Reeves Journal articles from October 2006

Reeves Journal archives from October 2006

'Modern Marvels'.(pipeline)('Modern Marvels' television program on the History Channel)(Editorial)(Column)
October 1, 2006... A few days ago I was flipping through our cable system's on-screen guide looking for something entertaining to watch that didn't involve bad singers, tattoo artists, teams of "castaways" or yet another motorcycle being bolted together on a...

Arbitration vs. service of suit clause.(legalcorner)
October 1, 2006... Antone Boghos, the owner of a plumbing business, had a disability insurance contract with a Los Angeles insurance broker. The policy was underwritten by Lloyd's of London. The underwriters "granted coverage for monthly payments of up to $10,000...

Focus on the service department, Part 7: maintenance vs. service.(servicesense)
October 1, 2006... [Note: This is the seventh part of a multipart series on making your service department profitable. Earlier installments can be found in previous issues of Reeves Journal, or online at www.reevesjournal.com.--Ed] Think about this for a...

The cooling housing market.(executivebriefcase)
October 1, 2006... Evidence is mounting that the red-hot housing market reached a peak last summer, with sales and construction activity beginning to slow even more than would normally be expected this time of year. But so far industry analysts expect only a...

Schwarzenegger signs AB 1953, vetoes water conservation bill.(Arnold Schwarzenegger )
October 1, 2006... California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Sept. 30 signed into a law a bill that will mandate a reduction of lead levels in plumbing pipes, fittings and fixtures to no more than .25 percent. Current law allows up to 8 percent in pipes and...

IAPMO, ICC end joint code talks.(International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials)(International Code Council)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... The International Code Council and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials said early last month that talks between the two code bodies regarding a joint venture to develop a single plumbing code and single mechanical...

California adopts 2006 UPC, UMC.(news connection)(2006 Uniform Plumbing Code)(2006 Uniform Mechanical Code)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... The California Building Standards Commission said in August the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code will be the base codes for the California Plumbing and California Mechanical Codes. Although the current 2001 California...

Two new ICC certifications emphasize disaster recovery.(news connection)
October 1, 2006... The International Code Council, the developer of the International Plumbing and International Mechanical Codes based in Falls Church, Va., now offers a pair of new professional certifications: Disaster Response Inspector Certification, and...

PHCC-ORSB names scholarship winners.(news connection)
October 1, 2006... The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties Sept. 9 took advantage of its 2006-2007 Installation and Scholarship Awards Banquet and Casino Night festivities in Huntington Beach, Calif.,...

PHCC NA announces marketing alliance.(newsbriefs)
October 1, 2006... The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association said in early September that it has entered an agreement with Hudson, Ink to provide members with marketing services. Many services or discounts will be exclusive to PHCC members....

Johnstone Supply hits milestones.(Johnstone Supply Inc. (Portland, Oregon))(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Johnstone Supply, a Portland-based wholesale distributor in the HVAC/R industry, said it is reaching a trio of significant milestones during 2006. First off, the company' sales surpassed the $1 billion mark in March. Following up, the company...

Service Roundtable licensed for digital training.(newsbriefs)
October 1, 2006... Dallas based contractor service group The Service Roundtable said in August it has acquired the rights to deliver Trinity Learning Corp.'s digital training for HVAC and plumbing to its members via the Internet. Trinity Learning provides...

ASHRAE unveils redesigned Web site.(newsbriefs)
October 1, 2006... The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers have unveiled its redesigned Web site, www.ASHRAE.org. The new site features a refined, Google-powered search engine and a new, simpler design incorporates a...

Three Western companies receive 2005 sales awards.(newsbriefs)
October 1, 2006... American Plumber Water Filtration Products of Sheboygan, Wis., announced its 2005 Manufacturers Representative Awards at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Chicago. Awards were given for the greatest increase in sales from the prior year....

Basco announces 2006 training.(newsbriefs)
October 1, 2006... Basco Shower Enclosures, a designer and fabricator of custom shower doors and shower enclosures based in Mason, Ohio, in August announced the remaining dates for its "Basco University" training program for installers. Classes, which re held at...

Sloan Valve Co. celebrates 100th.(newsbriefs)
October 1, 2006... Sloan Valve Company of Franklin Park, III., is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year by releasing a special addition to its manual flushometer product line: the new Royal Classic. This model is a replica of the original Royal Flushometer...

Flowserve's Schiavello earns ASME accolade.(2006 Fluid Machinery Design Award)(American Society of Mechanical Engineers)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Bruno Schiavello, director of fluid dynamics in the technology department of Flowserve Pumps, has won the 2006 Fluid Machinery Design Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Schiavello earned the lifetime ASME award for his...

