Contractor articles from March 2004

Contractor archives from March 2004

Ads, Internet, home shows: help to get the word out.(Industry News)
March 1, 2004... ADVERTISING AND MARKETING are critical to the success of any contractor that wants to build business for its products and services. However, simply placing random ads on radio and in newspapers will rarely generate the desired results. Two...

New Jersey cracks down on prevailing wage jobs.(Industry News)
March 1, 2004... TRENTON, N.J. -- The New Jersey Department of Labor is cracking down on contractors performing public work who fail to register with the state or violate wage and hour laws. New Jersey has required contractors to register for years, but the law...

Honolulu joins list of cities banning fluoride.(Industry News)
March 1, 2004... HONOLULU -- Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris in mid-February finalized enactment of a water quality ordinance that bans additives in water, including fluoride. The ordinance affects the city and county of Honolulu and island of Oahu but not...

Symposium ties plumbing to SARS outbreak.(Industry News)
March 1, 2004... LOS ANGELES -- More than 100 plumbing, public health and building professionals from seven countries attended the International SARS Symposium Feb. 11 and 12 at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton. The symposium, co-sponsored by the World...

AMPAM files reorganization plan.(Industry News: American Plumbing & Mechanical )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... ROUND ROCK, TEXAS -- American Plumbing & Mechanical filed a proposed reorganization plan and disclosure statement Feb. 25 with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division. All of AMPAM's subsidiaries that...

Water heating, hydronic innovations abound at AHR Expo.(Industry News)
March 1, 2004... ANAHEIM, CALIF. -- A growing economy and the promise of hundreds of new products helped the 2004 AHR Expo to set new records for a West Coast Show, according to its organizers. With more than 22,000 registered visitors (not including exhibitor...

Leased sprinklers to reduce costs for retrofits.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... WESTMINSTER, MASS. -- SimplexGrinnell said in mid-February that it would lease fire sprinkler systems to building owners on a national basis in order to reduce the cost of installing the systems. The company announced the program near the...

Applications are now being accepted for the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation, Bradford White Corp. and Delta Faucet Co. scholarship programs for post-secondary study in a plumbing-heating-cooling related major.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Applications are now being accepted for the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation, Bradford White Corp. and Delta Faucet Co. scholarship programs for post-secondary study in a plumbing-heating-cooling related major. More...

The Palm Beach Association of the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Palm Beach Association of the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors will hold its 16th Annual Trade Show from 5 to 9 p.m. April 14 at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, Fla. The show is geared toward individuals in the...

ASHRAE.
March 1, 2004... A new continuing education module, based on ASHRAE's existing short course, addresses compliance with the HVAC and service water-heating sections of ANSI/ASHRAE/ IESNA Standard 90.1-2001, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise...

International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Board of Directors of the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials is accepting applications for the Uniform Solar Energy Code and Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code committees, which will be responsible for...

Rooter-Man.(awarded top honors in the Plumbing category in Entrepreneur magazine's 25th Annual Franchise 500 issue)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... For the second year running, Rooter-Man clinched top honors in the Plumbing category in Entrepreneur magazine's 25th Annual Franchise 500 issue. In addition, the Massachusetts-based drain-cleaning franchise once again was placed among the top...

LaFemme.
March 1, 2004... LaFemme, a patented disposable female urination device that allows females the ability to use a toilet while standing, is featured in Hearst Magazines' COSMOgirl!--March issue. LaFemme is designed to help cut down on the exposure to germs by...

Sanitary for all now Saniflo.(Industry News)
March 1, 2004... GUELPH, ONTARIO -- Sanitary for All changed its name in January to SFA Saniflo, and the producer of macerating toilets will operate in North America under the trade name Saniflo. In addition, the company has moved to larger office and...

Granby Tanks buys Kamco.(Industry News: Granby Steel Tanks, Kamco Product)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... OAKVILLE, ONTARIO -- Granby Steel Tanks, a maker of steel storage tanks for the North American heating, air conditioning and plumbing market, acquired the assets of Kamco Product in February. Terms were not announced. Kamco makes coated...

Corona acquires Mansfield Plumbing.(Industry News: Organizacion Corona, Mansfield Plumbing Products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR PERRYSVILLE, OHIO -- Established distribution and a 78-year-old brand name led Organizacion Corona, a privately owned Colombian plumbing manufacturer, in February to acquire Mansfield Plumbing Products. Mansfield will...

