Plumbing & Mechanical articles from May 2004

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from May 2004

Fine-tuned one-man band.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... I read with great dismay Randall Hilton's recent column ("Are You Destined To Be A One-Man Band?" February 2004). I believe the backbone of the plumbing and heating industry are the small shops. Is it so bad to run a one- or two-man shop if it...

PHCC NJ wants veto of 'home center' clause.(Around the Industry)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association New Jersey wants exemption from Contractors' Registration bill)
May 1, 2004... PHCC New Jersey is asking New Jersey Gov. James McGreevy to veto a section of a recently passed bill that exempts home improvement retailers and their employees from new legislation regulating, for the first time, home improvement contractors....

MCAA takes stand against reverse auctions.(Around the Industry)(Mechanical Contractors Association of America)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Mechanical Contractors Association of America considers Internet reverse auctions a problem for owners and contractors alike. "While most applications of e-commerce have demonstrated or hold great promise for productivity and service...

PM columnist to teach modern hydronics seminars.(Around the Industry)(Plumbing & Mechanical)
May 1, 2004... John Siegenthaler, P.E., a well-known teacher, writer, software developer and PM columnist, will be teaching "Modern Engineering Concepts For Hydronic Heating Design," a new seminar sponsored by BNP Media, publisher of Plumbing & Mechanical and...

QSC premieres marketing manual at Power Meeting XX.(Around the Industry)(Quality Service Contractors)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Quality Service Contractors unveiled a new marketing manual at its Power Meeting XX in Scottsdale, Ariz., March 4-6. The marketing program, titled "Marketing for the Quality Service Contractor," includes more than 200 pages of...

AMPAM files reorganization plan.(Briefs)(American Plumbing & Mechanical)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... American Plumbing & Mechanical filed its proposed reorganization plan with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division. The plan outlines a reorganized AMPAM with five primary operating subsidiaries and two...

EMCOR awarded $160 million in energy-related projects.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... EMCOR Group announced that its Energy & Technologies business has been awarded contracts worth $160 million for power- and energy-related projects from several private businesses and public sector entities including: Schering-Plough; Morongo...

Roto-Rooter uses trenchless pipe to save trees.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Roto-Rooter is using environmentally friendly technology--trenchless sewer pipe replacement--to save older trees where the root systems have damaged sewer pipes. This technology eliminates the wear, tear and expense caused by traditional...

Rohr to leave Ben Franklin Plumbing.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... PM columnist Ellen Rohr, president of Ben Franklin Plumbing, is resigning her position in order to care for her elderly parents, who have moved in with her and her family. She will remain with the company as a sales rep and will be available...

Service Roundtable obtains PHCC CA endorsement.(Briefs)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of California)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of California has endorsed the Service Roundtable, and vice versa. The two organizations intend to work together to advance the contracting industry in California.

CIPHEX 2004 a success.(Briefs)(Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Focus -- CIPHEX Ontario 2004, held March 4-6 and hosted by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating, drew more than 6,000 plumbing, hydronic heating and water quality visitors, an increase of 24 percent. About 15 percent came from the...

RSES adds new education partner.(Briefs)(Refrigeration Service Engineers Society)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society has added Bristol Compressors to its Partners in Education OEM Information campaign, which provides RSES members with access to Bristol's technical information. In other news, RSES now has...

CAUSE names new chairman.(Briefs)(Mechanical Contractors and Unions Seal of Approval)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Mechanical Contractors and Unions Seal of Approval (CAUSE) named Joseph Savia, business manager for Steamfitters Local 602, as its chairman for the 2004-2005 term. He has been a leader of Local 602 since 1979, and was named business manager...

Metro Washington MCA selects 2004 officers.(Briefs)(Mechanical Contractors Association of Metropolitan Washington)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Mechanical Contractors Association of Metropolitan Washington selected John Dunleavy of Pierce Associates Inc. as its 2004 president. He has been on the board since 2000 and a CAUSE trustee since 2001. He is also a founding member of the...

