Contractor articles from March 2003

Contractor archives from March 2003

Innovations at AHR Expo.(HVAC industry show)
March 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- Despite frigid Chicago weather and a tepid U.S. economy, this year's AHR Expo 2003 set all-time attendance and exhibitor records. The numbers from this year's event ace the highest in the 73-year history of the show. The show,...

PEX blamed for failures.(PEX tubing from Plasco Manufacturing may be cause of heating system failures)
March 1, 2003... SEATTLE -- PEX tubing manufactured by Plasco Manufacturing Co., Regina, Saskatchewan, has been blamed for heating system failures in approximately 70 homes in the Seattle area. Whether the tubing is at fault is debatable. One thing for...

Contractor infocus.(truck replacement survey)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 1, 2003... [GRAPHIC OMMITED] Number of trucks to be replaced within the next 12 months Number of trucks Percentage 0 44.5% 1 26.4% 2 18.9% 3 3% ...

Tragedy again pushes sprinkler retrofits.
March 1, 2003... WEST WARWICK, R.I. -- Fire sprinkler industry officials are reluctant to take advantage of tragedy such as the Feb. 20 fire at The Station nightclub here to promote sprinklers. They are, however, reminding people that the 97 dead would still be...

Builders' show, housing market get year off to fast start. (Industry News).
March 1, 2003... LAS VEGAS -- While a record 92,064 builders and exhibitors flocked here Jan. 21-24 for the International Builders' Show, the U.S. housing market was even more active in January. Builders began work on new homes and apartments at a seasonally...

Scott Co. buys Natkin.(Natkin Contracting LLC)
March 1, 2003... SAN LEANDRO, CALIF. -- Scott Co. of California has bought Natkin Contracting LLC from general contractor Tutor-Saliba Corp., Sylmar, Calif. It's been a slow descent for the once-proud firm, which had been victimized by corporate raider Victor...

Masco president Ray Kennedy dies suddenly.(Masco Corp.)(Obituary)
March 1, 2003... TAYLOR, MICH. -- Raymond F. Kennedy, president and chief operating officer of Masco Corp., died at his home Feb. 4 of an apparent heart attack. Since 1996, Kennedy had been president and COO of Masco, a $10 billion manufacturer and installer of...

New hydronics column debuts.
March 1, 2003... A NEW MONTHLY column on hydronic heating systems begins this month on pg. 28. The column will discuss the advantages of contractors taking a systems approach in hydronic heating installations in new residential construction. Among the...

Baker Group finishes job `just in time'. (industry news).(contract for HVAC, fixtures and plumbing in new Wells Fargo building)
March 1, 2003... DES MOINES, IOWA -- If you're Wells Fargo, a banking and financial services company working in today's fast-changing economy, the place to build your new office building is definitely downtown. Even if it's a relatively small downtown like the...

CSI releases draft three of novel MasterFormat.(Construction Specifications Institute)
March 1, 2003... ALEXANDRIA, VA. -- The Construction Specifications Institute MasterFormat Expansion Task Team on Feb. 25 released Draft Three of a revised MasterFormat document and called on interested parties to provide comments on the latest version. ...

Ill plumber is thankful for 60-hour weeks.(Bill Miller)
March 1, 2003... HERRIN, ILL. -- Bill Miller stays busy by responding to customer calls, putting in up to 12 hours a day, something he's been doing virtually non-stop for 30 years. One recent Sunday, for example, in the middle of an ice storm, Miller got a call...

Gerber Plumbing Fixtures Corp announced in late February that most of the assets of Gerber have been sold to a new entity, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Gerber Plumbing Fixtures Corp announced in late February that most of the assets of Gerber have been sold to a new entity, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC. Chicago-headquartered Globe Union Group Inc. is the majority owner of Gerber Plumbing...

Delta Faucet President John C. Wills has been chosen to kick off the first annual Midwest Builders' Show on March 20 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Delta Faucet President John C. Wills has been chosen to kick off the first annual Midwest Builders' Show on March 20 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, III. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:00 am with Wills as keynote...

