Reeves Journal articles from November 2004

Reeves Journal archives from November 2004

The $64 question.(pipeline)(mediocre water quality, an opportunity for plumbers to generate extra business)
November 1, 2004... I'm a water drinker. Forget the sodas and juices and sports drinks and energy drinks and all that stuff--give me water almost every time, baby. There's almost nothing I like more when I'm thirsty than an ice-cold glass of water or two. ...

Another arbitration clause shot down.(legal corner)
November 1, 2004... It seems that more and more matters dealing with arbitrability of disputes are being challenged and decided by the Appellate Courts. That is probably because a number of businesses decided to use arbitration, which is a preferred method of...

Technology innovation adds value at the speed of a click.(vehicle maintenance)
November 1, 2004... Secure Web sites, where fleet customers can log in to review detailed information about their vehicles and other account information, are providing fleet managers with a better way to view and manage their fleets. Driven by customer demand,...

Lead in water--an old enemy gets new press.(WQA)
November 1, 2004... Most of the U.S. public is well-educated on the effects of lead in the human body--particularly its effects on young children. With the ongoing Washington, D.C. lead saga continually in our nation's news, it's only appropriate to discuss...

Kohler: industry positioned well for growth.(news connection)(David Kohler, president of Kohler Co.'s Kitchen and Bath Group)(Transcript)
November 1, 2004... The U.S. plumbing industry is in a great position for continued growth, but economic concerns loom large, according to David Kohler, president of Kohler Co.'s Kitchen and Bath Group, who delivered a presentation entitled, "The Future of the...

NIBCO, victaulic team to join copper pipe.(news connection)(NVent, LLC.)
November 1, 2004... There's a new way to join copper pipe coming down the pike and it stands to save contractors a good deal of all too precious time on job sites when many connections have to be made. NIBCO, Inc., of Elkhart, Ind., and Victaulic, of Easton,...

RPA cancels RadFest.(news connection)(Radiant Panel Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Radiant Panel Association of Loveland, Colo., has canceled its RadFest trade show, originally scheduled for Nov. 2-3 in Portland, Ore. "Although we still plan on having a West Coast RadFest in the future, the Portland event was slow to...

CEC celebrates 25 years in tankless.(news connection)(Controlled Energy Corporation)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Controlled Energy Corporation, a supplier of tankless and instant-on water heaters based in Waitsfield, Vt., is celebrating its 25th anniversary in business this year. Kyle Murray, the company's vice president of marketing, said the milestone...

PHCC-NA announces new logo partner.(news connection)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The PHCC-NA took advantage of the ISH North America Trade Show in Boston Oct. 14-16 to announce that New England-based wholesaler F.W. Webb Co., is a new partner in its Logo Partner Program. As a logo partner, F.W. Webb will display the...

PMCN, ABC announce affiliation agreement.(news connection)(Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Nevada)(Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern Nevada)
November 1, 2004... The Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Nevada and Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern Nevada have entered into an affiliation agreement which takes effect immediately. "I am delighted with this development." said PMCN...

Sloan pair earn LEED accreditation.(news connection)(Sloan Valve Co.)(Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A pair of managers at the Sloan Valve Co. in Franklin Park, III., have earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation by successfully demonstrating their knowledge of Green Building design, practices and strategies, and a...

Plumbing CEOs examine China impact.(news connection)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Forty senior level executives stayed over an extra day from the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute meeting in Washington, D.C., Sept. 19-22 to attend the PMI CEO Forum to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the emergence of...

28 million clogged toilets monthly.(news connection)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A July survey by Kohler Co. took a look at American households' toilet "headaches and habits" and found that 270 out of 1,000 adults claim to experience a toilet clog each month--sometimes up to three times. That translates to 28 million...

Honkin' Harley.(newsbriefs)(Get a Pfresh Look)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Brett Davis, a project manager with Burnstead Construction in Bellevue, Wash., took home the grand prize of a 2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle in the Price Pfister 2004 "Get a Pfresh Look" Sweepstakes. Davis' entry was randomly drawn...

Certifiable.(newsbriefs)(Executive Plumbing, Heating and Air of Corona,)(National Housing Quality Program's Certified Trade Contractor Program)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Executive Plumbing, Heating & Air, of Corona, Calif., recently became certified through the National Housing Quality Program's Certified Trade Contractor Program. This certification process included both plumbing and heating and air...

O.C. license.(newsbriefs)(Orange County; Sea Country Plumbing; CuraFlo system)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Sea Country Plumbing has been granted a license for the exclusive rights to the CuraFlo system and process for restoring copper, galvanized, ductile iron, steel, brass, lead and stainless pipe systems with a NSF-61 approved epoxy lining for all...

