Contractor articles from May 2004

Contractor archives from May 2004

N.J. plumbers fight big-box law loophole.
May 1, 2004... TRENTON, N.J. -- The New Jersey Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors is calling on New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey to veto a section of a recently passed bill that exempts giant home-improvement retailers such as Home Depot,...

Goodyear Entran II settlement: some homeowners may fight.(Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.)
May 1, 2004... TRENTON, N.J. -- Goodyear hopes that its class-action settlement with New Jersey plaintiffs puts its Entran II problems behind it. Goodyear reached a settlement in Donato Galanti et al. v. The Good year Tire & Rubber Co. (November 2003, pg. 1)....

Giants turn the corner.(contractors ranking)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2004... WHEN WE TALKED WITH the nation's largest contractors last spring, most were complaining. This year many of them can point to new work in progress or scheduled to start. Nevertheless, 2003 has been a wild ride with bankruptcies, some Giants'...

Copper and brass industry seeks export controls.(Industry News)
May 1, 2004... WASHINGTON -- U.S. copper and brass foundries have filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce asking it to put limits on the amount of copper scrap being exported to China. The Copper & Brass Fabricators Council and the Non-Ferrous...

Self-insured group knocks down comp costs.(Industry News)
May 1, 2004... ONTARIO, CALIF. -- Imagine a workers' compensation program from an insurance plan that has 12 employees servicing just 30 contractors. Imagine that the insurance plan can do constant jobsite inspections, safety training and aggressively handle...

RPA hosts first "RadFest".(Industry News)
May 1, 2004... MADISON, WIS. -- The Radiant Panel Association hosted its first "RadFest" April 15-16 here in what the RPA plans to make annual regional events. A second regional radiant festival is scheduled for May 21-22 in Loveland, Colo. Beginning in 2005,...

VocEd students build a house and their future.(Industry News)
May 1, 2004... HUDSON, N.C. -- The principal of the first specialized vocational trades high school in North Carolina to be based on a community college campus sums up the mission of "The Career Center" here this way: "It's all about the students. It's not...

Pension funding bill doesn't spell relief for multiemployer plans.(Industry News)
May 1, 2004... CHANTILLY, VA. -- Despite last-minute efforts by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America to secure meaningful relief pro visions for multiemployer plans in the...

Outlook remains strong: Midwest home building.(Industry News)
May 1, 2004... ROSEMONT, ILL. -- Economic analysts at the recent Midwest Builders Show here said the housing industry is benefiting from an economy that continues to gain traction. Rick Kaglic, senior business economist in the research department of the...

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Charly Mitchel, Mitchel Plumbing, Tacoma, Wash., represented the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association April 12-13 at an Environmental Protection Agency stakeholder meeting on market enhancements for water-efficient products...

Quality Service Contractors.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Despite rain and wind, Quality Service Contractors held a charity golf tournament March 4 in Scottsdale, Ariz., and raised $6,115 for an aviation program that benefits physically challenged youth. QSC industry partner Hodes Co., which paid...

Underwriters Laboratories.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Underwriters Laboratories has published new requirements to UL 971, the standard for nonmetallic underground piping for flammable liquid. The changes affect both rigid and flexible piping for gasoline stations. New marking requirements become...

Nexstar.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Nexstar will conduct its next Money Masters seminar for plumbing, HVAC and electrical service contractors June 25-26 in Minneapolis. The event will include the seminar on the fundamentals of running an independent service contracting business...

GAMA.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... GAMA will host a conference, "LNG and the Changing U.S. Natural Gas Supply" June 2-3 at the Marriott Dallas Solaria Hotel in Dallas. The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association has organized this event to examine gas supply trends, explore...

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Benjamin Franklin Plumbing recently added four plumbing contractors as franchisees: AHC Enterprises, owner Hallam Cottingham IV, Greenville, S.C.; McDaniel & Son Plumbing, owners William and Beverly McDaniel, Arlington, Texas; Liberty Plumbing...

