Plumbing & Mechanical articles from May 2008

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from May 2008

Stir crazy?(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2008... I just finished reading Ellen Rohr's column in the March issue ("Business Survival Skills... For Inmates," March 2008) and I have several comments and questions: Has she lost her mind? Is she suggesting service contractors hire felons to work...

Tough mentors.(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2008... Al Levi's column really hit home ("Upfront Time Saves Time In The End," February 2008). His experience with Tommy, his mentor, reminds me of how I was trained. I have passed that same way of working on to the men who work for me now. It's the...

Hiring bright spot?(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2008... As with any company in this field, you've always got your eyes open for a qualified technician or a trainable apprentice. You've tried everything, including ads in the local paper, flyers in the supply houses, asking current employees to keep...

Mark Eatherton wins Carlson-Holohan Award.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
May 1, 2008... Hydronics contractor-teacher-writer Mark Eatherton was named the latest winner of the Carlson-Holohan Award of Excellence. Awarded every other year and co-sponsored by Plumbing & Mechanical, this "traveling" award recognizes an outstanding...

Clockwork holds 'Brand Dominance' meeting.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
May 1, 2008... More than 520 franchisees of Clockwork Home Services attended a Brand Dominance meeting, April 7-9, in Las Vegas. The assorted Ben Franklin, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning and Mister Sparky businesses heard about several new services...

Nexstar Legacy Foundation Awards seven scholarships.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
May 1, 2008... The Nexstar Legacy Foundation recently awarded seven scholarships for a total of $15,000 for the 2008-09 academic year. In its three-year history, the foundation has awarded a total of $45,000 in scholarships. Students who are eligible for...

CCA tackles the future.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Construction Contractors Alliance)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Construction Contractors Alliance members learned about future trends in workers, customers and business opportunities at the group's 10-year anniversary meeting Feb. 27-29 in Dallas. "Volatility is the new normal," said futurist Jim...

HD Supply launches private label B&K fixtures, tools.
May 1, 2008... HD Supply has launched its own private label brand for bath and kitchen fixtures and professional tools. Seasons will be the new brand for fixtures as well as ceiling fans. According to the company, the Seasons brand will cover "better"...

Money Masters: May 30-31, St. Charles, Ill.
May 1, 2008... Nexstar will hold its next Money Masters seminar May 30-31, St. Charles, Ill. (suburban Chicago). Attendees will learn about, and tour, Precision Plumbing Services. Registration deadline is May 15. Register online at www. nexstarnetwork.com, or...

EMCOR buys Mechanical Services of Central Florida.
May 1, 2008... EMCOR Group recently purchased Mechanical Services of Central Florida (MSI), a mechanical services firm based in Orlando, Fla. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. MSI employs nearly 3.50 technical and service personnel, and provides...

Sewage pump sizing, installation information available.
May 1, 2008... The Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association is offering a three-part package of information on sewage pump sizing, installation and maintenance. The packet also includes a handy pocket-sized Sizing Calculator, designed to assist...

The United Association launched a new Green Awareness Certification for its members.('Green' News Roundup)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... The United Association launched a new Green Awareness Certification for its members. HVAC Excellence and Ferris State University developed the course, "Green Mechanical Systems, Awareness of Fundamental and Emerging Green Technologies," which...

The U.S. Department of Energy launched a new Energy Star program for residential water heaters.('Green' News Roundup)
May 1, 2008... The U.S. Department of Energy launched a new Energy Star program for residential water heaters. The program, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2009, will cover gas-fired storage, gas-fired tankless, heat pump and solar water heaters. The Energy...

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry has built a functioning, three-story modular and sustainable "green" home in its own backyard to showcase the ways that people can make eco-friendly living a part of their lives, as well as to highlight unique home technologies for the 21st century.('Green' News Roundup)
May 1, 2008... Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry has built a functioning, three-story modular and sustainable "green" home in its own backyard to showcase the ways that people can make eco-friendly living a part of their lives, as well as to highlight...

CompressedSchedule.com, an industry portal sponsored by Victaulic Co., released its latest edition of the Radio Victaulic podcast series.('Green' News Roundup)
May 1, 2008... CompressedSchedule.com, an industry portal sponsored by Victaulic Co., released its latest edition of the Radio Victaulic podcast series. This edition focus on green building and sustainable design.

