Contractor articles from April 2004

Contractor archives from April 2004

New energy plant: fires up Nashville.(Industry News)
April 1, 2004... NASHVILLE, TENN. -- Back in 1973, Nashville Machine Co. built the Nashville district energy plant. It was the first job for young Assistant Project Manager John B. Coben. Today that plant is dying from old age. This year Coben, now vice...

Pipe price hikes stun industry.(Industry News)
April 1, 2004... ANY CONTRACTOR who has bought pipe or duct lately has probably experienced sticker shock. And any contractor who hasn't paid attention to steel and copper prices will end up losing money somewhere along the line. The culprit is China,...

Contractors lobby for health-care coverage.(Industry News)
April 1, 2004... WASHINGTON -- About 150 plumbing-heating-cooling contractors went to Capitol Hill in late March to ask members of Congress to pass legislation allowing association health plans. Senate Bill 545, the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003,...

Refurbished fountains add charm to Oats Park School renovation.(Industry News)
April 1, 2004... FALLON, NEV. -- From the time it opened in 1915 until it closed its doors in the mid-1970s, Oats Park School was the only public K-12 school in this northern Nevada community. With so many local residents having ties to the school, they have...

Seven keys to mastering the art of networking.(Industry News)
April 1, 2004... SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. -- Many contractors have discovered the power of networking through peer groups, trade associations and best-practices organizations. By developing a network of business associates, contractors have improved their bottom line...

Brands build bridges to your customers.(sales strategies)
April 1, 2004... SAN FRANCISCO -- Most customers may think a company's brand is its name, symbol or logo. Many companies may view their own brands the same way. Not true, said brand expert Karl Speak, who spoke at Nexstar Super Meeting XXIII Feb. 20 and 21...

Five trends make 2020 another world.(Industry News)
April 1, 2004... ORLANDO, FLA. -- The world in which mechanical contractors will work in 2020 may have some strange components to it. The Mechanical Contractors Education and Research Foundation hired a futurist who identified five key trends for the mechanical...

Construction forecast hinges on demographics.(Industry News)(Industry Overview)
April 1, 2004... ORLANDO, FLA. -- Hugh Rice, managing director of FMI Management Consultants, doesn't pretend to be a soothsayer, but he told mechanical contractors here what signs to look for in 2004 and the years ahead. "Demographics is destiny," Rice...

Trust is No. 1 when choosing contractors.(Industry News)
April 1, 2004... MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF. -- When choosing a contractor, customers say that trust and integrity are more influential than the price of the bid, according to a survey released earlier this year. The study, sponsored by Intuit Construction...

American Plumbing & Mechanical has closed the sale of AMPAM Atlas Plumbing in two transactions.(AMPAM Atlas Maryland were purchased by Ben Lewis Plumbing and AMPAM Atlas Virginia operation were purchased by Stephen Turner)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... American Plumbing & Mechanical has closed the sale of AMPAM Atlas Plumbing in two transactions. The assets of AMPAM Atlas Maryland were purchased by Ben Lewis Plumbing, and the assets of the AMPAM Atlas Virginia operation were purchased by...

Mechanical contractor Decco Inc. has received two Excellence Awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Mechanical contractor Decco Inc. has received two Excellence Awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors. From the Massachusetts chapter, Decco earned an award in the category of Mechanical/Commercial/Industrial projects with a value...

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association.(services)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Plumbing-heating-cooling industry business management and technical manuals, videos, courses and pamphlets are now available for purchase on the Web through the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association's online catalog at...

PHCC-NA Auxiliary.(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Applications are now available for several scholarships, grants and loans offered through the PHCC-NA Auxiliary. Many deadlines for applications are July 1. The available programs include college scholarships (applications available at...

Mechanical Contractors Association of America.(formed a student chapter at Oregon State University)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Mechanical Contractors Association of America has announced the formation of a student chapter at Oregon State University in Corvallis. The new chapter will become the association's 30th student organization. The new chapter is sponsored by...

Nexstar releases dispatcher training program.(Industry News)(NexStar Dispatch Training program)
April 1, 2004... WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINN. -- Best practices group Nexstar has rolled out a training program for dispatchers of residential and commercial service providers of plumbing, HVAC and electrical trades. The new NexStar Dispatch Training program is being...