The former chairman and CEO of Watts Industries has settled charges of insider trading with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission.(Timothy Home)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... The former chairman and CEO of Watts Industries has settled charges of insider trading with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Without admitting or denying the SEC's allegations, Timothy Home agreed to pay a civil penalty of almost...

The nonprofit National Fire Protection Association in late February called upon its Technical Committee on Assembly Occupancies to convene in Quincy, Mass., for an immediate review of safety issues relevant in public assembly buildings in light of the recent nightclub tragedies in Chicago and West Warwick, R.I.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... The nonprofit National Fire Protection Association in late February called upon its Technical Committee on Assembly Occupancies to convene in Quincy, Mass., for an immediate review of safety issues relevant in public assembly buildings in light...

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.(updated its fire and life safety requirements for facilities receiving Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Medicare & Medicaid Service has updated its fire and life safety requirements for facilities receiving Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements by adopting the 2000 edition of NFPA 101,...

PHCC debuts PM course. (Industry News).(Educational Foundation of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association debuted its new "Essentials of PHC Project Management" course)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... FALLS CHURCH, VA. -- The Educational Foundation of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association debuted its new "Essentials of PHC Project Management" course in January to strong reviews. Twenty-six contractors attended...

Good bidding means controlled bidding. (Schmitt On Management).
March 1, 2003... IF YOU ARE A LARGE contractor and bidding brings in a major part of your business, profitability is sometimes elusive. If you bid to win every job, you and your team may be the reason your marketplace seems to be snake bit. Two or three...

Exelon offers online service. (Schmitt On Management).(Exelon Services launches new online maintenance tracking system)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- Exelon Services has launched a new online maintenance tracking system for customers of its mechanical and electrical services business. "InTouch" supplies information customers need to manage their mechanical and electrical systems...

Get Home Shows to invest in your exhibit. (Forum).(at trade shows)
March 1, 2003... IT'S HOME SHOW season again, and time to decide whether this spring (and fall) ritual is a wise use of your company's marketing dollars and manpower. The key to a successful home show appearance is making your company presence look as big...

Schmitt stands up for making a profit. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2003... BLAINE, MINN. -- Joe Schmitt's columns have been a real life-saver for our company. In fact, they are the biggest reason that we keep our subscription to CONTRACTOR magazine. I have been so impressed that I have recently encouraged our local...

Buy American theme in ads. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2003... GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS -- I just read the article in CONTRACTOR magazine regarding Weldbend's lawsuit against Chinese fitting importers (January, pg. 1), and I just want to wish Weldbend the best in the lawsuit. I sincerely hope the courts decide...

Solution for waterless urinal. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2003... GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Regarding the writer of the letter to the editor in the January issue of CONTRACTOR on the waterless urinal ("Waterless urinals called `disgusting,'" pg.), "Name withheld" is right! The urinal sounds pretty disgusting;...

Selling up in Michigan: customers can select upscale and standard products in Genzink Plumbing's high-end showroom. (Showroom Sales).
March 1, 2003... The first lesson that the staff of Genzink Plumbing's 5,500-sq.ft showroom in Holland, Mich., learns is never assume what kind of products a customer will want to buy. Making assumptions about a customer's purchasing power can mean lost dollars...

The art and science of commercial snow-melt. (Eatherton On Hydronics).
March 1, 2003... IN LAST MONTH'S ARTICLE (February, pg. 28), I talked about coordination for a difficult snow-melt job at a retail store. During the next few months, I will cover the many facets involved with the design, installation, operation and maintenance...

Package does everything for service manager. (Feldmans On Computers).
March 1, 2003... WINTAC PRO 2003 IS a comprehensive service management program for contractors with all functionalities and capabilities, including accounting, integrated in one seamless solution. The software (Intac International, www.wintacpro.com,...

[CERTISPEC.sup.3]. (Computer Product News).
March 1, 2003... [CERTISPEC.sup.3] is a computerized sizing guide for the company's commercial water heaters offered via the company's web site at www.rheem.com. The 32-bit program includes such features as: a fuel cost calculator which draws comparisons of...

