Contractor articles from June 2003

Contractor archives from June 2003

RPA's Radiant Expo goes out with a bang.(Radiant Panel Association)(International Sanitation and Heating - North America)
June 1, 2003... SACRAMENTO, CALIF. -- More than 1,000 people attended the 2003 Annual Radiant Panel Association Conference and REX (Radiant Expo) trade show May 7-11 here in what turned out to be REX's swan song as an independent show. ISH North America...

CPSC, BOMA, Central Sprinkler update recall of O-ring sprinklers.(nited States Consumer Product Safety Commission)(Building Owners and Managers Association International)
June 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Central Sprinkler Co., an affiliate of Tyco Fire Products of Lansdale, Pa., have modified the O-ring sprinkler voluntary replacement program announced on July 19, 2001. Under...

NATE to add hydronics tests.(North American Technician Excellence)
June 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, VA. -- North American Technician Excellence, an organization that tests and certifies service technicians in the HVACR industry, will release five new tests, including four related to hydronic heating. "Our first new...

Legionella can be kept out of radiant heating systems. (Industry News).
June 1, 2003... SACRAMENTO, CALIF. -- What's cooking in some water systems? Legionella bacteria, said Dave Yates, who emphasized his point by wearing a chef's outfit. Yates, owner of F.W. Behler, York, Pa., and CONTRACTOR's monthly plumbing columnist, told...

Viessmann opens new U.S. head office. (Industry News).
June 1, 2003... WARWICK, R.I -- Hundreds of guests from the heating industry attended the dedication of the U.S. head office and distribution center of the Viessmann heating technology company May 14 here. Speakers at the dedication ceremony included Dr....

Home-builder stocks outpace Dow Jones. (Industry News).
June 1, 2003... BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. -- The top 10 performing stocks in the home-building sector gained 52% vs. again of 3% for the Dow Jones Industrial Average in year-to-date performance through May 23, according to the Home Builder Stock Review, an...

Water heaters to be fire resistant. (Industry News).
June 1, 2003... BEGINNING JULY 1, all water heater manufacturers in the United States will begin manufacturing 30-, 40- and 50-gal. gas-fired atmospheric vent water heaters that are flammable vapor ignition resistant. The water heaters will be designed to meet...

1870s military barn converted into park visitors center. (Industry News).(Jefferson Barracks barn)
June 1, 2003... ST. LOUIS -- The historic Jefferson Barracks barn--where the Army once housed its horses and wagons--has been renovated and converted into a visitors center. Operated by the St. Louis County Parks and Recreation Department, the new...

GAMA elects Massa chairman for 2003-04. (Industry News).(Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association)(Ronald E. Massa)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... HILTON HEAD, S.C. -- Members of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association elected Ronald E. Massa, president of A.O. Smith Water Products Co., to be chairman of GAMA for 2003-2004. The electiontook place May 12 during the General session of...

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The plumbing manufacturers Institute will hold a two-day workshop to promote a better understanding of codes, standards, conformity assessment, certification and more. The workshop will be held July 15-16 in Schaumburg, III. It is designed for...

S.I. Goldman Co./Comfort Systems USA.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The S.I. Goldman Co./Comfort Systems USA recently completed the replacement of piping systems within the central energy plant at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. It completed the difficult re-sizing job in three weeks. The...

121st PHCC annual convention and ISH North America Trade Show.(International Sanitation and Heating)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Featuring a condensed format this year, the 121st PHCC annual convention and ISH North America Trade Show will be held Sept. 29-Oct. 3 at the Luxor Hotel and Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas. The convention and show will be...

A new, five-star rating system for public toilets has been initiated in Singapore.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... * A new, five-star rating system for public toilets has been initiated in Singapore. The system, similar to the method used to rate hotels, will be based on cleanliness, layout and the ergonomics of a given toilet. According to plan organizers,...

Former Minneapolis City Councilman Joseph Biernat has been sentenced to 21 months in prison and fined $10,000 for corruption.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Former Minneapolis City Councilman Joseph Biernat has been sentenced to 21 months in prison and fined $10,000 for corruption. Biernat was convicted for taking free plumbing work, then recommending that United Association Business Manager Thomas...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
June 1, 2003... Correction: On pg. 1 of our May issue we incorrectly reported the net income of TDIndustries due to a fax transmission error. TDIndustries reported net income for its 2002 fiscal year of 2.1%.

Residential Services Group not all-encompassing. (Industry News).(Encompass Services)
June 1, 2003... HOUSTON -- It's all over except for some of the paper shuffling and the company that used to be Encompass Services is already referring to itself as the Residential Services Group. Encompass Services Corp. announced in mid-May that it had...

