Reeves Journal articles from January 2008

Reeves Journal archives from January 2008

Welcome the Class of 2008.(pipeline)
January 1, 2008... On behalf of the entire staff of Reeves Journal magazine I'd like take this opportunity to both welcome and introduce to the industry the members of the 2008 Reeves Journal Magazine Editorial Advisory Board. The 11 members of the inaugural...

Unlicensed corporations cannot recover on a payment bond.(legalcorner)
January 1, 2008... This is somewhat of a convoluted case. However, the decision is not all that surprising. William Opp was, at all times relevant to this case, a licensed building contractor. Mr. Opp also was president of an entity known as Mountain Connection,...

Flat rate pricing is in your future.(servicesense)
January 1, 2008... Flat rate pricing has been the buzz of the trades for a lot of years. Few contractors are without an opinion on it. Camp one says they are on flat rate pricing; they love it and would never consider going back. They have far fewer customer...

Keeping your average "above average".(businessstrategies)
January 1, 2008... Before you pencil in your marketing budget for the year and decide that you need to substantially boost the number of calls you receive to meet your revenue goals, think about your averages. Specifically, think about your team's average ticket...

Strainer or no strainer? Both schools of thought have their strong points.(codeshack)
January 1, 2008... For years, members of the backflow prevention industry have debated the value of strainers at the inlet of an assembly's installation. Arguments on both sides of the issue have merit and should be carefully considered before a strainer is...

2008 PHCC-GLAA show dedicated to Harry Reed.(news connection)
January 1, 2008... Organizers of the 2008 edition of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-Greater Los Angeles Area Trade Show said the event, scheduled for the Long Beach Convention Center Jun. 7, 2008, will be dedicated to former PHCC-GLAA president Harry...

American Standard becomes Trane.(news connection)
January 1, 2008... The company formerly known as American Standard Companies Inc. has changed its name to Trane to reflect its new focus on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Before implementing the separation plan, the Tyler, Texas-based...

Wilo celebrates 125th year of 'Pumpen Intelligenz'.(news connection)(Company overview)
January 1, 2008... What is the proper gift for a 135th birthday? That's what German-born pump manufacturer WILO AG is celebrating. Many years ago, Wilo adopted "Pumpen Intelligenz" to describe a customer- focused/application-driven approach for the development of...

Wash. man leaves convention with truck.(news connection)
January 1, 2008... Bradford White announced the winners of the Bradford White Power Drive 5 Giveaway promotion Oct. 26 at Network '07 in Anaheim. Five professional installers throughout the United States and Canada each won a 2007 GMC Sierra pickup truck. ...

Help sought for California fire victims.(news connection)
January 1, 2008... The Contractors State License Board is urging California's construction industry to step forward to help those whose homes were destroyed or damaged in the recent southern California wildfires. The CSLB wants contractors to do their part to...

Plumbing manufacturers institute to the rescue.(news connection)
January 1, 2008... Citizens of drought-stricken Orme, Tenn. welcomed with open arms (and dry faucets) PMI members and manufacturers November 17 for a one-day plumbing makeover. "What these companies did is truly remarkable. It was like a whirlwind. From...

World Class Rockers entertain world class customers.(connection)
January 1, 2008... The owner of George Morlan Plumbing in Portland came up with a unique way to thank his loyal clients. More than 250 business contacts were treated to a private concert by supergroup World Classic Rockers, a band made up of musicians formerly of...

L.A. Commission approves stricter building requirements.(news connection)
January 1, 2008... The Los Angeles Planning Commission on November 15 approved one of the most ambitious Green building programs of any big city in the nation, requiring large new developments to be 15 percent more energy efficient. The new rules, which also...

Rewards added to VIP program.(news connection)
January 1, 2008... Lochinvar Corporation is adding new incentives and resources to its VIP contractor Program. Now in its third year, the VIP Contractor Program rewards enrolled contractors for purchases of the Knight heating boiler. Contractors receive a...

PMI inks MOU with Aussie counterpart.(news connection)
January 1, 2008... PMI executive director Barbara C. Higgens and Tim Fisher, vice president of the Plumbing Products Industry group, inked a Memo of Understanding at the fall PMI meeting in October. The document formalizes the good working relationship already in...

Gemaire distributors opens new parts store.(news connection)
January 1, 2008... The Rheem Manufacturing Company distributor Gemaire has opened a new Prostock store in Houston. Following the successful design of other Prostock stores, the new 49,500 square-foot facility includes an 1,800 square-foot showroom. The facility,...

