Reeves Journal articles from October 2004

Reeves Journal archives from October 2004

Greetings from the new guy.(Pipeline)
October 1, 2004... My name is Jack Sweet and I'm the new editor at Reeves Journal. The name may be vaguely familiar to some of you since I've been a freelance contributor to this--and other--magazines for the past couple of years. I thought this would be a...

Clarification, please.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... In the August issue on Page 10, an article by Tom Grandy ("Service Sense": What does a Contractor Need to Know to be Profitable?) recommends that contractors collect at least 25 percent up front for anticipated work. Unless I am mistaken,...

It's not 'voodoo'.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... In an article in the August issue by Jack Sweet ("Here Comes the Sun," Page 52), the second sentence reads, "There's really no telling what kind of market voodoo is at work pushing fossil fuel energy prices skyward." That is incorrect. It...

The rising trend in unfair business practices lawsuits.(Legal Corner)
October 1, 2004... There have been a number of lawsuits filed against businesses alleging unfair business practices over the past few years. These lawsuits are not only filed by customers who have a beef, but also by district attorneys and "public interest"...

Plumbing in Oregon: contractors face challenges with optimism.(State Lines)
October 1, 2004... The population of Oregon is almost as diverse as its geography. There are about 3.6 million people in the state's 97,000 square miles, and about 2.7 million of these residents are in the state's metropolitan areas like Portland, Eugene, Salem...

Advances in technology drive truck improvements.(Vehicle Maintenance)
October 1, 2004... Truck equipment and technology are continuing to advance at a rapid pace, making it challenging to keep up with the changes. The good news is many of the new options have been tailored to meet the demands of fleet managers. And improvements...

Trenchless technology offers plumbing contractors quality training, technical support, and ease of installation.(Product of the Month)
October 1, 2004... Municipalities have installed cured-in-place pipe lining in city sewers for the last 25 years, which has stood the test of time. What's new, is pipe lining installation by "air inversion" in pipe sizes of 2"-3"-4"-6"-8" from ONE single access...

14 secrets to service department success (part I).(Service Sense)
October 1, 2004... Every contractor wants their service department to be profitable. Other than looking at the bottom line profit, it's difficult to actually measure each tech's profitability. This month, and next, we are going to review the 14 Key Performance...

PHCC chapter relocates trade show, posts officers.(News Connection)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association)
October 1, 2004... The Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino county PHCC chapter said it would be moving its October trade show from its former location at the Sequoia Conference Center in Brea, Calif., to a new venue. And the group recently posted its new...

Reeves Journal, Grandy & Associates team for West Coast seminars.(News Connection)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Reeves Journal Magazine and Grandy & Associates of Owensboro, Ky., have teamed up to add a pair of West Coast events to a series of seminars entitled, "Basic Business Boot Camp." The two West Coast events join a series of about 24 seminars...

Bonanza plumbing opens new facility.(News Connection)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Bonanza/Pipeline, Inc., (dba Pipeline Plumbing), which does all new residential construction, has moved into a new, 54,000 square foot headquarters facility in Mira Loma, Calif. Originally built to house indoor soccer, the facility, located...

RuB celebrates 10 years in U.S.(News Connection)(Rubinetterie Utensilerie Bonomi S.R.L)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Rubinetterie Utensilerie Bonomi S.R.L, the Italian brass valve manufacturer along with its Minneapolis-based U.S. subsidiary RuB, Inc., is celebrating RuB Inc.'s 10th year as a U.S. corporation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Formed as a...

New CuraFlo dealer in San Diego.(News Connection)(CuraFlo Technologies Inc.'s licensing agreement with Brinks Investigation Restoration Services Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... CuraFlo Technologies Inc., of Vancouver, B.C., has added a new dealer to its roster with the addition of Brinks Investigation Restoration Services Inc., of San Diego. Brinks has been granted a license for the exclusive rights to the CuraFlo...