Rheem develops Web site for water heater debate.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Website overview)
May 1, 2008... A new Web site launched by Rheem Water Heating provides straight talk on tankless versus tank water heaters, aimed at helping construction professionals advise their customers which system is best for different circumstances. Throughout...

A.O. Smith launches new branding effort.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
May 1, 2008... A. O. Smith Water Heaters is introducing new branding efforts to further reiterate its commitment to high-efficiency water heating solutions. The company will unveil new collateral items over several months that include brochures, business...

Zoeller hosts open house.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Zoeller Pump Co. hosted an open house for contractors, installers, distributors, regulators and vendors during the 2008 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo held in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 28--March 1. The group was...

An out-of-business experience: with a little practice, you can hover above your business and learn a thing or two to bring back to earth.(Business TIPS)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shortly after Mary felt a tingling Sensation in her fingertips, she found herself on a gurney in the local emergency room. An annoying warning tone was blasting from her heart monitor. "I think we've lost her," she...

Full circle: will low head loss boilers make a come back?(Hydronics WORKSHOP)
May 1, 2008... Some of you have probably been installing hydronic heating for 30 years or more. Consider yourselves lucky to have witnessed not only a rebirth of the industry in North America, but also a steady refinement of technology. I think it's safe...

Dual-load dilemma.(RADIANT & HYDRONICS E-NEWS: THE GLITCH & THE FIX)
May 1, 2008... Overview: A contractor decides to set up a dual mod/con boiler system to supply high-capacity domestic water heating as well as several low-temperature space-heating loads. Each boiler has a rated output of 200,000 Btu/ hr. He chooses a series...

Good as golden: the continuous makeover of Golden Rule Plumbing & Heating Inc.
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It was a lazy afternoon in 1999. Mark Paup and his wife Miranda were reading their local Sunday paper when an advertisement soon caught their eye in the Des Moines Register: Business For Sale. Paup was just 25...

PHC affinity groups & franchises: a primer: if you're looking for an exit strategy or just some help to run your business, this list is for you.
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Being an independent plumbing, heating or cooling contractor these days isn't easy. The economy is unsteady, your techs are either quitting or retiring, you can't find qualified replacements, you're tired of having...

NAOHSM program keeps the heat on.(OIL HEAT CARES)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Oil Heat Cares and the members of the National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers' chapters have been busy helping their less fortunate neighbors with...

'You can't preach water and drink wine': Herndon Plumbing & Heating Inc., Herndon Va.(TRUCK OF THE MONTH)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Commodity prices have sky rocketed--$80, $90, $100 a barrel for oil. That translates to a world of hurt not only for homeowners with heating fuel costs, but also for gas-guzzling service trucks traveling to repair...

A warm towel, please: bantering the question of whether towel warmers and panel rads are 'green.'.(Plumbing PRIMER)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A few weeks ago, I was staying in one of those really high-end hotels. You know the ones I am talking about: The ones that if it weren't for the meeting I was attending, I would probably pay more than $500 a night...

Stop good, better and best: I stunk at sales so you don't have to.(Managing: YOUR BUSINESS)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Years ago when I first went into the field to meet customers and try to sell the big-ticket items, I stunk! So why should you read on about a better sales process from me? Because I became a pro! Part of the...

Bad boss or bad employee? It's all about fair and just discipline.(Practical MANAGEMENT)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Our news media and politicians are making a big fuss about the large number of Americans who must work under a bad boss. This makes employees' jobs and the rest of their lives unbearable, and they say the government...

Perfect pitch.(FIRST PLACE)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2008... Levels with pitch indicators are nice but sometimes hard to see, especially when the tool is dirty or the lighting could be better. I've cut pieces of 3/4-inch pipe to match 1/8-, 3/16--and 1/4-inch per foot pitch for my 2- and 6-foot levels....

Easier cleaning.(tool tips)
May 1, 2008... Concerning copper plumbing pipe, often copper stub-outs will be covered with paint at trim-out time. I've found that using a short, 6-inch or so piece of unreemed 3/4-inch copper pipe works fine to clean paint off by sliding it over the...

Removing sweat caps.(tool tips)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2008... Situation: Removing 1/2-inch sweat caps from hot and cold water pipes under sink vanities. Solution: When you heat the caps and put the pliers on them, they seem to get out of shape. Try screwing in a sheetrock screw at the end of the cap...

Mini mixer.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mini Mixer: The new Apollo MVD is the smallest of the company's mixing valve line, designed for point-of-use applications on sensor-operated or standard sensorless single fixtures. It is fully compliant with ASSE...

