Contractor articles from June 2001

Contractor archives from June 2001

Radiant floor heat is educated choice.
June 1, 2001... BOSTON -- Radiant floor heat frequently isn't the easy choice when retrofitting an older home. But when Bob and Judy Zeitlin bought a 160-year-old house on historic Beacon Hill here, they decided they wanted radiant. "We chose a radiant...

Bill targets Keyspan.
June 1, 2001... BOSTON -- Saying they can't get straight answers from Keyspan about the activities of the utility's unregulated subsidiaries, Boston-area contractors have turned to legislation -- Massachusetts House Bill 1379, The Fair Competition Bill. ...

Ferguson parent buys Westburne.(Wolseley PLC acquires Westburne Supply for)($358 million cash)
June 1, 2001... NEWPORT NEWS, VA. -- Plumbing wholesaling giant Ferguson Enterprises just got bigger. Ferguson's British parent company, Wolseley PLC, announced in May that it was acquiring the 114 Westburne Supply units of Rexel SA in the United States for...

Radiant tube sales hit all-time high.(radiant heating systems)(Statistical Data Included)
June 1, 2001... LOVELAND, COLO. -- North American sales of radiant heating tubing hit a record-breaking 150 million lineal ft. last year, according to a survey of tubing manufacturers conducted by the Radiant Panel Association. RPA Executive Director Lawrence...

REX attracts the best.(radiant-heating trade show)(Company Business and Marketing)
June 1, 2001... SALT LAKE CITY -- Boiler manufacturers made a big splash down on the show floor at the Radiant Panel Association's Radiant Expo here in mid-May, while upstairs in the seminar rooms water heater manufacturers had their say. All the action...

NORA to raise profile of oil-heating industry.
June 1, 2001... HERSHEY, PA. -- Members of the National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers met here May 15-17 and were briefed on a new program that promises to raise the industry's level of marketing, training and research. Distribution of funds...

PHCC unveils Pro Line campaign.(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors)
June 1, 2001... FALLS CHURCH, VA. -- Turning its attention toward the trade and away from consumers, at least for the time being, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors -- National Association has unveiled a new marketing campaign for its Professional...

Bush pushes district energy.
June 1, 2001... ST. PAUL, MINN. -- President George W. Bush toured District Energy St. Paul's plant in mid-May prior to announcing the administration's national energy policy, which is expected to encourage additional district energy and combined heat and...

PHCC, PMI oppose 1.6-gpf repeal.
June 1, 2001... WASHINGTON -- The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association and Plumbing Manufacturers Institute are urging their members to oppose a proposed repeal of federal plumbing standards that mandate 1.6gal.-per flush toilets. ...

Satisfied customers equal business success.
June 1, 2001... WASHINGTON -- Both specialty and general contractors rank customer satisfaction as the primary indicator of business success in the recently released "Insights in Construction" survey by consulting firm Deloitte & Touche. For the first...

The Mechanical Service Contractors of America.(annual trade show)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... The Mechanical Service Contractors of America's 16th annual education conference promises to provide members with the tools they need to deliver outstanding service to their customers. The meeting will take place Oct. 3-6 in Dana Point, Calif.,...

The Comfort Group.(wins Project of the Year award)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... The Comfort Group, a Nashville, Tenn.-based full-service mechanical contractor, received the international Project of the Year award from Automated Logic Corp. for its installation of automated building management control systems at the 1.5...

"Specifying PVC Pipe and Fittings in Commercial Plumbing Applications".(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... "Specifying PVC Pipe and Fittings in Commercial Plumbing Applications" is an eight-page installation guide for contractors and other industry professionals. It's available from the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association at 630/858-6540 or can be...

>Kohler Co. received the first Crystal Vision award from The.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... Kohler Co. received the first Crystal Vision award from The Storehouse of World Vision on April 28 during the Kitchen/ Bath Industry Show in Orlando, Fla. The Storehouse uses plumbing products donated by Kohler and other manufacturers to...

U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, R-Conn., issued a public salute.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, R-Conn., issued a public salute in April to members of the Southeast Connecticut chapter of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association for their volunteer efforts to reconstruct the slave ship Amistad as a...

St. Louis-based icon Mechanical received one of 10.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... St. Louis-based icon Mechanical received one of 10 Vendor of the Year awards from Arco Construction Co. The full-service mechanical contracting finn was honored for its commitment to safety, quality, schedules, teamwork and competitive pricing....

Construction industry consultant FMI in May launched its.
June 1, 2001... Construction industry consultant FMI in May launched its new Web site, www. fminet.com. The site has been newly organized by the markets FMI serves: national and international contractors, general contractors, trades, owners and facility...

Rainforest Cafe serves up new realm of plumbing.
June 1, 2001... KATY, TEXAS -- Like its 40 or so sister facilities worldwide, the Rainforest Cafe in the Katy Mills Mall, located west of downtown Houston, is an extravaganza of running water. Large, museum-scale aquariums, containing French angels, maroon...

