Reeves Journal articles from February 2008

Reeves Journal archives from February 2008

More education is a good thing.(pipeline)
February 1, 2008... It's been an interesting month. I had wanted to pursue a story that had been kicking around for a while--a look at the plumbing tech as salesman/installer instead of repairman and how that may not be a good thing in all cases. One of the...

Do the math: will adding another tech make sense?(servicesense)(Interview)
February 1, 2008... When you first got into business you probably thought there was a direct relationship between growth and profit. The thinking was, "If I do more work I will make more money. Therefore, if I do a lot more work I will make a lot more money."...

Got a match? 'No-match' letters generate controversy with employers.(legalcorner)
February 1, 2008... As all employers should know, when hiring a new employee, you must have the employee fill in an 1-9 form issued by the federal government. The employer thereafter files W-2 forms each year with the Social Security Administration. According to...

Codes & business: a shared commitment to keeping it green.(codeshack)
February 1, 2008... The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials has promoted safe and reliable green building products and practices since long before they became an industry trend. And for many years its Uniform Codes have supported this...

"Have you heard of ..." easy referral programs.(marketingmechanics)
February 1, 2008... One of the cheapest forms of advertising is a referral program, but it is one of the most difficult programs to carry out. Why? Because it takes time to create it, implement it, and ensure that it continues. It is much easier to place an ad in...

The simplest way to boost revenue.(businessstrategies)
February 1, 2008... You may be leaving money on the table. Here's the most shocking part: you may be doing it on every call. You may be overlooking the easiest method you have for boosting your revenue. If you are already doing this, this month's column will be...

San Diego PHCC to debut apprentice program.(news connection)
February 1, 2008... Officials of the San Diego chapter of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association said in mid-January it is establishing an accredited, four-year apprentice program with first-year classes scheduled to begin in September 2008. ...

PMI becomes EPA WaterSense partner.(news connection)
February 1, 2008... The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute of Rolling Meadows, Ill., in December entered a partnership agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense Program. PMI will be supporting the program's goals of promoting the value of using...

Grundfos acquires Peerless Pump Co.(news connection)
February 1, 2008... The Grundfos Group, headquartered in Denmark, Dec. 1 acquired Peerless Pump Company, including its Indianapolis, Ind., base and five other North American facilities. Peerless is a manufacturer of pumps and fire protection systems. With more...

Going green in the windy city.(news connection)
February 1, 2008... Chicago Faucets Dec. 7 announced its membership in the U.S. Green Building Council. The USGBC works to expand sustainable building practices and advance structures that are environmentally responsible. Chicago Faucets joins 12,000 members from...

Report on environmental friendliness now available.(news connection)(Report)
February 1, 2008... Geberit's latest sustainability report is now available from the sanitary technology company. The report ties the company's economic success to its environmental commitment. "We echo here at Geberit North America what our chief executive...

Rheem Manufacturing opens SoCal parts store.(news connection)
February 1, 2008... The Rheem Manufacturing Company Replacement Parts Department announced Jan. 8 that Ruud Distributor Global HVAC Distributors, Inc. has opened a Prostock store in Orange, Calif. The new warehouse is 20,000 square feet and features a 1,500...

WQA revamps conference with more education.(news connection)(Conference news)
February 1, 2008... A newfangled format will debut at this spring's WQA Aquatech USA 2008. The Water Quality Association's conference in Las Vegas March 25-28, has been revamped to provide more practical education opportunities in a more accessible way. Expanded...

Web site update on tap for uponor.(news connection)(Website overview)
February 1, 2008... Uponor, supplier of plumbing and radiant heating systems, has given a dramatic makeover to its Web site, www.uponor-usa.com. The redesign offers users a more in-depth learning resource and is divided by product for easier navigation....

New Mexico contractor garners workplace honors.(news connection)
February 1, 2008... TLC Plumbing is beaming after being recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in New Mexico. The New Mexico Business Weekly ranked TLC No. 2 in the large business category for the state. President and CEO Dale Armstrong credited "THE PEOPLE"...

Vegas' Yes! Plumbing named best in city.(news connection)
February 1, 2008... Las Vegas local Yes! Plumbing has been named Best Plumber by Citysearch.com in the services category of the Best of Citysearch 2007 Awards. Yes! Plumbing was chosen from a field of five Las Vegas-based companies as the audience favorite by...