Plumbing fittings and fixtures market increasing.(News Connection)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... A new study released by The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industrial market research firm, indicates the U.S. market for plumbing fittings and fixtures is set to top the $9 billion mark sometime during 2008. The good news for...

AGC teams with Department of Labor.(News Connection)(Associated General Contractors of America)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Associated General Contractors of America recently entered into a formal partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor in an effort to increase awareness and use of the DOL's many new compliance tools. The AGC, the nation's largest...

Name change.(NewsBriefs)(Buttes Pipe & Supply Co.)(Center State Pipe & Supply Co.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Buttes Pipe & Supply Co. of Sacramento and Center State Pipe & Supply Co. have completed an official name change. Beginning last month, the companies will be referred to as Buttes/Center State Pipe & Supply Companies. Buttes Pipe was founded in...

AMPAM reorganization complete.(NewsBriefs)
October 1, 2004... American Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc., of Round Rock, Texas, said recently that it's plan for reorganization was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas, paving the company's way for reemergence from Chapter 11....

IAPMO calls for comments.(NewsBriefs)(International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials is seeking public comment on items contained in the 2004 Plumbing and Mechanical Reports on Proposals, which were available on Aug. 15. Comments are invited between Sept. 28 and...

Strategic partnership.(NewsBriefs)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Emerson Climate Technologies of St. Louis announced Sept. 1 a strategic partnership between its Design Services Network and Thermal Solutions, LLC., an engineering consulting firm in Adrian, Mich. The aim is to enhance and extend the...

New software available.(NewsBriefs)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Autodesk, known for its design software, has debuted an upgrade to Design Web Format, its industry-standard format for sharing design, engineering and mapping information. In the newest version, DWF adds support for sharing 3D models to the 2D...

Taco lands software deal.(NewsBriefs)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Hydronic components manufacturer Taco, Inc. and HVAC Solution, Inc. of Salt Lake City, have announced a long-term agreement granting Taco exclusive rights to HVAC Solution's Hydronic System Solution design software for hydronic system...

Brass Craft takes PCBC kudos.(NewsBriefs)(Brass Craft Manufacturing Co., Pacific Coast Builders Conference)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Brass Craft Manufacturing, a plumbing product suppler based in Novi, Mich., was recognized for its Safety+PLUS Advantage product during the annual Pacific Coast Builders Conference in San Francisco. Safety+Plus is a gas connection system that...

PHCC California offers membership, certification cards.(NewsBriefs)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... PHCC of California has announced it now has available membership, certification and employee cards available to its membership. The plastic cards resemble credit cards. Membership Cards feature a member-supplied color photo and company...

Calendar.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
October 1, 2004... Oct. 23-27 American Society of Plumbing Engineers 2004 Convention and Engineered Plumbing Exposition Cleveland Convention Center Cleveland www.aspe.org (773) 693-2773 Oct. 25-26 American Society of Plumbing...

American Standard Companies, Inc.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... American Standard Companies, Inc. has announced that James Dwyer has been tapped to serve as president of its global bath and kitchen business. Dwyer comes to American Standard after having served in senior executive roles with such consumer...

Viega North America.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Viega North America, a manufacturer of radiant floor heating systems based in Bedford, Mass., has announced the appointment of David Garlow to the post of vice president of sales. Formerly the company's northeast regional manager, Garlow will...

Fluidmaster, Inc.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Bill Anti, a 30-year veteran of the plumbing industry, has been appointed director of marketing for Fluidmaster, Inc., a manufacturer of toilet repair products based in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. Previously, Anti served as marketing vice...

Submersible Wastewater Pump Association.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Robert L. Sanks, PE, Ph.D., has hooked up with the Submersible Wastewater Pump Association as a senior engineering consultant. Sanks, author of books such as, "Pumping Station Design" and "Water Treatment Plant Design," has worked with SWPA on...

