Plumbing & Mechanical articles from September 2003

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from September 2003

Hard work either way.(Letters To The Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... I've subscribed to PM since its earliest issues. The current column by Maurice Maio ("Hard Work, Low Pay," July 2003) stating certain contractors are billing $300 per hour rates is ludicrous. My service territory is in Western Morris county,...

NY enforces restriction on plastic pipe.(Around The Industry)
September 1, 2003... NY labor law restricts use of plastic pipe to residential buildings six stories or less Some businesses threatened with misdemeanor charges State Senate bill introduced to exempt such construction from penalties The New York Labor...

Hydronics Institute selects BNP to manage I=B=R Schools.(Around The Industry, Business News Publishing)
September 1, 2003... The I=B=R Schools offered by the Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA for more than 50 years will be managed by PM's parent company Business News Publishing (BNP) starting this fall. The new structure provides a blend of resources that...

K/BIS says 'viva Las Vegas' in 2005.(Around The Industry)(Kitchen & Bath Business )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), Kitchen & Bath Business and VNU Expositions announced that the 2005 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show (K/BIS) will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, May 10-12, 2005, a change from the past...

Federal tax break for fire-sprinkler systems.(Mechanical Contractors Association Of America and local affiliates meet with sponsors of federal bill)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Mechanical Contractors Association Of America and local affiliates have been meeting with sponsors of a federal bill on fire-sprinkler system, H.R. 1824, which would provide a substantial tax benefit to building owners who equip their...

NORA to hold Oilheat Management workshop.
September 1, 2003... The National Oilheat Research Alliance is conducting a four-day Oilheat Management Workshop Oct. 6-10 at the Simsbury Inn, Simsbury, Conn. The workshop consists of eight sessions, including a case study. For further information, contact NORA at...

Sales workshop set for Atlanta.
September 1, 2003... The second Gameplan Sales Coaching Course for contractors will be held Oct. 15-17 in Atlanta. Matt Smith will head the three-day workshop. For registration information, call 513/761-0594 or visit the Web site www.thecontractorsfriend.com.

RSES adds mold seminar to annual conference.(Refrigeration Service Engineers Society )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society recently added an educational session on mold to the program of its 2003 Annual Conference, Oct 1-4 in Nashville, Tenn. The session deals with what mold is, the health effects of mold, mold growth and...

Women in trades program graduates another class.(Around The Industry, Texas State Technical College holds ceremony)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Texas State Technical College's Women in Trades program hosted a small ceremony to recognize six women who completed the plumbing and drain cleaning course. Each of them earned 80 hours of credit toward her journeyman's license as a master...

Extend your 'heavy duty helping' hand.(Around The Industry)(ongoing charitable endeavor is to generate tradespeople as both volunteers and financial supporters for Habitat for Humanity)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... In June, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. introduced "Heavy Duty Helping" at the 2003 Jimmy Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity. This ongoing charitable endeavor is designed to generate tradespeople as both volunteers and financial...

EMCOR reports increased revenues, lower earnings.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... EMCOR Group reported a revenue increase of 16 percent for the second quarter of 2003; $1.1 billion compared to 2002's second-quarter figures of $986.4 million. However, earnings fell to $8.3 million from $14.8 million a year earlier. The...

Roto-Rooter reports lower earnings, revenues in 2Q.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Roto-Rooter reported net income of 28 cents a share for the second quarter of 2003, compared with net income of 46 cents per share for the same period in 2002. Service revenues and sales from Continuing operations were $77.3 million, down...

ARS/AMS report second quarter revenue decrease.(The ServiceMaster Co.'s American residential Services and American Mechanical Services had second-quarter revenues of $173 million)
September 1, 2003... The ServiceMaster Co.'s American dential Services and American Mechanical Services had second-quarter revenues of $173 million, a decrease of 10 percent from the prior year. The company said the decline in ARS/AMS revenues is due to a reduction...

PM columnists, editors present ISH NA seminars.(Around The Industry)(Calendar)
September 1, 2003... As part of next month's ISH North America, Oct. 1-3 Las Vegas, several PM: columnists and editors will present the following seminars: OCT. 1 Cures for Short-cycling in Hydronic Heating Systems 9-10:30 a.m. John Siegenthaler...

Relearn the fundamentals.(Around The Industry)(release of second edition of Modern Hydronic Heating)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... PM colunmist John Siegenthaler has completed the second edition of his text "Modern Hydronic Heating." In addition to the fundamentals, the second edition includes detailed coverage of contemporary hydronic heating topics such as: radiant...

