year's Radiant Panel Association conference in Rhode Island, contractor Dave Yates met a man who'd traveled to the show from Pennsylvania in search of a professional to...

Hi-V In D.C.
May 1, 2001... A/C for Wetheads On April 4, 1999, a historic Victorian row house in Georgetown was seriously damaged by fire. All of the home's original windows, a three-story staircase and the central air-conditioning system were destroyed. The kitchen,...

Evaluating Dispatch Software.
May 1, 2001... What you need to consider before making your final decision. For plumbing and mechanical contractors, good dispatch software can make a difference between running a profitable service division and running one that drains company resources....

RISING ABOVE THE COMPETITION.
May 1, 2001... IT TAKLS MORE THAN A LOW BID TO WIN A JOB. HERE ARE MORE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO DIFFERENTIATE YOUR SERVICES. Only 50-60 percent of general contractors buy subcontracting services based on price. But most specialty contractors think 90 percent...

Who Should Install Backflow Preventers?(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Let's look at the big picture and quit fighting about this. If you think back just a few years ago, backflow preventers were never installed on automatic fire sprinkler systems. That all changed when the plumbing industry brought forward...

Make The Most Of The Internet.
May 1, 2001... There are services available, and you can take advantage of them. Regardless of the popular sentiment surrounding the Internet, technology as a productivity tool is here to stay. From product listings to auctions to online permits, a...

New Self-Leveling Camera.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Electric Eel introduces a new camera to its line of TV inspection systems. The new self-leveling color camera measures only 1.6 inches in diameter and 2.25 inches long. This new camera allows the operator to easily view the monitor with the...

Small Line Drain Machine.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The Model E drain cleaner from Electric Eel is designed to clean 1- to 3-inch diameter lines. It runs up to 75 ft. of 3/8- or 1/2-inch diameter cable, which is constructed of certified, galvanized aircraft wire inner core for maximum...

Trailer Jetter.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Electric Eel's new Model 2514 is designed to clean 3- to 12-inch diameter lines and comes standard with 300 ft. of 3/8-inch hose. A 24-horsepower Honda electric start powers the unit, which has a 300-gallon water tank. A heavy-duty triplex pump...

New Drain Cleaner.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Our new upright-style machine, the GO 40 offers plumbers a choice of an enclosed drum, which can be pivoted from 0 to 90 degrees. It comes complete with an extension chord and air footswitch mounted onto a 1/10th horsepower reversible gear...

RootX.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... RootX foaming root control is an effective and profitable tool for eliminating damaging root growth. Cities and professional drain cleaners may attack troublesome pipeline roots with an environmentally safe product for both sanitary and storm...

New Power Feed For Mini-Rooter.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... General Pipe Cleaners announces a new Power Feed attachment for their MiniRooter[TM] that makes feeding and retracting the cable much easier. Quickly attached to all Mini Rooters manufactured by General Pipe Cleaners in the last 15 years, the...

Drain Rooter PH.(from General Pipe Cleaners)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The 22-pound Drain Rooter PH[TM] from General Pipe Cleaners features a compact and portable design with a variable speed power cable feed. A 4-ft. guide hose keeps the cable from whipping and prevents floors and fixtures from becoming dirty....

I-95 Drain Cleaning Machine.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The portable I-95[TM] drain cleaning machine from General Pipe Cleaners packs the versatility to drive sectional or drum-mounted cables through 1 1/4-inch to 4-inch lines -- yet weighs only 39 pounds. It's three machines in one. Use 7/8-inch x...

Cold-Shot Pipe Freezing Kit.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The Cold-Shot[TM] Pipe Freezing Kit from General Pipe Cleaners lets you repair an operating water system -- without draining water lines, sprinkler systems or hot water systems before cutting pipe or tubing. Using Carbon Dioxide ([CO.sub.2]) in...

Control Root & Fungus Growth.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... ROOTROL is the wonder-working chemical for eliminating root and fungus growth. Works overnight. Non-caustic, harmless to skin and clothing. ROOTROL paralyzes and decomposes roots causing them to slough away like rusty water. It has a spreading...

Liquid Alive Bacteria.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... ROSSANE is a suspension treatment of specially developed bacteria. Non-pathogenic, harmless to animal and marine life, eliminates the foul odors and gases they produce. It processes organic waste materials and builds a colony population up to...

Granulated Drain Cleaner.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... ROSSITE is made from an exclusive and patented formula that will not crystallize and does twice the work in half the time without disagreeable odors. Tests prove it is the only product on the market that will maintain a temperature of 200...

Where & How To Find Women.
May 1, 2001... Take advantage of these suggestions and have women lined up at your door. If you followed last month's advice, you're now a coach, and your team is ready to make you a winner. This month we want you to be both willing and able to provide a...

Detail Your Business.
May 1, 2001... Almost no business is completely ready to sell without some fix up. As the years go by, you may be feeling a little burned out from running your business. All the challenges, such as your attempts to keep technicians and meet all your...

All For One & One For All.
May 1, 2001... Link up those boilers and loads for the best results. I just finished reading about a "dream house" built to showcase the very best in domestic luxury and technology. The owner wisely selected hydronics to supply radiant floor heating,...

That's A Good Idea, But I Can't Afford It.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... It takes money to make money, you know. Everyone tells me it's a terrific organization. I hear they offer some great educational programs that will help me run my business better and make some money. But I just can't afford to pay any dues...

'Touch Free' Faucet.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Optima [TM] faucets by Sloan Valve Co. are ADA compliant and engineered for every type of commercial and institutional restroom installation. They are available in integral sensor models, wall-mounted versions and deck-mounted faucets.

