Plumbing & Mechanical articles from September 2002

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from September 2002

Life is good. (Letters to the Editor).(letter to the editor)
September 1, 2002... I'm sitting at my desk, or should I say my post? It is Friday, July 5th and we are working. We are working because we are service and repair contractors and we perform a very important function in today's society. I should add that I wish...

Ethical flat rate. (Letters to the Editor).(letter to the editor)
September 1, 2002... After reading all of the recent letters regarding the great debate on flat rate, I see that most are in support of flat rate, which is good. I do have one question: What is the ethical way to practice flat-rate pricing? Many companies charge a...

Man's best friend. (Letters to the Editor).(letter to the editor)
September 1, 2002... I just finished reading Ellen Rohr's column, "Ode To The Working Dog" (July 2002). The magazine is one of my favorites and with Ellen it's always a surprise. This time she really outdid herself. The column could only have been written by a...

Dead center. (Letters to the Editor).(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2002... I recently had the opportunity to read Frank Blau's column, "The UA's Missed Opportunity" (July 2002). I forwarded a copy to the local hall. The replies I have received from the union have been favorable, and to quote their exact words, "You...

Home Depot out, Sears in as ServiceMaster partner. (Around the Industry).(maintenance and repair services)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Katie Rotella Home Depot Inc. and ServiceMaster Co. have abandoned a joint venture that offered maintenance and repair services after the companies found the results of a pilot program did not meet expectations. Recently, Home Depot...

PPFA, PEX manufacturers sue California Building agency. (Around the Industry).(Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association)
September 1, 2002... The Plastic Pipe & Fittings Association, on behalf of PEX water pipe manufacturers, recently filed a lawsuit against the California Building Standards Commission for excluding PEX from the California Plumbing Code. The suit, filed in Los...

Bradford White buys Steel Tank manufacturer. (Around the Industry).(Bradford White Corp., Niles Steel Tank Co. )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Bradford White Corp. of Ambler, Pa., has purchased the Niles Steel Tank Co. as the first of several planned acquisitions designed to expand Bradford White's water heating product line. Based in Niles, Mich., the new firm manufactures...

Number of homes without plumbing dropped in 2000. (Briefs).(Census 2000)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... According to Census 2000 data, the number of U.S. households without complete plumbing fell from 721,693 homes (0.78 percent) in 1990 to 670,986 homes (0.64 percent). Alaska led the nation with 14,003 homes with out plumbing, while regionally...

New MCAA student chapter at Washington state. (Briefs).(Mechanical Contractors Association of America)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Mechanical Contractors Association of America's 19th student chapter has been established at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash. The chapter's constitution was signed on April 29. It is the third chapter sponsored by the MCA of...

EMCOR reports second quarter increase. (Briefs).(EMCOR Group 2002)(Bank One Corp. maintenance contract)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... EMCOR Group announced a 27.6 percent increase in net income for the second quarter of 2002. Revenues totaled $986.4 million compared to $869.5 million in the second quarter of 2001. The second quarter of 2002 represents the first full quarter...

Encompass share to trade at 55 cents. (Briefs).(Encompass Services Corp.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Encompass Services Corp. announced that its subscription price on its proposed $72.5 million equity offering will be 55 cents per share.

PSI members win profit contest. (Around the Industry).(Plumbers' Success International Profit Partner contest)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Four companies comprising the Barry Franklin Group won the grand prize of $20,488 in the Plumbers' Success International Profit Partner contest. The winners -- Al's Master Plumbing, Minneapolis; Neighborhood Plumbing, Foley, Minn.; Strictly...

HVACTV, PerfectStream to Webcast ISH NA. (Around the Industry).(E-Spex L.L.C.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Providence, R.I.-based E-Spex LLC announced that it will broadcast ISH North America over the Internet. Segments of the show will be videotaped and Webcast soon after via HVACTV.com and PerfectStream. TV. Included will be interviews with...

PHCC co-sponsors plumbing contest. (Around the Industry).(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-National Association and Skills USA-Vocational Industrial Clubs of America)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... At the Skills USA-Vocational Industrial Clubs of America Championship held June 27 in Kansas City, Mo., six plumbing apprentices were the top finishers from among the 35 contestants competing from across the United States and Puerto Rico. The...