NAOHSM announces scholarship winners.(Around The Industry)(National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The fifth annual Dave Nelson Scholarships were presented to six students pursuing a career in the heating oil industry at the National Association of Oil Heating Service Manager's 50th Annual Convention and Trade Show. Award winners were chosen...

Comfort Systems reports 2Q revenue, income decrease.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Comfort Systems USA announced that its second-quarter revenues from continuing operations were $202.4 million, compared to $211.5 million in the second quarter of 2002. Net income from continuing operations was $2.6 million, or 7 cents per...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
September 1, 2003... In the article "Get Ready For 1 Gpf" (July 2003), it was inadvertently left out that Chicago Faucet Co., a member of The Geberit Group, acquired all W/C Technology Corp.'s shares last year. Therefore, Chicago Faucet/ Geberit now own the PF/2...

Hilton to head Service Roundtable Plumbing Division.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Service Roundtable announced that PM columnist Randall Hilton will head up the group's Plumbing Division. Hilton is a licensed master plumber, a Service Roundtable Consult & Coach Partner, has run his own shop, and has been a consultant in...

AMPAM hires single-family plumbing manager.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... American Plumbing and Mechanical announced that it has re-hired Robert C. Richey to manage the operations and administrations of its single-family plumbing operations in California, Nevada and Arizona. He will also return to the board of...

REHAU, watts offer radiant training.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Correction Notice)
September 1, 2003... In our Radiant Training Guide published in the Radiant Heating Report 2003, we did not include information from two manufacturers: * REHAU offers a two-day Skill Builders Advanced Training course, Oct. 9-10 and Nov. 13 14, in Leesburg, Va....

Irwin Tools introduces brand strategy.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Irwin Industrial Tools recently introduced a branding plan for its professional grade hand tools and power tool accessories business. Irwin will serve as the primary brand for seven sub-brands: Vise-Gripe, Marathon[R], Quick-Grip[R],...

Haws offers new service for vintage drinking fountains.(Vendor & Supplier News)
September 1, 2003... The Haws Corp. will begin offering an organized service for assisting engineers, contractors and owners with refurbishing the company's vintage drinking fountains currently in service. Some are installed in buildings that are being refurbished...

PHCC publishes new ToolBox catalog.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association published its new ToolBox catalog, a comprehensive listing of all PHCC publications, videos, manuals and services. For a copy, call 800/533-7694.

Toronto ISH NA speaker ranked leading lawyer.(attorney Stanley P. Sklar named one of the leading lawyers in the United States)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Chicago attorney Stanley P. Sklar of Bell, Boyd & Lloyd was named as one of the leading lawyers in the United States by Chambers USA's "Guide to America's Leading Business Lawyers." Plumbing & Mechanical recruited Sklar to participate as a...

Westbrook Service works on sewer replacement.
September 1, 2003... Orlando, Fla.-based Westbrook Service Corp. is replacing the plumbing and sewer infrastructure for the Osceola County (Fla.) Tax Collector's new office complex in Kissimmee, Fla.

Southland awarded contract for Census Bureau headquarters.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The U.S. Census Bureau awarded Southland Industries (Irvine, Calif.) the design/build plumbing and HVAC contract for its new headquarters building in Suitland, Md. The new facilities will feature office buildings and related special-purpose...

Bosch buyout of Buderus approved.(European antitrust authorities approve merger)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... European antitrust authorities have approved the recent takeover by Robert Bosch GmbH of German boiler manufacturer Buderus AG.

Milwaukee Rheem Team achieves NATE certification.(North American Technician Excellence certification)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Every principal technician of the Milwaukee Rheem Team dealer network has recently earned North American Technician Excellence certification, a feat that NATE said is unprecedented. The independent, nonprofit national organization noted that...

A.O. Smith receives Product Quality Award.(award is given to the company that has the lowest defect percentage per batch of units produced )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Consulting firm Frost & Sullivan presented its 2003 Product Quality Leadership Award to A.O. Smith Water Products Co. for its comprehensive package of quality products and customer support. The award is given to the company that has the lowest...

Wrangler launches Workwear line.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Wrangler recently introduced a line of practical denim work clothing called Riggs Workwear. The jeans, jackets and shirts are constructed for comfort and durability, the company claims. For more information, call 888/245-9766 or visit...

AERS Web site features 'Energy Check'.(Web News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Applied Energy Recovery Systems, a manufacturer of the E-Tech line of commercial heat pump water heater systems, launched a new Web site (www.aeretech.com). The site features customer product information and an "Energy Check" section, where...