Court rules for Truebro in suit against Plumberex.(Industry News)
May 1, 2004... BOSTON -- A magistrate judge in a federal court here ruled in March in favor of Truebro Inc., a manufacturer of undersink protective products, in its patent infringement and false advertising lawsuit against Plumberex Specialty Products Inc....

The bull elephants in our midst.(Schmitt on Management)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... I HAVE AN INORDINATE amount of respect for medium, large and super-size contractors. Over the years I have studied them and I have come to conclusions that have been profitable for corporations and clients for whom I have worked. I have strong...

Who will be the builders of tomorrow?(Forum)
May 1, 2004... AMERICA IS EXPERIENCING a skilled labor shortage, and predictions show it may get worse. A Construction Industry Institute study indicates that 75% of contractors are experiencing shortages--and the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor...

Finally some breathing room: giants say they've 'bottomed out' and new work is in the pipeline.(Book of Giants)
May 1, 2004... When we talked to the country's top mechanicals last year, many of them were complaining. This year many of them are pointing to new projects coming on line in their markets. The past year was a wild ride and some big players crashed and...

Everything including the kitchen sink: suppliers offer new lines, foray into new territory at 2004 K/IBIS in Chicago.(Kitchen/Bath Industry Show)
May 1, 2004... The annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show is always an exciting event because manufacturers trot out their newest and most innovative residential designs. This year was no exception as plumbing manufacturers presented leading edge products to...

Future of hydronics: waste heat recovery.(Eatherton on Hydronics)
May 1, 2004... RESIDENTIAL WASTE HEAT recovery holds one of the greatest potentials in the effort to reduce energy consumption. Properly applied, it can reduce the thermal energy used for generating hot water by 50%. If augmented with a good solar thermal...

Radiant cooling makes a stand in New Mexico.(Hydronics)
May 1, 2004... SANTA FE, N.M. -- With its rugged landscape and colorful mix of inhabitants, the Santa Fe area is a land rich with history, where tourism rules, yet people also flock to as a place to live and work. Founded in 1607, Santa Fe became a...

LCD monitors are bigger, brighter, affordable.(liquid crystal displays)
May 1, 2004... MANY CONTRACTORS SPEND a heck of a lot of time in front of their computer screens, if you are still working with a bulky CRT monitor, the time might be right to upgrade to a large-screen, small-footprint, flat-panel LCD monitor that offers a...

What reverse auction bidding is all about.(McGreevy on Law)
May 1, 2004... WITH THE UNIVERSAL presence of computers and the nearly universal reach of the Internet, you are probably aware of the widespread use of online auctioning for the sale of goods. Therefore, it should be a surprise to no one that owners would...

Turn $1,058,220 into $9,082,290 tax-free.(Blackman on Taxes)
May 1, 2004... THESE ARE TOUGH times for investors. The stock market mimics a roller coaster. Uncertainty prevails. The conservative investor struggles to find safety. What to do? That's a question many readers of this column ask, particularly...

Protecting tools, materials from jobsite theft.(Craig on Project Management)
May 1, 2004... I BELIEVE IT WAS Mark Twain who once said the locks on doors are meant only to keep honest men out. When I was a kid growing up in a strip of rural countryside between North Carolina's capital city of Raleigh and what would become the Beige...

REHAU sets radiant training.(Craig on Project Management)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... LEESBURG, VA. -- REHAU announced its 2004 schedule of Skill Builders training classes, offered through REHAU Academy. The schedule includes a set of advanced training classes specifically focused on the RFH WarmSource design software. ...

Comfort president Chambers resigns.(Columnist/Forum)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... HOUSTON -- Mechanical contracting consolidator Comfort Systems USA Inc., announced in mid-April that Norman C. Chambers would resign his roles as president, chief operating officer, and director to accept a senior position in a different...

The terex tractor/loader backhoe.(editor's choice)
May 1, 2004... THE TEREX TRACTOR/ LOADER BACKHOE features a flow compensated, closed-center control valve on the backhoe for a high degree of user control. A narrow backhoe boom provides better visibility into the trench. A wide stabilizer spread increases...