Mike Diamond Plumbing boosts trade education.(news connection)
February 1, 2008... Student plumbers have a benefactor in Mike Diamond Plumbing, Inc. The company recently announced the launch of a scholarship program for students enrolled in the plumbing technology program at WyoTech, a trade school with campuses across the...

Plumbing, HVAC Instructor Workshop set for March.(news connection)
February 1, 2008... The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute will join industry organizations and equipment manufacturers in hosting the 13th Annual HVACR and Plumbing Instructor Workshop, March 5-7, at the National Conference Center in...

Chicago Faucets plant gets environmental nod.(news connection)
February 1, 2008... The City of Milwaukee awarded Starline; the Milwaukee-based foundry for Chicago Faucets, for exemplary implementation of environmental conservation regulations. Milwaukee city officials said one of its greatest resources is its supply of...

ARS continues on expansion tear.(news connection)
February 1, 2008... American Residential Services LLC, a Memphis-based supplier of plumbing and HVAC services through its ARS and Rescue Rooter brands, said Jan. 16 it had purchased Atlanta-based Universal Heating and Cooling as part of its strategy for continued...

Holloway deal sealed.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2008... Trenton Pipe Nipple Company has been sold to the former president of JOSAM, a manufacturer of plumbing drainage products. The buyer, Stephen J. Holloway, brings extensive experience and contacts in the Asian supply market. Founded in 1911,...

Liberty Pumps' regional meet.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2008... Liberty Pumps held its western regional sales meeting Nov. 2 in Phoenix, Ariz. The regional meeting provided hands-on training and featured live product demonstrations of Liberty's extensive line. Over 30 western U.S. reps attended the two day...

PHCC donates to U.S. soldiers in Iraq.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2008... The Gulf Coast chapter of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association in Houston sent special troop care packages to more than 100 U.S. troops stationed in Iraq. The personal hygiene products sent were donated by PHCC members during...

Prize winning pump design.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2008... The man behind Grundfos' SmartFlo SQ and SQE pump systems has been recognized with a design award. Niels Due Jensen, group chairman at Grundfos Pumps Corp., received the Equipment Design Award from the National Ground Water Association. Awards...

Lochinvar joins reading initiative.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2008... Nashville area elementary students are cracking the books for the annual "Stick To Reading=Succeeding" program, thanks to teamwork from Lochinvar Corp. and the Nashville Predators. One aspect of the motivational program is the All-Star Reading...

Copper is IN--and OUT.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2008... Copper remains high on many thieves' must-have lists. Vacant homes in the Denver metro area have become the latest target for thieves who are breaking into the homes to steal copper pipes. One of the latest thefts happened over the holidays at...

Colo. fire totals plumbing business.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2008... A large fire collapsed a plumbing office Jan. 5 on the west side of Colorado Springs. At least five engines and several crews responded to the call at Johnson Heating and Plumbing. Fire-fighters say gusty winds made it difficult to get under...

Steaming swedes.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2008... A Swedish company plans to harness the body heat generated by thousands of commuters scrambling to catch their trains at Stockholm's main railway station and use it for heating a nearby office building. Real estate firm Jernhusen AB believes...

ACE DuraFlo Espana expands.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2008... ACE DuraFlo Espana, an international affiliate of the Irvine-Calif. based ACE DuraFlo Systems, will open three new operations throughout Spain. The pipe restoration business is expanding into Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga, in addition to its...

Grundfos prevails in infringement suit.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2008... Grundfos said Jan. 10 it has prevailed in a lawsuit it filed in August 2007 alleging a pair of patent infringements. Grundfos said the patents in question are two that protect its Comfort System domestic hot water technology. Further details...

It pays to read.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2008... We have a winner in our Reeves Journal E-Newsletter "What is this?" photo-i.d. contest. The picture of a woman drinking from a bubbler attached to a toilet is actually from an art exhibit at the Exploratorium Museum in San Francisco. Jim Walton...

Calendar.(Calendar)
February 1, 2008... Feb. 9-14 Alaska Mechanical Contractors Association Annual Convention Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort Kona, Hawaii (907) 677-8588 www.amcaanc.org Feb. 11-12 Grandy & Associates Service Manager's University...

Jessica Johnson Bennett.(people)
February 1, 2008... Jessica Johnson Bennett has joined PHCC as director of Government Relations. Johnson Bennett is well versed in public affairs, small business, construction, trade, labor and energy-related issues as a result of her experience in Congress, trade...

