Plumbing & Mechanical articles from September 2004

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from September 2004

More discussion needed.(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2004... It was with great interest that I read the article by Mr. Ballanco in your July 2004 edition ("Flush Vs. No-Flush"). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Waterless urinals have been a hot topic of discussion in California for a long time. I...

Plumber's union pension fund trustees forced to resign.(Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund)
September 1, 2004... The Department of Labor removed four board trustees from the Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund and ordered them to pay $10.98 million in restitution and civil penalties stemming from the improper management of the fund's investment...

PM sponsors Wetstock V, Nov. 13.(Plumbing & Mechanical is going to sponsor gathering of wethead)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Plumbing & Mechanical will sponsor PM columnist Dan Holohan's Wetstock V, the fifth gathering of Wetheads. It will take place Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Holiday Inn in downtown Providence, R.I. With no moderators, no corporate sponsors and...

John Siegenthaler seminars are a hit.(Around the Industry)(seminars on hydronic heating design)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... A new seminar developed to teach the latest concepts in hydronic heating design drew praise and strong attendance during its initial six-city tour. "Modern Engineering Concepts" was presented to 241 students in Chicago; Danbury, Conn.;...

QSC members learn strategies for dealing with family, public.(Quality Service Contractors)(family businesses)
September 1, 2004... Quality Service Contractors members learned how to deal with family members in their businesses, with difficult customers and with stress, as well as hone their marketing skills and get themselves organized at the group's Power Meeting XXI,...

Coming this fall: BNP Media Linx.(B2B search engine)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... BNP Media Linx is a robust B2B search engine, powered by Google, which crawls across all BNP Media publication Web sites, including Plumbing & Mechanical. Features and benefits include: * Search engine marketing -- Text or image ads are...

USACE frowns on reverse auctions.(agreement of United States Army Corps of Engineers that construction is not a commodity)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... In July, the United States Army Corps of Engineers agreed with what contractor organizations have been saying for over a year: construction is not a commodity. In its final report on a reverse bid auction pilot program, the USACE stated...

I=B=R announces 11 schools for this fall.(training given to students by Hydronic Heating Schools in installation of hydronic systems)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The I=B=R Hydronic Heating Schools will be presented in 11 cities this fall during a 10-week period. The two-day sessions teach basic hydronic heating installation and design using a combination of two textbooks, slides and in-class instruction...

MCA of Chicago names first woman president.(Briefs)(Mechanical Contractors Association )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago named Kathy McCauley as its first woman president. She is vice president and chief financial officer of McCauley Mechanical Construction of Bridgeview, Ill. McCauley, who was inducted at MCA's...

CIPH elects Moen Canada's Dennis as president.(Briefs)(Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Mike Dennis, president of Moen's Canadian operation, was elected 2004-2005 president of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating at the 72nd Annual General Meeting held in Kelowna, B.C., July 19-21.

MCERF underwrites 'Plumbing Physics' program.(Briefs)(Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation is contributing $5,000 toward the development of an education program for 150,000 secondary school students on plumbing's role in shaping our society, as well as career opportunities in...

AMPAM sells J.A. Croson Co. to firm's management.(Briefs)(American Plumbing & Mechanical Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... American Plumbing & Mechanical announced that it has sold the assets and business operations of its wholly owned subsidiary AMPAM J.A. Croson Co. to J.A. Croson LLC, which was formed under the existing local management group. AMPAM J.A. Croson...

NSF adds perchlorate to water treatment list.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... NSF International recently added perchlorate to its list of chemicals that drinking water treatment units can be tested against. The new requirements, under NSF/ANSI Standard 58: Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems, test and...

IAPMO releases UPC/UMC Proposals for comment.(Briefs)(International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials )(Uniform Plumbing Code)(Uniform Mechanical Code)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials announced the availability of the 2004 Plumbing and Mechanical Reports on Proposals for the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code/Uniform Mechanical Code change cycle. The public is...

ABC introduces new safety management handbook.(Briefs)(Associated Builders and Contractors )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Associated Builders and Contractors introduced "Construction Safety Management: Fundamental Components of Successful Safety Programs," a 118-page handbook that details the means, methods, policies and procedures used by the safest companies...

ECR receives research grant from DOE.(Vendor & Supplier News)(ECR International )(Department of Energy )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-New Hartford, N.Y.) announced a $500,000 Department of Energy grant for ECR International in Utica, N.Y., for new energy-saving technology, micro-cogeneration. The grant will allow ECR to develop and commercialize...