Jay R. Smith, 92, dies. (Industry News).(honorary chairman of Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.)(Obituary)
June 1, 2003... WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. -- Jay R. Smith, honorary chairman of Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co., died March 28 at his home here. He was 92 years old. Born June 15, 1910, in New York City, Smith was a semi-professional baseball player before joining his...

Burnham offers racecar replica. (Industry News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... LANCASTER, PA. -- From June 1 until July 31, plumbing and heating contractors who purchase a Burnham V8 boiler or Revolution boiler from a participating Burnham distributor can receive a 1:10 scale Burnham radio-controlled racecar. To redeem...

GM provides wireless system. (Industry News).(General Motors)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... DETROIT -- General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operations will add Gearworks' etrace XT mobile productivity solution, which will run over Nextel's nationwide network, to its commercial vehicle line. Beginning second quarter 2003, qualifying...

Pay at parity, or your company will pay for it. (Schmitt On Management).
June 1, 2003... YOUR GREATEST potential for growth comes from your investment in quality people who are properly trained and compensated. Contractors, however, understand machines better than they understand people, so the temptation is to buy new and bigger...

The Four C's of managing massive projects. (Forum).(United Parcel Service learns lessons while building its Worldport global all-points air hub)
June 1, 2003... LOUISVILLE, KY. -- United Parcel Service recently completed an enormous capital project, the construction of its Worldport global all-points air hub here. Construction of such a huge facility over several years requires innovative construction...

Advice on job scheduling software. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2003... DALTON, GA. -- I've been reading H. Kent Craig's columns articles since he started writing for CONTRACTOR. I was a project manager for a large electrical construction company in Georgia until starting my own business in 1990. Question: I don't...

Heating water with propane.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
June 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Twenty percent of a home's energy is used to heat water, so having the most energy-efficient water heater possible is crucial to cut a homeowner's costs. Propane water heaters can cost 35% less to operate than electric models and...

Classic styling is enhanced with modern technology and easier installation in products at this year's Kitchen/Bath Industry Show.(Calendar)
June 1, 2003... There's no better place to see decorative plumbing fixtures and fittings than the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show, held April 11-13 in Orlando, Fla. If you're simply a pipe and valve kind of person, K/BIS may be too frilly for you. You would still...

Protecting your wallet from mold: you can both reduce and share the risk of mold in a variety of ways. (Sick Buildings).
June 1, 2003... (Editor's note: This is the second in a series of articles on mold written by CONTRACTOR legal expert Susan Linden McGreevy. The first part appears on pg. 31 of the April issue.) How can your mold risk be reduced or shared? Let's look at...

Laying down tube on the snow-melt job. (Eatherton On Hydronics).
June 1, 2003... THE SIZING OF THE snow-melt system's physical plant and tubing density is dependent upon the system designer's wishes about its final capabilities. In most cases, decisions about the ASHRAE classification, local weather conditions and the...

Growing into the hydronics market. (Hydronic Systems).
June 1, 2003... No matter what you may hear in the field, over the dinner table, at trade shows, or in association meetings, the truth of the matter is there is no "us and them" when comparing the hydronics and forced air comfort markets--both technologies...

OEMs offer training, service, design software. (Feldmans On Computers).
June 1, 2003... AIR CONDITIONING manufacturers offer an array of software, either free or for-fee, that addresses training, troubleshooting and diagnostics or design. For example, manufacturers offer computer-based training that can help technicians,...

'Incorporation by reference' may be your friend. (McGreevy On Law).(Column)
June 1, 2003... CONTRACTORS ARE, for the most part, a trusting lot. If left alone by lawyers, they would probably not use written contracts at all, preferring to take people at their word to honor their commitments. Along with learning the hard way that...

Say goodbye to split-dollar life insurance. (Blackman On Taxes).(Column)
June 1, 2003... OVER THE YEARS my office helped structure hundreds of split-dollar life insurance plans (Split-$ Plans). What a great wealth-building strategy. But say "goodbye." This article has two purposes: 1) to eulogize Split-$ Plans and 2) render a...

How you buy out the job affects profits. (Craig On Project Management).(Column)
June 1, 2003... THE JOB IS BID AND won, mobilization has begun, and now it's time to start writing purchase orders, which usually is a heckuva lot of fun. Then you're done as far as pre-construction phasing, right? Wrong! Do you routinely write purchase...

Nobody will build our workforce for us. (Guest Columnist).(Column)
June 1, 2003... It was easy for me to become a plumber. My Dad was a plumber who had his own company, and I enjoyed working for him. As I got older, I enjoyed doing plumbing work more than going to school, but I was able to graduate by doing work for most of...