Swanstone site offers product info.(Web News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Swanstone Corp. recently upgraded its Web site, www.swanstone.com, to include more product information, such as photos, descriptions and specifications. Users can now select products by collection. The site also has a dealer locator page, and...

Watts Drainage launches new site.(Web News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Watts Drainage, a division of Watts Industries, launched its new site with detailed product information, links to spec sheets in PDF format, a cross-reference guide and an agent locator. Visit the site at www.wattsdrainage.com.

Interactive Internet site for MrSteam.(Web News)(Sussman Lifestyle Group, manufacturer and supplier of steam baths and saunas, launched its new Web site)
September 1, 2003... Sussman Lifestyle Group, manufacturer and supplier of steam baths and saunas, launched its new Web site, www.mrsteam.com. The interactive site features sizing and selection calculators for residential steambath units, as well as steam and sauna...

CISPI redesigns Web Site.(Web News)
September 1, 2003... The Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute recently launched its redesigned Web Site, www.cispi.org, with enhanced features such as an online version of the Cast Iron Soil Pipe Handbook, industry and product specs, links to model codes, frequently asked...

Contractor develops site to 'find a plumber'.(Web News)
September 1, 2003... Colorado plumbing contractor Tim O'Connor has developed a Web site to help consumers locate plumbers in their local area. At www.findaplumber.com, consumers can enter their zip code to find the nearest plumber. For a $450 per year fee,...

Water heater explodes in home.(Around The Industry)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... In Klamath Falls, Ore., a residential water heater that built up pressure because of a faulty pressure release valve exploded through the basement, living room floor and roof to land next to the satellite dish, according to the Klamath Falls...

MCAA Conference focuses on Project Performance.(Around The Industry)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Nearly 250 people attended the Mechanical Contractors Association of America's Project Performance Conference in Philadelphia titled "Productivity --Beyond the Basics," which focused on intensive project management education. New at the...

Improving teamwork: get your entire company on the same page with value points.(Business Tips)
September 1, 2003... After a heated hour of postulations, accusations and gesticulations, the down the following goals: 1. The sales manager needs to increase the average invoice. 2. The CSR supervisor needs to book every call. 3. The dispatcher has to...

Relearning the fundamentals, part 2: the heart of the system: how to select a circulator using head loss and pump curves.(Hydronics Workshops)
September 1, 2003... In the August issue, we looked at how to choose an appropriately sized pipe for a hydronic heating application. The procedure starts by estimating the flow rate needed to move heat to the load at a specified rate using an assumed temperature...

Web portals: can a single business tool improve customer service, project management and the payroll process? The answer might surprise you.
September 1, 2003... Picture your project managers generating change requests from the jobsite for immediate customer approval. Would you get paid faster for those changes? Next, envision switching to electronic time cards, paychecks and pay stubs. Would this...

Special PM survey: water conservation.
September 1, 2003... More than 60 percent of contractors believe that water conservation will be more important to their customers in the next two years, according to a PM survey. In addition to a look at the future, half of the respondents said their home...

A hydronic tool for all ages and abilities.
September 1, 2003... Listen, I'm not going to beat around the bush here. I am not a very computer-savvy contractor. Sure, I can peck out simple correspondence, given enough time. I can also concoct some primitive caveman-looking material in the paint program, but...

Utilitarian luxury? Towel warmers offer a combination of function and fashion.
September 1, 2003... Towel warmers may be the most misunderstood product of the up-and-coming American radiant market. "I think most Americans consider them as a fancy amenity as opposed to the functional practicality that Europeans consider them to be both in...

Religious plumbing: even the plumbing code answers to a higher authority.(Plumbing Primer)
September 1, 2003... Sometimes it appears that the plumbing code conflicts with religious beliefs practices. There is a standing joke that there is no conflict, God always wins. In many ways, that is true. Contrary to what a plumbing code may require, religious...

When they call, be on the ball: great restaurants illustrate the importance of customer service and training.(Managing Your Business)
September 1, 2003... I was on the treadmill at my local gym, keeping in step with the local news on the overhead TV. The guest that day was the owner of a restaurant I'd never been to. The owner, who does a lot of these promotions on television, was promoting a...

Why I spent my summer in my basement: troubleshoot properly to avoid wasted time and energy.(Hydronic Controls)
September 1, 2003... I spent the summer in my basement. It wasn't the coolest spot--actually the rest of my house was colder. That was the problem. I was troubleshooting my air-conditioning system. Where I live, in Colorado, heating and air-conditioning equipment...