NAOHSM convention to be a 'circus'.(Briefs)(National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers 2004 Trade Show and Convention will be held in Hartford, Conn., at the Connecticut Expo Center, May 11-15. This year's convention features a circus caravan theme, with all seminars,...

Burnham launches traveling show.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Burnham Hydronics)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Burnham Hydronics kicked off its traveling show with receptions in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Colorado in March. Approximately 150 wholesalers and their invited contractor guests attended each of the premiers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Bradford White's Cook retires.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Chuck H. Cook)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Bradford White announced the recent retirement of Chuck H. Cook. During his 29 years at Bradford White, he held the positions of regional sales manager and assistant to the vice president of marketing, with his last 18 years as internal sales...

PMI's Demand Forecasting, Codes Seminars successful.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Plumbing Manufacturers Institute)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute held its first Demand Forecasting Seminar Feb. 24-25, which presented a model forecasting process to the 40 participants. This process enabled attendees to gauge their own companies' approach, as well as...

'Colors of Heat' seminar dates announced.(Vendor & Supplier News)
May 1, 2004... Peerless Boilers will once again conduct its "Colors of Heat" training seminars, certified by the NORA Education Center. Each location will feature two different seminars, covering hot water systems, one-pipe steam systems or two-pipe steam...

Plumberex files for bankruptcy.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Plumberex Specialty Products Inc.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Plumberex Specialty Products Inc., Thousand Palms, Calif., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy April 9. Plumberex makes ADA protection devices designed for installation under lavatories and sinks.

Obituary: Charles Prudames VP sales, Jay R. Smith.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
May 1, 2004... Charles N. Prudames, vice president of sales for Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co., died Palm Sunday, April 4, in Montgomery, Ala., after a long bout with cancer. He was 64. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Prudames began as regional manager for Jay R....

Wirsbo HCT convention: increasing business.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Home Comfort Training)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Wirsbo Home Comfort Training Convention, Feb. 26-28, focused on helping radiant installers grow their businesses. The more than 300 radiant floor heating contractors were given information on simplifying installations, upgrading marketing...

Radiator Specialty, General Tools form strategic alliance.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Radiator Specialty Company Sales Organization will be offering wholesale plumbing distributors the benefit of a single, unified source for the entire Douglas[R] line of tools and the General[R] "Plumbing Tools Plus" program. General Tools'...

Watts buys remainder of Chinese Plumbing Co.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Taizhou Shida Plumbing Mfg. Co. Ltd.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Watts Water Technologies acquired the 40 percent equity interest in Taizhou Shida Plumbing Mfg. Co. Ltd. that had been held by its former joint venture partner, Yuhuan County Cheng Guan Metal Hose Factory. Watts now owns 100 percent of Shida,...

Corrections.(Correction Notice)
May 1, 2004... In the April cover story, "What's In Your Water," it was inaccurately reported that the Pall/Kinetico Purefecta Drinking Water Purifier treats industrial wastewater. To clarify, Kinetico offers numerous industrial systems that address...

PHCC Auxiliary offers grants, loans.(Around the Industry)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Auxiliary offers continuing education grants to PHCC-National Association contractors and their employees/co-workers for attendance at PHCC Enhanced Service Groups programs (Quality Service...

Fit for service: a healthier workforce means fewer lost days, lower healthcare expenses and improved cognitive performance.(Business Tips)
May 1, 2004... As I was waiting to meet my customer, the opening whistle blew and the day's team leader lined everyone up; three rows of about 10 with space for outstretched arms between each person. Their day was about to begin. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Just for show ... and more: Corley Professional Services, Greenville, S.C.(PM's Truck of the Month)
May 1, 2004... We're not so sure which of Corley Professional Services' trucks are more attention-grabbing: the truck with the owner's image, or the colorful PT Cruiser with the same look, just down-sized a bit to fit the Chrysler. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Shakeout time: plateless staple-up may not be up to the challenge of frigid winter climates.(Hydronics Workshop)(radiant heating equipment)
May 1, 2004... The winter of 2004 was one of the coldest on record in much of the Midwest and Northeastern United States. I can remember feeling upbeat during one January arctic intrusion in upstate New York when the high temperature for the day made it above...