Taco on YouTube.(news connection)
January 1, 2008... Manufacturer Taco is plugging its products in a very 21st century way--on YouTube. Owner and president John Hazen White has released two wry online videos. Both spots promote the benefits of Taco's new 3-Speed 0010 service circulator for...

Clarification.(Correction notice)
January 1, 2008... An article in the November issue of Reeves Journal ("Oops! Here are 10 common pipe sweating mistakes and how to avoid them," pg. 32), stated Type M copper tubing is available in, "either hard or soft varieties." Type M copper tubing is actually...

"Xtreme" Makeover.(newsbriefs)
January 1, 2008... Morey Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in San Diego has been chosen to participate in the Xtreme Energy Makeover project. Morey Plumbing, Heating & Cooling will be responsible for implementing energy saving solutions into a 1970, single-family,...

Sealed for delivery.(newsbriefs)
January 1, 2008... Five high efficiency toilets from Vortens have received the WaterSense certification label. The blue and white seal indicates the products meet water efficiency and performance criteria established by the EPA program. Qualifying HETs include...

Brochure redo.(newsbriefs)
January 1, 2008... The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute of Rolling Meadows, III., has introduced a new brochure that chronicles, among other things, its recent involvement in 'Green' initiatives benefiting the industry. Items covered in the brochure include the...

Nearly a century in the business.(newsbriefs)
January 1, 2008... Ohio-based Mansfield Plumbing Products lost two very longtime employees in November. Twin brothers Jerry and Jack Banks retired from the company they'd worked for since the late 1950s. Jack, who was hired in 1959, was assistant supervisor of...

Industry layoffs in Texas.(newsbriefs)
January 1, 2008... Crane Plumbing LLC in San Antonio laid off 24 employees in October, in addition to cutting 64 jobs in September, leaving the company with a staff of 170. "The company is hopeful it will be able to recall the laid-off employees," said Lee...

Supplier's golden anniversary.(news briefs)
January 1, 2008... Wheeler Manufacturing Company has entered its second half-century, having logged 50 years in the business. The Ashtabula, Ohio-based company was founded in 1957 with the invention of the model 590 Snap Cutter, which enabled plumbers to snap-cut...

Workplace kudos.(newsbriefs)
January 1, 2008... Hubbard Enterprises/HOLDRITE has again been named one of the Best Places to Work in San Diego County. The award was presented by the Society of Human Resources Management and the San Diego Union Tribune for the 2007 year. "We are proud to...

Bradford White lends a hand.(newsbriefs)
January 1, 2008... Water heater manufacturer Bradford White Corporation has pledged 100 water heaters to Habitat for Humanity in Michigan. Eric Lannes, the company's vice president and general manager, welcomed the opportunity to give back to the local community,...

Gerber goes Green (certified).(newsbriefs)
January 1, 2008... The Gerber Ultra Flush line of toilets recently received WaterSense certification for water conservation efficiency. WaterSense, a voluntary public-private partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recognizes...

Help with Calif.'s new codes.(newsbriefs)
January 1, 2008... The 2007 editions of the California Plumbing Code and California Mechanical Code took effect on January 1, 2008. An experienced team of California code experts has been assembled by the International Code Council to assist the state's code...

Nexstar's new digs.(newsbriefs)
January 1, 2008... Business development organization Nexstar has moved its headquarters from White Bear Lake, Minn., to its new location, 125 Little Canada Road West, Suite 200, Little Canada, Minn., 55117. "Our move is a necessity due to the tremendous growth we...

A peek inside showers.(newsbriefs)
January 1, 2008... ThermaSol debuted new steam shower generators, controls and showroom POS display at the 6th Annual DPHA Conference and Product Showcase in October at Boston's Seaport Hotel. "Our goal was to create an attractive, design-savvy display that would...

Energy vision for the future.(newsbriefs)
January 1, 2008... The United Association in November held the Inaugural Tripartite Meeting to discuss and share information on vital energy issues. The meeting was the first of what is anticipated to be annual "state of the union" energy forums. U.S. Secretary...

Watts widens.(news briefs)
January 1, 2008... Watts Regulator Company is bulking up. Its Spindale, N.C., facility will be expanded, creating 140 jobs. The $2.04 million dollar project, announced Nov. 16, will receive $140,000 from the state's economic development fund. The money requires a...

