Contractor articles from June 2005

Contractor archives from June 2005

Contractor uses customer's products to do the job.(Midwest Maintenance & Industrial's La-Co Industries Inc. building renovation project)
June 1, 2005... ELK GROVE VILLAGE, ILL. -- It's not often that a contractor gets to use products made by its customer during a job, but that's exactly what happened when local contractor Midwest Maintenance & Industrial did a project for LA-CO Industries...

Jacuzzi to sell Eljer to investment firm.(Jacuzzi Brands to sell its Eljer Plumbingware business to an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners Inc.)
June 1, 2005... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. -- Jacuzzi Brands announced in late May that it has entered into an agreement to sell its Eljer Plumbingware business to an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners. The transaction is expected to close...

Radiant tube sales up 37% in 2004.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
June 1, 2005... LOVELAND, COLO. -- Sales of hydronic radiant tubing surged 37.4%, according to a survey of tubing manufacturers conducted by the Radiant Panel Association. The causes of the hot tubing market are twofold, said Larry Drake, RPA executive...

Making connections at JFK.(John F. Kennedy International Airport)
June 1, 2005... NEW YORK -- Although the new American Airlines terminal project at JFK began in 1999, all four phases are not expected to be completed until 2007. The terminal is huge, with 37 jet gates and 18 commuter gates. The end result will be an 1.84...

PHCC continues to lobby for health plans.(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association)
June 1, 2005... WASHINGTON -- Unsuccessful last year in attempts to get association health plans passed through the U.S. Senate, members of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association, again called on their representatives and senators. The...

Multiple modulating boilers more efficient: Siegenthaler.(John Siegenthaler)
June 1, 2005... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR TORONTO, CANADA -- Contractors should team up multiple smaller boilers to handle a large load, hydronic engineer John Siegenthaler told contractors attending the Great Lakes Hydronic Conference here in late April. ...

Casino Del Sol gambles on expansion.
June 1, 2005... TUCSON, ARIZ. -- Since the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulation Act in 1988, Native-American-run casinos have sprung up all over the Southwest. Now, thanks to the population boom in that region of the country, financiers and developers have...

Mr. Waterheater keeps Pittsburgh market hot.
June 1, 2005... PITTSBURGH -- Using a variety of marketing methods, Mr. Waterheater sells and delivers from 400 to 500 water heaters per month in the Pittsburgh area. "We hit everybody on everything--TV and radio commercials as well as print ads in the...

'Plumbing Contractors' ranks 11th in Yellow Pages look-ups.
June 1, 2005... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J. -- Although "Plumbing Contractors" last year slipped out of the top 10 headings that people look up in the Yellow Pages, the category still ranks 11th out of more than 4,000 headings. The...

Maytag Corp. has agreed to be purchased by buyout group Ripplewood Holdings LLC for more than $1.1 billion.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Maytag Corp. has agreed to be purchased by buyout group Ripplewood Holdings LLC for more than $1.1 billion. Maytag has reportedly been hampered by high steel and energy costs and high-cost U.S. based manufacturing plants. State Industries,...

The Associated General Contractors of America.(to fund new Construction Career Academies with Department of Labor)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... The Associated General Contractors of America and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) today announced $235,500 in grant funding from DOL to establish seven new Construction Career Academies across the U.S. The grant is funded under the...

Quality Service Contractors.
June 1, 2005... The message for the July 28-30, 2005, Quality Service Contractors' Power Meeting XXIII is "Yes, You Can." The meeting will begin with "Hell Hath No Fury Like a Customer Scorned;" Nancy Friedman will present a 10-Point Self-Assessment Quiz....

Hugh Kelleher.(speeches)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Hugh Kelleher, executive director of the PHCC of Greater Boston and a licensed master plumber, spoke to the U.S. House Committee on Small Business on May 4 at a hearing entitled "Anticompetitive Threats from Public Utilities: Are Small...

The United Way of Tennessee has announced that Delta Faucet Co. is the recipient of the 2005 Spirit of Tennessee Award for its continued support and contribution from associates at its Jackson, Tenn., plant.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... The United Way of Tennessee has announced that Delta Faucet Co. is the recipient of the 2005 Spirit of Tennessee Award for its continued support and contribution from associates at its Jackson, Tenn., plant. Delta has been actively involved...

Sunroc closes Delaware plant.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
June 1, 2005... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR DOVER, DEL. -- Newspapers here reported in late April that Sunroc Corp., a manufacturer of water coolers, would close its Dover plant June 30 to move its operations to Mexico. The plant closing is expected to mean...

Preventive maintenance agreements add up.
June 1, 2005... AS SERVICE PROVIDERS we know that preventive maintenance reduces energy consumption, increases equipment life, reduces downtime, increases occupant comfort and so on. But do you really know the true impact that preventive maintenance agreements...

