Contractor articles from December 2002

Contractor archives from December 2002

ISH-NA features product intros. (Industry News).(International Sanitation and Heating-North America)
December 1, 2002... TORONTO -- ISH North America certainly isn't the world's biggest plumbing show--that honor would go to its German cousin or the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show--but the first ISH-NA had plenty of new products for contractors. Moreover, the...

ISH-NA shows promising future. (Industry News).(International Sanitation and Heating-North America)
December 1, 2002... TORONTO -- The ISH North America show is like a rookie ballplayer with plenty of upside. The first show, Oct. 31-Nov. 2 here, was rough around the edges, but it shows so much promise that many exhibitors and visitors are eager to come back next...

PHCC will have first woman president. (Industry News).(National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors elect Mary Garvelink)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... TORONTO -- Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association will have its first woman president in a couple of years and also has its first African-American national officer. PHCC-NA members elected Mary Garvelink of Commercial...

CSI keeps mechanicals unhappy. (Industry News).
December 1, 2002... ALEXANDRIA, VA. -- The Construction Specifications Institute has failed to win over any converts in the mechanical industry to its dual--Scheme A and Scheme B--proposals to change its MasterFormat specification system (November, pg. 1). ...

Geberit acquires W/C Technology. (Industry News).(Gerberit Group acquires W/C Technology Corp.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... DES PLAINES, ILL. -- Effective Nov. 1, the Chicago Faucet Co., a member of The Geberit Group, has acquired 100% of the shares of W/C Technology Corp. from Masco Corp. WCTC, a Farmington Hills, Mich.-based company, develops and sells...

Toilet test results clash. (Industry News).
December 1, 2002... UPPER MARLBORO, MD. -- October was the month for clashing toilet test results. First, Consumer Reports revealed its 1.6-gpf test results in an October issue story headlined, "Successful Water Savers." Then, on Oct. 28, the National Association...

Team's work, safety record wins children's hospital R&D building. (Industry News).(Team Mechanical Inc. contract with Children's Memorial Hospital)
December 1, 2002... CHICAGO -- Industrial and commercial contracting firm Team Mechanical has started work on a $4.5 million project for Children's Memorial Hospital's new research facility here. TMI won the negotiated job over five other contenders because it...

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Kitchen and Bath Association have agreed for NARI to be a presenting partner at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show April 10-13, 2003, in Orlando, Fla.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... The National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Kitchen and Bath Association have agreed for NARI to be a presenting partner at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show April 10-13, 2003, in Orlando, Fla. NARI will produce a portion...

America's Body Co./City Chevrolet has joined the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors' Professional Product Line.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... America's Body Co./City Chevrolet has joined the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors' Professional Product Line. Products included in the line are the City Utility Van and the Cargo Van with System Edstron Interior Package. In support of PHCC...

Herbert V. Kohler Jr., has been named the 2002 National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the manufacturing category.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... Herbert V. Kohler Jr., has been named the 2002 National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the manufacturing category. Herbert Kohler's grandfather founded the Kohler Co. in 1873. Herbert was thrust into a leadership role in 1968, when...

Electrical contractors in Michigan, as of Dec. 2, can obtain electrical permits from the state via the Internet.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... Electrical contractors in Michigan, as of Dec. 2, can obtain electrical permits from the state via the Internet. The state's goal is to offer online permitting for mechanical and plumbing permits too. A contractor may complete a permit...

CONTRACTOR magazine's plumbing columnist Dave Yates recently completed revising and updating the Plumbing section for World Book, a leading print encyclopedia.
December 1, 2002... CONTRACTOR magazine's plumbing columnist Dave Yates recently completed revising and updating the Plumbing section for World Book, a leading print encyclopedia. World Book is available in schools and public libraries. It is widely used in...

Did you raise your prices this year? (Schmitt On Management).
December 1, 2002... DECEMBER IS THE MONTH when I usually present a group of resolutions to consider for the New Year. This year is different. I am focusing on one specific, major problem I see with both large and small contracting firms. The biggest single...