The series 40-200-TKU test kit.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE SERIES 40-200-TKU TEST KIT is for use with current makes and models of backflow prevention devices. The lightweight kit is made of corrosion-resistant materials, and rated to pressures up to 200 psig and temperatures up to 150[degrees]F....

The allemande bathroom collection.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE ALLEMANDE BATHROOM COLLECTION includes a widespread lavatory faucet, tub and shower fixtures, and a Roman tub faucet. Optional lever or cross handles complement the collection's strong hexagonal lines. The collection features solid...

The MCSE workstation.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE MCSE WORKSTATION is designed for contractors and service technicians in the field. It enables the users to transport a full range of tools and an adjustable, level worktable into tight areas. It can withstand a load capacity of 1,000 lb.,...

The everhot on-demand tankless water heaters.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE EVERHOT ON-DEMAND TANKLESS WATER HEATERS are available in two residential and two commercial models, both with indoor and outdoor versions with Btu inputs ranging from 15,000 to 180,000 for indoor models and 15,000 to 199,000 for outdoor...

A full line of large diameter DWV fittings.(Products)
May 1, 2004... A FULL LINE OF LARGE DIAMETER DWV FITTINGS is now being offered in sizes from 4" through 12". The injection molded fittings are designed for strength and durability while maintaining compact dimensions, allowing for easier installation. All...

The protect-a-rail cab protector.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE PROTECT-A-RAIL CAB PROTECTOR is designed to protect pickup cabs from shifting loads in the cargo area. Constructed of heavy-duty steel tubing, it features an accessory-ready design for mounting warning lights. Tie-down holes on the sides of...

This trap guard.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THIS TRAP GUARD inhibits the evaporation of water and provides a physical barrier to sewer gas, raw sewage, viruses, bacteria, insects and vermin. It installs in the drain, and can either be purchased with the drain or installed as a retrofit....

The P601-P3001 submersible drainage pumps.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE P601-P3001 SUBMERSIBLE DRAINAGE PUMPS have been certified by the Environmental Product Declaration in accordance with ISO 14040. Certification is based on product specific life cycles. They are the first pumps to meet the requirements. ...

Stick-E accessories.(Products)
May 1, 2004... STICK-E ACCESSORIES are for use with the Trak-It TI-C Tool. Pre-assembled with a clear plastic locating washer, the accessories are stuck directly onto the head of a Track-It gas-fired tool by hand. There is no need for a probe or installation...

This kitchen sink.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THIS KITCHEN SINK is now offered with a bright gloss finish. The popular sink measures 25" X 22" single bowl, or 33" X 22" in double bowl and is made from the company's solid surface material that resists scratches and stains. Offered in three...

These freezeless wall hydrants.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THESE FREEZELESS WALL HYDRANTS are compatible with Wirsbo and Rehau proprietary PEX systems. Contractors can now install them in the system without the extra labor of soldering a fitting. Prier CIRCLE 112 ON INQUIRY CARD ...

Coldshield thermal barrier.(Products)
May 1, 2004... COLDSHIELD THERMAL BARRIER protects surfaces from heat damage during soldering, welding and brazing operations. It can be used wherever heat protection is required. Typical applications include protecting valve seals and seats during soldering;...

The I series mixing valves.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE I SERLES MIXING VALVES are designed for use with hydronic heating systems. Available in three sizes and in two-way or three-way injection configurations, the valves provide precise, cost-effective temperature control for outdoor reset...

The Carmel style faucet.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE CARMEL STYLE FAUCET features cross handles and a delicate two-tiered escutcheon. Trim is offered in a matching finish for a coordinated look, including the p-trap, deluxe angle stops and supply risers. The handles on the angle stops even...

The KHE-D28 D-handle rotary hammer.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE KHE-D28 D-HANDLE ROTARY HAMMER provides constant speed between load and no-load, making it ideal for through-drilling and anchor setting as well as light chiseling in all masonry materials including concrete and stone as well as wood and...

