Contractor articles from December 2003

Contractor archives from December 2003

EMCOR buys Siemens' facility services business.(EMCOR Group Inc., Siemens Building Technologies )
December 1, 2003... NORWALK, CONN. -- EMCOR Group Inc. has purchased Siemens' U.S. Facility Management Services business as part of a strategic alliance between the two companies. EMCOR and Siemens Building Technologies division will offer customers a...

Bathroom growth through the years.(Contractor In Focus)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Bathroom growth through the years (Number of bathroom in new single-family housing) Percentage distribution 1973 1988 2002 1-1/2 baths or less 40% 15% 6% 2...

Lifted steel tariffs could spell relief.
December 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Steel-using manufacturers in the plumbing-heating-piping industry generally greeted reports of President Bush's repeal of tariffs on imported steel as good news. Bush lifted the duties on steel imports on Dec. 4 in the wake of...

Great Lakes crew moves stealthily through night.(Great Lakes Plumbing and Heating Co.)
December 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- No, it's not the SWAT team or undercover FBI agents--it's the crew of fire sprinkler retrofitters from Great Lakes Plumbing & Heating Co. For the past 20 years, the special retrofit team from this Chicago-based contractor has quietly...

U.S. plumbing products to get promotion boost abroad.(Industry News)
December 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Representatives of the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute and the U.S. Department of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding Oct. 29 that gives the U.S. plumbing industry a stronger voice in international trade issues. ...

Tyco plans sale of some Fire & Security businesses.(Industry News)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2003... PEMBROKE, BERMUDA -- Tyco International in November reported a loss of 15 cents per share for its fourth quarter, compared to a loss of 72 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2002. For the full fiscal year 2003, Tyco reported earnings of...

AMPAM gets financing order.(Industry News)(American Plumbing & Mechanical )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ROUND ROCK, TEXAS -- American Plumbing & Mechanical announced in November that it has obtained final approval of its debtor in-possession agreement from Judge Leif Clark in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas, San...

Charter high school program offers intro to plumbing. (AGC Construction Careers Center Charter High School, St. Louis, Missouri).(Industry News)
December 1, 2003... ST. LOUIS -- The Plumbing Industry Council here, in cooperation with United Association Plumbers and Pipefitter's Local 562, in November launched a new career and educational enrichment program at the AGC Construction Careers Center Charter...

Md. university gets a new start. (Towson University part of University of Maryland system).(Industry News)
December 1, 2003... TOWSON, MD. -- When the centrifugal chiller is busted and being used for parts and the only equipment working is an old steam absorption chiller, it's time to upgrade the central plant. Which is exactly what officials at Towson University here...

Shambaugh receives DBIA award. (Shambaugh and Son, Design-Build Institute of America).(Industry News)
December 1, 2003... FORT WAYNE, IND. -- Shambaugh & Son has received a 2003 national design-build award from the Design-Build Institute of America. The mechanical contractor was cited for its $9.2 million renovation of a 120,000-sq.-ft. ice cream processing...

Brass Craft recently received safety awards for three of its manufacturing plants.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Brass Craft recently received safety awards for three of its manufacturing plants. The awards were presented by Brass Craft's parent company, Taylor, Mich,-based Masco Corp. John Wills, Masco Group President, announced that Brass Craft's...

Hill York Service Corp., a commercial, industrial and institutional mechanical services provider in south Florida and the Contracting Business Commercial Contractor of the Year in 2000, is the newest associate of Service Excellence Corps, Denver.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Hill York Service Corp., a commercial, industrial and institutional mechanical services provider in south Florida and the Contracting Business Commercial Contractor of the Year in 2000, is the newest associate of Service Excellence Corps,...

Delta Faucet Company.(new Central Distribution Center now operational)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Delta Faucet Company has announced that its new Central Distribution Center (CDC) in Jackson, Tenn., is operational. Construction on the new distribution center began July 2003. Company officials expect a majority of Delta's volume to be...