NEFI offers Oilheat Masters training.(Industry news: New England Fuel Institute )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... WATERTOWN, MASS. -- The New England Fuel Institute will introduce its Oilheat Masters Program April 13 at NEFI's technical training facility here. Labeled by NEFI as "the advanced skills program for service technicians," the course is...

Museum honors Delta faucet.(Industry News: Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... INDIANAPOLIS -- The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design announced that the Saxony Pull-Out Spray kitchen faucet from Delta Faucet Co. is the recipient of the 2003 Good Design Award. The honor recognizes a leading example of a...

Indoctrinate new employees into The Company.(Schmitt On Management)
March 1, 2004... LAST MONTH I reminded you that in starting a new business you are not faced with the problem of having second-rate employees ("When it's time to strike out on your own," February, pg. 16). Of course, all bets are off if you, personally, are a...

You are what you install.(Forum)
March 1, 2004... MAYBE IT'S A function of the growth of the Internet, the widespread availability of "tons" of information or maybe it's that the consuming public is just watching things a little closer than they have in the past. But suffice it to say that...

Herb Walther served industry well.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... ELK GROVE, CALIF. -- After all these years, it was great to see the name of Herb Walther mentioned in CONTRACTOR's January 2004 issue as you marked the 50th anniversary of the magazine's founding (pg. 1). Herb was so much a part and voice of...

Column advice 'dangerous'.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... RALEIGH, N.C. -- Please don't take this letter to be critical to the magazine or H. Kent Craig. The letter is to make you aware of the fact that the recommended incentive program in the February edition of your magazine gives very dangerous and...

The future of hydronics: combustion technology.(Eatherton On Hydronics)
March 1, 2004... FROM THE TIME that man started a fire in a pit in a cave, the process of combustion has intrigued mankind. He has taken it upon himself to make the "fires" smaller, more efficient and as clean as possible. In this process, the technology has...

Hydronic heating opportunities await you.(Hydronic Systems)
March 1, 2004... HYDRONIC HEATING has experienced a surge in activity this past year. According to the Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA, cast-iron boiler shipments in 2003 increased 11.3% over 2002. This was the best year for boiler shipments since...

You can use Adobe Acrobat 6.0 for project files.(Feldmans On Computers)
March 1, 2004... MANY CONTRACTORS use the Adobe Acrobat Reader software, a free download offered from the Adobe Web site (www.adobe.com) that enables users to open and read PDF files sent by e-mail, downloaded from the Web or delivered on disk. The free...

Tough insurance market: what can you do?(McGreevy On Law)
March 1, 2004... YOU CAN'T PICK UP an industry publication these days without seeing headlines about the "insurance crisis." Although some writers can legitimately be accused of over-reacting, in fact things are tough out there. Statistics that show insurers...

"Worthless" insurance policy may have value.(Blackman On Taxes)
March 1, 2004... THIS ARTICLE IS for you youngsters, 65 or older. If you are younger, read it anyway. Then, give it to one of more of your older family members or friends. We are about to delve into "Senior Settlements." Last year was the first time that I...

The accidental PM.(Craig On Project Management)
March 1, 2004... CONGRATULATIONS, newest member of the project manager profession! You never thought you would actually become a project manager for your company, did you? Then again, you never thought your company would do whatever it did to create a...

P-H-C 'hot' issues in Washington: more required training, tax reporting?(PHCC News)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2004... WASHINGTON -- Will you be required to implement mandatory programs designed to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses? Will you need to withhold taxes for independent contractors? PHCC currently is following two "hot" issues in...

One contractor's story: 'greater meaning in life'.(PHCC News)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2004... IN 1994 A YOUNG man decided to go into business. He had been successful as a project manager for a $2 million commercial contractor, but he had a dream of opening his own business since he helped his father in his business in his youth. At...

High performers manage processes for success.(High-performing Contractors)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Fifth in a series. THE FIFTH characteristic of high-performing contractors is they manage their processes. All work is a process. We go through a series of steps to get our work done. In construction everyone follows a...