Without tort reform, good firms will fail.(Litigation issues based on contracts)
June 1, 2005... BY NOW EVERYONE acquainted with me knows my determination to fight for tort reform for the construction industry. Deep pocket lawsuits have become a main topic of conversation for plumbing and HVAC firms. Over the past five years, I've seen...

Conflicting standards create potential dangers.(FORUM)
June 1, 2005... IMAGINE TRYING TO referee a football game with two sets of rulebooks. One rulebook says a receiver needs to have both feet inbounds to make a catch; the other says he needs just one foot. When a receiver catches a ball with one foot inbounds,...

Need to update estimating methods.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... TULSA, OKLA. -- I have been trying to locate Ottaviano's estimating books for several years but cannot locate updated versions. Where is Kent Craig's source for current books? The latest book that I have was published in approximately 1980, and...

Buyers should hire trades to inspect homes.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... ODESSA, FLA. -- Dave Yates' column in April ("Home inspections can lead to legal tangles," pg. 30) hit home on more than one occasion. My first introduction to "home inspectors" came after I had been asked to check out an a/c system for a...

Jomar opens automation unit.(FORUM)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... DETROIT -- Jomar International has formed an automation division. Located in Jomar's 46,500-sq.-ft. Warren, Mich., headquarters and distribution center, the division will provide actuation packages to the industrial and process low automation...

Real-time energy load calculations, Part 1.(EATHERTON ON HYDRONICS)
June 1, 2005... OVER THE YEARS, I've had the opportunity to spend many hours in working boiler rooms when the outside temperature is at or near "design conditions." On many of the older solid-fuel converted boilers, I've never seen the boilers running at full...

'Eight Steps to Hydronic Heaven'.
June 1, 2005... IN HIS WORKSHOPS during the Comfortech RoadShow Series, contractor Dave Yates discussed "Eight Steps to Hydronic Heaven." Yates directed his comments toward contractors who are interested in adding hydronic heating work to their existing...

Module does everything except shake hands.
June 1, 2005... SOMETIMES IT SEEMS that computer technology is getting integrated into the ways of the mechanical contracting business that soon just about the only part of a design/build project it won't be able to handle is the handshake that seals a deal....

Lochinvar aids March of Dimes.(FELDMANS ON COMPUTERS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... LEBANON, TENN -- Lochinvar Corp. participated for the seventh year as a sponsor for the March of Dimes Walk America May 16 at the Wilson County, Tenn., Fairgrounds. Lochinvar donated $3,000 in an effort to raise money that will go toward...

Manufacturers reach contractors in new ways.
June 1, 2005... RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN p-h-c manufacturers and contractors have changed over the years. Business is conducted much differently than it used to be. Often it is difficult to reach customers because of their time constraints and changing...

Experience Network '05!.(Invitation )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... We invite you to experience a brand new page in the history of our industry: Network '05! This event Sep. 7-10 in Orlando, Fla., represents the first time that the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association and the American...

The 'Spitzerization' of the insurance industry.
June 1, 2005... SINCE LAST FALL, when New York Attorney General (and now candidate for governor) Eliot Spitzer took on the insurance brokerage industry, the world of agents and brokers has changed, permanently--whether it needed to or not. Attorneys general in...

70+? Stop paying life insurance premiums.
June 1, 2005... ONE THING IS certain about practicing tax law. Nobody knows it all. What's the result? Specialization. A practitioner finds a little--but worthwhile--niche and quietly benefits his clients with spectacular results using his proprietary...

Managing projects virtually, not physically.
June 1, 2005... IN THE NEW WORLD economic climate, a world where projects have been broken down into their constituent parts and reassembled into orderly processes more than actual projects, the scale of increased productivity expectations will astonish you,...

How to make your marketing pay you back.
June 1, 2005... IT'S KIND OF PAINFUL. No matter how well you plan, part of your marketing success will always be based on trial and error. You can count on certain seasonal trends: flooded basement calls in spring, irrigation and pool system calls in the...

Inspections 'aggravating'.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... TAMPA, FLA. -- After reading Dave Yates' column in the April CONTRACTOR magazine ("Home inspections can lead to legal tangles," pg. 30), I became even more infuriated. We have a family plumbing business that has been open for 76 years....

Inspection column 'flawed'.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... VIA E-MAIL -- I read Dave Yates' column "Home inspections can lead to legal tangles" (April, pg. 30). As a home inspector, I can only say how sad it is to hear someone speaking as an authority on a subject he is not. Dave Yates may be a great...

Burnham offers training.(COLUMNIST)
June 1, 2005... LANCASTER, PA. -- Burnham's training seminars for contractors focus on boiler installation, application and troubleshooting techniques. They can be customized as a one-day course on a heating topic or a specialized seminar based on a...

