Reeves Journal articles from January 2005

Reeves Journal archives from January 2005

Retro chic.(pipeline)
January 1, 2005... Happy New Year. I hope you've all pretty much recovered from the last big rip-snortin' hootnanny of 2004 and are back in the office ready to get down to business. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You're holding in...

The $64 answer.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... I read your editorial in November's Reeves Journal (Pipeline: "The $64 Question," Nov. 2004) with great interest. While I agree with you wholeheartedly, I must comment that water treatment is really no different than anything else that we...

Work truck alternative.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... I read your article about work trucks ("Work Truck Basics," Oct. 2004) and was wondering how you could miss what I see as the newest trend in work vehicles. My next work van will be a Sprinter made by Freightliner. It offers interior...

No standards.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... Whereas there seems to be great attention lately with PEX water distribution hype, one particular issue remains steadfast in my non-promotions of these assorted products. And this is not the often-denied fact that poisoned rodents often...

LEED certification--is it for plumbing contractors?(gettin'green)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
January 1, 2005... First of all, what is LEED? LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it's the certification process used to vet project designs, as well as individuals, that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability by meeting...

What is the liability for the discharge of water to an adjoining property?(legal corner)(California Second District Court of Appeal)
January 1, 2005... The California Second District Court of Appeal explained the law dealing with the liability of land owners for water damage caused to adjoining property. The decision is of interest to contractors if the construction causes water to be diverted...

Appellate Court grants PEX rehearing.(news connection)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association's petition for a rehearing was granted by the Second District Appellate Court last December. (See "News Connection," Dec. 2004, pg. 14--Ed.) The rehearing nullifies the court's Nov. 16 decision,...

Miller tapped as new NEBB president.(news connection)(Joseph Miller)(appoinments at National Environmental Balancing Bureau)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Joseph Miller of Seneca Balance of Virginia, located in Alton, Virginia, was elected president of the National Environmental Balancing Bureau at the NEBB Annual Meeting held at the Hilton San Diego Resort in San Diego. Miller has more than...

ASA, PHCC debut 2005 trade show.(news connection)(American Supply Association)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The American Supply Association and the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors-National Association have teamed up to create Network '05, an effort to draw more industry people one show. Network '05 will take place Sept. 7-10 at the Disney...

Washington contractor earns Minority Biz Award.(news connection)(Mount Vernon)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Mount Vernon, Wash.-based Plumbing Today was the recipient of the 2004 University of Washington Minority Business "Emerging Business" Award. In all, five awards are given each year. "These companies are building our state's current and...

High copper levels among charges in defect lawsuit.(news connection)(high copper levels in tap water)(residential construction)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Owners of 69 homes in a 161-home Murrieta, Calif., housing development have filed a construction defect lawsuit, citing high copper levels in their tap water, among other problems. The suit, filed against builder Curtis Development, alleges...

Hydronic Heating seminars on tap for 2005.(news connection)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The second wave of Modern Engineering Concepts For Hydronic Heating Design seminars have been scheduled in 10 locations throughout the U.S. this year. The comprehensive seminars are taught by hydronics expert John Siegenthaler, P.E., and have...

FMI Corp.(Fast Fact)(productivity of construction industry)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... FMI Corp., management consultant for the construction industry, recently released results for its productivity survey, which showed 53 percent of responding companies reported productivity as flat or decreasing over the past five years.

United Association.(newsbriefs)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... United Association, the international plumbers and pipefitters union general president Martin Maddaloni and his secretary-treasurer, Thomas Patchell, resigned effective Dec. 1. Maddaloni and Patchell were forced by the Labor Dept. to step down...

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute and UK-based Bathroom Manufacturers Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.(newsbriefs)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute and UK-based Bathroom Manufacturers Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. "PMI and BMA will share pertinent information about emerging technical, scientific, legislative and regulatory...

In-Sink-Erator.(newsbriefs)(John Davis )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... In-Sink-Erator regional manager John Davis earned a "Stars to the Stars" award presented during the Associated Builders and Owners of Greater New York annual recognition dinner, hosted by Donald Trump. "John's ability to orchestrate a...