The master gourmet kitchen faucet.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE MASTER GOURMET KITCHEN FAUCET is the company's Professional Series standard bearer. It features a modern high are primary tap with a minimalist side lever and hanging pressure sprayer with stainless steel hose protector coil. Blanco...

This drive pin fastener.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THIS DRIVE PIN FASTENER simplifies the process of installing hooks and hangers. Pins are pre-loaded on the bracket, hanger or hook to save time and trouble. The 1 1/4" drive pins are rated for concrete up to 4,000 psi and steel up to 1/4"...

Eight new hollow-shaft nut drivers.(Products)
May 1, 2004... EIGHT NEW HOLLOW-SHAFT NUT DRIVERS are now available that feature rare-earth magnetic tips for added convenience on the job. The tip holds fasteners securely in place, allowing the user to easily turn nuts with one hand. Cushion-grip handles...

The copper stopper termination flange.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE COPPER STOPPER TERMINATION FLANGE transitions the copper tube back to standard pipe, reducing the amount of Gas-Tec (the company's coated copper product) tubing required for a job and protecting the line from damage. It leaves a clean and...

The TE 2-A 24 v. hammer drill.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE TE 2-A 24 V. HAMMER DRILL has the capacity to drill up to 1/2" holes in wood, 1/2" holes in steel, and up to 5/8" holes in concrete. With its innovative gear efficiency, battery and charging technology, the drill runs longer and more...

This extensive line of hole cutters.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THIS EXTENSIVE LINE OF HOLE CUTTERS are trepanning, or broaching cutters built to perform in a wide variety of applications. Constructed of M2 high-speed steel, the cutters are more efficient than twist drills or spade bits. They deliver...

The series IPF isolation pump flanges.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE SERIES IPF ISOLATION PUMP FLANGES are available in sizes 1/2" to 2" with threaded end connections and 1/2" to 1" with sweat end connections. They are designed to replace circulator pumps to facilitate pump replacement or repair. They...

The newport 17" space-saver one-piece toilet.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE NEWPORT 17" SPACE-SAVER ONE-PIECE TOILET offers all the comfort of an extended bowl without the extra room normally required. The elongated bowl has a wall-to-front-of-rim length of 28 1/2". It uses the E-Force gravity flushing system and...

An aluminum version of the rapidgrip wrench.(Products)
May 1, 2004... AN ALUMINUM VERSION OF THE RAPIDGRIP WRENCH is now available in two sizes: 14" and 18". The lighter-weight wrench is ideal for overhead applications, and applications where a ductile wrench would soon become fatiguing to the user. A...

These iron workers pliers.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THESE IRON WORKERS PLIERS feature a polished metal handle and a two-component, extra-wide gripping handle. The design allows users to easily slide and position their fingers for a twisting grip during challenging pulling tasks, while...

The sandpiper series of faucets.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE SANDPIPER SERIES OF FAUCETS feature dramatic linear simplicity. Crafted of solid stainless steel, the faucets include a pull-out aerator seamlessly joined to the spout. Franke CIRCLE 127 ON INQUIRY CARD [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The cutmaster 81 air plasma cutting system.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE CUTMASTER 81 AIR PLASMA CUTTING SYSTEM allows the operator to switch torches quickly between hand and machine torch applications. Damaged equipment can be quickly replaced, and lead extensions can be added or removed to meet job...

The urban collection of bathtubs.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE URBAN COLLECTION OF BATHTUBS feature clean, minimalist lines. A full range of perimeter air jets and whirlpool options are available with the collection. The collection also includes showers, cabinets and lighting. MAAX CIRCLE 129...

The bannockburn collection.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE BANNOCKBURN COLLECTION features transitional style faucets that can complement either a contemporary or a more traditional environment. The collection includes a new finish, brushed brass, and is also available with chrome and brushed...