Jeff Jollay.(people)
February 1, 2008... Michigan-based manufacturer BrassCraft announced the hiring of Jeff Jollay as its vice president of marketing and product development. Jollay, who previously worked in a similar position at HON office furniture, is relocating from Davenport,...

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute announces two new committee chairs.(people)
February 1, 2008... The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute announces two new committee chairs. President Ken Martin has appointed Marie-Helene Pernin of Neoperl to the Member Services Committee. She will serve with Rick Reles of Kohler. Klaus Fromme from Bradley...

Thomas F. Warner.(people)
February 1, 2008... A 40-year veteran of the HVAC and plumbing industry was named HVAC Contractor of the Year for 2007 by Trane and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association. Thomas F. Warner is president of Utility Service Express, LLC, in...

Stephen Callahan.(people)
February 1, 2008... Watts Water Technologies announced January 7 the appointment of Stephen Callahan as national market manager for its new line of OneFlow anti-scale systems. Prior to joining Watts, Callahan held market and sales management positions with Cuno...

Theft protection: keeping your hand tools to yourself.
February 1, 2008... It's old news that copper is at the top of thieves' must-have list. But also coveted are the contents of a contractor's toolbox. As Bill Nye's story attests, you. can't be too careful. And when it comes to protecting your stuff, there are a few...

Welcome to Reeves Journal's Tool Bin 2008.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... We know our readers like tools as much as we do, so we're rolling out our Tool Bin again to showcase some of the plumbing industry's most useful products. No need to wander the aisles of your local supply house searching for tools and...

Pump 'N' Plug.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... Neptune Innovations LLC introduces the revolutionary new plumbing tool that will save plumbers time on the job. The Pump 'N' Plug was invented to save time, thus increasing profits. Made of strong, flexible, silicone rubber, this tool was...

New from Wheeler-Rex.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... A new compact, lightweight hole cutter system that utilizes a drill to cut a hole in pipes. Available in four different models: * 3090 hole cutter less drill with adapter for Milwaukee[R] drill and tool box * hole cutter less drill...

T1065 saddle tray with lid and six dividers.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... Designed with the features contractors asked for. Saddle design sits on 2" x 4", 2" x 6", etc. Snap-on recessed lid allows for secure stacking while keeping parts in and dust and moisture out. Smaller and deeper than our popular T1075 tote tray...

Lighter weight, lower price.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... General Pipe Cleaners' Jet-Set Model J-2900 gas powered water jetter is an economical alternative to larger gas jets. It's lighter and more maneuverable, yet maintains the same pressure and flow rate as other jets in its class. It's driven by...

T1050-LL Ladder Ledge &T1050 Tote Tray.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... Seconds to install (or remove) on any standard ladder, our T1050-LL Ladder Ledge provides a secure way to temporarily mount a T1050 Tote Tray near the top of any standard step ladder so parts and tools are within easy reach. As no tools are...

RC-1625 ratcheting plastic cutter.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... The RIDGID RC-1625 ratcheting plastic pipe and tubing cutter has a large capacity and an advanced blade design that reduces the required cutting force. With a 1/2" to 1-5/8" O.D. capacity, it easily cuts plastic pipe and tubing. The cutter's...

GorillaGrip[TM] Hot Tapping Saddles.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... GorillaGrip [TM] Hot Tapping Saddles are used for tapping water, sewage and air systems. They offer Male NPT tapping outlets including size-on-size from 3/4" x 3/4" to 8" x 4" for CTS and IPS pipe OD. The entire fitting is fabricated from...

Underground boring tool.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... BORIT Manufacturers the best handheld Underground boring tool in the World--so we offer the best price & warranty! BORIT goes under sidewalks, driveways, streets, highways, or landscaping faster with less effort. Powered by a FULL 1/2" drill,...

Tees.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... 5", 6" and 8" tees with 2" to 4" outlets are installed for 90% less with the PLUS 100 by T-DRILL and comply with code. The faster speed of this method of installation is documented in all of the major labor estimating manuals. So all that is...

Spud Nut Wrench.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... The Perfecto Spud Nut Wrench answers a simple problem that can just drive you nuts! Toilet and urinal spuds go on easily, but "easy" isn't the word when they have to come off. There's only one hex nut on the spud, so there's nothing to keep it...

