Plumbing & Mechanical articles from November 2003

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from November 2003

Flat rate is the only rate.(Letters To The Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... I would like to respond to Dave Rodgers' letter. ("Hard Work Either Way," Letters To The Editor, September 2003). Anyone who thinks having their flat rate book based on less then $150 per hour doesn't understand the full cost of putting a truck...

AMPAM files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.(Around The Industry)(America Plumbing and Mechanical Inc.)
November 1, 2003... Strategy to become publicly. held deemed 'unattainable' Company to divest commercial operations AMPAM will continue in new construction area Round Rock, Texas-based America Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy...

Second ISH North America draws 11,800-plus attendees.(Around The Industry)(International Sanitation and Heating)
November 1, 2003... ISH North America drew 11,842 attendees to its second edition, Oct. 1-3, in Las Vegas. Attendees and exhibitors alike came from various parts of the globe. Attendees came from 45 international destinations, 32 U.S. states and nine Canadian...

Congress endorses fire sprinkler installation.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Several members of the U.S. Congress recently held a press conference highlighting the need for fire sprinklers in the wake of a fatal Nashville, Tenn., nursing home fire. Other recent fires in healthcare and college housing facilities have...

EMCOR launches first ad campaign.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... EMCOR Group has launched its first advertising campaign, now appearing in major print and broadcast media outlets. It will focus on projects that highlight the company's expertise across a broad range of markets--including healthcare, energy,...

Benjamin Franklin adds 30th franchise.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Benjamin Franklin Plumbing added No. 30 to its franchise family--McCartney Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, now running under the Benjamin Franklin banner. The new franchise has offices in Oakland and Pittsburg, Calif., serving Alameda and Contra...

Service Roundtable nears 100 Plumbing members.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... In its inaugural month, the Service Roundtable for Plumbing signed up 90 contractors, starting at a faster rate than the HVAC division, according to Matt Michel, Service Roundtable's CEO. Members receive new sales, marketing and business...

PHCC-NA elects new VP, honors other top contractors.(Around The Industry)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association)
November 1, 2003... A number of decisions were made during the course of the PHCC-National Association's 121st Annual Convention, Sept. 29-Oct. 3, in Las Vegas: * Jim Stack, Stack Plumbing Inc., Kirkland, Wash., was elected the association's new vice...

Jacuzzi may close Ohio manufacturing plant.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Jacuzzi Brands Inc. recently announced it is considering closing its Salem, Ohio, manufacturing plant where Eljer cast-iron sinks and bathtubs are produced. The company met with the United Steelworkers of America to present financial and market...

Controlled Energy joins Pro Product Line.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Professional Product Line)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Controlled Energy Corp. joined the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association's Professional Product Line, making it official with a press conference held Oct. 1 in Las Vegas during the association's annual convention and ISH...

PSI announces Bullseye marketing.(Around The Industry)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Plumbers' Success International[R] announced a new cyber marketing effort dubbed Bullseye to more than 300 members attending the group's Summit meeting, Sept. 23-27, in St. Louis. With the Bullseye program, a "direct e-mail" campaign of...

American Standard to give away toilets.(Vendor & Supplier News)(America's Best Flushing System)
November 1, 2003... The first 100 verified plumbers to register a www.bestflush.com/championplumbers beginning Nov. 25 2003, at 8 p.m. EST (5 p.m. PST) will receive a free Champion toilet from American Standard. The Champion is equipped with American...

Watts Industries changes name.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Patrick S. O'Keefe)(Watts Water Technologies)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Watts Industries announced that it will change its name to Watts Water Technologies Inc. to more accurately reflect its focus on customers' water-based needs, said Patrick S. O'Keefe, president and CEO.

New warehouse for master distributor.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Albany, N.Y.-based PHAC Products Inc., )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Albany, N.Y.-based PHAC Products Inc., a master distributor of plumbing products, recently built a new warehousing facility that doubles its stocking area. This capacity is dedicated to stock increases of Delta, Moen, Elkay and Nutone products....

Precision buys Universal Boiler Works.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Precision Boilers Inc acquired certain assets of Universal Boiler Works Inc. Precision immediately began the production of flex-tube boilers under the name of UBW Boilers Inc., a subsidiary of Precision. Manufacturing will continue at the...

Rheem returns to AHR expo.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Rheem Water Heaters announced that it will be returning to the AHR Expo[R] after a two-year absence from this annual exposition of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration products. Rheem Water Heaters will join two sister...