CertainTeed goes Racing at Bristol.(newsbriefs)
October 1, 2006... CertainTeed Corp., a supplier of PVC and ABS pipe and other building products based in Valley Forge, Pa., signed a one-race primary sponsorship of the Haas CNC Racing No. 66 Chevrolet and driver Jeff Green for the Aug. 26 Sharpie 500 NASCAR...

Flint & Walling celebrates 140th.(newsbriefs)
October 1, 2006... Flint & Walling, Inc., a privately owned subsidiary of Zoeller Co. that supplies sump pumps, well pumps, and water treatment products is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2006. The Kendallville, Ind., company also offers a line of water...

Design contest winners revealed.(furniture design competition)(Sophisticated Hardware)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Sonia America, Inc. said George Lafont, a sales and product specialist for Sophisticated Hardware, a chain of kitchen and bath showrooms located in southern Florida, is the first place winner of its "You know what you should do?" furniture...

NSPC approves code changes.(National Standard Plumbing Code committee )(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... The National Standard Plumbing Code committee at a recent public hearing reviewed, voted and approved 125 proposed code changes to the 2006 edition of the NSPC. The changes that were approved will appear in the 2007 Supplement to the 2006 NSPC....

Ray E. Cross Dies.(newsbriefs)
October 1, 2006... 93-year-old Water Quality Association water specialist emeritus Ray E. Cross died in August in Ann Arbor, Mich. In 1960, Cross was named president of Water Conditioning Association International, a precursor to today's Water Quality...

Affiliated Distributors.(people)
October 1, 2006... Affiliated Distributors has announced that Justin Dunscomb has joined its senior staff as vice president of HVAC & Plumbing. He will be responsible for managing and growing A-D's HVAC Division while supporting A-D's growth and activity in its...

A. O. Smith Water Products Co.(people)
October 1, 2006... A. O. Smith Water Products Co. has announced that Paul R. Dana has been named vice president-global product engineering. In his new position, Dana will be responsible for the design, testing, and introduction of new residential and commercial...

Uponor.(Anders Tollsten replaces Jim Bjork as Uponor North America's executive vice president)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Uponor (formerly Wirsbo) has announced that Anders Tollsten replaced Jim Bjork as Uponor North America's executive vice president, effective Sept. 1. Bjork announced his resignation in July and Tollsten is currently the executive vice president...

Rheem Manufacturing Co.(people)
October 1, 2006... The Rheem Manufacturing Co. said Aug. 3 that R. Craig Breese has joined the company as president of its Water Heating Division in Montgomery. Ala. He succeeds Simon Parfitt, who has been promoted to vice president-finance, corporate. Most...

Watts Water Technologies, Inc.(people)
October 1, 2006... Watts Water Technologies, Inc. said Aug. 15 that Bob Bilodeau has joined the company as national marketing manager-Watts Wholesale Marketing. Bilodeau will have all marketing and product management responsibilities for Watts branded water...

Zoeller Pump Co.(appointments)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... A host of changes at the sales and marketing department at Zoeller Pump Co.--three regional manager positions have been created, with Dennis McLatcher, headquartered in Stockton, set to cover the Western region, Scott Sweeney, the new Midwest...

Calendar.(Calendar)
October 1, 2006... Oct. 10-12 ASHRAE/ARI AHR Expo Mexico World Trade Center Mexico City (203) 221-9232 E-mail: info@ahrexpomex.com www.ahrexpomex.com Oct. 15-18 Mechanical Service Contractors of America 21st Annual...

Have a look: jobs are easier and faster and your customers can see the problem and how you fixed it.(Drain Inspection)(Cover story)
October 1, 2006... Way back in the old days when plumbers would go out on calls and be confronted by problematic drains, they had relatively few options. First, they could use their knowledge and expertise and make an educated guess about whether the drain line...

With liberty and accessibility for all ...(Baby Boomers invest more on luxurious bathrooms)(King-Seeley Thermos Co. Halsey Taylor introduces HVR series water coolers)(Haws Corp introduces Premiere Collection of drinking fountains)
October 1, 2006... Members of the so-called "Baby Boom" generation are hunkering down, nesting and cocooning. This benchmark generation is spending money to turn their homes into havens; creating places where they can stay and get older--"aging in place" is what...

Wet and wild: more is better with today's showers.
October 1, 2006... Showers used to be one of the most overlooked areas of a house, but today's homeowners have made them the center of attention in many bath suites. They're fitting out these high-end custom units with elements like large shower rooms, multiple...

