Plumbing & Mechanical articles from November 2004

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from November 2004

RSG sold to Direct Energy.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Residential Services Group)
November 1, 2004... Direct Energy has agreed to acquire Residential Services Group, a plumbing and HVAC services provider for residential and light commercial markets, for a $150 million in cash. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2004. ...

Bob Malia, past chairman of MSCA.(Obituary)(Mechanical Service Contractors Association)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
November 1, 2004... Robert "Bob" Malia, 73, died Sept. 19 in Florida. He was CEO of Thermo Air Inc., Hollywood, Fla., and spent more than 40 years in the mechanical construction and service industry. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Malia served as chairman of the...

PSI's founder '95 percent sure' of going public by 9/05.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
November 1, 2004... More than 400 members of Plumbers' Success International sat mesmerized as cofounder Jim Abrams shared his vision of the future at the PSI Summit in Nashville Sept. 17. He explained a plan--promised at PSI's founding five years ago but delayed...

AMPAM emerges from bankruptcy.(Briefs)(American Plumbing and Mechanical Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... American Plumbing & Mechanical recently announced that it has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which it entered into Oct. 13, 2003. The reorganized AMPAM will consist of five operating subsidiaries focused on residential plumbing, heating...

DOL awards grant to recruit workers in construction careers.(Briefs)(Department of Labor)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a grant of nearly $4.3 million to the Home Builders Institute to recruit, educate and train about 2,500 high school students, and current and displaced workers for careers in the construction industry....

CIPH creates co-op student initiative.(Briefs)(Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating began a new initiative to attract students to Canada's plumbing and hydronic heating industry through co-op employment opportunities. The "Creating Our Future" program will directly connect CIPH...

Roto-Rooter Inc. changes name, reports sales increase.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Stockholders of Roto-Rooter Inc. approved changing the company's name to Chemed Corp. during the second quarter of 2004. Previously, Chemed had changed it's name to Roto-Rooter Inc. in early 2003. The company also reported its...

MasterFormat education programs planned.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Construction Specifications Institute announced a couple of education programs taking shape to aid the commercial/institutional construction industry's transition to the groundbreaking 2004 edition of MasterFormat[TM], the long-awaited...

RPA launches Radiant Outfitters schools.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Radiant Panel Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... As a short-term replacement for the canceled RadFest that was scheduled for early November, the Radiant Panel Association will kick off its new Radiant Outfitters schools in Portland, Ore., Jan. 11-12, 2005. PM columnist John Siegenthaler will...

Women in HVACR holds first full meeting.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Women in HVACR, an organization to further the growth of women in the HVACR industry, had its first full meeting Sept. 15 during the 2004 HVAC Comfortech show. The day-long meeting was full of speakers and topics ranging from women in...

PM co-sponsors Carlson-Holohan Award.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Plumbing and Mechanical)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Plumbing & Mechanical is pleased to announce its co-sponsorship of the Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence. This unique honor has been created as an every-other-year award to persons who demonstrate leadership in education and activism...

Burnham announces new parts service, products.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Burnham Hydronics, Lancaster, Pa., hosted an editor's conference in September to highlight a recent multimillion-dollar investment to improve the company's manufacturing capacity, stock inventory, and also announce a new parts service and...

MrHVAC.com changes name.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Recently MrHVAC.com Inc. changed its name to Easy Street Inc. to better reflect the diversification of the company. Easy Street is now considered the parent company of MrHVAC.com. James Leichter is still president of both companies. The company...

Hansgrohe redesigns Axor Steel line.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Upscale plumbing fixture manufacturer Hansgrohe completely redesigned its popular Axor Steel collection of designer bath and kitchen faucets, shower products and accessories. The new look is more streamlined, combining curved and circular...

Eljer creates trade video for Gibraltar bathtub.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Eljer Plumbingware created a trade video for its lightweight Gibraltar bathtub featuring radio host and PHC contractor Roger Peugeot, also known as "Roger the Plumber." The five-minute video, targeted at plumbing contractors, presents the...

A.O. Smith Water Products Co.(Rep News)(contract with Soderholm and Associates)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Soderholm & Associates is the new manufacturers rep for A.O. Smith Water Products Co.'s water heaters in eastern Minnesota (including Minneapolis/St. Paul) and western Wisconsin.

Sussman Lifestyle Group.(Rep News)(contracts)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Sussman Lifestyle Group named Pan American Sales & Marketing to handle sales operations in Florida.

