Plumbing & Mechanical articles from May 2002

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from May 2002

Flat-rate debate continues. (Letters to the Editor).
May 1, 2002... Julius Ballanco's column hit home with this flat-rate contractor because I have been in these situations before and have learned that educating the ignorant is part of my burden ("Two Areas Flat Rate Doesn't Work," March 2002). We were pioneers...

Thanks for the help. (Letters to the Editor).
May 1, 2002... I just came across an article, "Radiant Expansionism" by John Siegenthaler P.E., in the August 2001 issue of PM. I had struggled with the same question, "Are we over-sizing expansion tanks in our radiant heating systems?" I posed that same...

I gotta go to the 'Jim'? (Letters to the Editor).
May 1, 2002... I just read Jim Olsztynski's article from last June, "Flush Knollenberg." As a frustrated and disgusted consumer plagued yet again by not one, but two, very clogged 1.6-gallon appliances fraudulently misrepresented as "toilets," I am outraged...

UA scrutinized for Diplomat Hotel investment. (Around the Industry). (United Association, Hollywood, FL).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2002... The Department of Labor may "take action" against the United Association's pension plan trustees over its $800 million investment in redeveloping the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Fla., according to a letter sent by UA chief Martin Maddaloni to...

ISH North America to offer 48 seminars. (Around the Industry).
May 1, 2002... Organizers of ISH North America, scheduled to debut Oct. 31-Nov. 2 in Toronto, have developed a conference program featuring 29 speakers, 48 seminars and two morning kick-off events. Topics covered include plumbing/PVF, HVAC/hydronics,...

CSI proposes revisions to specifications format. (Around the Industry). (Construction Specifications Institute on construction of commercial buildings).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... The Construction Specifications Institute's Executive Committee recently approved the revision and expansion of the 16-division MasterFormat specifications system. MasterFormat is a formatting standard for specifications and provides the...

GSW acquires American Water Heater Co. (Briefs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Canada's GSW Inc. has acquired American Water Heater Co. American's sales of $220 million will make GSW the third largest water heater manufacturer in North America. GSW and American will continue to operate as separate companies.

Pump manufacturer announces merger. (Briefs). (Patterson Pump Co., Flo-Pak).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... The Gorman-Rupp Co. announced the merger of its subsidiary, Patterson Pump Co. of Toccoa, Ga., with Atlanta-based Flo-Pak Packaged pump stations, produced by Flo-Pak for the HVAC, fire, municipal and industrial markets, will continue under the...

Burner manufacturers form partnership. (Briefs). (Riello S.p.A., Eclipse).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Riello S.p.A. (Legnago, Italy), a manufacturer of oil and gas burners represented by Riello Burners North America (Mississauga, Ontario), and Rockford, Ill.-based Eclipse, maker of gas, oil and oxy-fuel burners, will co-market their...

TradePower expands Accounting Systems. (Briefs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... TradePower is expanding its Accounting Systems Integration Program, which enables accounting software systems to link with its PowerStation e-business solutions. Contractors can integrate all their purchases from phone, fax and electronic...

AMPAM reports 2001 revenue increase. (Briefs). (American Plumbing and Mechanical).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2002... American Plumbing and Mechanical, Round Rock, Texas, reported a 9 percent increase in revenues for fiscal year 2001 for a total of $606.2 million, compared to $557.9 million in 2000. Gross profit increased 2 percent to $100.4 million; gross...

In-Sink-Erator sponsors PHCC 'Invest In Your Future' campaign. (Around the Industry).
May 1, 2002... For the 14th year, In-Sink-Erator has sponsored the "Invest In Your Future" fundraising campaign for the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association. Of the $100,000 to be raised, $75,000 will benefit the Educational Foundation...

C2000 celebrates 10th anniversary. (Around the Industry).(Contractors 2000 appoints Greg Niemi)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... After 10 years serving progressive service contractors in the industry, Contractors 2000 has a new chief, president and chief operating officer Greg Niemi, and a renewed vision -- to help its members become "Simply the Best." This new...

Home Depot introduces small-format stores. (Briefs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Atlanta-based Home Depot opened the first in a series of small-format stores opening in urban areas in Brooklyn, N.Y. Another mini-store is planned for staten Island in September and Chicago next year. According to USA Today, Home Depot has...

Uponor Wirsbo holds Home Comfort Team convention. (Briefs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Uponor Wirsbo held its second convention for Home Comfort Team members in Las Vegas Feb. 28-March 2. HCT members are radiant professionals factory-trained in the installation of Wirsbo radiant floor heating systems. Speakers included Richard...