Pipe insulation plant planned.(Industry News)(Johns Manville Corp.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... DENVER. -- Fiberglass producer Johns Manville in late March announced plans to build a new pipe insulation manufacturing facility to restore capacity lost in a 2003 plant fire. The facility will allow JM to produce MicroLok Fiber Glass Pipe...

QSC unveils two new tools.(Industry News)(Quality Service Contractors )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. -- Quality Service Contractors announced two new member benefits March 4-6 at Power Meeting XX here: a marketing manual and a Web-based resource program. The marketing manual, Marketing for the Quality Service...

Prudames, 64, led sales effort.(Industry News)(Charles N. Prudames died)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
April 1, 2004... MONTGOMERY, ALA. -- Charles N. Prudames, vice president/sales for Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co., died April 4 after losing a long battle with cancer. He was 64. Prudames started work at Jay R. Smith in 1984 as a regional manager following a career...

Understand and commit to flat-rate pricing.(Schmitt On Management)
April 1, 2004... FLAT-RATE PRICING is all around you. It is the common form of commerce for most of the things you buy and almost all of the things you consume. The doctor who, long ago, took care of your mother and delivered you practiced it. The...

What can you do for us?(Forum)
April 1, 2004... TRADE ASSOCIATIONS are not well understood in our industry. As with almost everything else in today's busy world, the majority of potential members seem to ask of trade associations, "What can you do for me?" That is all fine and good, but I...

Clothes don't always make the management.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... ROCKY HILL, CONN. -- H. Kent Craig's latest column, "The accidental PM" (March, pg. 46), sounded like he was sponsored by corporate America's clothing outfitters. I agree that you should not look like field help when you are in a position of...

Photo tells a different story.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... VIA E-MAIL -- I am constantly bewildered by some of the installation photos in CONTRACTOR and other magazines devoted to the plumbing and heating trades. While many showcase beautifully done installations, others are almost embarrassing. ...

CO testing the American dream: more contractors should test for carbon monoxide in homes and businesses.(Safe Buildings)
April 1, 2004... When Doug and Sarah Haight signed the final papers at their closing, they achieved part of the American dream, owning a home. They moved into the house in Queensbury, N.Y., with their 1-year-old baby boy and began the task of settling in. The...

Hydronics move into condensing technology: fourth in a series.(Eatherton On Hydronics)
April 1, 2004... THE COMBUSTION process has taken a major leap forward with the introduction of smaller, easily controllable, variable-speed high-pressure blowers. Although standard atmospheric burners are still available at a lower cost, high-efficiency...

Engineering principles for the common man.(Hydronic Systems)
April 1, 2004... JOHN SIEGENTHALER has brought a whole new perspective of the engineering world to hydronic heating. He brings an insider's look and interprets those engineering terms on a level that is easily understood by the typical field installer. He...

The next great place to find business.(Feldmans On Computers)
April 1, 2004... DO YOU KNOW where your new customers are coming from? Around the country, more and more consumers are using Internet search engines to find services, including local plumbers, whom they used to look for in print Yellow Pages. Is your company...

How to protect against steel price increases.(McGreevy On Law)
April 1, 2004... IT IS NEVER NICE to take advantage of someone else's misery, but the current horrendous problem of the steel industry in not being able to obtain reasonably price materials is a very good example of a worst-case scenario that could happen to...

Soil pipe guide redesigned.(Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... CHATTANOOGA, TENN. -- The Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute has redesigned its Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings Specifier's Guide. With new graphics and an updated look, the guide provides contractors, engineers and inspectors quick access to...

PMs' skill sets should match the project.(Craig On Project Management)
April 1, 2004... IT STILL AMAZES me that some mechanical contracting firm owners who don't have project management or field backgrounds think that a project is a project is a project. Many human resource people in most mechanical firms think the same thing....

High performers know the score: sixth in a series.(High-Performing Contractors)
April 1, 2004... QUALITY GURU Philip Crosby once told a story about a foot-team that lost its first two games in the season, both by a score of 14-13. The coach reasoned that the problem was that other teams had blocked one extra point attempt, while his team...

Project turnover meeting tips.(PHCC News)
April 1, 2004... Project turnover meetings are important tools to keep a p-h-c new construction project as profitable as predicted. In fact, if a turnover meeting isn't done, the project immediately suffers losses measurable in real dollars, according to a...