CuraFlo Technologies.(Rep News)(Brinks Investigation-Restoration Services)(Town & Country Plumbing)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CuraFlo Technologies announced two new licensed dealers: Brinks Investigation-Restoration Services of San Diego and Town & Country Plumbing of Temple, Texas. Both companies have exclusive rights to the CuraFlo technologies, systems and...

Making it worth the trip: finding those missing 'souvenirs' to enhance your sales process.(Business TIPS)
November 1, 2004... One of my more memorable childhood vacation memories was a trip to Colorado. I remember riding for hours as Dad drove like a machine across Texas and New Mexico. Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, we saw the "Welcome to Colorful...

Do you take deposits?(HEATINGHELP.COM)(Column)
November 1, 2004... Original inquiry: My wife went to an entrepreneurial workshop last night and the gentleman teaching the seminar stated that, if you did not have the capital to buy the equipment yourself to start the job, then he would not do business with you....

Beyond series circuits: a modern approach to baseboard heating.(Hydronics WORKSHOP)
November 1, 2004... I grew up in ranch house built in the 1950s and heated by fin-tube baseboard. It had a split-series loop distribution system, a single B & G series 100 circulator pumping into the oil-fired Thatcher boiler, and a tankless coil for domestic...

Preserving the past: Great Lakes Plumbing and Heating Co. works around the clock to retrofit buildings with fire protection.
November 1, 2004... The kindest words Brian Conway can hear about his fire protection crew is that customers don't even know the contractors were ever there. "A lot of people are afraid of contractors coming into their businesses and messing everything up,"...

The high cost of water leaks: leak detection services can help homeowners and business owners save money on their water bills.
November 1, 2004... In an average home, plumbing leaks account for about 14 percent of water consumed. Leaking toilets can waste from 30 to 500 gallons a day--that's about $1,000 a year. Another water waster can be leaks in your irrigation system, especially an...

At the center of quality: Truebro's new, improved Lav Guard 2 installs super-fast ... super-E-Z.
November 1, 2004... For the past 12 years, Lav Guard[R] undersink piping covers have grown to become the best-selling and most effective undersink piping covers available for complying with ADA-mandated undersink wheelchair accessibility. With the recent...

Reed OLBUCKT1.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... Reed Oilers effectively deliver threading oil to piping work. The gun-and-trigger approach makes it easy to pump oil directly on the work. The rugged and portable Reed OLBUCKT1 comes with both a metal bucket and metal drip pan. It...

PricePoint from Cloversoft.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... PricePoint software has been helping mom-and-pop-sized plumbing and HVACR contractors get organized and stay profitable for the last decade. The new version of the software, PricePoint 4, is simple to operate with a straightforward approach...

McGuire's new Convertible quarter-turn brass ball valves.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... McGuire's new Convertible[TM] quarter-turn brass ball valves provide specifiers with a commercial quality, all-brass ball valve with a unique feature, a Convertible Loose Key Handle. The Convertible can be either a loose key or wheel...

Lightweight, no rust.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... IAPMO, UPC and PDI listed. Light weight, no rust or corrosion. Seemless construction. Certified for above or below ground installation. 4 gpm to 300 gpm grease, lint and oil interceptors available. Easy to handle. UPS anywhere. Call for...

FastPIPE estimating system.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... Estimating software designed by professionals with over 20 years of estimating and programming experience, FastPIPE generates fast, consistent and accurate estimates. It's easy to implement, learn and use. Whatever the size or type of company,...

Easy Street creates accounting/dispatching software.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... Easy Street Inc., sister company of MrHVAC, announces its latest release: Total Office Manager[TM]. TOM is accounting/dispatching software that's easy to install and flexible to use. Created by contractors for contractors, TOM has everything...

Point-of-use water heaters feature advanced control.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... Stiebel Eltron, the manufacturer of the very dependable DHC series instantaneous point-of-use water heaters, is expanding its range by adding two new models with electronic temperature control. Set the knob on the front cover to any temperature...

Walton pipe extractors.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... 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 ream, and they release instantly. They...

WARDFLEX--more feet per day.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... WARDFLEX[R] delivers more performance and installation advantages over either black steel pipe or other ordinary CSST systems. Compared to conventional steel, WARDFLEX installs without the heavy lifting, carrying, threading, extensive measuring...

The Quad-Flo bypass valve from Tomlinson Industries.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... 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, 2004... 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,...

New ColdShield protects surfaces from heat damage.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... ColdShield[TM] is a new thermal barrier that protects surfaces from heat damage during soldering, welding and brazing operations. Typical applications include protecting valve seals and seats during soldering; protecting soldered joints from...