The Earl [DM125].(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... The Earl has an 8" enclosed polyethylene reel that holds 1/4" x 37' cable. It has a 1/6 HP motor that operates at 230 rpm and a standard air foot pedal. The machine has a heavy-duty casted self-aligning head bearing. A great safety feature is...

Pipe freezing equipment.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... Arctic Freeze Jackets are like portable valves. An jce plug is formed in the pipe under the jacket and water flow is stopped. Repairs and modifications can be made without draining the line. Make a double freeze to isolate a section of pipe to...

Self-Feed Bits.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... Reed Self-Feed Bits are designed to provide faster boring of clean, accurate holes in wood for pipe, conduit and tubing. The bits are designed with precise, hardened cutting edges that hold up cut after cut, with an aggressive self-feed lead...

Insta-Clamp[TM] Solder Joint Repair Clamp.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... Insta-Clamp[TM] Solder Joint Repair Clamp repairs leaks on copper tubing. It is unique because of the 60/40 ratio step-up NBR waffle gasket with 360[degrees] seal. It stops leaks on 45's, 90'sr,tees, couplings and threaded adapters....

Adapt-A-Valve.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... The Adapt-A-Valve series of Backwater Valves was designed by a plumber for easy accessibility. Ideal for the 'slab on grade' market or anywhere a backwater valve needs to be buried deeper than 24 inches. The Valves are extendable to various...

New from Wheeler-Rex.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... Self-Feeding Ratchet Action Tubing Cutters are designed for fast, accurate pipe cutting--especially in confined spaces. Simply push the cutter onto your pipe and begin ratcheting. The self-feeding cutter wheel automatically tightens as you...

Install tee fittings affordably.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... Keeping copper tube affordable today is a challenge. Because T-DRILL reduces the cost of installing tee fittings by 90%, it is the answer to the high price of copper! Combine that with having the codes and standards you need to meet (ASME B31.9...

Silver Bullet stainless steel cable.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... Trojan's Silver Bullet cable lasts three times longer than regular steel cable. The Silver Bullet stainless steel cable is made with durable, spring-like steel with improved memory for smooth operation while feeding. Made with intercore cable...

Valve Operator Kit.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... Perfecto Products' Valve Operator Kit is a multi-function set of tools for opening and closing air, gas, steam or water valves. With square sockets 1", 1-1/4", 1-1/2" and 2", nut actuated gate or globe valves no longer require a separate meter...

Jet Swets.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... Through advanced design concepts, Brenelle Enterprises produces professional tools that will give the plumber or maintenance man years of solid dedicated high pressure use. We offer Jet Swets in individual sizes 1/2" to 4" diameters or in...

Battery operated sink machine.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... For more than five decades, Trojan Tool Mfg. has set the standard in the sewer and drain cleaning industry by providing quality equipment and services such as our patent pending Colt battery operated sink machine. Great for cleaning 1" - 4"...

Test-Eze-Tee.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... The Test-Eze-Tee is the easiest, safest, quickest, and most reliable pressure test you will ever conduct! Eliminates the need for inflatable testballs, mechanical plugs and other methods. But most importantly the Test-Eze-Tee is SAFE! Simply...

Pipe plug kits.(Tool Bin)
February 1, 2008... Replace valves and make pipe modifications without having to wait for the line to drain. No need for a separate rod for each pipe size, simply change the various pipe plug sizes on/off the long rod. #5000 1/2" - 2-1/2" #5001 1/2" - 1"...

Diversionary tactics: grease interceptors protect sewer systems right on down the line.
February 1, 2008... The devices formerly known as "grease traps" are simple at their most basic level. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] They're plumbed into a sanitary sewer line coming from a commercial-type kitchen so they can capture fats, oils and grease from...

Plastic pipe particulars: which acronym will suit your project?
February 1, 2008... Piping is the bread and butter of the plumbing industry. Let's face it, if there were no way to get fluids from one place to another, there would be no plumbers and we'd all be unimaginably thirsty. Pipe materials have come a long way since...

Creating harmony: industry groups work toward revising standards for testable backflow assemblies.
February 1, 2008... During the Society of Sanitary Engineering's annual meeting in September 2006, the Society was asked to consider reopening four of its recently published standards for revision. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These four standards, ASSE 1013,...

Shape-holding PEX.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... Watts Radiant has unveiled its new Aluminum PEX line, RadiantPEX-AL. It's a multi-layer pipe consisting of an inner and outer layer of high temperature-resistant polyethylene with an aluminum core. The aluminum core prevents oxygen and gases...