Essay competition.(newsbriefs)(Backflow Prevention Manufacturer's Association; American Backflow Prevention Association)
November 1, 2004... The Backflow Prevention Manufacturer's Association has teamed up with the American Backflow Prevention Association to roll out the 2004-2005 Harrington-Arthur Scholarship essay competition. The purpose of the competition is to advance the...

OSHA Web site.(newsbriefs)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(www.osha.gov/SLTC/residential/index.html)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently launched a Web site with information and tips on safety and health for workers in the residential construction industry. The Web site features information about OSHA standards, as...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
November 1, 2004... CORRECTION: On page 24 of the September issue, Sloan Valve Co. water conservation manager Jim Allen was mistakenly identified as Jim Green. Reeves Journal regrets the error.

Calendar.(Calendar)
November 1, 2004... Dec. 14-16 Grandy & Assoc./Reeves Journal Basic Business Boot Camp Long Beach Marriott Long Beach (800) 432-7963 2005 Feb. 5-9 ASHRAE ASHRAE Winter Meeting Orlando Convention Center Orlando,...

Reliance Worldwide Corp.(people)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Cash Acme, a division of the Reliance Worldwide Corp. headquartered in Cullman, Ala., has added a pair of staffers to its marketing team. First up is Joe Sherrill, who has been appointed product manager--market development. Sherrill joined Cash...

Bradford White Corp.(people)(Appointment; Promotion)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Bradford White Corp., a manufacturer of products for water and hydronic heating, recently announced two executive promotions at its manufacturing facility in Middleville, Mich. Leading off is Michael P. Reid, who has been promoted to the...

Watts Water Technologies, Inc.(people)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Watts Water Technologies, Inc., announced Sept. 1 that Zach Hudgins has joined the company to serve as the new Southeast Regional Sales Manager for Watts Wholesale Plumbing and Heating Products. Hudgins worked most recently as a manufacturer's...

Elkay Manufacturing Co.(people)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Elkay Division of Elkay Manufacturing Co., in Oak Brook, III., has tapped Bob Seeley to the post of executive vice president of marketing, sales and product management. Seeley joined the company in 1997 and will report to division president...

Grohe Water Technology AG & Co.(people)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Grohe, a subsidiary of Grohe Water Technology AG & Co., has been joined by Patrick Kimener, who will take over duties as its newest national sales manager. Kimener will have responsibility for the company's U.S. sales force. Prior to joining...

Red-White Valve Corp.(people)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Red-White Valve Corp., of Lake Forest, Calif., has announced that Giovanni Rizzio has been named president of the company's U.S. operations. Rizzio comes to Red-White Valve from VIR of Italy where he was a senior vice president. VIR is the...

Guarantee service department success with 14 key performance indicators (Part II).(service sense)
November 1, 2004... Last month we discussed the first seven Key Performance Indicators for the service department. We talked about how to determine your Expected Revenue per hour and your Billable Index. We also discussed the Overall Number of Sales Leads...

Lumpy marketing.(marketing mechanics)
November 1, 2004... The phrase, "Lumpy Marketing" was coined by Mitch Carlson, one of the best direct-mail copywriters in the industry. Direct mail has always been a great way to advertise to specific people or companies. Unlike television or radio, you know...

Sweat the small stuff.(techtopic)(alloys for pipe joints)
November 1, 2004... Lead free alloys will differ in performance. There are price-conscious alloys like 95/5 (Tin/Antimony ~ ASTM B 32 "Sb5) and 97/3 (tin/copper) that offer very little in the way of strength and flow. The workable range of these alloys is very...

Tools O' the trade: several industry experts offer their views on the well-equipped plumber's tool kit.
November 1, 2004... Tools--they're a guy thing. Lots of guys will spend an entire Saturday afternoon wandering the aisles at the local Big-Box home improvement store or hanging around with the guy in the Snap-On truck drooling over the neat stuff they "need"...

Mixing valves are cops in the hot water system.
November 1, 2004... The proliferation of plumbing codes across the country requiring protection from scalding tap water has led to the widespread use of mixing valves in both commercial and residential settings. Mixing valves serve the function of police...

Economical and efficient flushometers are always in demand.
November 1, 2004... The demand for flushometers appears robust in the domestic U.S. market. New and renovated commercial facilities that are part of the construction boom are a natural market for flushometer installation. Commonly installed in high-traffic...

Replacement shower drain.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Introducing from Plumb-Rite Inc., the Wingtite replacement shower drain. The Wingtite shower drain is designed to replace leaking drains in plastic and fiberglass shower stalls without removing the shower. After removing the existing drain...