General's Typhoon trailer jet storms through big clogs.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... The J-2512 Typhoon[TM] trailer jet from General Pipe Cleaners blows away blockages in big lines and long runs. It delivers 12 gallons a minute at 2,500 psi to blast lines clean of grease, sediment and debris. A 200-gallon holding tank carries...

General's Hot-Rodder blends power & maneuverability.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... The compact Hot-Rodder[TM] sectional drain cleaner from General Pipe Cleaners blends power and maneuverability for rapid removal of clogs in large lines and long runs. General engineered the design for easy use. Just press the quick-release...

New Gen-Eye3 video pipe inspection/location system.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... The new Gen-Eye3[TM] offers a wide range of enhancements to make video pipe inspection and location easier: three times greater transmitter wattage for easier location; dual frequency transmitter to reduce interference; and a new easier-to-use...

Water ram clears clogged drains with shock action.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... General Pipe Cleaners announces important improvements in its Model-G Kinetic Water Ram, which generates a shock wave to open clogged pipes. A redesigned triggering device gives greater impact by firing an environmentally safe compressed air...

Injection boards 65100 Series.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... The injection boards 65100 Series from Heatlink features a compact metal cabinet with a capacity of 70,000-195,000 Btu output. It is pre-engineered, fabricated and wired. It includes a five-year parts and labor warranty. The 65100 Series...

Tecumseh Indoor Water Quality.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... With Tecumseh Indoor Water Quality (IWQ) water treatment products, you can offer customers an alternative to high-cost water treatment. Tecumseh IWQ systems use the best available technology in the industry to provide clean, clear, softened...

Affordable underground boring with improved BorZit system.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... BorZit lays pipe under sidewalks, driveways or streets faster with less effort for under $250. Bores a 2-inch, 3-inch or 5-inch hole at 1 ft. per minute with amazing accuracy. Can bore up to 60 feet under most soil conditions. Powered by a...

Bradley's Navigator single-valve technology.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... The Bradley Navigator[R] line of thermostatic mixing valves upholds the old adage that less is more. Utilizing a unique single-valve system, it provides quicker installation, easier maintenance, lower costs and better user protection. Bradley's...

Lavelle's Korky 1.6 toilet flapper.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... Lavelle's Korky[R] 1.6 toilet flapper is now made from its premium red Chlorazone[R] material. Chlorazone is designed to withstand chlorine and toilet tank cleaners. The Korky 1.6 flapper has an easy adjustment dial and fits 1.6 gpf toilets. It...

New Intrepid oil boilers.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... Performance, durability and versatility rank Slant/Fin's Intrepid among the world's best oil boilers. Intrepid is a full-featured oil boiler with models in hot water and steam, and options for tankless heaters and direct vent models. Sizes from...

New high output Slant/Fin baseboard.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... The output, size and strength of new Slant/Fin Baseline 70 baseboard make it ideal for multi-family housing, light commercial and high-output residential heating applications. Its economy price makes Baseline 70 particularly suited for highly...

PowerMate stairclimbing handtrucks.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... Why send two men out to install a hot water tank, boiler or furnace when you can send one? Get more done with the PowerMate[R] 4-in-1: power stairclimber; portable tailgate lift; curb/dock leveller; and well-balanced handtruck. PowerMate does...

Unlimited hot water.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... Ergomax[R] instantaneous, indirect water heaters/heat exchangers produce hot water as long as needed--from filling spa tubs to restaurants needing 180-degree F water for dishwashing. Ergomax units operate at 99 percent efficiency. Virtually...

Portable pump puller.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... 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...

American Environmental Outfitters.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... Get 200 quality custom imprinted, one-color, one-location T-shirts for $500, sizes S-XL (screens and art additional). These T-shirts have a high-perceived value and are a walking billboard for your company. They have a 100 percent retention...

Hydrolevel introduces new low water cut-off.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... Hydrolevel Co. introduces the Safgard 1150 "Mini" low water cut-off for residential water boilers. The new line-voltage control is designed for easy installation on gas or oil fired boilers. On-board diagnostic power and low-water lights...

Full-line instruction catalog.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
November 1, 2004... 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,...

Thermostatic mixing valve mistakes: install them correctly and protect your customers.(Plumbing PRIMER)
November 1, 2004... Scalding remains a major issue in the plumbing industry. We have definitely come a long way in preventing scalds in showers, bathtubs, whirlpool tubs, lavatories, sinks and other fixtures. But we still have work to do and must remain vigilant....