Comfort Systems announces management promotions. (Briefs).(Milburn Honeycutt and Julie Shaeff appointments)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Comfort Systems USA promoted Milburn Honeycutt to senior vice president of finance. Previously, he was the company's controller since joining Comfort Systems in 1997. Julie Shaeff was promoted to vice president and controller; she joined the...

13 plumbing inspectors indicted on racketeering. (Around the Industry).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Federal investigators charged 13 Philadelphia plumbing inspectors with accepting payoffs from contractors, a routine found to date back 20 years. According to the indictment, inspectors performed incomplete inspections or failed to inspect...

Charlotte Pipe redesigns site. (PM's Web Sites of Interest).(Charlotte Pipe and Foundry)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Charlotte Pipe and Foundry has launched its newly redesigned Web site, www.charlottepipe.com, with customer-specific sections for plumbing contractors, engineers, builders, distributors and sales representatives. Enhanced features include price...

www.MadeE-Z.com expands. (PM's Web Sites of Interest).(Made E-Z Products establishes additional web site)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Made E-Z Products, publisher of self-help business and legal forms, software, and books, has established an additional Web site for contractors at www.ContractorsForms.com. Visitors will be able to order forms and software from the company's...

Haws Corp. launches new site. (PM's Web Sites of Interest).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Haws Corp., maker of emergency equipment and drinking fountains, recently launched its new Web site, www.hawsco.com. Customers, sales reps and all users can obtain and easily store information such as specs, installation drawings, photos and...

Will you work yourself to death? Most of you baby boomers and your faithful associates have nothing to look forward to in retirement. (Business Tips).
May 1, 2002... For the industry's thousands of postwar baby boomers, it's no longer morning. The oldest among you have already turned 50, and the looming question is not when you will retire, but whether you can ever afford to retire. Based on many hours...

Questionable conduct: estimates of how different tubing materials can affect the thermal performance of a radiant slab. (Hydronics Workshop).
May 1, 2002... For as long as I have been involved with hydronics I've heard "discussions on how the type of tube used in heated slab affects performance. One camp usually points out that the thermal conductivity of copper tubing is more than a thousand...

Radiant teamwork: in the case of a 90,000-sq. ft. mega-job, contractor and manufacturers rep worked together to put everything -- and we do mean 'everything' -- in place.(Column)
May 1, 2002... It's a given that without the hard work of the radiant contractor there wouldn't be radiant heat. But what about the unsung heroes who do all the behind-the-scenes work? Who finds out about the job? Who coaxes the owners about the benefits of...

The art of radiant heating: Advanced Radiant Technology strives to be the Picasso of its field.(Column)
May 1, 2002... He does get carried away at times, which won't surprise people who know Paul Pollets. One of the GCs he works for told me amid complimentary remarks about his work: "Sometimes Paul's artistic bent has to give way to practical compromises on the...

Residential faucets -- Part II. (College of Product Knowledge).(Column)
May 1, 2002... This is an updated version of the product training course introduced by SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES in 1979, authored by Don Arnold. Since bathrooms use more plumbing devices than kitchens, it stands to reason that this is where we have seen the...

Water heaters and radiant heat: space-saving combination water heaters fit the bill for energy efficiency and easy installation. (Plumbing and Heating Trends).(Brief Article)(Column)
May 1, 2002... Let's get ready to ruuummmble! It's boilers vs. water heaters in the fight of the century! OK, I'm exaggerating. The use of water heaters in radiant heating applications has its detractors, but there are a growing number of radiant heating...

You're not the only one: resist the temptation to do it yourself. Learn to lead. (Managing your Business).(Column)
May 1, 2002... Show's it going so far?" I asked the newest supervisor at our company or more than 10 years he has progressed from an apprentice, to a lead technician, to a supervisor. It's tough," he said. "I find the hardest part is resisting the...

The drainage piping dilemma: the new breed of super flushers are out-performing the drainage system. (Plumbing Premier).(Column)
May 1, 2002... What happens when the 1.6 gallon per flush water closets start flushing too well? That is what's happening. As everyone has cursed out the 1.6 gpf water closets, the manufacturers have been diligently going about their business improving the...

Who are your best techs? performance appraisal for technicians. (In the Field).(Column)
May 1, 2002... We measure the return on our assets -- our trucks, equipment, etc. -- because we want to know what our payback on the investment is. We try to predict what the return will be even before buying some equipment to see if we will be ahead...

Discipline starts with a capital 'D': discipline can be accomplished without resentment if you initiate proper procedures. (Practical Management).(Column)
May 1, 2002... Every time I walk on a jobsite and see the blatant lack of discipline, I can't help wondering: 1. Who do those people work for? 2. Don't they have company rules 3. Why aren't those policies enforced? 4. How can the company...