Sloan Valve forms alliance with Waterless Urinal Co.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Sloan Valve Co. formed a strategic alliance with Falcon Waterfree Technologies, a global manufacturer of zero-water consumption urinals, to provide a complete integrated water conservation solution. Sloan will bring to market the touchfree,...

Teletrac expands main product.(Vendor & Supplier News)(FleetDirector)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Teletrac Inc. announced an enhancement to the wireless text messaging capability for its main fleet tracking product, FleetDirector. FleetDirector's new capability now allows drivers to instantly send free-form text messages from message data...

Hacker moves headquarters.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Hacker Industries has moved its corporate headquarters to 610 Newport Center Dr., Suite 250, Newport Beach, CA 92660, phone: 800/642-3455, fax: 949/729-3108. In other news, the company appointed Heidi Hauff as communications coordinator.

How well do you know your employees? A quick search can be a good insurance policy when hiring.(Business Tips)
November 1, 2003... Mickey probably seemed like a nice enough fellow. After all, he was selling vacuum cleaners for Kirby, a household name in the vacuum cleaner world. That bad news was that the name recognition of Kirby resulted in one of his customers lowering...

The art of hydronics: look closely for creative twists in piping.(Hydronics Workshop)
November 1, 2003... Occasionally it's therapeutic for me to assemble a PM Hydronics Workshop column that doesn't contain formulas and schematics. A column that examines the qualitative vs. quantitative aspects of the trade. One of the reasons so many of us...

PM's 2003 Best-Looking Truck Contest.(Cover Story)
November 1, 2003... Once again, Plumbing & Mechanical's 2003 Best-Looking Truck Contest had a large number of exceptional entries, making the selection of winners extremely difficult. And, as in previous years, the Box Truck Category drew the most entries. We...

More than just a faucet: today's demanding consumers are looking for style and functionality in a faucet.(Industry Overview)
November 1, 2003... There was a time when expectations for a faucet were pretty basic: it flows water, it doesn't leak and it looks OK--for a faucet. How times have changed. Today's faucet customers are much more savvy and demanding, looking for style and...

The winners after: a final visit with the winners of the PM/Slant-Fin Business Makeover Contest, Timothy Flynn and Gene Cataldo, Winters Co., Belmont, Mass.
November 1, 2003... In case you're wondering, Gene and Tim are still proudly wearing their Red Sox hats. They earned that right, as you'll soon read about in their own words. Tim and Gene remain passionate about helping you, too. They feel all their hard work...

The Quad-Flo bypass valve from Tomlinson Industries.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Tomlinson Industries" Quad-Flo[TM] bypass valve is a four way, two position valve made of solid brass, featuring a Teflon[R] "Quad-Seal[TM] "to ensure a smooth, positive operating action. A single two-position handle requires an easy 90-degree...

Lead-free drinking water products Pro-Flo by Tomlinson Industries.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... The Pro-Flo[TM] product line consists of high-quality, lead-free brass and stainless-steel water dispensing components for use on water coolers, water fountains and drinking water stations. These include bubblers, projector heads,...

Walton pipe extractors.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... 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 mare, and they release instantly. They...

Portable pump puller.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... 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 adjustment to varying diameters...

Universal and 12R Style Dies.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... The quick-opening Universal Die Head is from 1/8 inch 2 inches, featuring oiling through the head and ball detents for quick and easy die changing. Universal Dies are made of tool steel and are available in NPT, NPSM and Bolt. NPT for stainless...

Korky QuietFill Toilet Fill Valve.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Why did the world leader in toilets choose the Korky[R] QuietFill[R] Toilet Fill Valve? It's the technology. TOTO[R] manufactures the most technically advanced toilets today. That's why it's not surprising to find the Korky QuietFill in TOTO's...

AutoCAD CD helps improve efficiency.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Charlotte Pipe and Foundry's new AutoCAD 2.0 CD is now available. The 2.0 version features updated two- and three-dimensional drawings for all Charlotte Pipe products, including our new PVC large diameter fittings. The CD also includes all the...

Hammond Valve--better at every turn.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... As the official valve of the PHCC/ Professional Product Line, Hammond is proud to be a strong partner with the one organization dedicated to enhancing the plumbing contractor's business. To meet the changing needs of light commercial and...