QSC hires business management coach. (Around the Industry).(Mike Maynard)(Brief Article)(Biography)
September 1, 2002... Mike Maynard, a 26-year veteran of the PHC industry, joined the Quality Service Contractors as a business management coach. "I'll be available to consult with members by any means they want," Maynard said. "On-site visits are one way, but...

Ferguson Enterprises to stock Weil-McLain. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Weil-McLain has entered into a strategic agreement with HVAC wholesaler Ferguson Enterprises. As part of its Sole Source Program, Ferguson will stock the full line of Weil-McLain products in its Front Royal, Va., distribution center.

Uponor Wirsbo hosts blood drive. (Vendor & Supplier News).(North Central Blood Services)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Uponor Wirsbo recently hosted a blood drive with North Central Blood Services at its Apple Valley, Minn., manufacturing facility. About three dozen people, mostly employees, took part in the second annual drive. More community involvement is...

Halsey Taylor releases Voyager CD. (Vendor & Supplier News).(King-Seeley Thermos Co. Halsey Taylor promotional CD Rom)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Halsey Taylor's new CD Rom features the Voyager[TM] water cooler line. The CD highlights Voyager's features and benefits, as well as detailing the installation process and maintenance. Spec sheets and owners manuals can be printed for immediate...

Swan Corp. has new brand. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Swan Corp. recently announced that the company and all of its products now will be marketed under the Swanstone name. The name and brand comes from the company's signature product, Swanstone, a solid surface material that has become its...

Service at the big C. (PM's Truck of the Month).(Connor Plumbing Co.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... When people see Chris Connor's truck on the road, they may wonder what that big scroll is on the side of it. It's a very large C with its top cut off, courtesy of Connor's wife, a graphic designer. The couple worked on the design for a while...

Roto-Rooter revenues down for second quarter. (Briefs).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Roto-Rooter recorded revenues of $63.1 million for the second quarter of 2002, a 6 percent drop from the second quarter of 2001. Profits totaled $4.4 million. Gross margin increased .3 percent from 2001 figures and 2.3 percent from the first...

Excellence Alliance acquires telecom/electrical group. (Briefs).(acquired National Telecom Alliance)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Excellence Alliance Inc., a membership group that provides business management tools to independent contractors, announced its recent acquisition of The National Telecom Alliance. NTA's members are privately held telecommunications and...

Texas contractors receive nitrogen oxide training. (Briefs).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Lochinvar Corp. and Ashcraft Co. conducted training session for Texas contractors on the new nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions limits established by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. Contractors learned about the new legislation...

Mold seminar planned. (Briefs).(seminar for construction contractors to identify and avoid risks of molds)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Kohler/PHCC Educational Foundation Seminar Series and PHCC Construction Contractors' Alliance will co-sponsor a seminar for PHC construction contractors at the American Club in Kohler, Wis., Sept. 18-20. The panel discussion will establish...

Atlanta company receives water innovation award. (Briefs).(Dupree Plumbing Co.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Grundfos Pumps Corp. of North America presented Mike Dupree, president of Atlanta-based Dupree Plumbing Co., with its Water Innovation Award in recognition of his work to bring water-efficient plumbing design to the Atlanta area. Dupree...

Talbot named Brass Craft president. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Todd Talbot)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Brass Craft Manufacturing, a division of Masco Corp., appointed Todd Talbot as company president. Talbot was most recently president of Alsons Corp., a position he took in 1996. He currently serves as president of PMI. Former Brass Craft...

New president for float valve manufacturer. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Robert Manufacturing Co., Bob Drach appointment)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Robert Mfg. Co., maker of floats and float valves, gas appliance connectors, fittings, and water supplies, named Bob Drach as its new president. Robert Hartwell was named chairman.

TOTO announces new marketing director. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Newbold Warden appointment)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... TOTO USA promoted Newbold Warden as its director of marketing. Prior to this appointment, Warden served as TOTO's marketing communications manager. He is among the main architects responsible for developing the TOTO brand in North America.

LA-CO/Markal names marketing manager. (Vendor & Supplier News).(LA-CO Industries Inc./Markal Co., Patrick Esposito appointment)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... LA-CO Industries Inc./Markal Co. named Patrick Esposito as marketing and Web solutions manager for its plumbing division. Previously, he served as direct marketing manager for A.O. Smith's parts service division.

