Plumbing & Mechanical articles from September 2008

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from September 2008

Tanks a lot.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I applaud Mr. Ballanco for trying to inform his readers with his recent column, "Tank Vs. Tankless Update" (June 2008). However, he misses several important points. Today's energy-efficient homes may require...

Women in plumbing.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] We are writing in response to the article Kelly Faloon wrote about the two women who saved the New York plumbing company ("Women In Plumbing: 'Believe You Can Do It,'" July 2008). We are thrilled to see women on...

Not all B&W.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I read Ellen's recent column about teaching skills to convicts ("Business Survival Skills... For Inmates," March 2008). Let me share my experience: A little over a year ago, a kid (he's 25 now, but I call him a...

Towel radiators.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I enjoyed reading Julius Ballanco's column on towel warmers ("A Warm Towel, Please," May 2008). I'd like to add a few additional points as to why heating contractors champion these products. In Europe, our products...

Manufacturers reveal plans for lead-free water delivery.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
September 1, 2008... Manufacturers gearing up to meet the requirements. of California AB 1953 Third-party certification bill expected to be signed by governor PMI working to make legislation national Manufacturers are exploring ways to address...

RPA holds 'Green' REX.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The "Green Team," the Radiant Panel Association's collection of alternative energy super heroes, helped start the radiant trade group's Annual Conference and Radiant Expo, Aug. 13-15, in suburban Chicago. Many...

Rush for U.K. plumbing jobs; how does U.S. compare?(Around THE INDUSTRY)
September 1, 2008... As the credits crunch and industries suffer, jobseekers in the United Kingdom are seeing the plumbing industry as a more secure trade; recession-proof, if you will. According to a recent article in the Daily Express, one British training...

McKinstry buys plumbing firm.
September 1, 2008... Mechanical contractor McKinstry Co. (Seattle) bought the plumbing contracting firm of Ramsey Plumbing & Heating (Spokane, Wash.). Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ramsey Plumbing founders Wendy and Duane Ramsey will remain to lead the...

Hydronic seminar/tradeshow this October.
September 1, 2008... Auer Steel & Heating Supply Co. will host "Contemporary Hydronic Design Concepts" seminar and tradeshow in three locations this October, with presentations by PM columnist John Siegenthaler: Oct. 7, Maple Grove, Minn.; Oct. 8, Appleton, Wis.;...

ARS/Rescue Rooter makes three acquisitions.(Climate Zone and Lloyds Plumbing Heating and Air acquired)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... ARS/Rescue Rooter recently acquired three companies: Climate Zone, based out of Bradford, Mass.; the Las Vegas location of Service Max; and Lloyds Plumbing Heating & Air, San Diego. Climate Zone was founded by Andy DiPietro, who will serve...

ESCO Institute announces the release of "Green Awareness".('Green' News Roundup)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... ESCO Institute announces the release of "Green Awareness," a new publication providing a basic understanding of "green" concepts, terminologies, systems and the latest in green mechanical technology. The manual contains four main sections:...

The Mechanical Service Contractors of America.('Green' News Roundup)
September 1, 2008... The Mechanical Service Contractors of America announced that Beltsville, Md.-based W.E. Bowers is the first MSCA STAR contractor to qualify for the organization's environmentally oriented GreenStar designation. The company earned this...

In its latest effort to represent the PHC contractors' interests on "green" issues.('Green' News Roundup)
September 1, 2008... In its latest effort to represent the PHC contractors' interests on "green" issues, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association has urged that properly qualified plumbing professionals be required during the construction of...

The California Building Standards Commission announced the adoption of the nation's first statewide "green" building code.('Green' News Roundup)
September 1, 2008... The California Building Standards Commission announced the adoption of the nation's first statewide "green" building code, which will lead to improved energy efficiency and reduced water consumption in all new construction throughout the state,...

American Standard recently launched two online tools that promote water conservation.('Green' News Roundup)
September 1, 2008... American Standard recently launched two online tools that promote water conservation by personalizing the experience for users. The new Water Savings Calculator and Rebate Locator, found at www. americanstandard-us.com/waterefficiency, also...

Team RIDGID member wins 'reputation contest'.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
September 1, 2008... RIDGID announced the grand prize winner of its "How I Build My Reputation With RIDGID Tools" online video contest during its Roundup Customer Event at the company's headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. The winner, RIDGID Forum member Darren Jones of...

Ansell sponsors safety-focused online community.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Workplace safety professionals who want the ability to interact with each other more than just once a year at trade shows and conferences now have an innovative new resource. The Online Safety Community (www.safetycommunity.com) is a free...

Kohler launches Web-based resource for trade professionals.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
September 1, 2008... Kohler Co. launched www.KOHLER.com/pro, a Web-based resource designed exclusively for various trade-specific audiences to assist them in finding, researching and organizing information surrounding kitchen and bath products, services and...