Watts Water Technologies, Inc.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Watts Water Technologies, Inc., manufacturer of valves and flow control products based in North Andover, Mass., has announced the promotion of Scott Bardreau to the position of national sales manager for Watts Wholesale Plumbing and Heating...

A.O. Smith Water Products Co.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The A.O. Smith Water Products Co. announced Sept. 9 that Robert Grussing IV has joined the company as vice president and chief financial officer. Grussing will assume responsibility for all the company's financial and accounting activities....

Work truck basics: vans and pickups aren't the only kids on the block any more.
October 1, 2004... Plumbing contractors and trucks go way back. In fact, one could almost say that it would be impossible for a contracting business to survive very long without that trusty old standby, the work truck. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Back in the...

Attack of the Profit Eaters.(Business Strategies)
October 1, 2004... Where's the beef? That's a question a lot of contractors wind up asking themselves at the end of the year as they look through their financial statements. They ask, "Where were the profits I was supposed to be making?" And then they drive home...

Reeves Journal Valve Survey 2004: latest trends in things that control the flow.
October 1, 2004... It's time once again to pick our readers' brains on the topic of valves. Everybody needs them and everybody uses them, and the 2004 Reeves Journal Valve Survey results are going to paint a picture of all the whats and whys of the valve market...

Choose your weapons: pipe materials--what kind of pipe do you use?
October 1, 2004... PEX, CPVC or copper. Those are the choices. What type of pipe should you use? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Your answer will depend on where you're located, the kind of job your facing, and the experience you have with the different...

Commercial kitchen plumbing: when designing and installing plumbing and drainage systems for commercial kitchens, it pays to do the research into all the requirements before you even get started.
October 1, 2004... Commercial kitchens are one of the most challenging installations a plumbing contractor can face. The design of the plumbing systems in a commercial kitchen are almost as complex as a hospital, but without the critical life support systems....

Managing the rising costs of health care.(Executive Briefcase)
October 1, 2004... Why have the costs of health care increased so much over the past decade in spite of our best efforts to rein them in? And why will health care spending continue to increase for the foreseeable future? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] We're...

Test plugs.(TechTopic)
October 1, 2004... Rarely do test plugs come to mind when discussing plumbing tools. Nevertheless they play a significant role in the installation and testing of DWV systems. Our discussion here will focus on the three most popular test plugs used today. Before...

Surface-mounted shower.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Powers, a division of Watts Water Technologies, Inc., has introduced the HydroGuard e700 bath and shower valve on its HydroPanel line of stainless steel, surface-mounted shower systems. Because the e700 senses temperature, no longer will you...

The reel deal.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... T & S Brass and Bronze Works has come to market with a new line of hose reels. All the new reels feature an anti lock out device to ensure the reels won't lock out when the hose is fully extended. All feature an epoxy powder coated finish and...

Expansion tanks.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Watts Regulator Company has rolled out its new series ETX and ETSX expansion tanks for hydronic heating and cooling systems. These pressurized expansion tanks are designed to absorb the increased volume of water created when water is heated....

Takagi tankless.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Takagi has rolled out the latest addition to its product line: the T-K1S. The T-K1S joins Takagi's line of Flash Water Heaters that range from the smallest unit on the market, the T-K Jr., to the most powerful tankless water heater available,...

Sense it.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Zurn Industries' Commercial Brass Operation has introduced the ZEMS 6000-AV-IS hardwired, automatic sensor flush valve with integral sensor and courtesy flush button. The ZEMS 6000-AV-IS requires no electrical boxes for the sensor and actuator...

Pretty sink.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Elkay has rolled out more than 70 new, artistically inspired faucet designs and one of the biggest varieties of stainless steel sinks available. For example, the Elkay Allure LK6520 deck mounted kitchen faucet features a single-control handle...

New filtered step system.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Zoeller Pump Co. has introduced a new filtered step system designed for simplex and duplex applications in a single pump vault. These package systems offer an exceptionally large unobstructed area for floats to reduce hang ups, and a low-seated...