Virginia City, Nev., recently hosted its annual Outhouse Races.(Nevada)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Virginia City, Nev., recently hosted its annual Outhouse Races. This year, 22 outhouses and portable toilets participated. An official local event since 1999, popular tradition says the races commemorate a period decades ago when Storey County...

Consolidated Engineering Services of Arlington was recently re-awarded the hvac operations and maintenance contract for the historic Washington Navy Yard, which is part of Naval District Washington.(heating, ventilation and air conditioning)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Consolidated Engineering Services of Arlington was recently re-awarded the hvac operations and maintenance contract for the historic Washington Navy Yard, which is part of Naval District Washington. The $3.5 million-per-year, five-year contract...

Women in HVACR.(new organization for women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Women in HVACR, a new organization dedicated to furthering the growth of women in the HVACR industry, held its first meeting on Sept. 12, 2003 in conjunction with HVAC Comfortech, The National, Residential & Light Commercial HVAC Seminar &...

Bill would give high-rise owners sprinkler tax break. (in Illinois).(Industry News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- Illinois State Rep. Timothy L. Schmitz has introduced a bill that could save the state's high-rise building owners the cost of retrofitting their buildings with fire sprinkler systems. In early November Schmitz introduced HB3881 that...

Great Lakes plumbing wins performance award.(Industry News)(Great Lakes Plumbing & Heating Co.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- One of the Plumbing Council of Chicagoland's 450 contractors has been awarded the "Outstanding Performance Award" for tire year 2002 for Chicago's Adaptive Reuse of the Soldier field project. The total cost of the plumbing project...

NATE to offer certification test at AHR Expo. (North American Technician Excellence, Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration).(Industry News)
December 1, 2003... WESTPORT, CONN. -- North American Technician Excellence Inc., a leading independent certification program for technicians in the HVAC industry, will again offer certification testing for residential and light commercial HVAC Technicians at AHR...

Boiler firm WARE expands.(Industry News)(acquired Boiler & Heat Exchange Systems Inc. and The Valve Shop)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... LOUISVILLE, KY. -- Ivan Ware & Son Inc., dba WARE, one of the largest boiler rental companies in the country, announced that it bought Boiler & Heat Exchange Systems Inc. and The Valve Shop (a subsidiary of Boiler & Heat Exchange Systems) both...

Get your financial tools, employees in order.(Schmitt On Management)(strategies for contractors)
December 1, 2003... IT IS RESOLUTION time again. I propose you devote 2004 to a personal and business campaign to become a strong businessman. I am convinced that most of the problems of the industry could be cured if each of you became fanatically devoted to...

Small firms' employees deserve health care.(Forum)
December 1, 2003... THE NEED FOR affordable health care for employees of America's small construction firms has never been more pressing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2000 more than half of the approximately 702,000 construction firms in the United...

NIBCO marks centennial milestone.(Forum)
December 1, 2003... ELKHART, IND. -- When NIBCO began its 100th anniversary year on Nov. 12, the company announced that it is planning celebrations that will continue over the year leading up to the anniversary date on Nov. 12, 2004. "NIBCO's rich heritage is...

New York injury 'win' only a partial victory.(Letters)(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... DANBURY, CONN. -- I enjoyed your article in CONTRACTOR magazine on New York contractors challenging New York Labor Law 240 ("N.Y. contractors battle 'scaffolding, law,'" October, pg. 1). I'd like to read more on this issue. Please be aware...

RV's thermal expansion.(Letters)(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... VIA E-MAIL--I was reading Dave Yates' column on sizing thermal expansion tanks. I live in my motor home full time and have the problem of thermal expansion with the hot water tank and have already replaced one tank. RVs don't have a thermal...

When mind-reading fails to work in a retrofit.(Eatherton On Hydronics)
December 1, 2003... ONE OF THE interesting aspects of designing a retrofit mechanical system for the older apartment complex that I described last month (November, pg. 30) is trying to look into the minds of the people who designed the system in the first place....

Efficient material handling on the job.(Craig On Project Management)(Column)
December 1, 2003... IN THESE DAYS of shrinking profits because jobs are being taken close to the break-even point just for cash flow, every nickel saved can mean the difference between keeping your company's doors open or not. One area frequently overlooked for...