What's hot in boilers: condensing units are the wave of the future.
October 1, 2006... There are about as many ways of getting water hot as there are uses for the stuff. On the plumbing side, you can go with a traditional tanked water heater. Or you could even give a nod to more modern technology and use a tankless water heater....

Noise, vibration and isolation solutions--the Holdrite[R] Silencer[TM] System.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... For nearly twenty-five years, Hubbard Enterprises/HOLDRITE[R] has been trailblazing the pipe support category with a constant flow of innovative pipe support application solutions for supporting Copper, PEX, CPVC, water heaters, and plumbing...

Charlotte Pipe: more than just DWV.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... For more than a century, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry has been a leader in producing DWV pipe and fittings, first in cast iron and later adding PVC and ABS pipe and fittings systems. Charlotte[R] provides the broadest line of DWV pipe and...

Gerber's range reaches the West--Western distribution center in La Mirada, CA.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... In an ongoing effort to maintain high levels of service to plumbing wholesalers and their customers, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC opened the Western distribution center in La Mirada, CA. Located in a 200,000 square foot facility near Long...

Reed: 110 years strong in 2006.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... Two thousand six marks 110 years in business for Reed Manufacturing Company. The fifth generation of Wrights operating Reed, Scott and Mark, uphold the family traditions of product innovation, highest quality pipe tools, great customer service,...

Watts Drainage "Track" Lavatory Carriers.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... No more three-armed plumbers and 360-degree tape measures with this concealed arm carrier--the horizontal and vertical arm adjustments on Watts Track Lavatory Carriers are completely independent. Sliding arm brackets glide along the cross plate...

Truebro--making America accessible.(FALL Product Launch)(Truebro of IPS Corp introduces Lav Guard[R]2 soft molded, antimicrobial vinyl covers )
October 1, 2006... The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in July, 1991 and set in place a number of accessibility standards to protect people with disabilities. The Code of Federal Register section 4.19.4 states that "Hot water and drain pipes under...

A. O. Smith helps former astronaut and son take care of customers.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... On April 13, 1970, a mechanical malfunction changed the mission objective of Apollo 13 from America's third successful moon landing to a desperate struggle to bring three astronauts home safely. This epic story of determination and teamwork by...

Hot water recirculation retrofit solves homeowner problems.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... There's a lot of buzz these days about hot water recirculation for domestic water systems, especially in areas affected by drought conditions. Today, spurred by consumer demand for hot water instantly at the tap and water conservation, it's one...

Mainline backflow products: Setting a New Standard.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... At Mainline we listen to plumbers because we are plumbers. We develop plumbing products that simply make sense! Our innovative products are practical and have features that make them the plumber's choice--little wonder that our mission...

Hot tea and cider in an instant Water, Inc. offers hot and chilled water ... instantly.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... EverHot[R] Instant Hot Water Systems Everyone knows the famous adage about a watched pot never boiling, but even if you don't watch it, the water still takes a long time to boil! This is an inconvenience for anyone craving a cup of hot...

Fluidmaster unveils superior product line exclusively for plumbing professionals.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... Fluidmaster[R], the most popular name in toilet care, has unveiled its new product line designed exclusively for plumbing professionals. The Fluidmaster[R] PRO Series[TM] line consists of 14 essential and improved toilet repair parts designed...

Duracable's MiniMax[R].(FALL Product Launch)(Duracable introduces MiniMax[R] sink machine)
October 1, 2006... The MiniMax[R] is a compact, lightweight (27 lbs. when loaded with 37' of 1/4" cable and 50 lbs. when loaded with 90' of 3/8" cable) sink machine built to handle the toughest drain problems in 1" up to 3" lines. It features a 1/4 horsepower...

Zurn PEX offers radiant heating systems and snow & ice melt systems.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... Zurn PEX Radiant Heating Systems use warm water to transfer heat from its production point (a boiler or water heater) to where it is needed. Radiant heating systems, using cross-linked polyethylene [PEX] tubing, are commonly installed under...

Caleffi expands its new solar heat product line.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... Caleffi North America recognizes the growing need for alternative energy sources here in the US. Since the sun provides abundant energy, we feel it's our responsibility to help you harness it. Our solar heat products line has expanded...

Expand your business kingdom ...(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... The KNIGHT Heating Boiler is designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and high-efficiency heating. With a 93 percent DOE AFUE rating, the KNIGHT earns the ENERGY STAR[R] seal, and its efficiency can reach as high as 98.6 percent in low...

Viega plans major expansion in Kansas.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... Viega North America, a major U.S. manufacturer of plumbing, hydronic heating and commercial piping products, announced May 22 it will expand its presence in America with the construction of new manufacturing, warehouse and office facilities....