Benjamin Franklin makes Entrepreneur's Franchise 500.(Industry News: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing )
March 1, 2004... SARASOTA, FLA. -- Benjamin Franklin Plumbing was recently named to Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 25th annual rankings. This is the company's first appearance on the list. To earn a ranking on the Franchise 500, several factors such...

The Pronto! on-demand tankless water heater.(editor's choice)
March 1, 2004... THE PRONTO! ON-DEMAND TANKLESS WATER HEATER for residential and commercial applications has no standing pilot light and no storage tank, eliminating the need to maintain a large supply of pre-heated water, thereby reducing energy costs to the...

These 1/2" to 2" circuit balancing valves.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THESE 1/2" TO 2" CIRCUIT BALANCING VALVES have full 360[degrees] turns from open to closed, providing complete flow control. Compact and versatile, the valves can be installed with the measuring ports facing up or down. A non-rising handle...

The model MBO 1014 sink.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE MODEL MBO 1014 SINK is designed for a powder room or master bath. It features embossed styling around the entire inside of the sink. The basin measures 11 1/2" X 15 1/2" X 6 1/4" outside diameter and 9 3/8" X 13 3/8" X 5" inside diameter....

The Buckingham collection of fittings and accessories.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE BUCKINGHAM COLLECTION OF FITTINGS AND ACCESSORIES offers traditional styling with modern flair. The rustica brass finish coordinates well with natural stone, as well as European Venetian plaster and wall treatments. The lavatory set...

This cap and chain ball valve.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THIS CAP AND CHAIN BALL VALVE has a reverse lever handle that can reduce time and cost of installation. The handle is stainless steel with a yellow vinyl grip. A latching option is also available. The threaded-connection valve is offered in...

The truflow manifold system.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE TRUFLOW MANIFOLD SYSTEM is made of extruded brass, and features a high flow capacity that can handle up to 12-loop configurations. The system comes preassembled; contractors can remove the manifold from the box and mount it directly on the...

This water closet carrier.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THIS WATER CLOSET CARRIER features a compressed seal design that eliminates leak problems commonly associated with threaded o-ring seal carriers. It installs without sealants, and can old an air or water test the first time, saving the...

The propress system.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE PROPRESS SYSTEM for copper crimp connections is now available for larger sizes of copper tubing, up to 4". The electro-hydraulic tool is able to form a watertight connection in less than seven seconds. The system creates joints that are...

The boilermate EZ water heaters.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE BOILERMATE EZ WATER HEATERS are designed with the heat exchanger mounted from the top of the tank for easier installation and maintenance. They feature a full-length coil; pre-piped horizontal connections to the tank exterior; and a...

The harmony vessel sink.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE HARMONYVESSELSINK features solid bronze construction. The highly-stylized sink measures 11 1/2" deep by 20 1/2" long with a 3 1/2" depth, and is available in a wide variety of finishes to suit any decor. Elite Bath CIRCLE 110 ON...

This vessel-style copper sink.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THIS VESSEL-STYLE COPPER SINK is double-walled for extra strength and comes in 13 1/2" diameter and 16 1/2" diameter sizes. Hammered on both the inside and the outside, it brings a distinctive touch to the kitchen or bath. The sink is easy to...

The rapi-driv screwdriver.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE RAPI-DRIV SCREWDRIVER with square recess tip features a crank-action handle that spins screws fast with a twist of the wrist. The design allows for quick, one-handed operation. The shaft rotates in the handle to save time and effort,...

True blue series ball valves.(Products)
March 1, 2004... TRUE BLUE SERIES BALL VALVES are intended for corrosive and ultra-purity applications. The design allows for the same valve to be used in both manual and actuated service without the need for special adapters or replacement. The water- and...

The heavy service series check valve.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE HEAVY SERVICE SERIES CHECK VALVE is able to eliminate start-up problems in well water systems, or any application where water contains suspended foreign material. It will not allow particulate to collect, which sometimes causes poppets to...

The service sink faucet.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE SERVICE SINK FAUCET is designed for institutional, light industrial and commercial settings that require a heavyweight, reliable fixture. The fully-cast, heavy brass body, mounting unions and spout give it the durability to support heavy...

The Aberdeen kitchen faucet.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE ABERDEEN KITCHEN FAUCET features a one-of-a-kind pause button on the integral spray wand that allows the user to interrupt the flow of water at will. The ergonomically-designed wand from the faucet's high arc spout features a single-button...