Cool look for cold water.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... The Accent faucet is the latest offering from Water, Inc. Designed to complement the company's EverCold instant chilled water system, the lead-free faucet features an elegant pedestal base and single control lever. Standing nearly 11" high and...

Climate panel innovation.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... Viega offers installers a new solution for radiant installations in the form of Universal Multi-Run Panels. Supplying tubing for up to three circuits while occupying a minimum amount of floor space, the panels are most useful in jobs where...

Tagaki takes it outside.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... Tankless water heater manufacturer Tagaki has launched its first powerful unit built specifically for outdoor installations. The T-K3-0S is one of its smallest units ever. At 13.8" wide and weighing just 40 pounds, its ultra-compact design...

Bacteria-fighting bubbler.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... A new water fountain with a flexible guard molded with AgION technology has been added to Tomlinson Industries' Pro-Flo product line. Tomlinson's chrome plated, lead-free brass bubbler is an ideal choice for schools, parks and recreation...

Luxurious lav.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... Designed exclusively for Waterdecor by Beth Thorne, a consultant to world-renowned designers, manufacturers and retailers, the line features a French art deco design that incorporates geometric shapes and delicate details. Placing strong...

Catalog covers everything.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... Premier Faucet's full-line faucet catalog is now available. The 50-page, full-color book highlights 193 kitchen, lavatory, tub/shower, and bar faucets organized into nine new collections. Premier launched more than 100 new products in 2007,...

Quieter piping.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... ProVent Systems now has a PVC plastic single stack DWV system that works better and tests quieter than conventional plumbing. The ProVent System significantly reduces pipe and fittings and labor costs, and increases the stack wastewater...

Do you bore easily?(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... The M.K. Morse Company offers a complete line of double fluted auger bits for wood and nail-embedded wood applications. All auger bits have a self-feed screw point for easy boring, in addition to a double-fluted design for fast clearance and...

Sealing under pressure.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... Huntingdon Fusion Techniques' Development Team has made an advancement in its range of nylon pipe plugs to provide an even better seal than before. The Pipestopper plugs are manufactured using corrosion resistant engineering polymers and range...

Leak repair.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... MJSI, Inc. has released its new HydroFix Toilet Repair Kit. It includes the HydroClean toilet fill valve, the patented J-Tube, and the HydroForce flapper. The HydroClean is specifically engineered to save water with every flush. It can be...

Cost-effective solar thermal storage.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... Heat Transfer recently unveiled the SuperStor Contender Solar, a new line of glass-lined indirect water heaters, designed specifically for solar thermal applications. The new units store hot water from one or more solar collectors while also...

Ultimate showering pleasure.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... The new SideWay Showerpanel from Hansgrohe offers custom-shower functionality in one sleek fixture. Designed to minimize visual clutter and to fit even the smallest environments, the SideWay Showerpanel features the new "Slide Guide" hose...

Better performing pumps.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... Wastewater pump manufacturer Hydromatic has added condensate units to its extensive line of submersible wastewater sump, sewage, effluent, grinder and large nonclog pumps. The three new models simplify the selection process by filling 80...

Speed control.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... The J-2512 Typhoon trailer jet from General Pipe Cleaners now features an optional variable speed controller for the 400 ft. capacity jet hose reel with electric rewind. The Typhoon delivers 12 gallons a minute at 2500 psi to blast lines clean...

Versatile push connections.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... Elkhart Products Corporation has expanded its reusable line of TecTite fittings for joining CPVC or copper for larger pipe diameters. TecTite fittings provide plumbing system design flexibility by allowing you to join dissimilar pipe materials...

For a tougher, safer seal.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... Gasiola Chemicals, a specialty chemical division of Federal Process Corporation, offers premium PLS 2 thread and gasket sealer formula to provide an even tougher seal in even the most demanding industrial settings. The non-hardening, non-toxic...

Cast iron sink options.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... Eljer Inc. has expanded its sink collection with the Vantage primary kitchen sink and Salerno bar sink. The Vantage sink is a double bowl model with a low-rise divider to cascade water from one bowl to the other to reduce the chance of an...

Natural-style faucet.(newproducts)
February 1, 2008... Danze has added an important new faucet to its South Sea Collection - the South Sea Single Handle Lavatory Faucet. Inspired by natural classic bamboo styling, the South Sea Collection is designed to meet the growing popularity in natural...