Boston equity firm acquires Nortek Holdings.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Nortek Holdings, the parent company of Nortek Inc., has signed a $1.75 billion agreement to be acquired by Thomas H. Lee Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm. Previously, Nortek had been owned by certain management and Kelso and Co. ...

R.W. Beckett forms fuel additive company.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Beckett Additives LLC)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... R.W. Beckett Corp. formed Beckett Additives LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary to market UltraGuard[TM], a heating fuel additive that stabilizes stored fuel, helps protect it from repolymerization and sludge, controls growth of bacteria and reduces...

Prophet 21 acquires electrical div. of TradePower.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Prophet 21, a technology provider for durable goods distributors, announced the acquisition of Trade Service Systems Inc., the electrical distributors division of TradePower, parent company of Estimation Inc. Prophet 21 will acquire the...

REHAU announces sustainable building methods partnership.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... REHAU and AMVIC, a manufacturer of insulating concrete forms (ICF), have teamed up to provide customers with integrated, leading-edge building systems. A recent joint home project in the state of Washington earned The Freedom Seal of...

Victaulic products earn LEED points.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Victaulic Co. recently released a brochure explaining how Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification points can be earned by specifying and integrating its products and design solutions. LEED is a rating system created...

RuB celebrates 10-year anniversary.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Rubinetterie Utensilerie Bonomi)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Rubinetterie Utensilerie Bonomi, the Italian brass valve manufacturer, is celebrating its U.S. subsidiary's 10th anniversary as a U.S. corporation. RuB Inc. was established in Minneapolis in 1994 by owner Silvio Bonomi and his two sons, Luciano...

Supreme Corp. top U.S. volume supplier of GM.(Vendor & Supplier News)(General Motors )(United States)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... General Motors recently announced Supreme Corp. as its No. 1 body manufacturer for Chevy and GMC cutaway van chassis in the United States, with volume topping all other suppliers across the country. This year Supreme added a new...

Mestek sponsors U.S. Women's Open.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Mestek Inc. recently sponsored the 2004 U.S. Women's Open Championship, the first major golf championship ever played in Western Massachusetts where Mestek is based (Westfield, Mass.). Mestek's Distributor Products Group, which includes...

Technical Concepts named Supplier of the Year.(Vendor & Supplier News)(AffLink)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... AffLink, a $5 billion international distributor group, named automated faucet manufacturer Technical Concepts as its Supplier of the Year. The criteria for the award included quality of products, customer service, delivery record,...

Plastic Trends appoints Southeast regional manager.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Plastic Trends Inc. of Shelby Township, Mich., appointed Kevin Wolcott its new Southeast regional manager. Wolcott will be responsible for Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.

American Standard.(Vendor & Supplier News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... American Standard held its first "Singing in the Shower" contest at a Chicago-area mall to promote its new VertiSpa shower system. Twenty-two contestants competed, singing a variety of karaoke music. DJ Bonnie Green (right) from Chicago's...

Liberty Pumps.(Web Site News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The new and improved Liberty Pumps Web site (www.libertypumps.com) lists a complete description of each product along with specification sheets, installation manuals and performance data--all available in PDF format. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Kamco Products.(Web Site News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Copper tubing manufacturer Kamco Products officially launched its redesigned corporate Web site (www.kamcoproducts.com). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Visitors can browse through Kamco's products, download PDF brochures, view specs or join...

Reflectix.(Web Site News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Reflectix launched its redesigned Web site, www.reflectixinc.com, with an expanded section on product applications, improved functionality, and an up-to-the-minute news database. Downloadable files are available on nearly every page.

Speedster or slowpoke? Where are you on the contractor highway?(Business Tips)(traffic on highways)
September 1, 2004... Our freeways would be much safer without two classes of drivers--the speedsters and the slowpokes. A speedster is anyone who drives faster than you do. The slowpokes, on the other hand, are the drivers you have to dodge because they're slower...

Adding radiators to existing systems.(HeatingHelp.com)
September 1, 2004... Original inquiry: I want to add a couple of hot water radiators to an unheated area of my 150-year-old house, and I want to be sure my plan is logical. The boiler is a not-so-old Utica, but the radiators are ancient Gurneys, sized for the...

End of solder?(HeatingHelp.com)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Original inquiry: Don't know how to solder and the "irrigation specialist" had to tie in to the copper domestic water system. I've got to hand it to the guy; he used epoxy to join the fittings, which provided a threading point for his PVC....