New Cast Iron Technical Manual.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Learn more about Charlotte Pipe and Foundry's cast-iron product offering in the recently updated Cast Iron Technical Manual. We manufacture a full line of service weight and extra-heavy cast-iron soil pipe and fittings from 2 inches to 15...

Hole Master hole cutting base.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... The HOLE MASTER[TM] provides a means of clamping onto pipe and using a drill with a hole saw or bit to cut a hole in the pipe. It comes with base, chain and screw for clamping securely onto pipe. The plate and drill holder allow mounting a...

Work more efficiently with Literature-On-Demand.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Charlotte Pipe and Foundry offers a convenient Literature On-Demand Information Service that allows customers to quickly and easily access information they need, such as price sheets, MSDS sheets and more. Customers can call 800/745-9382 to...

The first Cut-to-Length Flex Connector.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... The revolutionary new Lorenz 20-inch Cut to-Length Flex Connector has been professionally designed to simplify under-counter and decorative pedestal plumbing installations up to 20 inches. The Flex Connector is comprised of a 12-inchlong,...

Newly updated Web site.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Anvil recently launched a newly designed and reorganized Web site. A number of tools have been added including UPS tracking; downloadable Excel list price sheets; customized submittal packages; and a new search option, which makes it easy to...

Guardian Dual Check Hydrant.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... The new Guardian Dual Check Hydrant from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. meets ASSE 1052 and is designed to make installation and operation easier. The Guardian drains automatically with or without a hose connected. Drop-down door allows 180-degree hose...

Sioux Chief Supply Stop Tee Mini-Rester.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Sioux Chief, the leading manufacturer of water hammer arresters, introduces the Supply Stop Mini-Rester. One of many AA-size Mini-Resters offered, the Supply Stop Mini-Rester's 3/8-inch or 5/8-inch OD reverse compression connection easily...

Wirsbo proPanel series.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Pre-assembled, pre-wired and pre piped, the Wirsbo proPANEL[TM] units are designed around the functions and capabilities of the Wirsbo pro Series controls. The piping, wiring and controls are already completed for a single mechanical-room...

Sioux chief Add-A-Line.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Adding a water line has never been easier thanks to the new Add-A-Line full-slip valve tee. Add-A Line's quality brass ball valve replaces cheap saddle valves that leak and clog. The Add-A-Line is avail able with four different valve...

Hackney shelving/tray kits for service bodies.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Available for 12-ft.- and 14 ft.-length bodies. All 56 aluminum shelves are 22-inches wide with a l-inch retainer lip; mounted on vertical tracks for adjustability. Includes fixed pipe shelves for l0-ft. lengths, and fixed ladder shelves...

QSC HVAC fast trac now on sale.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... If you do HVAC service wok or an interested in starting--now is the time to sign up your employees for this new program. If you have someone that you want to become more knowledgeable in HVAC service work--this is the program for you. Call...

Very high-strength baseboard.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Slant/Fin's HD Series high-output baseboard has exceptional strength, making it ideal for installation in schools, institutions, public housing and sites where rugged treatment is anticipated. Pre-assembled with 16-gauge front cover, welded...

Safgard 1100 'Mini' Low Water Cut-Off.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Hydrolevel Co.'s Safgard 1100 "Mini" Low Water Cut-Off for residential gas water boilers is the most compact available. Onboard diagnostic power and low ware lights simplify troubleshooting while burner circuit test button makes periodic tests...

'Bullet proof' oil boiler--free video.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... Slant/Fin's XL-2000 cast iron oil boiler delivers clean performance across a wide range of changing conditions. New video demonstrates live fire simulations of cold air, cold oil and a combination of these harsh conditions. The XL-2000 oil...

Full-line instruction catalog.(Information Showcase)
November 1, 2003... 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 to ensure efficient,...

A main suspect in troubleshooting: this culprit may be the cause of your visit almost half of the time.(Hydronic Controls)
November 1, 2003... Of all the things that can be wrong when you're troubleshooting, there one that is the culprit, oh, at least 50 percent time. One thing. And it's so simple that we usually wait until last to even look at it. Isn't that amazing? Fifty percent of...

Managing by crisis: it's not what you say, it's how you say it.(In The Field)
November 1, 2003... Any event that occurs in your business that causes you to lose business, equipment, money or all of them is likely be met with, new policies. They sound like this: From now on anyone caught (fill in your pet peeve here) will be fired)." We'll...