Is it time to change service providers?(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... THE MOST SUCCESSFUL contractor I have ever written about concentrated on growing until he reached what he considered to be his personal effort limit. He then shifted his emphasis from growth to efficiency and cost containment. Some of the...

BATH AND KITCHEN TRENDS.
June 1, 2001... If you've noticed the number of Chrysler PT Cruisers on the street, you've already recognized one of the biggest trends at April's Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Orlando, Fla. "The retro look is very popular," says Todd Weber, senior...

LETTERS.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... Reader comments on Bishop Plumbing HOLIDAY, FLA. -- I've been in business for 62 years and have enjoyed reading CONTRACTOR, which I think is the most informative trade publication in our industry. It's always interesting to read how others...

The heating guy.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... "ARE YOU THE hacksaw salesman?" "Nope, I'm the heating guy," Tim said as he worked on the vandal-proof screws that held the cover on the convector. "I'm checking to see if there's air in your radiator. You're the guy complaining about no...

Roger the Plumber speaks at A.O. Smith.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... IRVING, TEXAS -- At a recent gathering of A.O. Smith Water Products Co. executives, Roger Peugeot of Overland Park, Kan., a prominent marketing-oriented plumbing contractor, gave his views on what contractors need to do to succeed and how A.O....

How design temps affect pump sizing.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
June 1, 2001... LAST MONTH WE generated our system performance curve and plotted it against our chosen circulator. We found that when only our shortest loop was calling, that we would probably experience velocity noises and possibly long-term damage from...

Two systems aid, track service techs in field.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... COMPUTERIZED CUSTOMER service dispatch and tracking solutions increase productivity in the field and in the office. One package below offers expediency in the office and relies on paging for communication with field personnel; the second offers...

S Mechanical Technologies changes name to ALLPOINTS.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... ITASCA, ILL. -- S Mechanical Technologies, a Chicago area mechanical services contractor for commercial and industrial properties, has changed its name to ALLPOINTS to more accurately reflect the full line of its service offering. "We...

SBA'S 8(a) program loaded with rules.
June 1, 2001... MOST CONTRACTORS have heard of the Small Business Administration and are at least vaguely aware that it has a special program for qualifying "disadvantaged" contractors known as the Section 8(a) program. Until recently, this program was...

PSI sets 2001 schedule for Plumber Profit Days.(Plumbers' Success International)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... ST. LOUIS -- Residential plumbing contractors across the United States will have the opportunity to lock in the remaining 200-plus territories for Plumbers' Success International, a management and consulting firm founded by Jim Abrams and John...

How the IRS, estate tax clipped Yankee Clipper.(Joe Dimaggio, baseball player)
June 1, 2001... JOE DIMAGGIO, UNQUESTIONABLY one of the real baseball legends of all time, has gone to the big ballpark in the sky. He knew how to use his arm and his glove, but mostly his bat, to win countless ballgames. But his last time at bat (with the...

Some friendly advice on working your way up.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... TODAY IS NOT LIKE the old days when it was commonplace for project managers to work their way up the ranks from green helper to the green-carpeted office. Many, if not most, project managers working on larger projects in today's environment are...

MCACO, union start Web site.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... COLUMBUS, OHIO -- The Mechanical Contractors Association of Central Ohio and Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 189 have launched their Performance Partnership 2000 Web site at www.pp2000.org. The Web site is designed to introduce Performance...

Annual raffle benefits PHCC.(Plumbing-Heating Cooling Contractors -- National Association)
June 1, 2001... RACINE, WIS. -- The winner of this year's In-Sink-Erator raffle program will be able to drive a new Cadillac, hit drives on historic St. Andrew's golf course in Scotland or cash in the winning ticket for $25,000. The annual raffle...

The ProPress system is a press connection system that crimps copper tubes in seconds.(Evaluation)
June 1, 2001... * The ProPress system is a press connection system that crimps copper tubes in seconds. Designed for the sanitary and heating market, it can replace the traditional sweat method. Quick and efficient, the system can save labor time and reduce...

The Villeta suite of bath products features a dramatic two-handle faucet design. The ADA-compliant faucet is.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * The Villeta suite of bath products features a dramatic two-handle faucet design. The ADA-Compliant faucet is available with either metallic lever or clear lever handles, with the latter offering the appearance of crystal. A common valve...

The Millermatic 130XP welding package now incorporates gas hoses.(Evaluation)
June 1, 2001... * The Millermatic 130XP welding package now incorporates gas hoses and regulators. The package already includes the MIG gun and cable assembly, work cable with clamp, gas solenoid valve, a sample of flux-cored wire spool, adapters and a set-up...