Grease traps/interceptors.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... IAPMO, U.P.C., and P.D.I. Listed Light-weight, no rust or corrosion, seamless construction, certified for above or below ground installation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 4 gpm-500 gpm grease, lint and oil interceptors available. Easy...

Toilet lift/transport.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... The Toilet Kart safely lifts and transports toilets. Quickly and securely attaches to toilets. Crank lifts and holds toilets level. Perfect alignment of toilet with flange. Fits through narrow 2-foot doors. Great for repair work. Folding legs...

Universal distribution unit.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Unlike some other "Me Too" systems in the marketplace, users of the DU-U will have no need for installation instructions. There will be no pins to locate, no letters to align, no screws to drop, no outlets to guess at or anything else to fuss...

Tankless water heater.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Bradford White recently introduced the EverHot[R] tankless gas water heaters. These on-demand units provide continuous hot water to multiple points-of-use without utilizing a storage tank. EverHot[R] is available in two residential and two...

Portable pipe vise.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Introducing the Portable Pipe Vise--a timesaving, pain-saving tool that weighs less than one pound! The pipe wrench supports stands that turn a pipe wrench into a portable pipe vise. The unit is adjustable, and fits 12", 14" and 18" pipe...

D'MAND Systems.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... The Metlund D'MAND Systems are the most efficient hot water distribution systems for all types of water heaters: tank or tankless, gas or electric. Metlund D'MAND Systems are easy to install on existing homes, new homes or commercial buildings....

Drainage products.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... The Quendal[TM] line of high quality drainage products includes floor drains, floor sinks, cleanouts, kettle drains and trench drains featuring heavy duty, type 304 or 316 stainless steel construction and sanitary corrosion resistant finish....

All-Bend[R].(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Finally, a pipe elbow with a selectable angle. Whether you need a 1/4, 1/8 or 1/16 bend or any bend in between, you'll always have the right one for the job. All-Bend[R] is an easy-to-use two-piece rigid PVC or ABS elbow that can be cut and...

Full Flush offset closet flange.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Sioux Chief introduces the new Full Flush offset closet flange. The Full Flush allows a 1 1/2" offset in any direction which solves the problem of pipe being roughed-in too close to the finished wall. The Full Flush features a full 3" spherical...

New Energy-Saving pumps.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... New Little Giant[R] Energy Saving (ES) Series submersible sump, sewage and effluent pumps use less energy while delivering greater flow and overall performance. They are available in four sizes: the ES33 (1/3 HP), ES40 (4/10 HP), ES50 (1/2 HP)...

Affordable handheld underground boring.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... BorZit lays pipe or wire under sidewalks, driveways, streets or landscaping faster with less effort for under $250! Powered by a 1/2" drill, the tool is light-weight, rock solid and durable. Bores 1' per minute with amazing accuracy. It can...

Business management software.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Powerful accounting/dispatching software to organize your office, reduce stress. Using our unique experience as contractors, consultants and software experts, we created an advanced program that contains everything you need to run your business...

Water soluble solder flux.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... If you are seeking a truly advanced product to offer to your customers, you will be interested in AQUA-BRITE[R], the New Generation plumbing flux from Canfield. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Meets ASTM B813 Outstanding Performance *...

Innovative test nipple.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... New test nipple now simplifies drain terminations on finish. The reusable PLUG-N-STUB is the first nipple like test plug to seal the hub of a plastic DWV fitting. Once removed on finish, closet flanges and drain outlets can be piped out right...

Heatguard[R].(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Heatguard[R], a technologically advanced thermostatic mixing valve from Cash Acme, addresses two critical domestic water heating issues--scalding and Legionnaire's disease--with a single installation. Factory-set, factory-tested Heatguard...

Grease Interceptor.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... The NEW 35 & 50 Endura[R] Grease Interceptor breaks new ground! Weighing less than 50 lbs. or approximately one third that of like-sized metal units, the Endura[R] is easy to transport and install. All Endura[R] Grease Interceptors are...

ADA-compliant undersink protection.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Truebro's[R] NEW Lav Guard 2 installs superfast--without tools--and fits over more P-traps and compression nuts. Internal E-Z Tear-To-Fit grooves allow quick, accurate trimming by simply tearing-off for perfect fit. E-Z Grip, built-in fasteners...

Plumb-Pex plumbing system.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... The Plumb-Pex System is an engineered complete flexible piping system that provides a proven reliable solution to all plumbing needs. Utilizing the patented Plumb-Pex "Clamp", one tool provides assembly of all connections on all sizes of...