Gen-ear[TM] water leak detection system saves big bucks for Texas school, makes plumber a hero.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... An ominous leak beneath the building. Water mysteriously surfacing in the parking lot. And potentially costly demolition and repair costs. What's a school to do? If you're the Anna, Texas, Middle School, you call local professionals...

Vortens combines affordability with superior design features and reliable performance.(FALL Product Launch)(Company overview)
October 1, 2006... The name Vortens[TM] comes from two words which, in their truest form, mean "focused power." And in the truest sense, that is what Vortens' history is all about: maintaining a centralized focus on the power and performance today's customers...

Qualis Series from T & S Brass offers product compatibility, serves evolving market need.(FALL Product Launch)(Company overview)
October 1, 2006... T & S Brass and Bronze Works--the industry leader for commercial plumbing for over 50 years--offers the innovative Qualis Series, a line of quality commercial plumbing products. The product line features a wide variety of faucets, components,...

BrassCraft introduces SureConnect[TM], a new time-saving, quick-connect supply system for plumbing.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... The company known for its world class performance is changing the world of plumbing again. BrassCraft has developed SureConnect, an innovative new system for water supply connections that can shave time off of every single installation by...

New face and new vision with same superior quality products.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... In Seoul, Korea on Sept. 1, 2006, KyungDong Boiler Co. Ltd made an announcement of name change from KyungDong Boiler Co., Ltd., to KyungDong Navien Co. Ltd. KyungDong is famous for its condensing boilers in South Korea since 1979 and they...

RIDGID[R] tubing cutters make the cut on any plumbing jobsite.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... Ridge Tool Company manufactures tools for every stage of a plumbing project to help users do their job as efficiently as possible. One of the most basic tools--the tubing cutter--can be found on every plumbing jobsite. Ridge Tool has a variety...

Worry-free plumbing with the MANABLOC[R].(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... The number one selling PEX manifold in the US, the MANABLOC, is a revolutionary plumbing system that provides endless benefits to homeowners and installers. Like a breaker-box for plumbing, the MANABLOC Home-Run system offers many advantages...

Buderus is one of the Trapp Family Lodge's most favorite things.(FALL Product Launch)(Buderus AG installs Buderus boilers at Trapp Family Lodge)
October 1, 2006... If there is one hotel on earth needing little introduction, it is surely the world-famous Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. "The Lodge" is owned and operated by the musical Austrian family propelled into legend by the movie The Sound of...

Thermasol--the worldwide leader in steam bath design and technology.(FALL Product Launch)(Thermasol Ltd introduces SteamShower Generators)(Company overview)
October 1, 2006... Since 1958, ThermaSol, creator of the first steam bath unit for the home, has been designing and building the finest steam bath environments available. Today, ThermaSol is the dependable choice of professional plumbers, top designers,...

Bradford White's Defender Safety System[R] through-the-wall water heaters.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... Many Bradford White power-vented, through-the-wall water heaters are now manufactured with the Defender Safety System[R]. This change complies with new ANSI standards regarding Flammable Vapor Ignition resistance. The new TTW[R] water heaters...

New, innovative products from Atlanta Special Products, Inc.(FALL Product Launch)
October 1, 2006... In 1988 Jim Jenkins formed Atlanta Special Products Co. with the idea of bringing new, innovative products to the plumbing and HVAC/R markets. In addition, ASP would assist inventors of new product ideas with design, manufacturing, sales and...

PowerStation[TM]: the "all in one" water tempering and recirculation solution for commercial and institutional facilities.(FALL Product Launch)(Watts' and Powers' Inc introduce PowerStation water-tempering and recirculation station )
October 1, 2006... PowerStation is 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 recirculation...

Retaining your internal customers.(marketingmechanics)(The Ugly Truth About Small Business: 50 'Never Saw It Coming' Things That Can Go Wrong and What You Can Do About It)(Book review)
October 1, 2006... It is critically important that your internal customers, i.e. your employees, enjoy what they do and are happy most of the time. Their attitude speaks louder than words to your external customers, i.e. those who write your paychecks. No one...

Spray technology.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... Alsons has announced the launch of its patented fluidics spray technology, which delivers a reduced water-saving flow of 1.6 gpm that actually feels like 2.5 gpm. The company also introduced a 1.85-gpm spray along with a two-spray unit...

Product Information CD.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... American Water Heater has introduced the third version of its Comprehensive Products Information CD. The CD consists of 636 color and black-and-white pages of information on topics such as product specifications, troubleshooting, and marketing...