Must reading if you are a C corporation.(Blackman On Taxes)
December 1, 2003... ON MAY 28, President Bush signed a new tax law. Two provisions in the new law directly affect whether you should or should not be a C corporation (as opposed to an S corporation): 1. The new maximum tax rate on ordinary income is now 35%...

Set up electronic invoicing, markers, contacts.(Feldmans On Computers)
December 1, 2003... HERE ARE THREE dedicated software solutions for billing clients, marking pipe, and managing contacts. The first is a billing solution that eliminates the risk of any payment "getting lost" in the mail because it intentionally bypasses the...

The flexible type B gas vent connection system.(reader's choice: our most requested products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... #1 THE FLEXIBLE TYPE B GAS VENT CONNECTION SYSTEM is ideal for tight or odd-shaped spaces. It is UL-listed for single- and double-wall applications, and allows for quick, easy connection to single or multiple units. The system features a...

The Copper key hand tool.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #2 THE COPPER KEY HAND TOOL eliminates the need for sand cloth and fittings brushes in removing surface scale from copper tube and fittings. It uses a cranking motion to prepare copper surfaces for soldering. The process is faster than using...

The QVM9 and QXM8 multipurpose boilers.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #3 THE QVM9 AND QXM8 MULTIPURPOSE BOILERS have earned the EPA's Energy Star rating for efficiency. The QVM9 models run on natural and LP gas, and deliver an AFUE of 90%. The QXM8 models run on fuel oil only, and deliver 85% AFUE. Each model is...

The ensemble wall surround.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #4 THE ENSEMBLE WALL SURROUND is constructed of solid Vikrell material and manufactured in four modular pieces that are easily transportable by one person and provide a seamless, watertight installation without the need for caulk. Two styles...

The d'mand hot water recirculation pumping system.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #5 THE D'MAND HOT WATER RECIRCULATION PUMPING SYSTEM is designed to supply hot water on demand in homes and businesses from 600 sq. ft. to 15,000 sq. ft. It can be used in retrofit or new construction applications. The system conserves both...

The EF series of ultra high efficiency water heaters.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #6 THE EF SERIES OF ULTRA HIGH EFFICIENCY WATER HEATERS feature venting flexibility and quiet operation. They deliver 98.5% thermal efficiency that saves money and qualifies for tax rebates in many states. Installers can vent the equivalent of...

Deep pour grout.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #7 DEEP POUR GROUT is a 100% solids, filled-epoxy compound ideal for such uses as: forming mounting pads to 6" deep; rebuilding spalled concrete; setting machine anchor bolts; and leveling compressors, generators, large pumps and other...

This pullchain water closet.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #8 THIS PULLCHAIN WATERC CLOSET is a nostalgic reproduction that complements a Victorian-style bathroom, and is offered in either porcelain or solid oak. It combines authentic period design with all the comforts of modern technology. Features...

The easyfloor radiant floor heating system.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #9 THE EASYFLOOR RADIANT FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM is a cost-effective solution for heating homes in cold weather regions. It is easy to install and provides an even, comfortable temperature throughout the house. The modular system snaps together...

The versasaw.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #10 THE VERSASAW turns any power drill into a power saw. Designed for use with 1,000+ rpm corded or 14.4+ V. cordless drills, it is ideal for working in tight spaces. Professional Tool CIRCLE 110 ON INQUIRY CARD [ILLUSTRATION...

The Ultra boiler.(editor's choice: the most requested editor's picks of 2003)
December 1, 2003... #1 THE ULTRA BOILER is currently available in two models, the Ultra 155 and the Ultra 230. It offers precision hydronic data technology, a system that delivers precise control of hot water needs, maximizing the units efficiency (the 230 model...

The new wobble light.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #2 THE NEW WOBBLE LIGHT is a breakthrough in portable lighting that is able to withstand heavy use and abuse. The light has an impact-resistant body and a counter-weighted hemispherical base that quickly returns the unit to an upright position...