Danze names senior sales staff. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Danze, maker of kitchen and bath faucets, showerheads and bath accessories, added three senior-level sales managers to its national sales team. Ken James is the new western regional sales manager, MJ Davis is the new eastern regional wholesale...

PMI Technical Director chairs ASME Committee. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Plumbing Manufacturers Institute, David W. Viola to chair American Society of Mechanical Engineers A112 Plumbing Materials and Equipment Committee)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute announced Technical Director David W. Viola will serve as chairman of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers A112 Plumbing Materials and Equipment Committee. The A112 committee is responsible for more...

Newsletter service now available nationwide. (Briefs).(Construction Break)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Construction Break, a newsletter service currently serving 125 construction related firms, is now available throughout the United States. The company offers contractors an easy and affordable way to produce a customized promotional newsletter...

MCAA offers change order seminars. (Briefs).(Mechanical Contractors Association of America)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Mechanical Contractors Association of America is offering a seminar on the effects of change orders on labor productivity. Dr. Awad Hanna of the University of Wisconsin-Madison will teach the course. For more information, contact John Shupp...

CEC offers tech training. (Briefs).(Controlled Energy Corp.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Controlled Energy Corp., supplier of tank-less water heaters, announced the creation of a new, nationwide program featuring tech training seminars presented by CEC field-training managers. The seminars will provide both sales and technical...

ISH NA: a leadership development opportunity; what the p-h-c industry needs is more leaders like the ones who will be at ISH NA. (Guest Editorial).(Editorial)
September 1, 2002... Contractors become so involved in their businesses that they often fail to see the total industry picture. But for the p-h-c contractors attending the ISH North America trade show in Toronto, the industry picture will be as clear as glass in a...

Forget dollars -- zoom in on percentages: you can tell at a glance how a service company is doing simply by looking at two key percentages. (Business Tips).(Column)
September 1, 2002... I don't know if one of my students made a New Year's resolution or not back in 1992. But the proof of what he's accomplished since then is apparent in the profit and loss statements shown on page 32. It compares the January monthly P & L sheets...

A tale of two circulators: the hidden cost of oversizing becomes apparent during the life of the system. (Hydronics Workshop).(Column)
September 1, 2002... With extremely few exceptions, every new hydronic heating system has at least one circulator. Some larger residential systems might even have a couple dozen. There's a pump for every purpose; it's just a matter of defining that purpose and...

How builders and architects promote radiant heat: more than contractors are hard at work extolling the cost-effectiveness, aesthetic freedom and luxurious comfort of radiant heat.
September 1, 2002... As close as PM is to radiant installers, it blinds us to other professionals who are just as committed to promoting radiant heat. Wouldn't you want a helping hand from time' to time, a trusted ally, a reliable pro in your corner? What about...

What's cooking in the kitchen? Consumers want it all -- effortless form and function. How are manufacturers meeting their needs?(plumbing fixtures)
September 1, 2002... A man's home may be his castle, but his kitchen has become his showplace. It's where everyone meets at the beginning and end of a day. It's where meal preparation commences and concludes -- most of the time with several people standing...

Major Toronto show offers Products, Productivity, Profits & Pizzazz! With 400 exhibitors from 13 countries, ISH NA is a world-class event.
September 1, 2002... With three days of seminars, exhibitions and special events, ISH North America promises to be the largest and most significant trade show of its kind in North America. Messe Frankfurt and its partners and sponsors have organized ISH NA...

Air conditioning for wet heads: energy-efficient cooling options for radiant or hydronic homes.
September 1, 2002... As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of air conditioning, the summer of 2002 is bringing many Americans sweltering temperatures and extremely humid air. Couple that with extreme drought conditions in some areas of the country, and you have one...

Mr. Rooter's Woman of the Year: how one woman succeeds in what is perceived as a male-dominated industry.(Stephania Alexander)
September 1, 2002... Stephania Alexander didn't start out as a plumber. Back in the early 1990s, she was a stay-at-home mom in California raising her two daughters. She and her husband, Bruce, were co-owners of a George Brazil Plumbing-Heating-Cooling shop. But in...