Project management keeps Interstate in the game.(PHCC News)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Profile of a Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association and Construction Contractors' Alliance member: There is one major lesson Knoxville, Tenn.-based Interstate Mechanical Inc. has learned from its many plumbing and...

Burnham Hydronics debuts Traveling Show.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... CROMWELL, CONN. -- Scores of plumbing and heating contractors and wholesalers crammed into a hotel meeting room here March 10 to see the rollout of Burnham Hydronics' Traveling Show premier party. Burnham had held the first Premier Party in...

Radiant contractors advance knowledge at Wirsbo meeting.(Industry News)(Wirsbo Home Comfort Training Convention)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... LAS VEGAS -- More than 300 radiant floor-heating contractors from across the country attended the Wirsbo Home Comfort Training Convention Feb. 26-28 here. The theme for the third biennial convention was to help radiant installers grow...

The new Gibraltar light weight bathtub.(editor's choice)
April 1, 2004... THE NEW GIBRALTAR LIGHT WEIGHT BATHTUB is manufactured using EnduroCAST core material. It weighs only 98 lb., making it easier to install and less costly to ship. Dual stabilizer bars help in maneuvering the tub into position and keep it stable...

This longitudinal sway brace attachment.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THIS LONGITUDINAL SWAY BRACE ATTACHMENT is for bracing against sway and seismic disturbances. The one-piece design allows swivel in only one direction insuring "in-line" assembly, reducing eccentricity in sway brace assemblies. Designed for...

STI gasketed sewer fittings.(Products)
April 1, 2004... STI GASKETED SEWER FITTINGS have a specially formed raceway for enhanced gasket retention and an extended pre-alignment entrance that aids in the proper alignment of pipe and fittings. Square pipe stops resist pipe push-through while extra...

The TMFR series magnetic drive rotary vane pump.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE TMFR SERIES MAGNETIC DRIVE ROTARY VANE PUMP provides a flow rate of up to 150 gph at pressures up to 230 psi. It delivers superior performance in a compact size by integrating the pumps magnetic drive with the pump motor for a design with...

A line of stone composite sinks.(Products)
April 1, 2004... A LINE OF STONE COMPOSITE SINKS is now available, manufactured from 70% silica stone and 30% acrylic, in nine colors and three styles: the Cambridge, double-bowl, 8"/7" deep bowls, 33" X 22"; the Marseille, double-bowl, 10"/8", 33" X 22"; and...

The intelli-vent water heater gas control valve.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE INTELLI-VENT WATER HEATER GAS CONTROL VALVE is now standard equipment on all the company's power-vent and power direct-vent residential gas water heaters. The new valve offers superior accuracy, advanced diagnostic features and a silicon...

The Plug-N-Stub test plug.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE PLUG-N-STUB TEST PLUG is able to temporarily seal the open hub of a plastic DWV fitting. A stainless steel ring prevents blow outs at pressures up to 25 psi. The extended body provides through floor and wall penetration during construction....

The propress system.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE PROPRESS SYSTEM for copper crimp connections is now available for larger sizes of copper tubing, up to 4". The electro-hydraulic tool is able to form a watertight connection in less than seven seconds. The system creates joints that are...

These new PEX and CPVC end connection products.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THESE NEW PEX AND CPVC END CONNECTION PRODUCTS have been added to many of the company's regulators, in-line expansion tanks, thermostatic mixing valves, ball valves, dual check valves and strainers. Individual union nut and and tailpiece kits...

A selection of custom countertops and vanity tops.(Products)
April 1, 2004... A SELECTION OF CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS AND VANITY TOPS are now available in a wide variety of user-selected colors and shapes. Options include decorative edge treatments, custom shapes and seamless sinks in matching or contrasting colors. ...

The Speedrooter 91 drain cleaning machine.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE SPEEDROOTER 91 DRAIN CLEANING MACHINE features a durable design with a frame braced at key stress points. The drum is supported front and rear for longer bearing wear. It is lightweight enough for one person to easily load it into the back...

The Maxstar 150 sth power source.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE MAXSTAR 150 STH POWER SOURCE is designed for mechanical contractors, fabricators and maintenance/repair personnel who work in the field and demand a full-featured Stick/TIG welding power source. It weighs 13.7 lb., has a 5 to 150-amp...