This waterproof drain hub.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #3 THIS WATERPROOF DRAIN HUB is designed for easy installation in utility or mechanical rooms with wood floors and gypcrete toppings. The low-profile drain is secured to the underfloor with wood screws after caulk is applied to the bottom of...

The J-3055 jet-set drain cleaning machine.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #4 THE J-3055 JET-SET DRAIN CLEANING MACHINE is designed to clear grease stoppages as well as lines clogged with sand, sludge and ice. Its 3,000 psi, 5.5 GPM pump is powered by a 16 hp engine with electric start. The machine comes with a...

The xtreme commercial gas water heater.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #5 THE EXTREME COMMERCIAL GAS WATER HEATER combines a compact, integral tank design with high inputs. Offering a thermal efficiency rating of 80%, it can generate up to 756 gal. of 160[degrees]F water in one hour, based on an inlet water...

The saxony pull-out faucet.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #6 THE SAXONY PULL-OUT FAUCET combines a traditional design with the convenience of a pull-out spray wand function. The faucet incorporates the company's Quick-Snap technology that requires no tools and reduces the installation time involved in...

A new line of molded large-diameter fittings.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #7 A NEW LINE OF MOLDED LARGE-DIAMETER FITTINGS offer contractors and engineers a dependable alternative to fabricated large-diameter fittings. The 10" and 12" fittings are made from injection-molded PVC for high strength and durability. The...

The Kingsly faucet collection.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #8 THE KINGSLY FAUCET COLLECTION takes its inspiration from turn-of-the-century ornamental and Shaker design. New Roman tub models are now available with a built-in transfer valve and hand shower so the user can divert water flow without adding...

The Titan commercial gas water heater.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #9 THE TITAN COMMERCIAL GAS WATER HEATER delivers 80% efficiency. Additionally, Titan LV units are available in gas, oil-fired or convertible gas/oil "dual fuel" models. The standard Titan GP models offer inputs up to 750,000 Btus. These...

The Atlas series condensing boiler.(Products)
December 1, 2003... #10 THE ATLAS SERIES CONDENSING BOILER offers a 97% thermal efficiency, fully modulated 4:1 turndown, and a sealed combustion chamber. It combines high performance with extremely low NOx emission. It is available in 1 MMBtu/hr and 1.5 MMBtu/hr...

A nee line of professional tubing cutters.(editor's choice)
December 1, 2003... A NEW LINE OF PROFESSIONAL TUBING CUTTERS come in four different capacities: a 1 3/8", a 1 3/4", a 2 5/8", and a mini-tubing cutter with a 1/8" to 1 1/8" cutting capacity. All four improve efficiency by featuring on-board wheel storage with one...

The Goldeneagle double check valve assembly.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... THE GOLDENEAGLE DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY is available in sizes 1/2" to 2" and features chloramine resistant elastomers to provide a long life in varied water conditions. Its top-mounted cover allows each check to be serviced independently...

The Cord-O-Lite temporary lighting system.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... THE CORD-O-LITE TEMPORARY LIGHTING SYSTEM has a molded socket every 10', and accommodates A-19 or A-23 bulbs (not included) up to 150 watts. Options include 15 amp straight-blade or 20 amp twist-lock connection; heavy-duty plastic coated metal...

The Mystic stainless steel kitchen sink.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... THE MYSTIC STAINLESS STEEL KITCHEN SINK features a striking, curved design that makes it a focal point for family gatherings and entertaining. With faucet and drain positioned at opposite ends of the dramatic 40" long sink span, water cascades...

Weather guard deep saddle storage boxes.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... WEATHER GUARD DEEP SADDLE STORAGE BOXES provide an additional 4 cubic feet of storage space over standard-sized saddle boxes. They are available in aluminum with a clear coat finish or a black finish, and in steel with a bright white finish....

This stainless steel undermount sink.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... THIS STAINLESS STEEL UNDERMOUNT SINK is made of durable 1 8/10 steel. It features a double bowl measuring 34 5/8" by 18 1/2" with a depth of 9 7/8" by 7 1/8" with left or right configurations available. Sound-deadening pads are included to...