Remember the fundamentals. (Letters).
December 1, 2002... MOUNT WASHINGTON, KY. -- Not at anytime in most of our careers have we seen economic times even close to what we are experiencing today. Undoubtedly the events of Sept. 11 will go down in history as triggering the deepest decline of the...

Virtual techs a reality now. (Letters).(wireless network can stream live, real-time video from jobsite)(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2002... DALLAS -- In the January 1999 issue of CONTRACTOR you published on your Forum page an article that I had submitted headlined, "Virtual techs expand pool of labor for service industry." At the time it was pure conjecture. The wireless network to...

Radiant preferred: contractor uses a systems approach on custom-built `second' homes. (Hydronic Radiant Heat).(Davis Plumbing & Heating)
December 1, 2002... If you're in the home comfort business, look to the Rocky Mountains for the grandest of jobsites, five-star surroundings, plentiful fresh air and weather conditions that are perfectly suited for radiant heat. In the Flathead Valley near...

Let the construction begin, part 3. (Eatherton On Hydronics).(ongoing Habitat for Humanity project in Denver; hydronic radiant wall panels discussed from contractor's perspective)(Column)
December 1, 2002... ON THE HABITAT for Humanity home that I've described in my last two columns, we have one last planning detail to delve into on the construction of these hydronic radiant wall panels. As with any heating/ cooling system, an accurate, detailed...

Get yourself some toys for the holidays. (Feldmans On Computers).(trend toward smaller, lighter products in electronics; describes some new products, including pocket recorders and cameras)
December 1, 2002... SMALLER AND lighter is an on-going trend in electronics. These days, you can tote a digital recorder for job notes in one shirt pocket and a digital camera for jobsite documentation in another as well as put a flat-panel monitor on your desk,...

This series up circulator. (Reader's choice: our most requested products of 2002).
December 1, 2002... THIS SERIES UP CIRCULATOR is part of the Comfort Series instant hot water system. The system works by linking in series all the water appliances in a given household, and installing at the water heater the circulator pump, a check valve and a...

Waterproofing repair tape. (Reader's choice: our most requested products of 2002).
December 1, 2002... WATERPROOFING REPAIR TAPE provides permanent sealing and complete waterproofing. It is flexible and can withstand long exposure to UV light without degrading. It is resistant to flame spread, mold growth, humidity and extreme temperatures. It...

This water heater tester. (Reader's choice: our most requested products of 2002).
December 1, 2002... THIS WATER HEATER TESTER makes checking water heater elements and thermostats more efficient. Designed for electric water heaters, it uses an LED to identify filament connections within elements. An alligator clip on the tester is attached to...

The chloe washlet seat. (Reader's choice: our most requested products of 2002).
December 1, 2002... THE CHLOE WASHLET SEAT is now available in an elongated style and new size to fit round front toilet models. It allows the user to enjoy a bidet-like function, a seat warmer and a gentle aerated dual-action water spray that can be regulated for...

The gen-ear. (Reader's choice: our most requested products of 2002).
December 1, 2002... THE GEN-EAR blends the latest in filter, headphone and sensor technology to create an advanced acoustical leak-detection system. It quickly and accurately detects leaks in PVC, cast-iron, copper and steel lines. It also pinpoints problems in a...

The conservator 90 series. (Reader's choice: our most requested products of 2002).
December 1, 2002... THE CONSERVATOR 90 SERIES gas-fired water boiler boasts an AFUE of 90%, thanks to its cast-aluminum heat exchanger which transfers heat three times faster than conventional cast iron. Its low temperature supply and return water makes it ideal...

The rapidgrip wrench. (Reader's choice: our most requested products of 2002).
December 1, 2002... THE RAPIDGRIP WRENCH is a heavy-duty, self-adjusting pipe wrench designed for one-handed operation with a rapid ratcheting action. The spring-loaded hook jaw design quickly adjusts to any size work surface and grips securely. A thumb trigger...

Turbo torch extreme acetylene tips. (Reader's choice: our most requested products of 2002).
December 1, 2002... TURBO TORCH EXTREME ACETYLENE TIPS reduce brazing time and associated "wait time," reducing labor costs. Swirl combustion technology uses acetylene/air mixtures to create an exceptionally hot flame. All tips come with a three-year replacement...