The Model 2024 Vibration Switch.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE MODEL 2024 VIBRATION SWITCH works directly with building automation systems and variable frequency drives for monitoring motors and pumps. The compact switch mounts directly to the unit to be controlled. When the vibration limit is...

The model CA895 Carbon Monoxide Meter.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE MODEL CA895 CARBON MONOXIDE METER measures the level of CO in the surrounding atmosphere from 0 to 1,000 ppm. It uses a catalytic sensor, which does not consume any chemical substance. It is suitable for detecting levels which are...

A new line of custom glass shower doors.(Products)
April 1, 2004... A NEW LINE OF CUSTOM GLASS SHOWER DOORS is now available to complement almost any bathroom design. The line features three-dimensional texturizing techniques to create the effect of a sandstorm, waterfall, cobblestones or even melting ice. All...

The Verona basin.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE VERONA BASIN is set in a baroque pedestal. The softly fluted basin is carved from red marble, and is part of the company's Natural Stone Collection of sinks and lavatories. All surfaces of the basin are polished by hand to a matte finish....

The single cut bracket.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE SINGLE CUT BRACKET is for cutting tube, pipe and bar stock with the company's air-powered boiler tube replacement saw. It clamps securely using a chain-mount system. The system is capable of making a perfectly square cut with +/-1/16"...

The focus HM-2-FG welding helmet.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE FOCUS HM-2-FG WELDING HELMET features a battery-operated auto-darkening filter. It is infinitely variable between Shade 9-13 by means of an exterior adjustment knob. Powered by two AAA batteries, the filter automatically shuts off 15...

The heirloom bath.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE HEIRLOOM BATH measures 72" X 42" X 22" and may be equipped with whirlpool massage, bubbling air massage or both. User-friendly electronic controls allow the multi-speed pumps to offer a wide variety of water pressure and massage adjustment....

Tru-balance insulated pipe saddles.(Products)
April 1, 2004... TRU-BALANCE INSULATED PIPE SADDLES prevent thermal leaks at hanger and support locations within commercial piping systems. The flared-edge design of the saddle ensures its structural integrity while providing maximum protection of the...

The statesman SSE series water heater.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE STATESMAN SSE SERIES WATER HEATER is the most powerful electric heater ever produced by the company. Ten tank sizes, from 5 gal. through 119 gal. are available, while maximum inputs range from 3 kw to 90 kw. A glass-lined tank is standard,...

This equipment lock box.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THIS EQUIPMENT LOCK BOX safeguards valuables from theft. It features steel construction and a double padlock hasp. It is ideal for on-the-spot storage at job sites. Optional wheels allow for easy movement both indoors and outdoors. Mounting...

The HCI-WF/MD cast-in fastening system.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE HCI-WF/MD CAST-IN FASTENING SYSTEM is for large set-in formwork projects. It is ideal for any application that requires suspension from a ceiling, such as installing sprinkler systems. The color-coded flange is easily visible embedded in...

The PAC EX 2 combustible gas and oxygen monitor.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE PAC EX 2 COMBUSTIBLE GAS AND OXYGEN MONITOR features a large, clear LCD with audible, visual and vibrating alarms to provide personal protection. The hand-held unit is able to measure combustible gases in the 0-100% LEL range, and the range...

This compact toilet cistern.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THIS COMPACT TOILET CISTERN is offered with a 1.32 gal. capacity or a .99 gal. capacity. It requires just 14.1" by 6.8" of floor space, and may be installed in a corner or on a diagonal to complement a space-saving floor plan. It features an...

The KC1000 gas-fired water heater.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE KC1000 GAS-FIRED WATER HEATER is energy-efficient and cost effective. Each 1 million Btuh natural gas- or propane-fired unit features a condensing design and 14:1 modulation to maintain +/- 4[degrees]F temperature control while delivering...

The Crown II piston flushometer.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE CROWN II PISTON FLUSHOMETER features a new handle assembly and outside cover with finished accent rings in brushed nickel, lustre gold, polished brass or satin. The inside cover isolates the threads from the water source to ensure...