Calendar.(Calendar)
January 1, 2008... Jan. 11-12 Nexstar Network Money Masters Seminar Conway Services Memphis (888) 240-STAR www.nexstarnetwork.com Jan. 14-15 Grandy & Associates Service Manager's University Executive Inn ...

Jim Scott.(Elkay Announces Retirements)
January 1, 2008... On Jan. 1, Jim Scott, president of Elkay's Plumbing Product's Division, retired after more than 30 years of service. In addition to managing the PPD, Scott also served on Elkay's Corporate Executive Council. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Steve Rogers.(Elkay Announces Retirements)
January 1, 2008... Steve Rogers is the new president of Elkay's PPD. Rogers joined Elkay in 2004, serving as the vice president of engineering for the PPD. Rogers will also become a member of Elkay's Corporate Executive Council. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Ronald C. Katz.(Elkay Announces Retirements)
January 1, 2008... Chairman and CEO Ronald C. Katz retired Dec. 1 from Elkay Manufacturing Company and assumed the position of executive chairman of the Board of Directors. Katz, who has served as CEO since 1985, began his employment with Elkay nearly 55 years...

Dec. 1 also marked the retirement John P. Edl.(Elkay Announces Retirements)
January 1, 2008... Dec. 1 also marked the retirement of John P. EdI, Elkay president and COO. EdI will continue to serve on the company's Board of Directors and takes over as vice chairman. In this position, he will serve as an advisor to Ron Katz and to Elkay's...

Michael Easterley.(Elkay Announces Retirements)
January 1, 2008... Wilo USA LLC, of Melrose Park, III., has appointed Michael Easterley as president and CEO. Easterly has over 30 years' experience in the pump industry. His new position commenced Jan. 1. Wilo USA is a subsidiary of Wilo AG, Germany, one of the...

Sioux Chief Mfg Co., Inc., has five new hires on its payroll.(Elkay Announces Retirements)
January 1, 2008... Sioux Chief Mfg Co., Inc., has five new hires on its payroll. Chase Wagner is the new marketing manager. Wagner was previously an account supervisor for a national marketing agency based in the Midwest. Tegan Stuart, Nick Rew and Lisa Swartz...

CII construction: provides safe harbor for western plumbers.(2007 WESTERN TRENDS SURVEY)
January 1, 2008... 2007 was certainly an interesting year. There's no need to once again recap how developments on the finance, mortgage and supply/demand fronts are affecting the housing markets and, by extension, the construction trades, in the West and...

Making the cut: new solutions to common pump grinding problems.
January 1, 2008... They say you can't fight gravity', but there are times when gravity fights the system--a septic system, for example. Waste water from a building's water-using appliances is supposed to be carried to a public sewer main, then on to a...

Tankless water heaters: when they're hot they're hot, when they're not, they're saving energy.(techtopic)
January 1, 2008... It's unfortunate that advanced technology is enabling more luxurious, indulgent, satisfying hot water applications at the same time the environment is crying for humans to be more sparing of limited natural resources. Twenty years ago, people...

State of the radiant industry: Reeves' debut Radiant Heating Survey reveals the Western trends to watch.
January 1, 2008... Western contractors worked, on average, some 19 radiant heating-related projects during the past 12 months, and the majority of those projects were residential and hydronic in nature, according to the first-ever Reeves Journal Radiant Heating...

HeatingHelp.com: helping those who help others.
January 1, 2008... Radiant heating, hydronic or otherwise, is a field whose technical aspects can leave many plumbers cold. Sometimes sitting through even the best of classes on the subject can leave folks with questions about the systems and their application....

A double shot of radiant: a monterey custom home gets both hydronic and electric radiant heat.
January 1, 2008... As everyone pretty much knows by now, "radiant heating" is an all-encompassing label that casts its shadow over several different schemes of delivering heat to a living space. Today, the two most common types of radiant heating are hydronic and...

Mountain hydronics: Ramrk Plumbing tackles commercial-scale residential jobs.
January 1, 2008... Shelly, Idaho-based Ramrk Plumbing Inc. (pronounced "Ray-Mark") has served the western Wyoming/eastern Idaho region since 1967. The company entered the hydronics market in 1982 and that soon led to radiant heat work. Ramrk president Mark...

Let it melt: keeping the driveway and access road clear Keeps these upscale skiers happy.
January 1, 2008... The Stag Lodge condo complex is, according to its Web site, "nestled atop Bald Eagle Mountain" in Deer Valley Resort near Park City, Utah. Long a playground for the folks who like to strap boards to their feet and slide down snow-covered...