TAPCO.(newsbriefs)(agreement with Rohl Company)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... TAPCO, a division of Elias Industries, is stocking and supplying parts for faucet and fixture maker Rohl Company. TAPCO will focus on building an inventory of parts to service ROHL's top-selling products. The agreement took effect last...

LA-CO/Markal.(newsbriefs)(70th birthday)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Plumbing chemical and marking product manufacturer LA-CO/Markal is celebrating its 70th birthday. "We are fortunate to have many of the same distributors we had 40 to 50 years ago," said CEO Dan Kleiman. Today, the distributor network numbers...

Noveon, Inc.(newsbriefs)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Noveon, Inc., producer of BlazeMaster CPVC, and FlexHead Industries, makers of flexible sprinkler connection products, have agreed to promote the use of an innovative fire sprinkler system using both products. The combination system simplifies...

PMI announces new committee chairs.(news connection)(appointments at Plumbing Manufacturers Institute )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Plumbing Manufacturers Institute president Jim Westdorp has announced the appointment of five new committee chairs who will serve three-year terms starting this month. According to the PMI bylaws, committee chairs are appointed by the president...

George Theisen, T & S Brass founder passes away.(news connection)(Obituary)
January 1, 2005... After several years of declining health, George I. Theisen, who founded of T & S Brass and Bronze Works in 1947, passed away late last year. Theisen served as president and CEO until 1992. He was a familiar figure in the plumbing in-dustry...

New Value Alliance Club member announced.(news connection)(Sloan Valve Co. and Leonard Valve Co.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Sloan Valve Company of Palatine, Ill., has announced the addition of Leonard Valve Company to the Value Alliance Club Program, an incentive-reward program for plumbing contractors and distributors who can earn vacation packages and merchandise...

IAPMO rolls out introductory student program.(news connection)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials is offering an introductory program to all those eligible to join as Student Members. For the first year of membership, dues will be only $10. Every year thereafter, so long as...

MCAA student chapters work to recruit.(news connection)(Mechanical Contractors Association of America)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The Mechanical Contractors Association of America remains actively involved in the recruitment and education of the young through its growing number of student chapters that meet at universities, colleges and community colleges across the...

Falcon Waterfree Technologies.(people)(Appointment)(Mike Schmidt)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Falcon Waterfree Technologies has announced the appointment of a pair of new directors for it's U.S. and Canada division. First up is Randall Goble, the new director of marketing communications. Goble will lead Falcon's marketing development...

VenVest, Inc.(people)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... VenVest, Inc., parent company of AirTime 500, Plumbers' Success International, and Electricians' Success International, recently announced the hiring of Denise Swafford, who will serve as the new training director. Swafford, most recently a...

Emerson Climate Technologies.(people)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Emerson Climate Technologies, an Emerson business has appointed David Dunbar to the position of president of Copeland Refrigeration. Dunbar joined Copeland from Emerson Process Management, where he was president of the Machinery Health...

Hirsch Pipe & Supply.(people)(Promotions)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Hirsch Pipe & Supply, based in Van Nuys, Calif., has announced the promotions of four branch personnel. First is Felipe Huerta, who is the new branch manager of the San Marcos branch and Tony Antonucci, the new branch manager at the Pomona...

Nexstar Inc.(people)(Appointment)(Michael Moore)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Michael Moore has joined the staff of Nexstar Inc. of White Bear Lake, Minn., as a sales assistant. Nexstar is a member-owned professional training and development organization that focuses its programs on business growth and development of...

American Faucet and Coatings Corporation.(people)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... American Faucet and Coatings Corporation of Vista, Calif., said that Steve Williams has joined the company as vice president of sales for the OEM and commercial market divisions. Williams will be responsible for developing and implementing a...

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute.(people)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute of Schaumberg, Ill., announced that its technical director, David W. Viola, will once again serve as a member of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association's National Standard Plumbing Code...

Bradford White Corporation.(people)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Bradford White Corporation of Ambler, Pa., recently announced the appointment of Angelo J. Sinisi to the newly created position of Hydronics and Oil-Powered Product Specialist. Sinisi is the former president and COO of Lux Corporation and most...

Calendar.(Calendar)
January 1, 2005... Jan. 20 Gill & Baldwin/Abdulaziz & Grossbart Lorman Education Services Fundamentals of Construction Contracts Seminar Westin Long Beach Hotel Long Beach (888) 678-5565 Feb. 5-9 ASHRAE ASHRAE Winter...