The custom quote CD-ROM. (Computer Product News).
March 1, 2003... THE CUSTOM QUOTE CD-ROM is a tool for pricing the company's custom sink tops, counter tops, scullery sinks and institutional products. It simplifies the price quote process by taking the user through a series of prompts and pull-down menus,...

The product information series CD-ROMS. (Computer Product News).
March 1, 2003... THE PRODUCT INFORMATION SERIES CD-ROMS are designed to help engineers, wholesalers and contractors understand the company's product line. Each disc features a 7-10. minute presentation on a given product. Bradford White CIRCLE 133 ON...

Radiant works. (Computer Product News).
March 1, 2003... RADIANT WORKS is a comprehensive heat loss and design program for engineers and installers. It can design radiant floor and snow melt systems; design electric floor heating projects or create unique output nomographs for each room zone; and...

The virtual shower planner. (Computer Product News).
March 1, 2003... THE VIRTUAL SHOWER PLANNER is a partner to the company's successful virtual bath planner. It is accessible through the company's web site, www.kohler.com, located in the "Designing your Kitchen & Bath" section. It allows the user to select...

Inside the `war room' on bid day. (Craig On Project Management).
March 1, 2003... A "WAR ROOM" of a contractor on the day one large job or several small jobs are bid resembles a combination of a military headquarters, math professor's office, psychological counselor's office, gangster's office and casino, all rolled into...

Estate tax likely will stay on books. (Blackman on taxes).(Column)
March 1, 2003... MY USUALLY RELIABLE tax crystal ball makes two predictions: 1) The estate tax will not be repealed in 2003 (the Republican Congress won't do it--too dangerous, politically); and 2) If the Republicans kill the estate tax, the next time the...

Electronic Flowhood. (Literature Showcase).
March 1, 2003... 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 readout, supply or...

The Gen-Ear[TM] advanced detection system. (Literature Showcase).
March 1, 2003... THE GEN-EAR[TM] ADVANCED DETECTION SYSTEM quickly and accurately locates leaks in PVC, cast iron, copper and steel lines. The system's Digital Spectrum Analyzer with 16 audio filter combinations removes ambient noise interfering with accurate...

How to install pipe under sidewalks, driveways and streets 2 times faster. (Literature Showcase).
March 1, 2003... HOW TO INSTALL PIPE UNDER SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS AND STREETS 2 TIMES FASTER with less effort using the affordable $199 BorZit System! Field-tested over 20 years, this durable lightweight tool is powered by a 1/2" drill. It saves you time, money...

Pipe joining products. (Literature Showcase).
March 1, 2003... Gentec soldering, brazing and heating products include a complete line of air gas apparatus. The line includes quick and screw connect tips with soft and swirl flames, auto-ignite torches, utility gauges, refrigerant manifolds and accessories....

New pipe hanger catalog release first since company name change. (Literature Showcase).
March 1, 2003... The most comprehensive catalog of pipe hangers and supports available to the industry has been published by Anvil. Anvil, formerly known as Grinnell, is the recognized world leader in pipe hangers and supports, and offers the most complete...

The Cold-Shot[TM] pipe freezing kit. (Literature Showcase).
March 1, 2003... THE COLD-SHOT[TM] PIPE FREEZING KIT from General pipe Cleaners uses Carbon Dioxide (C[O.sub.2]) to freeze liquids in metal or plastic pipes, 1/8" through 2" in diameter. General Pipe Cleaners WRITE 129 ON INQUIRY CARD [ILLUSTRATION...

A full line of pipes and fittings for the industrial. (Literature Showcase).
March 1, 2003... A FULL LINE OF PIPES AND FITTINGS FOR THE INDUSTRIAL market is featured in this informative brochure. Engineered to work together as a system for easy installation and optimum performance, the industrial product line includes PVC Schedule 80...

New literature describes Sloan's side mount operator. (Literature Showcase).
March 1, 2003... NEW LITERATURE DESCRIBES SLOAN'S SIDE MOUNT OPERATOR, an electronic conversion kit for diaphragm-style urinals and water closets. The SMO easily converts any manual flushometer to a water-saving sensor-operated fixture without having to...