Armafix clamps.(Products)
March 1, 2004... ARMAFIX CLAMPS help retard heat gain and control condensation drip from cold-water plumbing, chilled water and refrigeration lines. Fast, easy-to-use and virtually foolproof, the clamps' elastomeric foam prevents the flow of moisture vapor to...

The Vantage 500 welder.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE VANTAGE 500 WELDER is durable enough to withstand the most demanding construction, rental fleet or repair applications. It features stainless steel roof and side panels and simple controls that keep training time to a minimum. It offers...

The DW082k laser plumb bob.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE DW082K LASER PLUMB BOB self-levels and finds plumb in seconds to within +/- 1/8" per 50'. The laser produces a bright dot with faint cross-hair pattern, making it easy to find the center of the beam. DeWalt CIRCLE 119 ON INQUIRY...

King grips and wire mesh grips.(Products)
March 1, 2004... KING GRIPS AND WIRE MESH GRIPS for pipe pulling and boring pullbacks offer easy coupling and quick release to save time. The rugged design provides long-lasting, trouble-free service. They are designed for any pipe from 3/4" to 4" and are...

The Model RH101 hygro-thermometer.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE MODEL RH101 HYGRO-THERMOMETER with infrared sensor provides fast and easy measurement at a distance for areas that are unsafe or hard to reach. It has an operating range from -58[degrees]F to 932[degrees]F, and a built-in laser to target...

The cimarron comfort height toilet.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE CIMARRON COMFORT HEIGHT TOILET features a 3 1/4" flush valve and direct-fed jet technology for high performance. It provides chair-height seating for people of all statures, and meets the height requirements of the ADA. A 1.4-gal. flush...

A broad range of tube-cleaning brushes.(Products)
March 1, 2004... A BROAD RANGE OF TUBE CLEANING BRUSHES are now available for use in the tube boilers, heat exchangers and other tubular vessels. A wide selection of sizes and materials (including brass, bronze, nylon, carbon steel or stainless steel) is...

The iridess circular acrylic shower.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE IRIDESS CIRCULAR ACRYLIC SHOWER uses a curved, translucent wall instead of a door or curtain to provide an unbroken surface. Its large 56" X 72" footprint allows ample room for a wide choice of wall, ceiling and hand-held showerheads and...

Pro-series micro gutter sealant.(Products)
March 1, 2004... PRO-SERIES MICRO GUTTER SEALANT provides superior, all-weather adhesion. Available in a 4-oz. squeeze tube it can fill even the smallest seams. It extrudes easily in both hot and cold weather and will adhere to both wet and dry surfaces. The...

Stak-N-Totes.(Products)
March 1, 2004... STAK-N-TOTES are ideal for organizing, storing and transporting small parts, fittings, screws, nuts, bolts, tools and more while taking up less space. Made of galvanized steel, each unit is durable and corrosion-resistant. When stacked, the...

The mini-rooter XP drain cleaning machine.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE MINI-ROOTER XP DRAIN CLEANING MACHINE can roll to the job on its 8" wheels. The handle folds down to save space and locks for use as a lifting handle. It can hold 75' of cable and has an inner drum cage to prevent tangling. Pneumatic foot...

The 1000b series faucet.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE 1000B SERIES FAUCET is ideal for residential and hospitality applications, including guest baths and powder rooms. It features an antique design, and is available with matching tub/shower fittings, Roman tub deck sets and accessories. 33...

This thermostatic shower system.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THIS THERMOSTATIC SHOWER SYSTEM instantly delivers a pre-selected water temperature. The high-flow thermostatic control valve at the heart of the system is offered in 1/2" and 3/4" sizes, and is able to easily operate multiple applications,...

The Veto Pro-Pac model XL tool bag.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE VETO PRO-PAC MODEL XL TOOL BAG stores tools vertically, making them easy to identify and access while saving storage space. In all there are 64 pockets ranging from 3" to 8 1/2" deep. The open area at the bottom of each bay provides storage...

The Catalina bathroom faucet.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE CATALINA BATHROOM FAUCET has a signature elongated spout. It is offered in centerset and widespread. The faucet incorporates a 1/4 turn ceramic disc valve which features a self-locking mechanism that enables installers to quickly adjust...