Pre-Job Training: train your employees before they move up the management ladder.(Practical Management)
November 1, 2003... Last month we began our Pre-Job Training (P.J.T.) discussions with the critical importance of jobsite documentation. Our next rung on that management ladder is familiarization with the plans, specifications, contract documents, building codes,...

Tool kit.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... Tool Kit: The new CrimpAll tool by Watts Radiant crimps four sizes of PEX pipe. This versatile new tool crimps 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, and 3/4-inch PEX CrimpRing fittings. The complete kit includes the CrimpAll tool with four jaw set sizes, rugged...

Water System.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... Water System: Stadler-Viega's Pexcel Pureflow[TM] Water System offers two types of tubing that work with one fitting system. Flexible Pexcel tubing snakes through walls and around barriers. FostaPex, a composite pipe, holds its shape when a...

Flexible PEX pipe.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... Flexible PEX Pipe: TempRite[TM] PEX, developed by Noveon, uses a combination of patented * materials and manufacturing processes to provide a UV-resistant product. This makes pipe made with TempRite PEX a superior choice for any water system....

Modular manifold.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... Modular Manifold: Plumb-Port is a modular hot and cold water distribution manifold for RTI's PlumbPex[R] Plumbing System. Used in either homerun or zone plumbing, it provides individually dedicated water lines to service all plumbing fixtures....

Clip Gun.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... Clip Gun [no photo]: The RB Clip Gun Systems from Peter Mangone Inc. make PEX, CPVC and CSST installations easy. The clips fit securely and won't cut into or damage tubing. Available in either manual or pneumatic models with easy to load...

PEX Plumbing System.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... PEX Plumbing System: The heart of the Zurn PEX Plumbing System is its flexible and strong PEX tubing. It has a service life of more than 100 years and pressure ratings up to 80 psi at 200 degrees F and 100 psi at 180 degrees F. Zurn uses its...

Double/triple valve Hi/Lo.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... Double/Triple Valve Hi/Lo: Powers introduces a new line of higher capacity two and three valve Hi/Lo systems featuring higher flows to accommodate greater tempered water requirements in today's larger facilities. Each system includes HydroGuard...

Valved Manifold.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... Valved Manifold: Uponor Wirsbo introduces the AQUACENTERO[R] Valved Manifold made from advanced engineered plastic. It complements AQUAPEX[R] tubing for potable water systems. Quiet and environmentally friendly, the trouble-free, snap-shut...

PEX shower valve.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... PEX Shower Valve: Delta Faucet Co. introduces a new PEX valve that allows plumbers to use PEX and connect directly to the valve, eliminating the need for an adapter. A time and money saver, it eliminates compatibility issues. Available with...

PEX compounds.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... Pexidan[R] PEX compounds from Padanaplast USA provide the most advanced technology in PEX for hot and cold potable water systems. PEX pipe made with Pexidan assures long service life. All Padanaplast plumbing products are certified by NSF, CSA...

Septic Tank Care.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... Fluidmaster offers a way to maintain a healthy septic tank system with the introduction of BioBalance[TM] Septic Tank Care System (Model 8200). Integrated within the toilet tank, it delivers natural biodegradable enzymes with every flush by...

Jet drain cleaning.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... General Pipe Cleaners manufactures a full line of high-pressure jet drain-cleaning machines for clearing drains clogged with grease, sand, sludge and ice. General's Jet Set, designed to clear drains from 1 1/2 inches to 8 inches in diameter, is...

Battery-powered Flushometer.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... The new G2 Optima Plus[R] battery-powered Flushometer from Sloan Valve Co. combines advanced electronics with a hi-tech appearance. It features Sloan's patented Isolated Operator that provides reliable performance and a flex tube diaphragm...

Injection board.(Products & Literature)
November 1, 2003... Heatlink USA Inc. simplifies the installation of injection systems with the series No. 65100 injection board Each board is pre-engineered, fabricated and wired. Available in four Btu output sizes ranging from 70,000 to 195,000 (based on supply...

We protect the contractor's interest: there are some bad apples in the industry, but it's not PM's job to draw attention to them.(Editorial Opinion)
November 1, 2003... The caller's name was Don. Unlike some who have engaged me in similar conversations over the years, he was not irate and irrational. Don was an industry stalwart who had held industry leadership positions and spoke in a reasoned tone. That's...