Haberberger sees school project boom.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- Students may be gearing up for the end of the school year but Haberberger Mechanical will be moving at full throttle for the duration of the summer break. In addition to continuing work that began in March at McCluer High School,...

The E-series line of circulators.(editor's choice)
June 1, 2005... THE E-SERIES LINE OF CIRCULATORS has been expanded to include the E12 and E14 circulators, designed for high-head, medium-flow applications. A fully-enclosed motor housing means the circulators are quieter, making them ideal for radiant...

Molded caps in 10" and 12" sizes.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... MOLDED CAPS IN 10" AND 12" SIZES are now included in the company's Schedule 80 PVC and CPVC piping systems. The wide variety of sizes, geometries and end connections allows the systems to be used in a wide array of applications. The expanded...

The promix 701 injection mixing station.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE PROMIX 701 INJECTION MIXING STATION is a weather-responsive, single-temperature reset station with integral variable speed injection and secondary system circulators. It can be set to operate as an outdoor reset control, a setpoint control...

The SSP12 cordless impact driver.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE SSP12 CORDLESS IMPACT DRIVER is ideal for quickly driving bolts, screws and nuts. It offers 885 in.-lbs. of torque, combined with a high rotational speed of up to 2,500 rpm. It features an air-cooled battery system for faster charging and...

The J-1450 electric water jet.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE J-1450 ELECTRIC WATER JET is a compact and portable drain cleaning machine that uses high-pressure water to clear lines of sand, sludge, grease and ice. The unit is powered by a 1 1/2-hp enclosed motor that drives a 1,500 psi, 1.7 gpm....

The type TM thermostatic water mixing valve.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE TYPE TM THERMOSTATIC WATER MIXING VALVE controls temperatures in domestic hot water systems and multiple showers in new building construction. The valve features a solid, bimetal thermostat which is resistant to puncture and fatigue. It...

The single detector check valve.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE SINGLE DETECTOR CHECK VALVE features a ductile iron, lead-free body, and is designed to protect potable water supplies from potential backflow. It has a pressure maximum of 1 75 psi with a maximum temperature of 140[degrees]F. Danfoss...

The MG- and SS-series express lavatory modules.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE MG- AND SS-SERIES EXPRESS LAVATORY MODULES now feature the option of an electric tankless water heater to provide hot water on demand, reducing energy waste and eliminating the need for a storage tank. Bradley CIRCLE 108 ON INQUIRY...

The model UHC-TL automatic control valve.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE MODEL UHC-TL AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVE is fully self-contained, requiring no external power or operating signal. Steam or hot water unit heater supply is automatically shut off at the desired room temperature, eliminating wasted energy and...

The pantro kitchen faucet.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE PANTRO KITCHEN FAUCET features a stylish, functional design. By turning the spray head, flow converts from a normal stream to a full spray. The handle controls the temperature, and because it is independent of the spout, safely prevents...

This water level alarm system.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THIS WATER LEVEL ALARM SYSTEM alerts the homeowner when the water level in the sump basin is too high. The audible alarm is loud enough to be heard throughout the home. It requires a 110-v. power supply. A 9-v. battery provides an alarm even...

Spectrum series boilers.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... SPECTRUM SERIES BOILERS are now available with an optional brushed stainless steel jacket. The jacket provides corrosion resistance for indoor or outdoor installations in harsh environments such as coastal areas and processing applications...

The wave stainless steel vanity sink.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE WAVE STAINLESS STEEL VANITY SINK measures 12" x 18" x 6" inside, 15" X 21" X 6 1/4" outside. It is designed for drop-in or undercounter installation for vanity applications in bath or powder rooms. It has simple, strong lines for a...

The GB series of safety grab bars.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE GB SERIES OF SAFETY GRAB BARS is available in 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" diameters with a choice of either exposed or concealed flanges. Lengths are offered from 12" to 48". The line is manufactured from 18 gauge 304 stainless steel. Fully...

The ultra-flush collection of high-performance toilets.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... A THE ULTRA-FLUSH COLLECTION OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE TOILETS has been expanded with the addition of an ultra-low consumption 1.0 GPF and 1.6/1.0 GPF dual-flow models. Ideal for commercial and institutional applications, the toilets use the standard...

Megabubble Leak Detector.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... MEGABUBBLE LEAK DETECTOR is now available in a convenient 16 oz. spray bottle. The formula ensures long-lasting blue bubbles that cling even to vertical surfaces, making detection of even the smallest gas leaks easy and immediate. Higher...

The BTU 1000 basic portable gas analyzer.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE BTU 1000 BASIC PORTABLE GAS ANALYZER is an ideal basic boiler tuning unit and flue gas analyzer. It can analyze oxygen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Its ambient CO monitor has 1 ppm resolution. It has a removable 7" gas flue probe,...