10 golden rules of family business: tips on how to get along with family members to continue the success of the business. (Managing Your Business).(Column)
September 1, 2002... I was at the wheel of my dad's car and we were driving to our next call. I was 22 and had just joined my older brothers and dad in the family business. Dad and I spent a lot of time together looking at jobs. Normally, we'd ride together and...

The double shower debate: don't try to play games with the federal restriction on maximum flow rates. (Plumbing Primer).(Column)
September 1, 2002... I was asked to inspect a plumbing rough-in installed in a beautiful new home on the shores of Lake Michigan. The home was gorgeous, but the plumbing, well let's just not go there. As I hit the main floor, I was immediately drawn to the...

It's not my fault! An organizational chart is an easy way to stop playing the blame game. (Practical Management).
September 1, 2002... How many times have you heard, "It's not my fault." How often have you said it? Or wanted to say it? Possibly one of the most negative mistakes that managers make is to blame the wrong person for something that either wasn't done right or...

Easy-grip handle. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).
September 1, 2002... The new, easy-to-install CentralGard II from Central Brass features a replaceable ceramic cartridge, forged brass construction, a chrome-plated finish and an adjustable handle limit stop for safety. Available as a bath-and-shower or shower-only...

High-handicap toilet. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).
September 1, 2002... The McKinley 17-1/2-inch high-handicap water closet from Peerless Pottery Inc. is ideal for the elderly and physically challenged. Elongated 12-inch rough-in with power flushing action, it features 1.6 gpf siphonic wash. Circle 2

High-flow thermostat valve. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).
September 1, 2002... Grohe announces the introduction of its new "high flow" Grohtherm thermostatic temperature control valves and trim. The 3/4-inch Grohtherm shower safety valve flows 18 gpm (at 45 psi) and meets the scald-protection requirements of ASSE Standard...

Infrared Flush Valves. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).
September 1, 2002... Geberit Mfg.'s new Infrared Flush Valves for toilets and urinals feature a patented turbine flow meter that measures water exactly to eliminate wasting it. Flush volumes range from 0.5 to 3.5 gpf and are adjustable in 1/10th-gallon increments...

ADA shower. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).
September 1, 2002... Symmons Industries'Temptrol(R) 95-500830-L-V shower was developed specifically to fulfill all ADA and ANSI Al17 requirements. A simple turn of a lever diverts water from the conventional showerhead to a flexible, handheld showerhead with an...

Electronic faucet. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).
September 1, 2002... Moen's ADA compliant FreeHand electronic faucets combine the modern attributes of battery or hard-wired power options, adjustable infrared sensor and flow time, and a selfdiagnostic system with the durability of solid brass construction and...

Plastic manifold. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).
September 1, 2002... The TwistSeal[TM] Mini-Deluxe manifold from Heatlink features patented TwistSeal technology, smaller physical size, modular design and plastic construction. Full flow -- up to eight supply and return pairs can be connected together without...

New water cooler design. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Halsey Taylor's new Voyager[TM] water cooler features a smooth design, rounded corners and an impact-resistant cabinet, resulting in a safer product. It is a wise choice for schools and other installations where children's safety is a concern....

Brass manifold. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Weil-McLain offers a number of brass manifolds for radiant heat applications. The manifold with adjustable flow indicators allows for accurate and easy flow and loop balancing. Available in two-, three- and four-port configurations....

Manifold with flow indicators. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Embassy Industries introduces its new brass manifold with flow indicators. Comes in two-branch through six-branch lengths and an optional adapter is available to combine two or more manifolds together. Each kit comes with mounting bracket,...

Radiant contols. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... IPEX's WarmRite Floor system includes pre-assembled control panels, Kitec XPA and PEX tubing, and thermostats, system controls, and supply and return manifolds. The return manifold with balancing valves and flow meters measures and adjusts flow...

Rough-in CD. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Symmons Industries recently released a new CD-ROM containing the company's latest set of submittals, rough-ins and installation instructions for its products. An included browser helps organize a wide variety of catalog content in an...

Tape measure. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Next[R] tape measure from Levelution features Unleaded Measuring[R], which allows the user one-hand, pencil free, marking of wood, metal, drywall, aluminum, tile, slate, granite, plaster, sheet metal, stainless, glass, copper, PVC, ASS,...

Estimating software. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Estimation has recently released Version 9.0 of Estimation, PowerPRO and PowerStation. These advanced, feature-rich estimating and purchasing software programs can be integrated to provide mechanical contractors the tools they need to produce...