How to go F.A.R.: don't let frustration, anger and rage cloud your judgment when making decisions.(Managing YOUR BUSINESS)
November 1, 2004... Just before New Years, I got a call from a contractor. He was very upset. One of his employees was griping to all the other staff members in the parking lot about how small his Christmas bonus was. He felt he deserved more and was letting...

Aquastats: a quick definition of aquastats and their specifications.(Hydronic CONTROLS)
November 1, 2004... It's no mystery that an aquastat is a control that goes with a boiler. If you don't know much more about it than that, though, you have a lot of company. There seems to be confusion about exactly what an aquastat does, and especially about...

Cost cutting with technology: to offset rising costs, manage those nonbillable hours efficiently.(In The FIELD)
November 1, 2004... No doubt you have noticed the cost of fuel lately--no matter where you live it seems to be hitting new highs. And you have seen it show up on your financial statements as an increased cost of doing business. No additional return, just a greater...

Keeping score: team building; Creating enthusiastic, positive ambassadors for your company.(Practical MANAGEMENT)
November 1, 2004... Score your team-building coaches on recruiting, retention and costly turnover: * How many new employees did you hire this year? * Who recruited each one? * Who interviewed and hired them? * What caliber are they? * Who...

Briggs Sultan.(Product Focus: Water Closets)
November 1, 2004... Briggs Sultan: Briggs Plumbing Products' redesigned line of commercial products includes the Sultan wall-mount toilet. It comes in an elongated front style for maximum comfort and 1 1/2-inch top inlet spud. Uses a siphonic flushing action and...

Aqua-Saver.(Product Focus: Water Closets)
November 1, 2004... Aqua-Saver: Eljer Plumbingware enhanced its Aqua-Saver toilet with a new plain-rim option. Previously only offered with an elongated bowl, the new space-saving design fits smaller bathrooms. All Aqua-Saver pressure-assist toilets feature the...

Efficient flushing.(Product Focus: Water Closets)
November 1, 2004... Efficient Flushing: (no photo) The Champion[R] toilet from American Standard features the industry's largest siphon outlet at 2 3/8 inches. It's fully glazed with no choke points so everything leaves the bowl, every time. Circle 3

Waterfree Urinal.(Product Focus: Water Closets)
November 1, 2004... Waterfree Urinal: Sloan Valve Co. touch-free Waterfree Urinals use a proprietary cartridge installed at the base that holds a sealant liquid to control odor. The touch-free, hygienic operation adapts to existing drain outlets. Each unit can...

Transfer pipe.(Product Focus: Water Closets)
November 1, 2004... Transfer Pipe: REHAU has updated its INSULPEX[R] energy transfer pipe to include 16 new ASTM-compliant inch sizes that meet North American standards. In addition, more than 50 new EVERLOC[R] fittings complete the updated program. Engineered for...

Low water cut-off.(Product Focus: Water Closets)
November 1, 2004... Low Water Cut-Off: Hydrolevel Co. introduces the Safgard 1150 "Mini" low water cutoff for residential water boilers. The new line-voltage control is designed for easy installation on gas or oil fired boilers. On-board diagnostic power and low...

Automotive reports.(Product Focus: Water Closets)
November 1, 2004... Automotive Reports: Networkcar[R] now offers its Networkfleet[TM] system on all classes of fleet vehicles. The system reports detailed automotive information directly from a vehicle's engine computer through a gps system. Access information...

Gas water heater.(Product Focus: Water Closets)
November 1, 2004... Gas Water Heater: The ProMax[R] XL Circulating Loop Heat Exchanger from A.O. Smith Water Products Co. is designed for installation with ProMax SL residential gas water heaters to provide domestic hot water plus an isolated source of hot water...

Tankless gas water heater.(Product Focus: Water Closets)
November 1, 2004... Tankless Gas Water Heater: The new State Water Heaters Aurora[TM] tankless gas water heater is rated to provide a continuous 4 gallons per minute supply of hot water at a 77-degree F rise. It is recommended for vacation homes, room additions...

Step-saving valves.(Product Focus: Water Closets)
November 1, 2004... Step-Saving Valves: Webstone Co. Inc. offers a full line of professional valves designed to eliminate leak paths as well as the need for additional tees, drains or unions. These forged brass valves feature full-port quarter-turn drains,...

Potty humor: nobody disrespects plumbing contractors more than themselves.(Editorial OPINION)(Editorial)
November 1, 2004... At least a dozen people have e-mailed me a photo of a plumbing contractor's truck that is bound to turn heads as it makes its way around town. On the driver's door is painted a chest-down image of a man with pants pulled down sitting on a...