The Z-884 mini-trench. (Reader's choice: our most requested products of 2002).
December 1, 2002... THE Z-884 MINI-TRENCH is a 3" deep, modular trench drain designed for light-duty, vehicular applications. Each channel is constructed in 40" long, 4" wide high-density polypropylene lengths. It features integral top frames, interlocking ends...

The easyfloor electric radiant system. (Reader's choice: our most requested products of 2002).
December 1, 2002... THE EASYFLOOR ELECTRIC RADIANT SYSTEM is simple to install and can provide efficient, even heat. It does not require cement, gypsum or other poured materials to create sufficient thermal mass. The modular system can be used equally well in new...

The master-fit BTI and BTN commercial gas water heaters. (Editor's choices: the most requested editor's picks of 2002).
December 1, 2002... THE MASTER-FIT BTI AND BTN COMMERCIAL GAS WATER HEATERS feature induced-draft design. In replacement and retrofit applications they can be quickly installed in the same footprint space, utilizing the original vent size, while providing higher...

The new CP 620 fire foam. (Editor's choice: the most requested editor's picks of 2002.).
December 1, 2002... THE NEW CP 620 FIRE FOAM allows the installer to access through penetrations, cable trays, cable bundles, cable runs and multiple penetrations with combustible and non-combustible pipes. It must be used in conjunction with CP 645 wrap strip for...

Ultimate B813 flux. (Editor's choices: the most requested editor's picks of 2002).
December 1, 2002... ULTIMATE B813 FLUX is water soluble and compliant with ASTM B813 standards. It has a very high heat stability and will stay put during soldering without running, dripping or burning off prematurely. The flux is a thick, creamy paste that goes...

The aquastar 125HX tankless water heater. (Editor's choices: the most requested editor's picks of 2002).
December 1, 2002... THE AQUASTAR 125HX TANKLESS WATER HEATER requires no standing pilot, electricity or batteries--the flow of water powers a small electric generator which in turn ignites the burners. The water is then heated in a copper heat exchanger. The...

ArtiCAD-PRO. (Editor's choices: the most requested editor's picks of 2002).
December 1, 2002... ARTICAD-PRO approaches CAD tasks from a designer's perspective. It creates photo-realistic presentations (pictured below) alongside quotations and orders for suppliers in a matter of minutes. An intuitive input method produces detailed plans,...

Hydtrotrols 5000 series water hammer arresters. (Editor's choices: the most requested editor's picks of 2002).
December 1, 2002... HYDTROTROLS 5000 SERIES WATER HAMMER ARRESTERS are built entirely of stainless steel. Heavy duty balanced expansion bellows internally absorb the hydrostatic shock pressure occurring in water lines. These bellows are both pneumatically and...

The power-fin line of commercial water heaters and boilers. (Editor's choices: the most requested editor's picks of 2002).
December 1, 2002... THE POWER-FIN LINE OF COMMERCIAL WATER HEATERS AND BOILERS now offers new models with digital temperature control, expanded firing ranges that modulate from 50% to 100% and more flexible venting. The new models are offered in three Btuh sizes:...

Asceri accents. (Editor's choices: the most requested editor's picks of 2002).
December 1, 2002... ASCERI ACCENTS are eye-catching touches for bath faucets, showers and accessories. Ten patterns are available to choose from, in a variety of different styles and colors. They feature all-brass construction and use the company's M-Pact common...

A new line of water coolers and drinking fountains. (Editor's choices: the most requested editor's picks of 2002).
December 1, 2002... A NEW LINE OF WATER COOLERS AND DRINKING FOUNTAINS are single lever, barrier-free and ADA-compliant. They are designed specifically to meet both Child ADA and Texas Accessibility Standards. The line features curved corners and a "slimline"...

A comprehensive line of industrial pipe and fittings. (Editor's choices: the most requested editor's picks of 2002).
December 1, 2002... A COMPREHENSIVE LINE OF INDUSTRIAL PIPE AND FITTINGS is available that includes PVC Schedule 80 and Schedule 40 pipe and fittings; Corzan CPVC Schedule 80 and Schedule 40 pipe; and and Corzan CPVC Schedule 80 fittings. All meet applicable ASTM...