Warning up to the radiant industry: a talk with the founder of the radiant panel association.(Warming up)(Interview)
January 1, 2008... Radiant Panel Association executive director Larry Drake said the Association is finishing a rewrite of its Radiant Precision course and book and, by next spring, expects to update its Radiant Basics class. Photo courtesy of the RPA. ...

The wet and dry of radiant: the two schools of hydronic thought and how to best employ them.
January 1, 2008... While radiant heat of all kinds is all the rage these days, their methods of installation can sometimes get buried deeper than a PEX tube. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Whether hydronic or electric, radiant systems generally heat from the...

Stratos circulator.(radiant showcase)
January 1, 2008... The UL listed WILO Stratos is North America's first commercial wet rotor circulator with ECM motor technology. With this revolutionary "smart pump" technology, the Stratos can achieve energy savings of up to 80% compared to a standard wet rotor...

Phoenix water heater.(radiant showcase)
January 1, 2008... The 97% efficient, stainless steel modulating Phoenix water heater is specifically designed for both combined hydronics, providing both domestic hot water and space heating via radiant floor heating or hydronic air handlers/fan convectors and...

Pro-modular[TM] secondary loop modules.(radiant showcase)
January 1, 2008... Taco has added a new line of thermostats designed specifically for use with its LoadMatch[R] single-pipe heating-cooling system. LoadMatch Thermostats provide exceptional control of LoadMatch systems employing either heat pump or fan coil...

REHAU PRO-BALANCE[R] Manifold system.(radiant showcase)
January 1, 2008... REHAU has recently implemented improvements to its PRO-BALANCE[R] Manifold system for use in hydronic radiant heating and cooling as well as snow and ice melting systems. Two mini-thermometers offering instantaneous supply and return water...

Grundfos expands range.(radiant showcase)
January 1, 2008... Grundfos has expanded its line of circulators for use with potable water systems. The new cast stainless steel pumps are ideal for use in parts of the country where code restrictions dictate the use of low lead content fixtures within potable...

Universal Multi-Run Panels: the latest climate panel innovation.(radiant showcase)
January 1, 2008... Viega offers installers a new solution for radiant installations with the introduction of Universal Multi-Run Panels. Supplying tubing for up to three circuits while occupying a minimum amount of floor space, Universal Multi-Run Panels are most...

Pro-Modular[TM] secondary loop modules.(radiant showcase)
January 1, 2008... Precision Hydronic Products unveils new Pro-Modular [TM] secondary loop modules for use with TKI, TK, HI, HO and HX primary loop modules. The new PHP Pro-Modular[TM] secondary loop modules are a fast, flexible, cost effective way to add...

AccuFlow product line.(radiant showcase)
January 1, 2008... Zurn is pleased to announce the broadening of the AccuFlow heating manifold product line. The basic AccuFlow kit will consist of a supply and return header attached to mounting brackets (QHAF). The customer will be able to choose between...

PEX Aluminum PEX product line.(radiant showcase)
January 1, 2008... Watts Radiant introduced its new PEX Aluminum PEX line, RadiantPEX-AL at the ISH-NA show in Chicago. RadiantPEX-AL is a multi-layer pipe consisting of an inner and outer layer of high temperature-resistant polyethylene with an aluminum core....

Who needs heat in California?
January 1, 2008... The headline up there is a common fallacy often perpetuated by some our friends and neighbors who live in that great expanse of "fly-over" territory we Westerners vaguely refer to as, "Back East." This mistaken perception of the Western...

SMOOTH transition.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... The Side-Mount-Operator-Over-The-Handle, or SMOOTH retrofit product from Sloan Valve Company, quickly and easily converts most manual flushometers to sensor operation. The sensor unit installs on the handle of a manual flushometer in less than...

Dedicated temperature control.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... Taco has added a new line of thermostats designed specifically for use with its LoadMatch single-pipe heating-cooling system. LoadMatch thermostats provide exceptional control of LoadMatch systems employing either heat pump or fan coil units....

Hybrid heating.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... Grand Hall has introduced the Eternal hybrid water heating system. Operating at a significantly lower emission rate than other water heaters, Eternal emits only 5ppm NOx, a harmful greenhouse gas, well under the regulated 55 ppm NOx. Consistent...

On-demand mini-series.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... The newest member of the Stiebel Eltron family of innovative tankless, on-demand water heaters is the Mini series, designed for low to medium flow point-of-use applications. The extremely compact unit only weighs 3.5 lbs. and can fit almost...