Sunny side up: some more ways to merge conventional hydronics and active solar energy subsystems.(Hydronics Workshop)
September 1, 2004... Last month's column discussed the hybrid solar/boiler heating system in my home. The solar drainback portion of the system uses six flat-plate collectors and dates back to 1981. The oil-fired boiler was added in 2001. Together, these subsystems...

Energy costs up, energy costs down: modern hydronics offers customers relief from high heating costs.(Cover Story)
September 1, 2004... We don't need to tell you that a tank of gas costs more than it did in the not too distant past. But what about filling up a "tank" of heating oil or natural gas to power hydronic equipment? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The price of crude...

Tips on designing a snowmelt system.(Snowmelting Q & A)
September 1, 2004... So talk to me about snowmelting. This is for folks with more money than brains, right? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Well, I don't know about that, but snowmelting is commonly used residentially for walkways and driveways, and for parking...

Standing out in a small town: Frank Millard & Co. Inc., Burlington, Iowa.(PM's Truck of the Month)
September 1, 2004... When everyone else kept his service vehicle unassuming white, Frank Millard & Co. Inc. painted the town turquoise. Today, the color still stands out against the muddy waters of the Mississippi River in Burlington, Iowa. The fleet of over...

Education, products, networking, sightseeing: 2004 ISH North America highlights.(International Sanitation and Heating (trade show))
September 1, 2004... If you've been meaning to brush up on your professional development, stop pondering and start packing for ISH North America, our industry's largest and most comprehensive seminar program and product exposition, which takes place Oct. 12-16 in...

Plumbing systems for healthcare facilities: touchless fixtures provide maximum hygiene and functionality.
September 1, 2004... HEALTHCARE PLUMBING systems are more complex than those of commercial buildings. The services provided in healthcare demand an absolute need for functional and hygienic restrooms throughout the facility to ensure the highest level of patient...

Mandatory testing of medical gas systems: here's a closer look at the various kinds of testing required of a medical gas system before it can be put into operation.(National Fire Protection Association)
September 1, 2004... AUTHOR'S NOTE: This article is intended to acquaint plumbing contractors and engineers with the healthcare medical gas project testing that is required for the protection of the user and patients. It is not intended to cover all requirements in...

The [R.sub.x] for better healthcare washrooms: creating greater functionality and upscaling amenities in patient restrooms is critical.
September 1, 2004... AS WITH MANY commercial buildings, hospitals are finding they must improve their restrooms to meet staff needs and users' expectations. With hospital entrances looking more like tranquil spas and patient rooms like hotel suites, washrooms are...

Scald protection by the numbers: new ASSE standards regarding scalding keep pace with application needs and product advancements in plumbing.(American Society of Sanitary Engineering)
September 1, 2004... WE'VE ALL HAD IT HAPPEN--someone inadvertently flushes a toilet while we're in the shower and we get an abrupt wake-up call! While the scenario has been humorously portrayed in scripted entertainment for years, it really isn't a laughing...

Adjusting to the high cost of material: finding clever labor-saving concepts for installing piping systems.(Plumbing Primer)
September 1, 2004... It was not surprising to read the latest business economic report on the cost increase of copper for the past year. The national average increase was 32 percent. All of you watched as copper took a sharp increase, but it wasn't until they put...

What can sports teams teach us about business? Everyone has a role, in sports and in business.(Managing Your Business)
September 1, 2004... When we play sports, can you imagine playing and not keeping score and not wanting to win? Not only do we know how to keep score, but we know the game will end. We play nine innings in baseball, three periods in hockey, four quarters in...

Training adults & technicians: adults learn differently. Adjust your training accordingly.(Hydronic Controls)
September 1, 2004... We're all teachers at one time or another, whether we get in front of a class or not. Every owner, service manager and senior technician has to be a trainer. And, oh boy, it's not an easy job! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Whose fault is it...

'Wall of fame': motivation is the way to have a winning team.(In the Field)
September 1, 2004... Have you walked into a business lately and seen framed posters on the walls that show high-impact photos of eagles soaring or jet demonstration teams zooming in tight formation or a big lion on the plains of Africa? Underneath the eye-catching...

Horse trading: a little give and take on the jobsite goes a long way.(Want More in '04?)
September 1, 2004... I hope the July article regarding keeping score on "that's-not-my-job" attitudes and performance by your own employees helped you appreciate and acknowledge their efforts. Naturally, that appreciation is critical to those deserving employees....

Shower enclosures.(Plumbing Trends)
September 1, 2004... Kitchens and great rooms were the design boom of the 1990s, but consumers are sending those ideas to the shower--literally. All market trends point to the emergence of the shower as a hot point of interest for today's remodelers, and homeowners...