Miller Fire Protection wins small business honor. (Industry News).(wins Aetna's Mid-Atlantic Region winner of its Small Business of the Year contest)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... HARTFORD, CONN. -- Aetna has announced that Miller Fire Protection, Forestville, Md., is the Mid-Atlantic Region winner of its Small Business of the Year contest. The contest, which began in January 2003, celebrated the value and impact of...

This is a great profession. (Industry News).(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2003... ST. LOUIS -- I just finished reading the front-page article in the May issue of CONTRACTOR about W.J. Woycik Plumbing & Heating and the Southeast Connecticut PHCC and what they did for the Slater family. What they did makes me proud to be a...

Jay Fidler retires from Hercules. (Industry News).(retires as chairman of the board of Hercules Chemical Co.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... PASSAIC, N.J. -- Jay Fidler retired April 30 as chairman of the board of Hercules Chemical Co. In June 1946, Fidler had returned to civilian life from U.S. Army service and started working for Hercules at its office and factory in lower...

The Titan commercial gas water heater. (editor's choice).
June 1, 2003... 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 line-man side cutter pliers. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE LINE-MAN SIDE CUTTER PLIERS feature two-component handles that have large contact areas to minimize surface pressure on the hand. They use a precision-machined rivet joint that provides high leverage to maximize gripping force. BAHCO...

The gen-ear acoustical leak detection system. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE GEN-EAR ACOUSTICAL LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM can accurately locate leaks in PVC, cast iron, copper and steel lines. It also pinpoints problems in a wide variety of work, soil and surface conditions. The system's digital spectrum analyzer with...

The BTH-400 model water heater. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE BTH-400 MODEL WATER HEATER has been added to the Cyclone XHE line. In addition to combining the delivery capacity of a 130-gal. tank with 400,000 Btu input, the model offers 99% thermal efficiency. It provides 475 GPH recovery at...

Project management software. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE has just been released for version 11 of the Forefront Construction Management Software suite. It is designed to bridge the gap between accounting staff and project managers by providing them with a standardized...

Nexans radiant heating cable. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * NEXANS RADIANT HEATING CABLE is designed for interior floor warming and space heating as well as exterior snow and ice melting applications. For interior installations it can be used in wet bed or slab, and with any type of flooring material...

The digital pocket test family. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE DIGITAL POCKET TEST FAMILY consists of the new DFP450W and the improved DT300 and DPS300. They have a temperature range of -400[degrees]F to 450[degrees]F at a +/-2[degrees]F accuracy. The testers are NSF certified, waterproof, field...

The power vent 2 induced draft water heater. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE POWER VENT 2 INDUCED DRAFT WATER HEATER is able to meet the needs of modern single-family homes that require side-wall venting for their gas appliances. It carries a six-year limited warranty on tank and parts, and is offered in 40-gal....

The defender safety system. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE DEFENDER SAFETY SYSTEM is engineered to prevent flammable vapor ignition. It will be incorporated into the company's 30, 40 and 50-gal. residential gas water heaters. It uses a patented flame-arrestor plate made of corrosion-resistant...

This combination multi-meter and IR thermometer. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THIS COMBINATION MULTIMETER AND IR THERMOMETER provides fast," easy measurements from-4[degrees]F to 520[degrees]F in a wide variety of applications. A built-in laser pointer targets the area being measured. It can aid in troubleshooting...

The TE-7700 series RF wireless room temperature sensing system. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE TE-7700 SERIES RF WIRELESS ROOM TEMPERATURE SENSING SYSTEM improves application flexibility by providing an alternative to hardwired sensors. It can monitor the temperature set point and actual temperature of a zone and transmit the data...

24*7 with antimicrobial product protection. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * 24 * 7 WITH ANTIMICROBIAL PRODUCT PROTECTION inhibits the growth of odor-and stain-causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the coating film. It's additives are EPA-registered and will last the life of the coating. Available in white (which is...

Atriflow kitchen faucets. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * ATRIFLOW KITCHEN FAUCETS feature a high curved spout, ideal for filling deep pots and vessels. The line includes models with side-lever control, twin handles and a widespread design to accomodate any working style. Each is accompanied by a...

The Flo-Bowl water closet flange and seal system. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE FLO-BOWL WATER CLOSET FLANGE AND SEAL SYSTEM measures 3" X 4". It consists of three components: a toilet adapter and sealant (which bonds to the drain of the water closet); a rubber V-seal (which creates an air- and water-tight seal with...

The series 1100 model hot water dispenser. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE SERIES 1100 MODEL HOT WATER DISPENSER features an integrated filtration system. Is is offered in an array of new finishes including polished nickel, biscuit, black, almond, mocha bronze and French gold. An easy-to-operate lever delivers...