Do you need a consultant? The decision to improve profits cannot be left to someone else.(In The Field)
September 1, 2003... Every industry seems to go through stages where it is fashionable to hire consultants--whether they are needed or not. Now it's the service and repair industry's turn to see an influx of individuals and companies offering consulting services....

Pride--don't leave home without it: your workers should have pride in their work and their workplace.(Practical Management)
September 1, 2003... Being born and raised in a proud Family natural-born craftsmen makes me a very proud individual. I always took my work as well as all the work performed by my employees. Also, I was very proud to know that God selected Joseph, a natural-born...

Estimating software.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Estimating Software: Accubid Pro, Accubid's flagship estimating program, provides the user with project management, job analysis and scheduling features. Accubid Pro offers the flexibility and convenience of multilevel takeoff breakdowns, labor...

Copper tubing.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Copper Tubing: Cambridge-Lee has been a world leading manufacturer and distributor of copper tubing products for more than 60 years. Available in straight lengths and coils in a wide range of sizes and diameters, the complete line is ISO 9002...

Benjamin Mfg.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Benjamin Mfg.: The world's leader in tub protectors offering both the widest selection of standard models and the capability to provide custom tub protectors where needed. Stop by our booth to see the newest additions to the Benjamin Mfg. Co....

Advanced Copper Products.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Advanced Copper Products: Check out Gruvlok[R]'s complete line of Advanced Copper Products, including wrot fittings per ASTM B75 and ANSI B16.22; Rigidlite couplings that provide rigid, locked in connections; Gruvlok flanges that allow for a...

Defender Safety System.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Defender Safety System: Bradford White Corp. recently revealed its new Defender Safety System[TM] featuring ScreenLok[TM] Technology, a patented flame-arrestor plate design made of high-quality, corrosion resistant, 304L stainless steel. This...

New Eastman supply lines.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... New Eastman Supply Lines: Stop by the Eastman booth to see the new design Eastman SteelFlex[TM] supply lines. Manufactured using Goodyear[TM] core hose, stainless ferrules and grade 304 stainless steel braiding, this new design has increased...

Plumbing solutions.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Plumbing Solutions: Canplas Industries Ltd. has been providing plumbing solutions for more than 35 years to the professional plumbing trade. Its focus on innovative products has allowed Canplas to become a leader in providing plumbing...

Molded fittings.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Molded Fittings: Charlotte Pipe and Foundry now offers a line of 10-inch and 12-inch PVC DWV molded fittings. These large diameter fittings provide contractors and engineers with a stronger, more durable and more dependable alternative to...

Infrared flush valve.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Infrared Flush Valve: The Geberit infrared Flush Valve features a patented turbine [low meter that measures water precisely for every flush. Dual infrared sensors and an adjustable detection range help provide consistent, reliable flushing...

Widespread lav faucet.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Widespread Lav Faucet: The new Parma collection from Danze combines European styling with American taste. It showcases clean, crisp lines and cylindrical shapes, and includes six different styles of lavatory faucets, including single hole deck...

Mounting system.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Mounting System: The new RS-5 mounting system offers the security and convenience of the popular Rack-Strap[R] tie-down to users of the Weatherguard 205/125 van rack. Rack-Straps are the ultimate tie-downs for use with pipe, including PVC, ABS...

Water cooler.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Water Cooler: Halsey Taylor introduces the revolutionary Voyager[TM] water cooler with a high-tech appearance and an impact-resistant cabinet molded dear through to resist scratches, vandalism and damage. Ideal for schools, hospitals, malls,...

Hot water reset controls.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Hot Water Reset Controls: The new Elite Series hot water reset controls from Heat-Timer pack a rot of features into one affordably priced family of controls. Known as the Heat-Trol[R],this expanded line of controls has been updated for more...

Antifreeze.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Antifreeze: Hercules Chemical Co. has added a new antifreeze product to its existing line of advanced formula antifreeze. This line features Hercules' exclusive triple protection inhibitors formula. The latest product, cryo-tek-100/AL has been...

Contractor jobsite reference.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Contractor Jobsite Reference: This catalog is designed with the jobsite contractor in mind, Contains 192 of our most requested submittal drawings, giving the contractor unfettered access to important installation information without having to...

Eliminate on-site sleeving.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Eliminate On-Site Sleeving: Aqua Shield[TM] from Karate is a polyethylene coated copper tubing that provides added corrosion protection for potable water lines under concrete slab. It eliminates the need for on-site sleeving in many areas and...

Full-sized portable device.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Full-Sized Portable Device: Estimation's estimating and time and material billing software is available for the Tablet PC, the full sized portable solution for contractors. The enhanced software incorporates Estimation's Power Pad takeoff...