Bidet-Like Washlet. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... Toto's Jasmin Washlet is now available in a round option. The bidet-like washlet is operated by its own battery-powered remote control keypad. The easy-to-view LCD read-out can be hand-held or remain in its own convenient wall-hung holder. ...

Pull-Down spout faucet. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... Danze announces the introduction of two new pull-down spout faucets available in single control and two-handle control. The faucets stand 16 inches high, several inches higher than most competitors, and are available in chrome, polished brass...

Hot water filtration. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... In-Sink-Erator[R] unveils a new filtration system specifically designed for use with its Instant Hot Water Dispenser. It will reduce unpleasant tastes and odors and add fresh, clean favor to drinks and instant foods. Circle 3

Spa shower. (Products & Literature).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The Total Escape[TM] from Delta Faucet Co. is a luxurious custom shower system, which pampers users with multiple body sprays and jets. It's the first 3-1/4-inch high-flow thermostatic body spray system available from Delta. Circle 4

Jetted/soaking tubs. (Products & Literature).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Whirlpool Corp.'s Cielo[TM] baths offers a full line to fit nearly any application and comes in 20 colors. The tubs feature removable, dishwasher-safe jets; Lucite[R] acrylic finish; a quiet rubber-mounted pump; and a five-year limited...

Home Spa collection. (Products & Literature).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Kohler Co. uses the calming integrity of natural materials with its Purist[TM] Suite coordinated home spa collection for the bath. With more than 10 components, the modular collection features clean design lines and encourages consumers to...

Space-Saving toilet. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... Geberit Mfg.'s Tessera[TM] toilet system features a concealed tank built right into the wall, saving up to 9 inches of leg room, The tank is easily accessible for maintenance through a wall-mounted flush actuator and access panel. Unlike...

Grundfos comfort series. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... Grundfos Pumps Corp. introduces its Comfort Series Instant Hot Water System, a retrofitted hot water recirculation (HWR) system, which will provide instant hot water and water savings for existing homes. It is an "under-the-sink" HWR product...

Hand-Painted toilet seat. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... Bemis Mfg. Co. debuted its Gallery Collection[TM], a product line of hand-painted toilet seats to reflect consumers' desires to express individuality. Designed exclusively for Bemis by two artists: Leslie Trewyn and Kathleen Savage. Circle...

Undermount sinks. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... The Franke USA Five Star Collection from FHP includes undermount sinks in a variety of bowl and depth configurations. Sink depths range from 6 to 9 inches. Circle 10

Sensor-Operated faucet. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... Sloan Valve Co. introduces its Optima(R) i.q.[TM] faucet, the latest in the company's line of sensor-operated water-saving plumbing fixtures. Equipped with an intelligent sensor, it uses 70 percent less water than manual-type fixtures and is...

Outdoor drinking fountain. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... Halsey Taylor has expanded its line of Endura II [TM] drinking fountains to include four freeze-resistant models. Crafted from heavy-gauge cold-rolled steel, they feature the same new Evergreen textured finish and E-Coat Immersion Process found...

Baseboard selection guide. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... Expand your hydronic heating design options with the 18 packaged baseboard and commercial radiation models from Slant/Fin. They can reduce costs and increase comfort by providing quicker heat-up and supplemental heat in high heat-loss areas....

Shower system [no photo]. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... 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 degrees F. The Moentrol offers the...

Soldering, brazing & heating products. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... GENTEC from Genstar Technologies Co. offers soldering, brazing and heating products, including air-gas apparatus with both quick-connect and screw-connect tips. Available in air acetylene and air propane/Mapp with auto-ignite tips, Equivalent...

Tonneau covers. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... Downey Products tonneau covers are a great choice for covering the bed of any work truck. The company's aluminum-framed, soft tonneaus are durable, provide easy access and offer an extra measure of security. The Downey SST, available for long-...

Dual sleeve connector. (Products & Literature).
May 1, 2002... Eastman[R] introduces a new connector featuring a one-piece PEX inner sleeve/washer combined with a nylon exterior dielectric sleeve. The PEX washer provides a superior sealing surface compared to a rubber washer and the PEX inner sleeve guards...

Toxic mold hysteria: plumbing contractors are at particular risk in the latest trial lawyer scam. (Editorial Opinion).(Column)
May 1, 2002... Frankenstein, Dracula and the Bogeyman don't scare anyone in our enlightened 21st century. The bloodcurdling monsters of today bear names like Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, Chaetomium and Pennicillium. Don't worry about pronouncing them. They go...