The Saxony pull-out faucet. (editor's choice).
March 1, 2003... 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...

The Marielle single control faucet. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE MARIELLE SINGLE CONTROL FAUCET features a coordinating side spray and matching soap dispenser for an integrated kitchen appearance. The spout can be installed left-hand, right-hand or centered, as can the single-lever control and the spray....

The coldshot pipe freezing kit. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE COLDSHOT PIPE FREEZING KIT allows the user to repair an operating water system without draining water lines, sprinkler systems or hot water systems before cutting pipe or tubing. Using CO2 in dip-tube cylinders, the system freezes liquids...

The TMU 2000 series of air jet baths. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE TMU 200 SERIES OF AIR JET BATHS features an elongated seat, larger backrest, high headrest, armrest and grab bars to support the bather. The bath measures 60" x 36" x 21" and features as many as 38 therapeutic air jets to knead and massage...

The series E200 and E400 single lever loop handle faucets. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE SERIES E200 AND E400 SINGLE LEVER LOOP HANDLE FAUCETS incorporate the latest European style shell design and come with an attractive polished chrome finish. The E200 is ideal for lavatory faucet installations and features a chrome-plated...

The mare kitchen faucet. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE MARE KITCHEN FAUCET offers ultra-modern styling, and is intended for high-end applications. Shown here with a chrome finish, it features a corrosion-resistant mini-ball valve to prevent leaks and drips. San-Ei Faucet CIRCLE 106 ON...

Seamless drains pans. (Products).
March 1, 2003... SEAMLESS DRAIN PANS are designed to capture appliance condensation. They are offered in several sizes and gauges. They feature 2" tall formed corners and hemmed top edges for safety and security. Pans of the same size can be nested together,...

The brook console table. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE BROOK CONSOLE TABLE comes in three different hardware and finish options to suit casual living, traditional, and urban design themes. Side doors fold down on both sides of the closed cabinet to provide easy access to shelf space. There is...

The waterhaven shower system. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE WATERHAVEN SHOWER SYSTEM centers around a tower equipped with a handshower, as well as two arched, telescoping showerheads and four body sprays that slide up and down the tower to accommodate various user heights. It can be installed...

Decorative angle stop kits. (Products).
March 1, 2003... DECORATIVE ANGLE STOP KITS are designed to complement the company's faucet lines. Kits include a choice of matching decorative handles (cross handle, lever, melon etc.), flange and quarter-turn ceramic disc cartridge. The kits are available in...

This full-port ball valve. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THIS FULL-PORT BALL VALVE comes with 6" copper tube extensions brazed to each tailpiece. The bronze-body, full-port valve is ideal for use in medical gas systems, pharmaceuticals and other applications where brazing or soldering is the...

The Aberdeen kitchen faucet. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE ABERDEEN KITCHEN FAUCET has a pause button that interrupts the flow of water as the pull-out wand passes over the sink. The high-arc spout is ideal for filling tall vessels or deep pots. The faucet is available in a two-handle or...

This infrared flush valve. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THIS INFRARED FLUSH VALVE for toilets and urinals features a turbine flow meter that measures water exactly to prevent water waste. Flush volumes range from .5 to 3.5 GPF and are adjustable to 1/10th gallon increments. With dual infrared...

The promenade pedestal lavatory. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE PROMENADE PEDESTAL LAVATORY comes in a luxurious 27 1/2" X 22 1/4" basin model and a petite 24" X 19" model. Standing 35" from floor to rim, the lavatory stands 3" higher than standard, meaning users do not have to bend down as far to use...

The Swanstone prairie colors line. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE SWANSTONE PRAIRIE COLORS LINE is a solid surface product ideal for the kitchen or bath that highlights natural colors and textures. Because the color is blended through the surface, small chips or cracks can easily be repaired by the...