Doing it right: making it tight; Preassembled radiant components are a great way to get the job done right and on time.(Cover Story)
May 1, 2004... Ever get overzealous during a radiant project? Each tee, each loop, each drop an artistic expression of a radiant master. The end result is a tour de force as you stand back and admire the accomplishment. But what happens when you leave?...

Future technologies for oil-fired burners: Brookhaven National Laboratory is the country's leading researcher for the latest developments in oil heat technology. The following report discusses some possibilities for oil-fired burners.
May 1, 2004... Currently, almost all oil burners used for residential and commercial buildings applications have pressure atomizing-type burners. For small units, these have one, fixed firing rate. For larger commercial building applications, there may be two...

Copper fuel gas piping: new joining methods allow copper to compete.(Plumbing Primer)
May 1, 2004... Copper tubing has seen resurgence in its use for fuel gas piping systems. Not that everyone stopped using copper tubing for these systems. After all, one of the most popular piping materials for LP gas systems is copper tubing. My friends in...

Got a silver bullet? Lessons for success from contractors all across the nation.(Managing Your Business)
May 1, 2004... No, I'm not talking about a Coors. The "silver bullet" I'm talking about is what industry leaders, trainers and consultants say all contractors are looking for. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To a contractor, a silver bullet is the one thing...

Control circuits as a foreign language: but relays are the translator.(Hydronic Controls)
May 1, 2004... Control circuits are a foreign language for many of us. Relays compound the problem considerably. Although relays add more than their share to the complexity of a circuit, they're worth it. They serve as a voltage translator. [ILLUSTRATION...

Scoring your foremen's boss: it's not easy, but it's essential in order to keep moving forward.(Practical Management)
May 1, 2004... This is definitely the most difficult position and responsibility in any construction trade. Most of you contractors who started your own business surely can remember the trials and tribulations of finding capable foremen, training them to...

Protecting those basement investments.(Plumbing Trends)
May 1, 2004... With people spending more time at home and investing in finished basements--complete with guest rooms, kids' playrooms, bars, home theaters and storage--it is more important than ever for your customers to have more reliable sump pump systems....

Quick Clamp system.(Products & Literature)
May 1, 2004... Quick Clamp System: The 416 Solder Joint Quik Clamp from APAC International stops leaks at solder joint fittings with no line drainage, cutting or soldering required. Its two-piece design and a full circle sealing gasket wraps around both the...

Secures toilets.(Products & Literature)
May 1, 2004... Secures Toilets: The johni quick bolt[R] from Hercules Chemical Co. prevents "wobble" and eliminates the need to secure a bolt with other "make-do" approaches, such as putty, wax, flimsy plastic or the "double nutting" method. ...

Test plug.(Products & Literature)
May 1, 2004... Test Plug: The new Grip Tip Total Knockout Test Plug from Sioux Chief has two tips that allow the DWV system to be air- or water-tested. Eliminating the need for separate end caps and test plugs, the Grip Tip replaces caps and plugs that are...

Safe mixed water.(Products & Literature)
May 1, 2004... Safe Mixed Water: Watts Regulator Co. introduces the new Series USG-P Plastic Under Sink Guardian[TM] thermostatic mixing valve that automatically blends hot and cold water to produce safe mixed water from the hot water faucet. Should the cold...

Sump pump check valves.(Products & Literature)
May 1, 2004... Sump Pump Check Valves: LDR Industries offers sump pump check valves 2-inches in diameter, or in a 1 1/4-inch and 1 1/2-inch combination unit. Each check valve has four hose clamps included. Valves are tested prior to packaging to ensure...