The 4900 series hydronic system scrubber.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE 4900 SERIES HYDRONIC SYSTEM SCRUBBER cleans system components--pipes, pumps and associated equipment--of microbubbles, sand, dirt and rust, saving money and extending the life of hydronic systems. Taco CIRCLE 132 ON INQUIRY CARD...

The mini Manhattan vanity.(Products)
March 1, 2004... THE MINI MANHATTAN VANITY features a glass front for a light, airy style, while providing practical storage space. Ideal for use in small spaces, the vanity measures 23.75" wide by 21.5" deep by 33.25" high. It is available in 40 finishes and...

Lorenz new cut-to-length 20" flexible connector.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... 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 multiple lengths. The Lorenz Connector is the perfect solution for any professional...

The new Gen-Eye3 video pipe inspection/location system.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... 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 handy pocket-sized industrial fittings catalog.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... THIS HANDY POCKET-SIZED INDUSTRIAL FITTINGS CATALOG is now available from Charlotte Pipe and Foundry. It features dimensional data and product specifications for PVC Schedule 40 and 80 fittings, and Corzan[R] CPVC Schedule 80 fittings. The...

Elkay expands offering of quick-clip sinks to meet contractor demand.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... ELKAY EXPANDS OFFERING OF QUICK-CLIP SINKS TO MEET CONTRACTOR DEMAND. Elkay's Quick-Clip[R] above-the-counter sink installation system has been so successful for contractors that the company has doubled its offering of this time-saving...

Electronic FlowHood.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... The new electronic digital readout FlowHood offers increased accuracy and speed in the measurement of air flows from 30-2,500 dm. Software automatically corrects for back pressure and density changes due to altitude. Direct readout, supply or...

General Pipe Cleaners.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... 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.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... CHARLOTTE PIPE AND FOUNDRY'S exclusive Quiet House[R] System for residential drain, waste and vent systems is featured in this informative four-color brochure. A quiet DWV system adds value to new homes and offers homebuilders a point of...

Affordable underground boring with the BorZit system.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... AFFORDABLE UNDERGROUND BORING WITH THE BORZIT SYSTEM. BorZit lays pipe under sidewalks, driveways or streets faster with less effort for under $250! Bores a 2", 3" or 5" hole at 1 foot per minute with amazing accuracy. Can bore up to 60 feet...

Hercules Chemical Company.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... HERCULES CHEMICAL COMPANY has released a newly-designed product catalog. The catalog, which details 100 of its top-of-the-line chemical products, features extra product information, easy-to-navigate categories, and photographs of the products...

New CRV[R] Flex improves pump performance.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... NEW CRV[R] FLEX IMPROVES PUMP PERFORMANCE Measurably improve pump performance. Placed upstream of an elbow the CRV[R] Flex Imparts counteracts the elbow-induced motion. Reduces pump vibration and wear. Maximizes pump operating life. Reduces...

Anvil international's new web site.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... ANVIL INTERNATIONAL'S NEW WEB SITE provides a wealth of information on the company's products and services. Users can examine Anvil's product line; contact its sales and distribution representatives; examine engineering data; browse literature...

Saf-T Vent SC.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... SAF-T VENT SC is a residential/commercial special gas vent for sealed combustion/concentric venting and double-wall applications. Sealed combustion exhausts flue gases (inner conduit) and intakes combustion air (outer jacket) simultaneously...

Danze showcases "cool" line in 2004 product catalog.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... DANZE SHOWCASES "COOL" LINE IN 2004 PRODUCT CATALOG. Danze will introduce its 2004 product catalog this April at the Kitchen & Bath Show in Chicago. Throughout this 40+ page book, Danze highlights its line of decorative kitchen and bath...

The Bigholer hole saw.(Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2004... THE BIGHOLER HOLE SAW cuts through wooden framing faster than any other saw on the market--three times faster or more. The deep channels of its patented 3-tooth design reduce required torque and allow the puck to be removed effortlessly. With...

Plumbing industry's role in disease control.(Editorial)(Editorial)
March 1, 2004... PEOPLE IN OUR industry like to say that plumbers have saved more lives in the last century or so than doctors have. In fact, I've said so myself, and recently I heard a doctor say the same thing. Improvements in public water and sewer...