The pedestal tub with tower drain. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE PEDESTAL TUB WITH TOWER DRAIN is a freestanding, elegant bathtub that requires minimal installation space. The vintage appearance is enhanced with authentic materials such as cast iron, vitreous porcelain and solid brass. Sunrise Specialty...

The pro-stop line of stop valves. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE PRO-STOP LINE OF STOP VALVES are designed for use in residential plumbing systems. They are offered in both angle and straight designs with compression, female thread, copper sweat, CPVC and PEX inlet connectors and various outlet...

The Paris monoblock kitchen faucet. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE PARIS MONOBLOCK KITCHEN FAUCET is available with three handle options: a cross handle, ceramic lever, and the Emporium two-handle design pictured below. Finished in pewter, the elegant design pairs well with a metal sink. Watermark ...

The ZEMS 6000AV-is automatic sensor flush valve. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE ZEMS 6000AV-IS AUTOMATIC SENSOR FLUSH VALVE requires no electrical wall boxes for sensor and actuator devices. All electronic components are integral to the flush valve. It is manufactured in both water closet and urinal models. It features...

These stainless steel sinks. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THESE STAINLESS STEEL SINKS are intended for use in school building and remodeling projects. They are made of 18% chrome, 8% nickel stainless steel for easy cleaning and stain resistance. The highlighted bowl rim and fully hand-blended interior...

The Aqua saver toilet. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE AQUA SAVER TOILET has front jet action along with an expanded well that features steep lower walls, delivers faster siphon starts and more consistent performance. Specially-designed waterways ensure optimal hydraulic performance. The front...

The predator water closet combination. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE PREDATOR WATER CLOSET COMBINATION uses 1.6 GPF. It uses an energized flushing system to help keep the bowl clean. It has a very quiet flush, and a large, 10" x 12" water surface area and to help eliminate double flushing. Other features...

Interaktiv shower panels. (Products).
March 1, 2003... INTERAKTIV SHOWER PANELS are an attractive and affordable way to upgrade any bathroom. They are delivered pre-plumbed and pre-assembled, ready for vertical hanging on a flat wall surface or in a corner. The installer need only connect the panel...

The TS20M plate heat exchanger. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE TS20M PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER is designed specifically for use with industrial steam. It extends liquid flow rates up to 3,900 GPM depending on the media, permitted pressure drop and temperature program. Its gaskets are made of a composite...

The series 75B supplemental alarm device. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE SERIES 75B SUPPLEMENTAL ALARM DEVICE is intended for use with the company's Series 756 dry valves and Series 758 preaction valves connected to mechanical alarms. In each case, the device ensures that flow continue to water motor alarms as...

These integrated head protection systems. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THESE INTEGRATED HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEMS use the same technology as the military helmets used by over 65 armed forces worldwide and Formula 1 racecar drivers. Draeger Safety/Schuberth Helme CIRCLE 134 ON INQUIRY CARD [ILLUSTRATION...

Markal pro-ex lumber crayons. (Products).
March 1, 2003... MARKAL PRO-EX LUMBER CRAYONS are specifically made to handle wet, dry, rough or smooth surfaces. They provide a sharp point for drawing precise lines, are available in six highly visible colors, and create a long-lasting economical mark. LA-CO...

The storagemate line of hot water tanks. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE STORAGEMATE LINE OF HOT WATER TANKS immediately increase the amount of useable hot water within existing hot water storage systems. They are offered in 41-, 80- and 119-gallon models, and are available with mechanical aquastats. Amtrol ...

The pro-fit line of replacement parts. (Products).
March 1, 2003... THE PRO-FIT LINE OF REPLACEMENT PARTS are designed and built to fit both Bell & Gossett and Armstrong pumps. It includes a total of 37 parts that includes motors, bearing assemblies, a universal seal kit, heavy-duty couplers and impellers. All...

`Sell' doesn't have to be a four-letter word. (Editorial).(Editorial)
March 1, 2003... ONE OF THE FIRST hard facts that I learned about the plumbing industry when I started covering it 13 years ago is this: Plumbers don't know how to sell. Now, even though that statement may sound as if it's an opinion, I call it a "hard...