Take a vacation!(service sense)(relevance of vacations)
January 1, 2005... The year was 1970 and I was fresh out of college working for a Fortune 500 company as an industrial engineer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Like many college, technical school or high school graduates for that matter, I knew it all, or at...

Don't forget the 'thank you'.(business strategies)
January 1, 2005... If your mom was anything like mine, she instilled dozens of valuable lessons into your head over the years, and one of the most prominent was the importance of saying, "Thank you." I remember as I grew up that nothing was over until I said,...

'ASE' in the hole: seek out certified technicians to keep your work vehicles on the road.(vehicle maintenance)(Automotive Service Excellence)
January 1, 2005... In most service professions there is a process in place that certifies or credentials individuals performing the work. While there are a variety of benefits to these certifications, the overall result is peace of mind to the customer that they...

Rethinking the way we 'treat' water: scientific and regulatory scrutiny has left traditional centralized water treatment open for a new change.(WQA)
January 1, 2005... Water is constantly in the news. Unfortunately, lately the news about water seems to be all negative--contaminants, shortages, legal battles over water rights, etc. It sounds as if we are facing a huge problem, and more of the same for the near...

Control freaks: from mercury to silicon chips, thermostatic controls have evolved tremendously.(techtopic)
January 1, 2005... Like it or not, we all have a little control freak residing inside us. Yes, you know the one I'm talking about; that nagging little voice that keeps telling us to go over and adjust the thermostat on the wall. It's that little voice that...

Western Trends Survey: a look back at the trends and challenges facing Western contractors during the year that was.(TWO-THOUSAND FOUR)(construction industry)
January 1, 2005... Results from the 2004 edition of the Reeves Journal Western Trends Survey are in, and the responding contractors paint a relatively rosy picture of the year that was. Of course, "relatively rosy" is, well... relative. A quick glance at the...

Right-size that boiler: a thumbnail look at what goes into selecting the proper boiler for a hydronic heating application.
January 1, 2005... One of the most important things a contractor installing a hydronic heating system from scratch needs to consider is the size of the boiler that will be used to do the job. Too small and the homeowner or tenant won't see the benefits of...

What aren't you seeing from a marketing perspective?(marketing mechanics)
January 1, 2005... I have to admit--I don't always see what I am looking at. A colleague and friend, Matt Michel, CEO of Service Roundtable, and I were having a conversation about marketing. During the course of the conversation he asked about my training...

What a tool: the implements of the plumbing trade have come a long way since the Dark Days.(Tools in the Plumbing Trade)
January 1, 2005... A few decades ago when the women's liberation movement was in full swing, a popular saying was, "You've come a long way, baby." A version of that same saying can be applied to the plumbing industry today when it comes to using tools of the...

Piping from past to present: the history of pipe-joining methods and tools.(Tools in the Plumbing Trade)
January 1, 2005... Advancements in plumbing technology have changed our world immensely during the past century. We've come a long way from the bucket-and-well mentality that permeated early America, and the pipe trade continues to evolve. Our longevity and...

In the beginning, there was electricity ...(Tools in the Plumbing Trade )(Black & Decker Corp., Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., Ridge Tool Co., Robert Bosch Tool Corp.)
January 1, 2005... And the electricity was without form or purpose and darkness was upon the face of the Earth. Then some stuff happened--inventors invented and the electricity was harnessed--and it was discovered that it could be used to make things spin. And...

Clean those pipes: sewer and drain cleaning technology has evolved from the simple to the advanced technology we employ today.(Tools in the Plumbing Trade)
January 1, 2005... WE OWE IT TO THE ROMANS Their culture was the originator of contemporary water works and disposal systems. Public bathhouses were at the center of Roman life and along with those were aqueducts that carried water to and from the baths and...

Estate Series faucets.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Santec Inc., has expanded its Estate Series collection of shower heads, faucets, robe hooks and towel bars for the bathroom. Combining graceful style with long-lasting performance, the Estate Series adds instant elegance to any residential or...