Wall hydrants.(ISH North America Product Preview)
September 1, 2003... Wall Hydrants: MIFAB is proud to introduce its HY-4000 and HY 4500 (encased version) series of hot and cold mixing wall hydrants. Both are non-freeze, heavy-duty hydrants for commercial applications. Fully vacuum breaker protected, the HY-4500...

New Gen-Eye3[TM] video pipe inspection/location system.(Product of the Month)
September 1, 2003... The new Gen-Eye3 offers a wide range of enhancements to make video pipe inspection and location easier. Like three times greater transmitter wattage for easier location, dual frequency transmitter to reduce interference, and a new easier-to-use...

Thermostatic water mixing valve.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Thermostatic Water Mixing Valve: Point-of-use protection is ensured by Leonard Valve's new Model 105 single fixture thermostatic water mixing valve. Designed specifically for single outlets, such as sinks or lavatories, the 3/8-inch unit offers...

Compact drain cleaner.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Compact Drain Cleaner [no photo]:The Ken-Way Jr. from Ken-Way is designed for cleaning 1 inch to 4 inch lines. The Jr. is light, compact, clean-operating and features interchangeable drums and cables in assorted sizes and lengths. Circle 2...

Wall-mount faucets.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Wall-Mount Faucets: Danze has announced the addition of three wall-mount lavatory faucets to its decorative plumbing products line Designed to be installed directly on the wall above a lavatory vessel sink, they are available in three of the...

Radiator specialty catalog.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Radiator Specialty Catalog: A new 120-page catalog is being offered by Radiator Specialty Co., maker of liquid Wrench[R], SEALMASTER[TM], ANCHOR[TM], SEAL-O-MATIC[TM] and other Solder-Seal[R]/GUNK[R] brand products. Extensively illustrated, it...

Water heater incentive.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Water Heater Incentive: As an incentive to professional installers, Bradford White is offering a $50 cash rebate with every new PowerStor Series[TM] indirect fired water heater purchased from July 1 to Sept. 30, 2003. PowerStor residential...

Pricing software.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Pricing Software [no photo]: A new software tool for pricing Elkay custom sink tops, counter tops, scullery sinks and institutional products promises faster and more accurate quotes, saving time and money. The Custom Quote CD ROM takes users...

Pull-down faucet.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Pull-Down Faucet: Hamat, Israel's leading brass faucet manufacturer, introduces the Ergo pull-down solid brass kitchen faucet. The Ergo features the smooth contour of a slender spout, architecturally enhanced by one or two pull-down...

Deluge valve.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Deluge Valve: Tyco Fire & Building Products introduces its newest deluge valve, the Model DV 5, which incorporates numerous internal chambers, springs and plugs. It features a single moving piece that allows lot a trouble free way to externally...

Aqua-electronic technology.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Aqua-Electronic Technology: TOTO USA introduces EcoPower, the first sensor faucet whose power source is completely self-sufficient. It generates its own electricity every time water spins its small internal turbine. The energy is then stored in...

Dual Mixing Valve.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... The Dual System Simplicity[TM] Mixing Valve from Towle-Whitney provides system redundancy, which allows continued hot water service at all times and flexible maintenance schedules, eliminating costly overtime maintenance. All Simplicity mixers...

Corrosion Monitoring Station.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Potter Electric Signal Co. introduces the PCMS-Potter Corrosion Monitoring Station. Its coupon rack duplicates the conditions of the cross main and provides easy access to test coupons for evaluation. It has nine outlets for removable test...

Widespread lav faucet.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Bach introduces the Arietta [TM] faucet collection, an artistically inspired lava tory collection that features lever or cross handles and rounded spout with fluted aerator. The collection offers a widespread lavatory faucet, tub and shower...

Steam shower.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... The ProSeries steam unit from Thermasol is engineered and designed for plumbing professionals. Rough-in is simple and fast. The unit comes with a 220-volt plug and quick-connect water supply tube and fittings. Control panels are connected with...

De-Icing System.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Lochinvar Corp.'s Copper-Fin[R] Car Wash Bay De-Icing Systems offer savings on energy, space and installation. Each comes engineered and assembled. The circulating pump, air separator, charged expansion tank and all controls are mounted and...

Condensed catalog.(Products & Literature)
September 1, 2003... Watts Brass & Tubular presents its new, easy-to-read condensed catalog of the company's full line of finished plumbing products, including basket strainers, water sup plies, bath waste drains, metal and plastic tubular products, designers...