A new line of pressure gauges and bimetal thermometers. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * A NEW LINE OF PRESSURE GAUGES AND BIMETAL THERMOMETERS are for general purpose applications in plumbing and heating systems. They are available with bottom and center back entries in a variety of dial sizes ranging from 1 1/2" to 4". ...

The swirlflow line of coolers. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE SWIRLFLOW LINE OF COOLERS feature sleek, contemporary styling. A new tubular arm supports and accentuates the elegant basin. Single-level, two-level, refrigerated and nonrefrigerated models are available. Service-friendly, the basin lifts...

The cotswald sinktop. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE COTSWALD SINKTOP is made of 16-gauge stainless steel. It features a seamlessly integrated bowl that reflects light for a more spacious room appearance. Stainless steel backsplashes and endsplashes add convenience, and a raised-edge...

3-wrap teflon thread sealing tape. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * 3-WRAP TEFLON THREAD SEALING TAPE is designed to create dependable, leak-proof joints with just three wraps around threads. It is offered in two formulas for water lines and gas lines and is color-coded red for water/liquid applications and...

The paradox lavatory. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE PARADOX LAVATORY features a contemporary wet surface design and two-piece construction. The minimalist, flat-plane emphasizes the smooth, flowing movement of water over the surface, while the perimeter channel directs water to the hidden...

The silver plus ultra shade. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE SILVER PLUS ULTRA SHADE autodarkening welding helmet features a selectable shade level (10 or 11). It protects the entire field of vision against UR and IR radiation. The tough, rigid shade cartridge can withstand heavy use and abuse. A...

Models K103 and K153 wastewater pumps. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * MODELS K103 AND K153 WASTEWATER PUMPS are designed for trouble-free diverting and re-routing of high volume or intermittent volume flow to bypass deteriorating sewer lines, coffer dams, streams and creeks. These submersible units feature a...

The D'mand hot water recirculation pumping system. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE D'MAND HOT WATER RECIRCULATION PUMPING SYSTEM s 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 water...

The bronze bowl sink. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE BRONZE BOWL SINK measures 16" in diameter and 6" high. Manufactured of cast bronze and hand-detailed, the sink sits above the countertop and features a flared rim and side handles. Linkasink CIRCLE 124 ON INQUIRY CARD ...

The fabgun 250 air-cooled mig gun. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE FABGUN 250 AIR-COOLED MIG GUN features an ergonomic handle to reduce operator fatigue. It uses standard consumables and comes with 12' leads. The 250-amp gun is available with connections for Thermal Arc, ESAB, Miller, Lincoln and many...

The series 80-SC split-coupled vertical in-line centrifugal pump. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE SERIES 80-SC SPLIT-COUPLED VERTICAL IN-LINE CENTRIFUGAL PUMP is able to fit in tight spaces to support hydronic heating and cooling systems, industrial processes, pressure boosting and general service needs. The pump assembly is quickly...

The hydropak hydrosaver. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE HYDROPAK HYDROSAVER is a domestic water pressure booster package. It provides a tailored approach to pump selection intended to reduce energy consumption by 3% to 30% for the life of the installation. It is available in both standard and...

The G2 optima plus flushometer. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * THE G2 OPTIMA PLUS FLUSHOMETER incorporates an isolated operator that provides reliable operation regardless of water quality. The battery-powered unit features a flex tube diaphragm flushing mechanism that helps conserve water. It requires...

A full line of commercial kitchen and lavatory faucets. (Products).
June 1, 2003... * FULL LINE OF COMMERCIAL KITCHEN AND LAVATORY FAUCETS are built with heavy cast brass for durability. The faucets are simple to maintain and feature smooth lines for easy cleaning. Ceramaflow ceramic disc cartridges ensure a lifetime operation...

This brochure details Elkay's Revolutionary New Quick-Clip[TM] system. (Literature Showcase).
June 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...

Underground boring isn't expensive anymore. (Literature Showcase).
June 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...

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry's Exclusive Quiet House[R] System. (Literature Showcase).
June 1, 2003... CHARLOTTE PIPE AND FOUNDRY'S EXCLUSIVE QUIET HOUSE[R] SYSTEM for residential drain, waste and vent (DWV) systems is featured in this informative four-color brochure. The Quiet House System comprises cast iron waste piping and plastic vent lines...

Electronic FlowHood. (Literature Showcase).
June 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...

New water heaters won't end education need. .(Editorial)
June 1, 2003... INSTALLED PROPERLY by a professional contractor, water heaters are a safe product. They have been for years. Unfortunately, some of the safety-related incidents that have engulfed water heaters have taken place long after the equipment has...