Digital thermostat.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... Digital Thermostat: The D-26F digital thermostat from Azel Technologies is specifically designed for radiant floor heating systems. Simple to install and simple to operate, its 10-foot auxiliary remote sensor measures and controls the slab...

Basement Flood Protection.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Basement Flood Protection: New from Basement Flood Protectors, each system is managed by a computer in the ePump that self-tests every part of the system every 12 hours. If any failure is detected, the customer and...

Effluent pumps.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... Effluent Pumps: Liberty expandS its effluent pump line to include larger 1-, 1.5- and 2 -horsepower models with maximum head capabilities of more than 130 feet and flows to 130 gpm. The dual-sized discharge features a 1 1/2-inch removable...

Root cutting machine.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Root Cutting Machine: General Pipe Cleaners' new economical Metro-Rooter[TM] root cutting machine has a capacity of 75 feet of 5/8-inch Flexicore[R] wire rope center cable. It handles roots and other tough stoppages...

Low-flow aerators.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Low-Flow Aerators: Chicago Faucets offers four new 1.5 gpm Softflo[R] aerators that allow for compliance in meeting local plumbing codes that require an aerator with lower water consumption than standard 2.2 gpm....

Mini split.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mini Split: The Samsung DH Series inverter heat pump medium static pressure mini splits are energy efficient and versatile. Two units with capacities of 36,000 and 48,000 Btu/hr. are available with a maximum SEER of...

Water conditioner.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... Water Conditioner: HydroCare's water conditioners protect against limescale in domestic water systems. A signal is transmitted directly into the water 24 hours a day both up and down the system, so all of the water is treated all of the time....

Grooved ball valve.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... Grooved Ball Valve [no photo]: Grinnell Mechanical Products has added a 4- and 6-inch size to its model BV835 grooved-end ball valve. The valve features a grooved-end ductile-iron body and a carbon steel chrome-plated ball. The 4-inch valve is...

Fiberglass van body.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fiberglass Van Body: The Aerocell CW is Unicell Body Co.'s newest fiberglass van body designed for the GM single-rear wheel cutaway van. Features 500 cubic feet of cargo space, 79 inches interior stand-up height and...

Cordless wet/dry vac.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cordless Wet/Dry Vac: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.'s cordless wet/dry vacuums provide power and portability. Batteries provide continuous run time and higher air power/ suction for quick and easy removal of dust,...

Under desk heater.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... Under Desk Heater [no photo]: Warmly Yours introduces two sizes of energy-efficient, under-desk electric radiant heaters. The plug-in floor mats conveniently fit under any desk providing extra warmth and comfort. Choose from three classic...

Caukless shower panels.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caukless Shower Panels: Sterling unveiled a smooth-wall option to its Accord[TM] line of multipiece bath/shower systems. With "click together" and caukless installation, the solid Vikrell panels save time and money...

Dual-flush toilet.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... Dual-Flush Toilet: The Saile[TM] toilet is Kohler Co.'s latest one-piece, dual-flush toilet with a contemporary look and significant water savings. Petite and understated, Saile is skirted and installs flush-to-wall. It features an over-molded...

Bath collection.(Products & LITERATURE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bath Collection: Smooth, graceful and elegant, the Fina bath collection from ShowHouse by Moen offers both styling and water efficiency. Its lay faucets incorporate a flow-optimized aerator, using 30 percent less...

Maintenance is good business: service agreements lack sex appeal, but they provide warm companionship in a cold economy.(Editorial OPINION)
May 1, 2008... The night before writing this, I watched a big chunk of "Life After People," a quirky production on the History Channel detailing what would happen to man-made structures and the surrounding environment were people suddenly to vanish into thin...

Sunny side up.(briefs)(North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOLAR IS making a comeback for the first time since the late-1970s. To a certain extent, it sounds like the past repeating itself, with energy prices up and tax...

Strengthening the chain: how one heating rep solidifies its place in the solar supply chain.
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Among the renewable energies, solar is easily the fastest-growing segment in the United States. The Energy Information Administration announced in its Annual Solar Thermal Collector Manufacturers Survey that...

Basking in the warmth of the sun: super energy savings and environmental benefits convinced this homeowner to choose solar heating concepts for his custom-designed home.
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For John Kosmer, home improvement editor of Victorian Homes magazine for 23 years, the decision to look at solar energy concepts when planning the design of his new home was based on both financial and personal...