This high-temperature utility box.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THIS HIGH-TEMPERATURE UTILITY BOX can be used within a one- or two-hour rated gypsum wall in accordance with ASTM E-814 fire test standard. No more stuffing the area with fire-resistant material and caulking to satisfy building inspector...

These bolt cutters.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THESE BOLT CUTTERS have jaws that are manufactured from heat-treated, hardened alloy steel to guarantee long blade life. They can cut metals up to 42 RC hardness. Rugged handle grips ensure confident, controlled cutting. They are offered in...

The optima series of electronic soap dispensers.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE OPTIMA SERIES OF ELECTRONIC SOAP DISPENSERS are designed for fast, plug-in installation. They are supplied with an 800 ml. soap cartridge that is easy to replace. They are chrome-plated with a cast-brass body, brass shank and optional...

Smaller diameters for corr/guard special gas vent.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... SMALLER DIAMETERS FOR CORR/GUARD SPECIAL GAS VENT are now offered for use with condensing appliances. It is available in single- and double-wall design. The vent features a "gold seal" gasket that is molded rather than extruded, so there is no...

Chemdrain CPVC chemical waste drain system.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... CHEMDRAIN CPVC CHEMICAL WASTE DRAIN SYSTEM is a safe, economical alternative for the disposal of a wide range of chemicals. It provides a high temperature rating and excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals. The piping is lightweight,...

This differential bypass valve.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THIS DIFFERENTIAL BYPASS VALVE is designed to control excess flow velocities that can be created when there is a reduction in heat demand in zoned systems. It is installed between the discharge pump and before the pump inlet, usually on the...

Storagemaster work chests.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... STORAGEMASTER WORK CHESTS provide security for tools and materials on the job site. Available in five different models, the chests have capacities from 35.3 cubic ft. to 57.5 cubic ft. The chests feature a deadbolt-style, recessed rocking...

Six new reciprocating saw blades.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... SIX NEW RECIPROCATING SAW BLADES have been introduced that utilize an innovative tooth geometry with fatigue resistant backer welded to 8% cobalt high speed steel cutting edge. They are available in a variety of tooth pitches and 6", 9" and 12"...

The 62 mini infrared thermometer.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE 62 MINI INFRARED THERMOMETER is a general-purpose non-contact thermometer ideal for measuring rotating, electrically live, dangerously hot or hard-to-reach objects and surfaces. It is rugged enough for tough industrial environments and...

A line of insulated tools.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... A LINE OF INSULATED TOOLS are now available that comply with NFPA-70E standards to protect users against shock. Designed to protect against shock from energized sources up to 1,000 v., the tools feature plastic handles marked with the 1,000 v....

The powcon arc stud 625 stud welder.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE POWCON ARC STUD 625 STUD WELDER weighs only 75 lbs., making it easy to transport to the job site. It has an output range of 500 to 1,000 amps and a rated output of 1,000 amps/32 v. at a 7%/4 studs per minute duty cycle. Miller Electric...

Next-pure is a complete pex potable water system.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... NEXT-PURE IS A COMPLETE PEX POTABLE WATER SYSTEM that delivers a complete package of fittings, valves, connections and pipe. It includes a UV stabilization package, the same that is used to meet stringent yellow gas pipe requirements,...

New cast iron and cast aluminum pipe wrenches.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... NEW CAST IRON AND CAST ALUMINUM PIPE WRENCHES are built for extreme durability. They are heat-treated to withstand rough conditions. Hardened teeth provide maximum torque and a lifetime guarantee. A wide I-beam handle design provides a...

Double-diaphragm series 2207 vacuum pumps.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... DOUBLE-DIAPHRAGM SERIES 2207 VACUUM PUMPS are long-lasting, smooth operating, and able to tolerate moderately aggressive media. Key applications include vacuum hold-down devices, sawdust extraction and mild chemical mixing. The pumps feature an...

The KN-101 million BTU boiler.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... THE KN-101 MILLION BTU BOILER is a cast-iron, commercial, gas-fired boiler specifically designed to condense in low temperature applications. The system features TruFlow technology to control the air-fuel mixture at all firing rates and venting...

Sigma green grinding wheels.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2005... SIGMA GREEN GRINDING WHEELS provide metal removal on stainless steel, inconel, titanium and other alloyed materials while running smoothly to prevent operator fatigue. Rex-Cut CIRCLE 133 ON INQUIRY CARD [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Stand by your word and never cut your prices.(Editorial)
June 1, 2005... ONE OF THE REAL benefits to me of our recently completed Comfortech RoadShow Series was the chance to spend time with the contractors, speakers and sponsor representatives who joined us in April and May in six cities across the country. ...