Butterfly Valve.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... Asahi America has introduced the Type 57 Butterfly Valve, the newest addition to the company's full range of thermoplastic valves and valve accessories. The Type 57 incorporates four major design upgrades in thermoplastic valve technology. The...

Steps Basin.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... The Steps Basin from Barclay Products was designed in the latest fashionable minimalist mode. The slightly curved basin steps down on either side, providing a ledge (approximately 6-1/2 inches wide) for embellishment with toiletries, a vase...

Kitchen Faucet Anchor.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... The Kitchen Faucet Anchor, the first product of its kind on the market for reinforcing damaged faucets and countertops, is now available from The Better Mousetrap People. This product fits snugly under the countertop and guarantees firm faucet...

Full-Line Pocket Catalog.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... Bradford White has announced the publication of its updated Full Line Pocket Catalog. This 148-page pocket catalog details the company's entire line of residential and commercial water heaters. The catalog features all that Bradford White has...

PEX Icemaker Tubing.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... CPI has introduced the industry-first PEX Icemaker Tubing, made from the same long-lasting cross-linked polyethylene material as Dura-Pex pipe, to reduce water damage resulting from leaks or breaks in standard icemaker tubing. The Icemaker...

Camera system upgrade.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... Electric Eel Mfg. has announced a new upgrade now available on the EC-200 and EC-7LCD camera systems. The EC-200 Camera System is now available with a DVD recorder at no additional cost. This system is available in either black-and-white or...

Whirlpool tub.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... Eljer's new Trinity whirlpool tub, with its unique triangle-shaped design, is the latest addition to the company's corner series of products. Measuring in at 72 by 72 inches, Trinity features a cavernous bathing area that offers 69 percent more...

Root cutting machine.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... General Pipe Cleaners' new economical Metro-Rooter, with a capacity of 75 feet of 5/8-inch Flexicore wire rope center cable, handles roots and other tough stoppages in 3- to 6-inch lines, or the user can switch to 100 feet of 1/2-inch cable for...

Modulating lead/lag controller.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... HydroTherm now offers MOD-SMART, a modulating lead/lag controller to maximize the performance and efficiency of multiple condensing boilers with maximum flexibility, also equipped with reserve/return piping systems and primary/secondary piping...

Threadless Tubular components.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... JB Products' Bayonet Threadless Tubular technology, featuring a patented "turn-and-lock" system and premium pre-lubricated Orings, eliminates the chances of cross-threading and over tightening of connections as well as the need for messy pipe...

Food waste disposers.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... InSinkErator has introduced its Evolution PRO Series food waste disposers, which are strong enough to grind up the toughest food waste, including chicken bones, corncobs, and pineapples, with dramatically reduced noise. With the company's new...

Mass of moisture software.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... Onset Computer has introduced a new software tool that makes it fast and easy for water damage restoration and mold professionals to calculate grains per pound, that is, the mass of moisture contained within the air. The new Grains Per Pound...

Battery-operated Flushometer.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... Crown Optima SMOOTH, a new battery-powered Flushometer from Sloan Valve, provides automatic infrared sensor operation without the need for AC hookups or wall alterations. Crown Optima SMOOTH model 111-1.2 is an exposed, piston-type,...

Tubing cutter.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... Superior Tool has introduced the UltraCut cordless power tubing cutter. This product debuts AnyFuel power technology, which allows the UltraCut to cut 1/2- or 3/4-inch copper tubing with minimal burr in three seconds, meaning that the last cut...

Modified PEX manifold.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... Vanguard Piping Systems announced that it has modified its MANABLOC with new flexible mounting brackets that are easier to access and make installation even faster. Among the benefits the MANABLOC offers are fast hot water delivery, fewer...

Double-Seal Fitting.(newproducts)(Ward Manufacturing Inc introduces Wardflex CSST (corrugated stainless-steel tubing))
October 1, 2006... Ward Manufacturing, manufacturer of WARDFLEX CSST (corrugated stainless-steel tubing), has introduced the StepSaver Double-Seal Fitting. The new fitting is designed to reduce assembly time with a metal-to-metal and metal-to-gasket double seal...

Outside wall faucet.(newproducts)
October 1, 2006... Woodford Manufacturing has introduced its model 101, an outside wall faucet that provides anti-siphon protection without adding a vacuum breaker. This faucet includes an integral check and atmospheric vent to eliminate backflow. Designed for...

Why companies fail.(businessstrategies)
October 1, 2006... Every year, dozens of contracting companies close their doors and throw in the towel. All of these companies started with a dream. All of these contractors know the technical components of the plumbing industry. Most of them probably had...