Test tees.(Products & Literature)
May 1, 2004... Test Tees: Plastic Trends Inc. now offers injection molded large-diameter DWV test tees in 10 inches and 12 inches in diameter. Perfect Fit[TM] DWV test tees feature a compact branch. Makes installation and testing of the system quicker, easier...

'Shop on wheels'.(Products & Literature)
May 1, 2004... 'Shop On Wheels': The Hackney Performer SVX is a durable, easy-to-use work vehicle engineered to be mounted on a commercial cutaway chassis. It is available in 10- and 12-foot models with a 96-inch width. A 10-foot model with an 80-inch width...

Dirt separator.(Products & Literature)
May 1, 2004... Dirt Separator: Spirotherm Inc. manufactures Spirotrap[R] Junior dirt separators for residential or light commercial hydronic systems. It creates a low-velocity area of water to allow dirt and scale to sink to the bottom of the unit....

Tubing positioning system.(Products & Literature)
May 1, 2004... Tubing Positioning System: Basset Products introduces the Snap N' Slide system for positioning copper, PEX or CPVC tubing between studs for pipe support when stubbing out. Easy to use, the clamps are available in 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch models....

Trailer jet.(Products & Literature)
May 1, 2004... Trailer Jet: The J-2512 Typhoon[TM] trailer jet from General Pipe Cleaners delivers 12 gpm at 2,500 psi to blast lines clean of grease, sediment and debris. A 200-gallon holding tank can handle remote applications. It features electric brakes,...

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

Termination flange.(Products & Literature)
May 1, 2004... Termination Flange: The Kamco Copper Stopper[TM] termination flange transitions the copper tube back to standard pipe, reducing the amount of Gas-Tec[R] tubing required for a job. It protects the line from damage, and leaves a clean and...

'Five key trends': MCAA's Foundation has pinpointed trends few people are thinking about.(Editorial Opinion)(Mechanical Contractors Association of America)
May 1, 2004... Think back for a moment to the year 1988. What are some of the most dramatic changes that have taken place in your contracting business since then? Certainly there have been advances in materials, tools and equipment that have enhanced your...

Always striving to provide support.(Chairman's Message)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... As chairman of GAMA, the national trade association representing manufacturers of appliances, components, and related products used in space conditioning, water heating, commercial food service, and power generation. I am pleased to present the...

Certification provides peace of mind: GAMA, I=B=R logos document performance.(Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association)
May 1, 2004... Over time, the market-place for heating equipment has developed a voluntary, market-driven system to answer two questions asked by consumers and contractors alike: Is the equipment safe? Does it perform as claimed? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

People warm up to new designs for gas water heaters: FVIR water heaters gain acceptance in the marketplace.
May 1, 2004... A new standard and a new design for gas water heaters were introduced last summer. Nearly 11 months after the standard went into effect, flammable vapor ignition resistant (FVIR) water heaters have gained acceptance by wholesalers, contractors,...

Efficiency terminology: comparing space-heating and water-heating appliances.
May 1, 2004... The terms that are used to describe the efficiency of space-heating and water-heating appliances vary by the type of appliance and by whether it is a residential or commercial model. The following terms are used to describe efficiency for one...

Questions and answers: Rheem Manufacturing's Gary Tapella discusses GAMA certification.(Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association)(Interview)
May 1, 2004... Because Rheem Manufacturing Company is an active participant in the GAMA certification program, we went to Rheem Manufacturing President and CEO Gary Tapella to get his thoughts on the value and importance of the association's program. ...

I=B=R Schools are back.
May 1, 2004... The venerable I=B=R Schools are back with new management, training guides, and instructors. Following a successful relaunch of the schools in the fall of last year, the Hydronic Institute (HI) is pleased to offer classes in nine new locations...

GAMA Member directory.(Directory)
May 1, 2004... GAMA Member Directory A. O. Smith Water Products Company www.hotwater.com A. W. Mercer, Inc. www.awmercer.com AbsolutAire, Inc. www.absolutaire.com Adams Manufacturing Company ...