The model 40051 pipe clamp temperature instrument.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... THE MODEL 40051 PIPE CLAMP TEMPERATURE INSTRUMENT features a retractable general-purpose probe. It allows the user to measure pipe temperatures quickly and easily. Temperature registration is shown on a built-in digital LCD. It includes an...

The aqua-panel prefabricated shower unit.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... THE AQUA-PANEL PREFABRICATED SHOWER UNIT consists of a vandal-proof, 18-gauge stainless steel shroud and top cap with a #4 brushed finish. The shroud encases a 1/2" copper tubing assembly with lead-free solder. Each unit includes a...

ADA break-down showers.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... ADA BREAK-DOWN SHOWERS are designed to fit through any 24" door. These barrier-free fiberglass showers to not require bottom cement reinforcing or any caulking, speeding time of installation. They are available in a wide variety of sizes,...

The sandblaster commercial water heater.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... THE SANDBLASTER COMMERCIAL WATER HEATER features the Hydro Cannon self-cleaning technology. The system is located at the bottom of the tank, and uses up to seven separate "cannons," each of which blasts incoming cold water into the tank under...

The popular chateau single-handle faucet.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... THE POPULAR CHATEAU SINGLE-HANDLE FAUCET has been redesigned with a longer spout reach, an ergonomic lever handle and softer lines. The new, streamlined appearance makes the faucet easier to clean with fewer crevices where dirt can collect. ...

Lorenz new cut-to-length 20" flexible connector.(Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... LORENZ NEW CUT-TO-LENGTH 20" FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR can be cut to the exact length you need for a professional installation every time. No more need to deal with mul0ple lengths. The Lorenz Connector is the perfect solution for any professional...

The new Gen-Eye3 video pipe inspection/location system.(Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... THE NEW GEN-EYE3 VIDEO PIPE INSPECTION/LOCATION SYSTEM offers a wide range of enhancements to make video pipe inspection and location easier. Like three times greater transmitter wattage for easier location, dual frequency transmitter to reduce...

This brochure details Elkay's revolutionary new Quick-Clip[TM] system.
December 1, 2003... THIS BROCHURE DETAILS ELKAY'S REVOLUTIONARY NEW QUICK-CLIP[TM] SYSTEM. that provides secure sink-to-countertop installation from above the countertop in just three easy steps: 1) nail the ridged countertop brackets to the inside of the sink...

New Rheem Guardian System Guide Book.(Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... NEW RHEEM GUARDIAN SYSTEM GUIDE BOOK Rheem Water Heaters has unveiled a handy pocket-size reference manual for its new Rheem Guardian System[TM]--a line of residential gas-fired, atmospheric water heaters designed to meet the new ANSI Standard...

Electronic FlowHood.(Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... ELECTRONIC FLOWHOOD The new electronic digital readout FlowHood offers increased accuracy and speed in the measurement of air flows from 30-2,500 cfm. Software automatically corrects for back pressure and density changes due to altitude. Direct...

General Pipe Cleaners.(Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... GENERAL PIPE CLEANERS manufactures a full line of high pressure jet drain cleaning machines for clearing drains clogged with grease, sand, sludge and ice. General's Jet Set, designed to clear drains from 1 1/2" to 8" in diameter, is described...

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Cast Iron technical manual.(Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... CHARLOTTE PIPE ANDFOUNDRY CAST IRON TECHNICAL MANUAL has been recently updated with the company's latest product offerings. As the leading manufacturer of cast iron soil pipe and fittings, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry can by your one-stop source...

Underground boring isn't expensive anymore.(Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... UNDERGROUND BORING ISN'T EXPENSIVE ANYMORE Contractors have field-tested the affordable $199 BorZit System for over 20 years. Powered by a 1/2" drill, the tool is lightweight, rock solid and durable. BorZit eliminates the cost of hiring a big...

Magazine milestone, industry challenges in '04.(Editorial)
December 1, 2003... CONTRACTOR MAGAZINE will celebrate its 50th year of publishing in 2004, an accomplishment of which we're proud. I've been aboard for almost one-fifth of that time, marking my 10th anniversary as CONTRACTOR's chief editor next month. About...