Lots of standards.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Lots Of Standards: The UBA-813 from Steam Room USA features a cascade inlet and six jets to stir the water. Comes standard with faucet and hand shower; low-noise, 1-horsepower pump; bottom light; patented auto-cleaning and double-drain system;...

Home theater soak.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Home Theater Soak: Jacuzzi's La Scala[TM] treats you to the ultimate home theater surround and entertainment system right in the luxury of your own whirlpool bath. With plenty of room for side-by-side bathing, it features a floating remote...

Heavenly relaxation.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Heavenly Relaxation: MAAX Inc. announces the launch of the Aerosens [R] line of acrylic bathtubs. Rediscover the classic style of five models: The Picadilly 32 X 60, Cambridge 36 X 72, Coral 60 X 60, Freeport 36 X 72, and Imperial 60 X 60...

Aerobic exerciser.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Aerobic Exerciser: The Jentle Tread[TM] aerobic vessel from MTI Whirlpools enables the user to have a "no impact" workout. Ideal for people who want to exercise, but suffer from joint pain, arthritis and sports-related injuries. It features 11...

Airbaths.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Airbaths [no photo]: TOTO USA has launched its new Clayton, Nexus and Mercer Airbaths to complement its complete bath collections. Its Air Jet System provides 16 jets, placed strategically to target the body's pressure points, relieving tension...

Webstone Isolator EXP.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Webstone Isolator EXP: Webstone's Isolator EXP tankless water heater service valves contain an inlet and outlet valve allowing one-man full port diagnostic testing, cleaning or draining with quarter-turn ball valve ease. It also allows for...

No-Hub couplings.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... No-Hub Couplings: Ideal No-Hub couplings have a patented bi-directional shield design for positive reliable sealing, as well as floating eyelets to help eliminate leak paths. Listed or certified by all major plumbing code bodies throughout the...

Sloan spec catalog.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Sloan Spec Catalog: A new 42-page specification catalog describing the Sloan Polaris[TM] Manual Faucet line is now available from Sloan Valve Co. It contains specifications, product photos, diagrams, a cross-reference chart, ordering...

Medical gas valves.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Medical Gas Valves: Apollo[R] introduces a new series--82-F--of three-piece bronze ball valves designed specifically for use with oxygen and other medical gases such as carbon dioxide, helium, lung gases, nitrogen and nitrous oxide. All 82-F...

Condensate Pumps.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Condensate Pumps: The new LCU-Series Condensate Pumps from Liberty are designed to handle removal of condensate from high efficiency furnaces, A/C equipment, dehumidifiers, ice machines and other applications producing condensate. Features...

Sectional drain cleaner.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Sectional Drain Cleaner: 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. Engineered for easy use, just press down on the...

Commercial water heater brochure.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Commercial Water Heater Brochure: The Eclipse Commercial Heavy Duty Electric Water Heater is featured in a new, four-page, full-color brochure from Rheem Water Heaters. It offers detailed specification information on the six Rheem-Ruud Eclipse...

Timesaving design.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Timesaving Design: TOLCO[TM], a brand of NIBCO Inc., now offers contractors a "stand-off" hanger and restrainer for CPVC plastic pipe with a one-piece design for fast and easy installation. Figure 28 reduces installation time by eliminating the...

New catalog.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... New Catalog: Hydrolevel's latest 16-page catalog features its new Model 1100 Series "Mini" low water cut-offs, new commercial VXTC steam boiler water feeder, 270 High Water Limit and the new bronze body water meter. The catalog covers the...

Zoeller Shark Series.(Tubs & Whirlpools)
September 1, 2004... Zoeller Shark Series [no photo]: Zoeller Co. introduces the new 841 3-horsepower grinder pump to its proven line of heavy-duty "Shark Series" grinder pumps. Can be used in small lift stations, housing developments or pressure sewers. Standard...

Industry experts make the difference: each month, PM brings you practical know-how from the industry's most experienced columnists.(Calendar)
September 1, 2004... Dan Holohan on Hydronics: Practical tips and ideas from one of hydronic heating's most creative minds. See Dan's keynote address at ISH North America on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 8 a.m. and again at his 9 a.m. seminar. Top 10 Dumb Things We Do with...

The industry's best-kept secret: and it's the worst crying shame that more people aren't crowing about the ISH North America conference program.(Editorial Opinion)(ISH North America product exposition)
September 1, 2004... In its three years of existence, the ISH North America product exposition has generated abundant publicity within the PHC industry. Yet, most coverage of this trade show has focused on the product displays, and that has served to obscure one of...