Mega-fast bathtub coating.(Products)
April 1, 2004... MEGA-FAST BATHTUB COATING cures in just four hours. The product provides durability and excellent flexibility without brittleness and will never yellow. More than 100 standard colors are available. Newport Brass CIRCLE 128 ON INQUIRY...

New CTS CPVC threaded adapters.(Products)
April 1, 2004... NEW CTS CPVC THREADED ADAPTERS are available in male and female. Thanks to a special injection process, the CPVC material is flush with the brass, not protruding beyond it. Charlotte Pipe CIRCLE 129 ON INQUIRY CARD [ILLUSTRATION...

The snap n' slide system.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE SNAP N' SLIDE SYSTEM is for positioning copper, PEX or CPVC tubing. It can be used between studs for pipe support when stubbing out. It allows the user to easily position PEX tubing between floor joists in radiant heating applications. ...

The Apollo 77C series ball valves.(Products)
April 1, 2004... THE APOLLO 77C SERIES BALL VALVES are now available with an oval latching handle. The full-port bronze valve features a corrosion-resistant all-cast body and end cap. The chrome-plated and machined ball creates less turbulence and better flow...

Law would address more than health care.(Editorial)
April 1, 2004... THE PRIMARY REASON that the contracting industry should support association health plans is that they would help to make health insurance more affordable for companies that belong to trade groups such as the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling...

Homeowner expectations.(From the Director)
April 1, 2004... Homeowners, by nature, are concerned individuals. The home they live in is probably the largest investment they have made in their life, so it is no wonder that they want answers before they commit to something as critical as an alternative...

RPA schools offered at more locations.(RPA News)(Radiant Panel Association)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... RPA schools are expanding into more locations in 2004. With more than 15 locations designated for the remainder of this year and new sponsors requesting information on offering schools, radiant system designers and installers should have plenty...

RPA Certification, renewal program grows.(RPA News)(Radiant Panel Association)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The RPA Certification Program continues to expand as more radiant technicians successfully pass the exam. The pass rate currently stands at 63 percent. The certification exams test the knowledge level of individuals in the area of radiant...

Regional RadFests offer localized events.(RPA News)(Radiant Panel Association)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Beginning in 2004, RPA Regional RadFests, will offer the opportunity to attend an RPA trade show without the expense of travel across country and extended time away from the office. The first regional event, the Great Lakes RadFest, will be...

RPA sets Annual Meeting, Systems Showcase contest.(RPA News)(Radiant Panel Association)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... This year, the RPA annual conference and trade show has joined in partnership with ISH-North America Oct. 14-16 in Boston. The RPA will hold its Annual Meeting and System Showcase Awards presentation Oct. 13. The RPA System Showcase...

Calendar of events.(RPA News)(Brief Article)(Illustration)(Calendar)
April 1, 2004... CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 10 Radiant Basics, Utica, N.Y. April 16 Radiant Basics/Certification Exam, Great Lakes RadFest, Madison, Wis. April 17 Radiant Precision, Great Lakes RadFest, Madison,...

Tuning a variable-speed injection mixing system: how to set that injection balancing valve for optimal performance.
April 1, 2004... Those of you who've been installing hydronic radiant heating systems during the last few years have no doubt heard about, if not used, variable-speed injection mixing for water temperature control. Judging by the schematics and installation...

Beyond the traditional: a radiant heating system shines in a candle manufacturing plant.
April 1, 2004... A Project that demonstrates a highly creative use of radiant heat won the 2003 Radiant Panel Association System Showcase award in the Most Innovative category, and it also won the Judge's Choice award for overall highest score. This project...

Value-added comfort: even though their house has a forced-air heating and cooling system, the owners wanted the added warmth of electric radiant floor-heating panels.(STEP Warmfloor)
April 1, 2004... When a local celebrity recently built a new home for his family in Hinsdale, Ill., an affluent Chicago suburb, no detail was overlooked. And that included an electric radiant floor system that would keep all of the home's occupants comfortable...

Warm floors happy hearts: these Montana homeowners went from a substandard heating system to the ultimate in comfort in just a few weeks.(Radiant heating project gives warmth to log cabin)(Directory)
April 1, 2004... Buzz and Kathleen Daldos bought a 15-year-old, solar-powered, 1,800-square-foot log house in the Montana mountains several years ago. Originally from Chicago, the couple was pleased with the property and the ability to care for their horses on...