Faucet luxury.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... Symmons, a manufacturer of commercial and residential plumbing products, has a new collection of pull-out kitchen faucets for the home. Featuring five new styles, the Andora, Fiano, Forza, Moscato and Vella, the Elements Kitchen Line is the...

Speedier steam bath.(new products)
January 1, 2008... Steamist, a manufacturer of steam baths and saunas, speeds relaxation with a new steam bath system. The new InstaMist generates steam in less than a minute, thanks to a stainless steel strip heater that allows the generator to preheat the...

One system cuts it all.(new products)
January 1, 2008... T-Drill has introduced the TCJ-50 Tube Cut-Off System. This product extends the company's chipless rotary cut-off technology into a small, bench mounted system designed for short production runs from straight tube. It is capable of cutting...

Set the mood.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... Steam shower owners can now match their control and steam-head to their bathroom fittings with ThermaSol's Traditional and Contemporary Series Controls that offer either Signature Series' advanced functionality options or Temp-Touch's baseline...

Sink style.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... Water, Inc. introduces the Modern Mixer, its first full-scale kitchen sink faucet. Inspired by the design of Water, Inc.'s Modern Faucet, an accessory faucet for use with water filtration systems, the Modern Mixer handles the chores of everyday...

Easier radiant design.(new products)
January 1, 2008... Uponor's Advanced Design Suite software calculates heat loss and removes the guesswork by guiding the system designer through every step of radiant floor heating system design. This powerful design tool can also perform budget quotes, generate...

Climate panel innovation.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... Viega offers installers a new solution for radiant installations with the introduction 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...

Leakproof ball valves.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... New 2-piece, full port, brass ball valves with PEX ends from Watts are designed for use in PEX piping systems. The Series FBV-PEX brass ASTM F-1807 tailpieces make a solid, leak-proof connection to PEX piping in a matter of seconds, making...

Put that anywhere.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... Zoeller's Qwik Jon Ultima allows for the quick and easy installation of a bathroom almost anywhere. The wastewater and sewage removal system is simple enough for residential yet robust and powerful enough for commercial applications. The Qwik...

Tame slippery spuds.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... Perfecto Products announces the Spud Nut Wrench. It keeps the spud from spinning on the slick porcelain, while you adjust the spud nut. Available in 3/4" 1-1/4", 1-1/2" and 2" sizes, virtually all spuds are now easy to install and easier to...

Warm all over.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... The "ultimate extension in spa-like luxury" is the new cable system from NuHeat. To accommodate areas not traditionally warmed by Nuheat, the cable system combines installation versatility with advanced technology. Applicable for shower floors...

Cleverer clog clearing.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... General Pipe Cleaners' improved Mini-Rooter XP features a new upright frame design with roll bars to protect the motor when taking the machine up and down stairs, or loading it into the truck. A variable speed power cable feed enables the...

Heating hybrid.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... The Phoenix from Heat Transfer is the first solar water heater to combine domestic hot water storage with a 97-percent efficient, gas-fired backup all-in-one unit to meet the hot water demands of residential and commercial solar thermal...

To better cut it out.(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... For trade professionals, M.K. Morse offers the new AV23M bimetal hole saw kit. Featuring Master Cobalt bi-metal hole saws, the kit includes a broad range of popular diameters used by the professional tradesman for maintenance, plumbing and...

Clamp that Strut!(newproducts)
January 1, 2008... The HOLDRITE Strut Clamp is now available for both Flame-rated (UL 94V-2) and Flame/Smoke-rated (ASTM E-84 25/50) environments. Ideal for overhead applications, the Strut Clamp provides a fast and simple pipe support solution that integrates...

Marketing to do list: 2008.(marketingmechanics)
January 1, 2008... A contractor attended a seminar where the leader urged them to write down their goals and wishes. He came back from the seminar, wrote down what he wanted to do, threw the piece of paper in a drawer, and forgot about it. Years later he was...

Seven common (but avoidable) insurance errors.(executivebriefcase)
January 1, 2008... Insurance is just about the most boring thing out there, and certainly shopping for coverage isn't a favorite pastime for any of us. But paying attention to the insurance you're buying--or not buying--can avert big trouble later. Insurance is...

Internetmarketplace.
January 1, 2008... Would you like to add your company's Web site to the Internet Marketplace? Contact Souzan Azar at 949-830-0881 ext 3930 for details and rates Associations Copper Develop. Assn. www.copper.org Backflow Backflow...