Pipe Repair System. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Indumar Products Inc. introduces its STOP IT[TM] Pipe Repair System. Pipes are wrapped with a knitted fiberglass tape, pre-coated with a water activated urethane system. Can be applied by one person with no mixing, measuring or hot work Sets in...

Fill Valve. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... A quarter-turn adjusts the new Tank Fill Valve from Brass Craft from 9 inches to 14 inches. Unlike competitive units, this fill valve can be raised or lowered while installed in the tank. Features an anti-siphon design, with quiet fill...

Leak detector. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The FloodStopper System from SmartSensor Technologies automatically shuts off the water supply upon detection of a leak. Consists of low-profile electronic sensors (designed to blend into the decor of any facility), a user-friendly control...

Tonneau cover. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The LSII fiberglass tonneau cover from A.R.E. Inc. is simple to install with a slide-on, black painted aluminum rail mounting system, which allows installation with just a common 1/2-inch wrench. Each unit is made to the customer's...

Quick-connect fittings. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Manufactured in acetal copolymer and polypropylene, the Super Speedift[R] range of push-in fittings from G.A. Murdock Inc. are available in inch and metric sizes. John Guest Super Speedift fittings require no tools; plastic or soft metal....

Contractor Lift. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Sumner Mfg. Co. introduces its Series 2100 Contractor Lifts capable of lifting loads of 650 lbs. up to heights of 12, 18 or 24 feet. One-piece design allows for quick fold up of legs and compact storage, without loose pins or the need of tools....

Video pipe inspection. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Digital Locator part of the GENEYE[TM] video pipe inspection/location system gives instant locating and depth-finding capability down to the inch. Features an easy-to-read LCD display, and locates cast-iron pipe to a depth of 10 ft., and...

Cast iron boiler. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Series MI cast iron, residential boiler from Peerless Heater Co. is fully packaged and ready to install This atmospheric, gas-fired, hot water boiler is designed for natural draft use with a conventional chimney. The Series MI boiler can...

Tanked toilet water saving device. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Maximizer tanked toilet water saving device from Worldwide Conservation Inc. reduces water consumption by 15-35 percent without impeding the performance of the toilet. Designed for toilets 3.5 gallons or larger, the Maximizer's...

Tub/shower valve. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Cleveland Faucet Group (CFG) has unveiled Dimension, its new, full-featured tub/shower valve. The valve body with cycling cartridge allows for a flow of more than 7 gpm with low water noise. Ceramic disc technology incorporates super-hard,...

Station Wash-up Sinks. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Amtekco Industries' Multiple Station Wash-up Sinks feature 16 gauge type 304 stainless steel construction, fully-welded, seamless polished corners, center drain pitched for rapid drainage and pre-punched back-splashes with faucet holes 8 inches...

Lien Maker CD-ROM. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... With a new software program, Contractors' Lien Maker, contractors are able to create, track and produce all required state documents, and file notices legally and on time. This CD-ROM from Made E-Z Products Inc. features step-by-step...

Stud Welder. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).
September 1, 2002... The Studhorse 1200 from Arcon Welding is a lightweight, 80-lb. portable inverter drawn arc stud welder. Features include constant power output, automatic line voltage compensation, five-zone thermal protection, and digital start/stop. Full base...

Excavating equipment. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).
September 1, 2002... Soil Surgeon Inc. offers its quick-connect Hydro-Air excavating unit that fits all combination of trucks. Trench, pothole, line locate and more. Its water ring is designed for cutting all types of soil. Hose rated at 5,000 psi. Regulate water...

Silicone Sealant. (Product Focus: ADA Products & Manifolds).
September 1, 2002... RectorSeal[R] General Purpose Silicone Sealant is a 100 percent RTV silicone caulk that remains permanently flexible. Ideal for sealing around electrical panels, windows, doors, pipes, vents, corner joints, aluminum siding and other...

Seven good reasons to attend ISH NA: and for those of you with dirty minds, there's an 8th not-so-good reason. (Editorial Opinion).
September 1, 2002... Reason No. 1 -- A Really Big Show: This could be the start of something big. Our industry needs a large, consolidated trade show appealing to a diverse audience, and ISH North America represents maybe the last, best hope to forge one. Show...