The VacuMaster Pump is customizable for use in a broad.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * The VacuMaster Pump is customizable for use in a broad range of applications. The unit features a 1-hp motor, 20-CFM oil protected vane air pump, stainless steel transfer cell, timer control panel and 24v safety control. It works by moving...

The Series 58 temperature control is available with either.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * The Series 58 temperature control is available with either themocouple or RTD input. It is an economical solution for applications requiring precise control such as food service, thermoplastic packaging, pipe fusion, laminating and industrial...

The Model 47 Icad cell features ASTM E74.(calibrator)(Evaluation)
June 1, 2001... * The Model 47 Icad cell features ASTM E74 calibration with an accuracy to 0.02%. The cell is available in ranges from 200 lb. to 100,000 lb. It features a low-profile design and fully welded, stainless steel construction. A stabilizing...

Lifter Wipe pre-moistened hand cleaning towels are ideal for jobsites where soap and water are not.(Evaluation)
June 1, 2001... * Lifter Wipe pre-moistened hand cleaning towels are ideal for jobsites where soap and water are not readily available. The towels are able to remove grease, oil, tar, wax adhesives, dirt and irritating chemicals from the skin without residue....

The STP710 stud punch gives.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * The STP710 stud punch gives fast punches for running lines or piping through metal studs and sink adaptations without pre-drilling. Operation consists of positioning the punch on the metal stud, pressing the handles and continuing pressure...

The Contain-It secondary containment piping system now features factory pre-drilled.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * The Contain-It secondary containment piping system now features factory pre-drilled split pipe for easier field installation. Constructed from clear polyvinyl chloride, the system's retrofit capability and chemical resistance make it an ideal...

The CSM-61LF flow-measurement valves are offered in 1/2-in. and 3/4-in. sizes. They are designed for use on.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * The CSM-61LF flow-measurement valves are offered in 1/2-in. and 3/4-in. sizes. They are designed for use on low-flow rate HVAC units. Their compact size allows for easy installation and use in crowded piping compartments. The needle valve...

The Zen above-counter basin features soft lines and a wave shape that lends it.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * The Zen above-counter basin features soft lines and a wave shape that lends it a modern, uncluttered appearance. The basin measures 20-in. wide by 14-in. long by 3-in. deep. It is available in more than 100 colors to match any decor. It can...

The Model KSSB-3322 is a large, single-bowl kitchen sink with reinforced sold surfacing. It.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * The Model KSSB-3322 is a large, single-bowl kitchen sink with reinforced sold surfacing. It measures 33-in. by 22-in. by 10-in. deep, and has the same footprint as a drop-in double bowl sink. The sink is available in 30 colors that include...

The New Focus SZ-2.0A is designed to protect the eyes and face from sparks, spatter and harmful.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * The New Focus SZ-2.0A is designed to protect the eyes and face from sparks, spatter and harmful radiation under normal welding conditions. It is solar-powered and has two built-in 3v lithium batteries with a six-year life expectancy as a...

These wax-free bowl gaskets allow a sure fit on any surface, no.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * These wax-free bowl gaskets allow a sure fit on any surface, no matter what the temperature. They can be readjusted during installation. They are available in two sizes for 3-in. drain pipes and for 4-in. drain pipes. Each set includes two...

The "Electric Wart" Millhog right-angle end prep tool has an electric.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * The "Electric Wart" Millhog right-angle end prep tool has an electric motor for job sites where compressed air is not available. The variable speed in-line 1.5 hp motor has a thumb-actuated switch that can be locked "on" to reduce throttle...

The Series WC.(from Plast-o-Matic Valves)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
June 1, 2001... * The Series WC is a compact, low-cost polypropylene solenoid valve for applications using water or mild solutions. It is rated for full vacuum through 125 PSI. It features a wetted core for extended pressure range. It is offered in 1/2 in. NPT...

The Model 2101 wall-mount faucet.(from Newport Brass)
June 1, 2001... * The Model 2101 wall-mount faucet features a curved spout, an oil-rubbed bronzed finish and Bouvet handles. The faucet is available in 31 different finishes and colors including antique brass, weathered copper, satin nickel, polished silver,...

The Ensemble oval bath comes equipped as a four- or.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * The Ensemble oval bath comes equipped as a four- or six-jet whirlpool with an optional removable apron for drop-in or pocket applications. An integral wall-surround makes it ideal for single-family new construction. The tub is made of...

This compact boiler feed system requires a minimal.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2001... * This compact boiler feed system requires a minimal amount of boiler room space while providing many of the same features as stand-mounted systems. The system is offered in simplex and duplex pump configuratons in capacities from 20 to 80...

Gain a competitive advantage by satisfying your customers.(contractor study)
June 1, 2001... A NEW SURVEY of construction companies has found what many of you probably have concluded on your own: Customer satisfaction is the single most important indicator of business success. The author of the "Insights in Construction" study...