These pipe hangers. (New Products).
December 1, 2002... THESE PIPE HANGERS are coated with Dura-Green, an epoxy finish that provides a high degree of corrosion protection. It is applied by cathodic electro disposition in a nine-step process that permanently bonds the coating to the material....

This line of insulated multiple tap connectors. (New Products).
December 1, 2002... THIS LINE OF INSULATED MULTIPLE TAP CONNECTORS now includes a mount version. It is outfitted with two isolated mounting holes which can hold up to 1/4" standard hardware. These holes, located at both ends of the connectors, allow for direct...

The series 705W fire protection butterfly valve. (New Products).
December 1, 2002... THE SERIES 705W FIRE PROTECTION BUTTERFLY VALVE features a weatherproof actuator housing approved for either indoor or outdoor use. It is UL/FM rated to 300 psi in all sizes, from 2 1/2" to 12". Its ductile-iron body is coated with a heat-fused...

These cable bath wastes. (New Products).
December 1, 2002... THESE CABLE BATH WASTES are designed specifically for whirlpool baths. They come pre-assembled for easy installation. Opening and closing the drain on the new wastes requires just a quarter-turn of the handle. Working parts are located outside...

Armflo e-series dry motor circulators. (New Products).
December 1, 2002... ARMFLO E-SERIES DRY MOTOR CIRCULATORS are for commercial and large residential high head applications. The series features a compact motor that is 30% smaller than comparable dry motor circulators. They are made with permanently lubricated...

The ZRO-4 zero waste point of use reverse osmosis system. (New Products).
December 1, 2002... THE ZRO-4 ZERO WASTE POINT OF USE REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM does not waste water, as opposed to comparable systems that can waste four or more gallons of water for every one gallon of filtered water produced. It features four stages of filtration...

The contour undermount vanity bowl. (New Products).
December 1, 2002... THE CONTOUR UNDERMOUNT VANITY BOWL offers functional elegance for commercial and institutional use. It has no rim to trap water, avoiding an unsightly, hard to clean mess. It is offered in 30 solid, aggregate and galaxy colors. The 19" by 13"...

This transducer valve. (New Products).
December 1, 2002... THIS TRANSDUCER VALVE can be installed wherever pressure monitoring is required. With the stem turned all the way in and seated, pressure is isolated from both the gauge and pressure transducer ports. With the stem turned all the way out and...

The Kinney KDPH-120 dry screw vacuum pump. (New Products).
December 1, 2002... THE KINNEY KDPH-120 DRY SCREW VACUUM PUMP features a variable pitch screw design. The unit features a C-face motor and can handle process by-products such as liquids, condensate and small particles. Oil and water is never in contact with the...

The l'expression suite. (New Products).
December 1, 2002... THE L'EXPRESSION SUITE is a high-style option for urban and minimalist bathroom spaces. It includes a round bowl that can be installed as either a countertop lavatory or above-counter vessel; a square vessel lavatory; two furniture console...

Polyseamseal adhesive caulk. (New Products).
December 1, 2002... POLYSEAMSEAL ADHESIVE CAULK seals out moisture and water in high-humidity areas such as kitchens and baths. It remains flexible after curing and is guaranteed crack-proof. An added mildewcide helps it resist unsightly mold and mildew growth. It...

The act-o-matic self-cleaning showerhead. (New Products).
December 1, 2002... THE ACT-O-MATIC SELF-CLEANING SHOWERHEAD combines a 2.5 gpm flow with a "cone within a cone" luxurious spray. It uses a pressure compensating flow control that provides consistent and powerful flow at low pressures for greater water savings....

How ISH can make a difference over here. (Editorial).(things ISH could do to improve trade show for plumbing contractors, wholeslaers and engineers)(Editorial)
December 1, 2002... HERE'S A DIRTY little secret that I suspect many contractors have about trade shows: The more of them the better. This thinking flies in the face of plumbing manufacturers who for years have crusaded against the high number of industry...