Titanium heaters.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Controlled Energy Corp. recently announced the launch of the new Ariston Pro Ti line of point-of-use water heaters incorporating titanium in the manufacture of their tanks. Titanium boasts greater tensile strength, allowing the tanks to better...

Battery-powered.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Ridge Tool Company has introduced a battery-powered pressing tool designed to make pressed connections on smaller sized copper and PEX tubing. The Ridgid Compact Model 100-B features a new, down-sized design, with the tool and the jaws being...

GEN-EYE 3.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... General Pipe Cleaners has introduced the GEN-EYE 3 video inspection system, which offers a wide range of enhancements for optimal job-site performance, reliability and ease-of-use. Like previous models, the GEN-EYE 3 system includes everything...

High IQ.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Sloan Valve Company has announced the introduction of its Optima i.q. Faucet, the latest in the company's line of sensor-operated water-saving plumbing fixtures. Equipped with an intelligent sensor, the Optima i.q. Faucet uses up to 70 percent...

Foodservice waste valves.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Fisher has introduced the chrome-finished DrainKing waste valve. Designed to withstand the conditions and chemicals found in foodservice environments, the DrankKing's design places stainless steel only in places where it's needed. Featuring a...

High M*Pact.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Moen's new M*PACT system faucets feature new valve architecture that provides flexibility to upgrade the style of the entire bathroom without ever having to go under the sink or behind the shower wall. Each trim piece in the M*PACT system fits...

Heat exchanger.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... A.O. Smith has debuted its new ProMax XL Circulating Loop Heat Exchanger. Designed for installation with the ProMax (Side Loop) residential gas water heaters, the unit will provide domestic hot water plus an isolated source of hot water for...

Clean pipes.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Cerro Flow says its new, nitrogen-charged CerroPure ACR tubing meets the maximum allowable residue limit of 0.0035 g/sq. ft. of interior surface area allowed by ASTM B280 and ASTM B819. What this means is that this tubing is the right candidate...

Pressure recorder.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... MadgeTech, Inc., has introduced the PRTRANS1000 Transient Pressure Recorder, a new standalone, battery powered instrument aimed at providing high speed pressure recording and transient analysis in a wide range of applications. The unit will...

Wrap that rascal.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... CertainTeed's new Crimped Pipe and Tank Wrap is designed to insulate vessels and large-diameter pipes with service temperatures ranging between 35 and 850 degrees Fahrenheit. Designed for both commercial and residential use, the wrap can be...

New faucets.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Watermark has introduced a new line of bath faucets and accessories designed to bridge the gap between modern and traditional styling. The Transitional Monoblock Faucet features solid brass construction and is available in more than 35...

Get it hot.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Smith Cast Iron Boilers has introduced the 28HE Series High Efficiency Boiler to complement its broad line of cast iron commercial boilers. The 28HE Series offers the highest combustion and thermal efficiencies possible with forced draft...

In the zone.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... DuroZone, a division of Duro Dyne Corp., has debuted 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 4...

Fireclay faucets.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Franke has teamed up with Villeroy & Boch to recreate its popular stainless faucet designs in a ceramic fireclay material. Fired at 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, the fireclay material is extremely hard and as close to scratch-resistant as possible....

New tankless heater.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... State Water Heaters has introduced its new Aurora Tankless Gas Water Heater. The company says the units are equipped with copper heat exchangers and operate between 78- and 81 percent efficiency. Inputs modulate between 25,000 and 194,000 BTU,...

Push 'N Go fittings.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Consolidated Plumbing, Inc., has introduced its new Push 'N Go quick connect fittings that feature a fast, easy-to-use, tool-free pipe connection design aimed at reducing field service time. The Push 'N Go fittings also eliminate training and...

Build-Your-Own.(NewProducts)
October 1, 2004... Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. has launched the Build Your Own Combo 18 Volt System. which allows contractors the flexibility to make their combo kit as large as they want it. Whether they choose to customize a two-, three- or four-tool kit or...