Gerber's '75 Years of Professional Performance' winners announced.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
September 1, 2008... During 2007, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures celebrated its 75th anniversary by launching a national search for plumbing contracting firms that had reached or exceeded the same 75-year milestone. The grand-prize winner is Warriner Smith Utilities Inc....

Selkirk announces new warranty coverage.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... New upgraded warranty coverage is now in effect on all Selkirk commercial chimney and venting products: 1) all Selkirk grease duct systems are now covered by a manufacturer's lifetime warranty; and 2) Selkirk heating appliance systems are now...

Dahl Brothers Canada introduces 25-year warranty.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Dahl Brothers Canada Limited has introduced a 25-year warranty on its Mini-Ball valve, dahl-in-one Emergency Valve Kit, Fitting, Hanger and Strap, Test Cap, and Globe-Style Valve products. If any product is found to be defective in materials...

The compensation dilemma: what happens to the commission sales system when your company begins to grow?(Business TIPS)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sam had big ideas for his small service company. He had the first two of what he hoped would become a 25-truck plumbing and HVAC service company. As with any small business, getting started required cash flow...

Mass/con: the concept for a simple, stable and efficient residential heat source.(Hydronics WORKSHOP)
September 1, 2008... The last time I counted, there were east 18 manufacturers supplying modulating/condensing boilers for North American hydronics market. Most of these boilers have sophisticated controls that monitor a variety of temperature and pressure sensors...

Lowering radiant temperatures.(RADIANT & HYDRONICS E-NEWS: THE GLITCH & THE FIX)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Overview: A project requires both medium--and low-temperature radiant floor panels. The installer proposes the following system design. Since the mod/con boiler already has an internal outdoor reset controller, he decides to use a standard...

The family business: the trials and tribulations of working with relatives.(Cover story)(Survey)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IT'S TRUE: Family businesses are the heart of America. In this country, family-owned businesses account for 89 percent of business tax returns, according to recent research. That translates to more than 82...

Color ISH North America 'Green': attendees will find many eco-friendly seminars at this year's show.(Calendar)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Green will be the color of choice during ISH North America, Oct. 1-3, Atlanta, as the industry's hottest topic wraps around educational seminars and other events throughout the show's three-day run. Green...

Sizeable stock for Big Blue.(TRUCK OF THE MONTH)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Bobby's Plumbing Inc. serves the area of Indian River County, a small part of mid-Florida right off the Atlantic Ocean. It has been in business since 1975 under the ownership of Bobby Harp, and this family-run business boasts a "recognizable...

What's new in contractor software? Trends and new products on the mobile solutions front.
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Business software is designed to help organize information all across your business, and streamline your processes. It will either make you money or save you money... or both. Let's take a look at some of the newest...

Understanding geothermal opportunities.
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As our nation's energy policies seem to be focused more on supplying consumption at a lower cost than conservation, geothermal seems to be a little understood alternative to the norm for most politicians. When...

Black paint on your wall: all that you really have to sell comes down to just two words.(Managing YOUR BUSINESS)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When I visit new contractors around the country for the first time for our one-to-one work the first step is called Planning Power! This two-day visit has a number of little steps in the process even before I...

Are rising gas prices crippling your employees? Work together to increase company efficiency and help combat the skyrocketing cost of living.(Practical MANAGEMENT)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] All of America is suffering from outrageous gasoline and fuel cost inflation, along with all of the costly side effects. Food costs are climbing and other industries are passing these extra costs on to the...

Worth the effort.(FIRST PLACE)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... My Tool Tip requires a bit of labor to construct, but it is worth it. This is regarding plunging a stopped-up bath drain. We usually remove the waste and overflow faceplate, stuff a wet rag in, and plunge away. Many times, as careful as we...

Open wide?(tool tips)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... I have discovered a new tool to carry in your tool box. That shiny pick the dentist uses to clean teeth has other uses. It works great to remove "o" rings, install seats and springs, and remove faucet washers that break off in fixture stops....

Time saver.(tool tips)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... When you need to cut a cast-iron stack, especially when in a tight spot, I've found that a grinder with a diamond blade is much easier and just as fast. Plus, you don't need your helper to hold up the chain on the chain-cutters. Sam Matson...

Botox, viagra and ... grab bars?(PLUMBING TRENDS)(Survey)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As we (48 and three-quarters) approach the other side of being "over the hill" we realize how many youngsters could mistakenly consider us already sliding down that slippery slope. Why just this morning, as we...

Super-flexible PEX.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Super-Flexible PEX: Zurn Industries' new Performa PEX barrier tubing is 30 percent more flexible than other Zurn products, making it easier to handle and less time-consuming to install. Manufactured using a new...