PowerStation[TM].(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Powers introduces PowerStation, a fully assembled and tested water tempering and recirculation station designed to save significant time, money and callbacks during installation and set-up. The contractor-friendly PowerStation features proper...

New Pro-Series.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... New QuickTree[TM] technology available on the Pro-Series allows easy inspection and replacement of the pump and/or alarm float without disconnecting plumbing or removing the pump itself. Floats are mounted on a stainless steel rod (tree) and...

Crimpers.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... These Reed crimpers squeeze the copper rings used on brass fitting PEX systems. Plumbers and mechanical contractors install PEX systems for potable water lines, radiant heating, and snow melt systems. The design of these crimpers eliminates...

Water soluble flux.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Everflux, introduced into the Western United States in 1997 to meet new code requirements, is self cleaning, draws solder into joints, and keeps its consistency even in a hot truck during the summer months. According to Arne Johansson,...

Plumbing software.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... PricePoint software has been helping "Mom and Pop" sized plumbing and HVACR contractors get organized and stay profitable for the last decade. The new version of the software, PricePoint 4, is simple to operate with a straightforward approach...

The Allura[R] line.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... The Allura[R] line of shower and tub/shower systems provides the commercial-quality functionality of a proven performer with the stylish look and feel of a contemporary system. Allura shower systems feature ultra-reliable Temptrol[R]...

Energy transfer piping system.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... REHAU has updated its INSULPEX[R] energy transfer pipe to include 16 new ASTM-compliant inch sizes that meet North American standards. In addition, more than 50 new EVERLOC[R] fittings complete the updated program. Engineered for the efficient...

Wrenches.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Hydro-Drill--Drills easily under sidewalks, driveways and curbs. Durable cast aluminum body, stainless steel shafts, and maintenance-free bearings. Welded steel augers are available from 1" to 12" sizes. Carbide tipped augers are available in...

Power Bar.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... The Power Bar takes the easy-to-use Universal Slider Bracket to a new level of strength and versatility. This new, 80% stronger product is the perfect solution for securing tub/shower valves, shower risers or tub drops and virtually any water...

CSST system.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... WARDFLEX delivers more performance and installation advantages over either black-steel pipe or other ordinary CSST systems. Compared to conventional steel, WARDFLEX installs without the heavy lifting, carrying, threading, extensive measuring...

Flushometer valves.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Geberits Vortex[TM] flushometer valves introduce a new standard in reliability, value and style. Vortex is the result of Geberit precision engineering and Chicago Faucets craftsmanship. Vortex combines durable, proven diaphragm and piston...

Pressure boosting pumps.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Davey Pumps, a successful manufacturer and supplier of pressure boosting pumps to the residential, commercial and irrigation markets introduce a new range of pressure boosting pump sets for use in applications that require anywhere from 70gpm...

Trap Gear.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... New Trap Gear from Plumberex, the professional choice for ADA compliant under sink protection makes installation fast, simple and easy. Trap Gear is UPC/IAMPO listed and made of 100% anti-microbial, anti-fungal PVC, with UV inhibitors featuring...

Copper Key Prep tools.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Copper Key Prep tools quickly clean copper pipe and fittings for soldering. Unique ratchet action makes these tools easy to use in confined spaces. Outlast wire fitting brushes and abrasive sand cloth. Copper Key Tools are 5--6 times faster...

New Handy-Stand[TM].(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... The rugged new Handy-Stand[TM] turns General's popular and reliable hand-held drain cleaners into practical countertop or floor machines. Ergonomically balanced for maximum stability, the lightweight portable Handy-Stand[TM] fits the...

Copper stubout.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... The "BullThread" is a combination copper stub out and female pipe thread. The revolutionary design of this product does not increase the OD of the copper tube. Available in a variety of lengths, the sizes include 1/2" OD by 1/4" FPT, 3/4" OD by...

Premium hand tools.(product & literatureshowcase)
November 1, 2004... Ridge Tool Company now offers a new line of premium hand tools designed specifically for the pipe working professional. The high quality hand tools are competitively priced and come in a selection of sizes and styles. The new line includes:...

The cost of capital and capital structure.(executive briefcase)
November 1, 2004... Irecently attended a financial analysis seminar that reviewed a lot of concepts I learned in business school. One of those concepts was the capital structure decision and understanding the cost of capital. It was explained so well I thought I'd...

The holiday dilemma.(business strategies)
November 1, 2004... Here we are nearing the end of another year, and that can mean only one thing. The holiday season will soon be upon us. Soon, we'll be hit with Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and others as the year grows to a close. [ILLUSTRATION...