Two-Handle Lavatory Faucet.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Eljer introduces the model 3582010. It comes complete with or without an all-brass pop-up. The 3582010 has ADA-compliant, 4-inch wrist action, metal lever handles, ceramic cartridges housed in an all brass body, brass valve cavity and waterway,...

Pull-Out Faucet.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The Contempra[R] by Price Pfister combines a high-arc kitchen faucet with a contemporary, ergonomic pull-out spray head. It features a matching high arc soap dispenser equipped with an "anti-drizzle" mechanism. The 59-inch pull-out hose...

Commercial Faucet.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The AquaSpec commercial brass faucet line from Zurn is a specification-grade product incorporating a quarter-turn ceramic disc cartridge with a lifetime warranty. Design models include installation in lavatories, laboratories, service and food...

Tub Filler.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Geberit Mfg. introduces a tub filler that produces a waterfall effect. The cascading water fills the tub as fast as a conventional spout and can be adjusted permanently by the installer to one of three cascading flow patterns. It is available...

FaucetCraft Model 120[no photo).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The FaucetCraft Model 120 ceramic cartridge, single- or three-hole faucet features a heavy cast spout, patented silicone-greased spout seals, a unique side spray that always indexes forwards and a premium spray hose, which glides effortlessly...

Traditional-Style Faucet.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Kohler introduces the Memoirs [TM] faucet collection featuring solid brass construction and quarter-turn ceramic disc valving. The faucet is available with the choice of faceted levers or simple, classical cross handles. Inspired by faucets...

Single Lever Faucet.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The S-3500 series by Speakman has a 4-inch centerset with a long-life ceramic cartridge, temperature limit control and adjustable flow control. It is housed in polished chrome with copper tube inlets. Designed to be NSF, CSA and ADA compliant....

Sensor Faucet.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The newest Ultra-Sense, fully ADA-compliant model S-6080 by Symmons feature a design for easy installation. Featuring the Position Sensitive Detection (PSD) sensing system, the faucet is activated by the angle of received light rather than the...

FreeHand Faucet.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... FreeHand faucets by Moen are designed to be easy to install using common tools and do not require AC hook-up. With chrome-plated solid brass bodies and low-maintenance slow-close solenoid valves, these faucets are designed for high-use...

Pot Filler.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... With an 18-inch double-jointed spout and metal lever handle, the hand-polished chrome finish of this wall-mounted faucet by Chicago Faucets blends with any decor. Constructed of lead-free brass, the faucet body and spout, as well as the...

Add-On Faucet.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The Fisher 3/4-inch add-on faucet is a control valve that lets operators add a water spray, allowing employees to wash work areas without having to move from station to station. It is compatible with all 3/4-inch Fisher faucets and provides a...

Sewer Inspection Software.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The Windows-based PipeTech Software Suite by Peninsular Technologies allows the user to collect, edit, analyze and archive all inspection data digitally -- eliminating the need for VHS tapes. The software uses electronic log sheets and reports...

Video Inspection System.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The Deluxe Video System by Sreco Flexible remotely inspects pipes and can be enhanced by adding extra lengths of push cable to the low lux camera. It also features interchangable connectors to simplify troubleshooting. The monitor includes a...

Chilled Water Unit.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... [no photo] SpacePak introduces its new WCSP-D chilled water unit for Hi-V a/c. Rather than requiring a separate condensing unit for each air handler, several air handlers can be tied into one central heating or cooling plant. The WCSP-D is...

Anti-Siphon Vacuum Breaker.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Watts Industries Inc.'s 8FR is the first anti-siphon vacuum breaker to offer freeze protection with a hose attached. It does not require manual draining, is easily installed and is designed to prevent the flow of potentially contaminated water...

Root Control Foam.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... RootX by General Chemical Co. is an environmentally friendly foam that clears roots from sewer lines without killing the plant attached to those roots. It is used by mixing two dry components and then pouring directly into a toilet or outside...

Leak Locator.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The leak detector combined with a gun-style pipe locator by Goldak Inc. allows easy location of water leaks and tracing metallic piping. Optional transmitters are also available to pinpoint non-metallic sewer lines, locate stoppages, and septic...

Radiant Floor Underlayment.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Hacker Industries Inc. introduces Gyp Span Radiant, a high-strength, nonstructural gypsum concrete formulated specifically to be poured or pumped in place over hot water tubes or electric cables. Designed to flatten irregular subfloors. It does...

Leak Detection Smoke System.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... Hurco Technologies Inc.'s LiquiSmoke [TM} is a safe and clean product that contains no toxic compounds, such as zinc chloride. It has an indefinite shelf life and can be shipped yearround without a hazardous shipping document. Leaks can be...

Electronic Shower System.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... [no photo] Ondine introduces the ESS [R] high-tech electronic shower system. Backed by a lifetime warranty, it features up to three preset shower sequence settings. No valving needs to be installed in wall surfaces that are typically tile or...

Interactive CD-ROM Catalog.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The new Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. R2 Virtual Yellow Pages gives you complete presentation about the company, products, applications and specifications. It also includes PDFs and drawings, as well as submittal information. Generate specifications...

Foam Sealer.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... [no photo] PowerFoam by Power Fasteners Inc. is a one-part polyurethane expanding foam that uses moisture present in the air to expand. It is CFC-free and works well on ordinary surfaces, such as concrete, brick and metal, and the surface can...

Replacement Shower Drain.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... The Wingtite Shower drain from Plumb-Rite Inc. is designed to replace leaking drains in plastic and fiberglass shower stalls without removing the shower. The drain has an O-ring that seals on the existing standpipe and four "wings" that extend...

Service Management Software.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2001... [no photo) WennSoft's Service Management Series 6.0 is a comprehensive service, dispatch, scheduling, invoicing and maintenance contracting program for the field service industry. It features Great Plains financial modules to maximize data...