New pump flange sizes.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Watts Regulator Co. has added 1 1/4-inch and 1 1/2-inch sizes to its sweat model IPF Isolation Pump Flanges. These new sizes expand the Series IPF's availability to 1/2-inch through 1 1/2-inch sizes with sweat end connections and from 1/2-inch...

New zone systems.(new products)
January 1, 2005... DuroZone, a division of Duro Dyne Corp., announces a new zone control panel for its line of residential zone systems. The new panels are microprocessor-based and are adaptable to almost any application. Available in 3-zone (model ED3) and...

Retract-A-Bit.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Ready Products has introduced the Retract-A-Bit Mini Self-Storing Screwdriver System that features bits which can be changed with the push of a button. Because the bits are integral to the screwdriver, they can never be lost. Retract-A-Bit Mini...

Pit Plus.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Little Giant Pump Company has introduced new versions of its popular Pit Plus sewage systems. IAPMO-approved Pit Plus sewage removal systems are pre-assembled with Little Giant high-performance 9S and 10S series sewage pumps. The systems are...

T-Drill system.(new products)
January 1, 2005... T-Drill has introduced its new PCS 8 Precision Pipecutting system. The company said the PCS 8 will deliver precision pipe cutting on 1- to 8-inch diameter pipes. The results are a fast, perfectly square cut with no interior burr on copper,...

ProMarkCD.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Bradford White Corporation has recently updated its "ProMark" CD-ROM. ProMark--The Professional Marketer's Resource Directory was designed to help wholesalers and contractors who sell and install Bradford White water heating products be more...

Morse auger bits.(new products)
January 1, 2005... The M. K. Morse Company has introduced its new series of double fluted auger bits for wood and nail-embedded wood applications. All Morse auger bits have a self-feed screw point for effortless boring, in addition to a double-flute design for...

Thaw those pipes.(new products)
January 1, 2005... General Pipe Cleaners announces two new pipe thawing machines. The Hot-Shot 320 and Hot Shot 400 thaw pipes in minutes to eliminate tearing up floors, breaking through walls, or digging around pipes in frozen ground. The Hot-Shot 320 generates...

Leakator Jr.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Bacharach, Inc., has introduced a new combustible gas leak detector. The Leakator Jr. is a hand-held combustible gas leak detector used to pinpoint combustible gas leaks in residential, commercial and industrial applications, including...

REHAU literature.(new products)
January 1, 2005... REHAU now offers new literature to support its updated Insulpex energy transfer piping system, which includes 16 new sizes of Insulpex pipes and more than 50 new Everloc fittings. The comprehensive Technical Manual features product...

Swing Check Valve.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Asahi/America, Inc., has introduced its upgraded Swing Check Valve, ideal for use in water and wastewater treatment plants, landfills and power plants. The enhanced valve features a top bonnet O-Ring Seal design, which allows for improved...

Stick-Em Up.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Sioux Chief introduces the Stick-Em Up DWV pipe support. Made from 100 percent corrosion proof, impact resistant, white ABS--the Stick-Em Up can be glued to both ABS or PVC pipe. The I-beam stem can be mounted from any side. The stem features...

Shark Bite.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Cash Acme's new Shark Bite push-fit pipe connection system will join copper, CPVC or PEX in any combination. Push the SharkBite fitting onto a standard pipe or tube, and the stainless steel grab ring grips tight, while a specially formulated...

Omnivore grinder pump.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Liberty Pumps has introduced The Omnivore, a new 2 hp. grinder pump with V-Slice Cutter Technology that provides more cuts per revolution for superior shredding performance in demanding sewage applications. The hardened stainless steel cutting...

Indirect Water Heaters.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Bryan Steam, LLC., has introduced a line of Electric Indirect Water Heaters. Available with inputs from 30 to 330 KW, outputs from 98.3 to 1,081.1 MBH, and recovery capacities (40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) from 117 to 1,298 GPH, the heaters...

Designer faceplates.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Invensys Climate Controls has introduced a new concept in thermostats: interchangeable faceplates. The new Robertshaw Designer Series features easy-to-use programmable and digital models with optional faceplates that can be matched to any home...

TOM software.(new products)
January 1, 2005... Easy Street, Inc., parent company of MrHVAC, Inc. announced the release of its recently created accounting/dispatching software, Total Office Manager. The TOM software was created by a special staff of technical support specialists, Quickbooks...