Hands-free fountain.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hands-Free Fountain: Halsey Taylor's innovative new Voyager MVP line of water coolers features an attractive, modern design and is equipped with a proprietary electronic eye sensor, the reliable Aqua Sentry[TM]...

Odorless toilet.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... Odorless Toilet [no photo]: The VIP Odorless Toilet from Smith Innovations features a whisper-quiet, patented odor-removal system, which immediately removes odorous air from under the user and redirects it into the waste pipe. A simple lift of...

Hand-held pipe joining.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hand-Held Pipe Joining: Stanley VIRAX offers an innovative and professional-grade pressing machine: the M20+. This hand-held device is designed for commercial, industrial and institutional applications. It crimps...

Pipe restoration system.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pipe Restoration System: PROMOTEC, a patented Swiss pipe restoration system, is coming to America from Wotec Corp. It uses wet, pulsating aluminum oxide to completely clean the interior of old water pipes and causes...

Radiant panels.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Radiant Panels: in independent heat output testing of major radiant heating systems, RAUPANEL by REHAU delivered the most heat. it works efficiently using engineered aluminum panels, wood return bends and RAUPEX[R]...

Clear tight lines.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Clear Tight Lines: When working under sinks or in awkward places, General Pipe Cleaner's Power-Vee[TM] is like having a third hand. Just squeeze the feed lever, and three offset rollers in the automatic feed grip the...

Flush injector.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... Flush Injector [no photo]: The CF-20 Flush Injector from ComStar International Inc. is a reusable service tool to clean out contaminants such as acid, moisture, carbon and oils from air-conditioning linesets after a compressor burnout and...

TV/towel warmer.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TV/Towel Warmer: Myson's new mirrored-TV bath accessories match the styling, quality and finish of Myson towel warmers. Each features a Magic Mirror and flat screen LCD TV that is magnetically secured to the back of...

Quick-adjusting vises.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Quick-Adjusting Vises: The new RIDGID[R] Quick-Acting Vises (Model Nos. XF-45 and XF-50) offer durability and efficiency features to save time and money. An innovative quick-action trigger allows users to...

Faucet repair kit.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... Faucet Repair Kit [no photo]: Tomlinson Industries' Pro-Flo[TM] Products is now offering a point-of-use faucet repair kit. It contains a black nylon handle, plus a fully assembled spring/stem assembly that includes a T nut, guide, bushing,...

Fire protection valves.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... Fire Protection Valves: Nibco Inc. offers select, high-pressure fire protection valves with a 350-psi listing. The valves include the grooved butterfly (GD6765-SN), which features a nylon-coated finish and EPDM-encapsulated disc for good...

Updated ChemDrain.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Updated ChemDrain: Charlotte Pipe and Foundry has added a number of new items to its ChemDrain[R] CPVC Chemical Waste Drain System, including 8-inch pipe and fittings and a variety of drains. Also new are 1/4 bends,...

Online design tool.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Online Design Tool: Powers introduces The Configurator, an online valve configuration software for master mixing and hi/Io tempering systems. The software generates custom valve configurations including submittal...

Affordable fittings.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... Affordable Fittings [no photo]: For quality fittings that are affordable with design appeal, Grohe offers three new bathroom collections that are streamlined alternatives with entry-level price points. Eurosmart features fluid design. Concetto...

Effluent pumps.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Effluent Pumps: Liberty Pumps' New FL-Series effluent pumps line includes larger 1-, 1.5- and 2-horsepower models. They feature maximum head capabilities of more than 130 feet and flows to 130 gpm. A dual-sized...

Hand sink.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... Hand Sink: Advance Tabco's popular space-saving hand sink now comes with side splashes. Model 7-PS-56 has a 9-inch by 9-inch bowl with a 12-inch by 16-inch overall dimension. Double side splashes help contain wash water in the sink bowl area....

Shower access.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shower Access: FreedomLine by Lasco Bathware offers a complete selection of assisted-care and barrier-free bathing products for both residential and assisted-living environments. Many of the acrylic and fiberglass...

Petite dual-flush.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... Petite Dual-Flush [no photo]: Caroma's newest high-efficiency dual-flush toilet, the Sydney Low Profile, is ideal for installations that want to conserve water and require a shorter toilet due to space restrictions, such as under a counter or a...

New grinder pump series.(Products & LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New Grinder Pump Series: Water Transfer Systems' GP Series is a two-horsepower submersible grinder pump line. Available in automatic and manual versions for both 230- and 208-volt single-phase applications, it...

Labor & economics 101: why haven't U.S. wages risen in phase with shortages?(Editorial OPINION)
September 1, 2008... Late last June, I read an online article from a British newspaper reporting an upsurge in plumbing trade recruitment there driven by rising wages, which in turn were being driven by an acute shortage of trade workers. The average wage for...