The Lindsey bar sink.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE LINDSEY BAR SINK is available in over 17 colors, and in a collection of weathered ceramic glazes. In can be installed as a drop-in or as an undercounter sink with faucets mounted on the counter or on the wall. It's small size (11" X 13"...

The XR series straight fitting.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE XR SERIES STRAIGHT FITTING is made for use exclusively with the company's corrugated stainless steel tubing. It is engineered to prevent corrosion in gas piping systems for the life of the structure in which they are installed. The jacket...

The ELUH3520 extra-large undermount sink.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE ELUH3520 EXTRA-LARGE UNDERMOUNT SINK features a 20" X 18" by 9 7/8" deep bowl and a sizeable 11 1/2" X 16" X 7 7/8" deep secondary bowl, making it ideal for professional-sized pots and pans. The sink has rear-center drains for maximum...

The orbiweld 12 micro weld head.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE ORBIWELD 12 MICRO WELD HEAD is designed specifically for welding short stubbed stainless steel butt weld fittings. Two styles of clamping are available and are attached to the main body of the weld head by means of two quick-release thumb...

The J-2512 typhoon trailer jet.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE J-2512 TYPHOON TRAILER JET delivers 12 gal. per minute at 2,500 psi to blast lines clean of grease, sediment and debris. A 200-gal. holding tank carries enough water to handle remote applications, where access to water is limited. It...

A new line of water treatment products.(Products)
May 1, 2004... A NEW LINE 0F WATER TREATMENT PRODUCTS is now available, consisting of both water softeners and automatic water treatment filters. The products range in appearance and function to suit almost any water treatment need, and nearly all residential...

The retro rainshower showerhead.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE RETRO RAINSHOWER SHOWERHEAD delivers a wide shower spray that envelopes the entire body. The 8" diameter head has 120 spray nozzles arranged to leave no "dry" zones. The traditional yet clean look of the showerhead complements both modern...

The Polaris SL-0231 wall-mounted manual faucet.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE POLARIS SL-0231 WALL-MOUNTED MANUAL FAUCET has a 12" swivel tubular spout and wing handles. It is chrome plated with a cast-brass body. The ADA-compliant, color-coded handles and adjustable inlets from 7 3/4" to 8 1/4" make it versatile...

The one-piece champion toilet.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE ONE-PIECE CHAMPION TOILET has been redesigned to incorporate the company's "America's Best" flushing system. The new technology helps prevent clogs and creates a fast, powerful, quiet flush. The proprietary Flush Tower replaces the floating...

The axor steel collection of bath and kitchen faucets.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE AXOR STEEL COLLECTION OF BATH AND KITCHEN FAUCETS has been redesigned with a streamlined, minimalist appearance. The collection is still crafted from 100% stainless steel for durability. In addition to a new single-handle lavatory mixer...

The N650 and S650 series thermostatic and thermodynamic steam traps.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE N650 AND S650 SERIES THERMOSTATIC AND THERMODYNAMIC STEAM TRAPS are for use on steam tracing, drip legs, unit heaters, sterilizers and other process equipment. They are available in sizes 1/2" or 3/4", with NPT or socket weld end...

The performance work hat.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE PERFORMANCE WORK HAT uses different layers to repel heat and wick away sweat. Before wearing, run cold water over the hat and allow it to soak through for five minutes. As the sun strikes the surface the water evaporates, creating an...

The hydroflow water treatment system.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE HYDROFLOW WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM is able to prevent buildup of limescale deposits, including Calcium Carbonate. Randomly varying electric fields are induced into the water and propagate through the entire plumbing system, both up and down...

The new VSDM and VCCM steam manifolds.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE NEW VSDM AND VCCM STEAM MANIFOLDS are designed for steam distribution and condensate collection. They are compact, versatile and durable. The manifolds reduce backpressure and prevent destructive two-phase flow into condensate return piping...

The drop kick 45 closet flange.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE DROP KICK 45 CLOSET FLANGE features a strong, corrosion-proof stainless steel swivel ring. It has a 3" full flow throat. The hub extends straight down before angling out so that the thickness of the sub-floor is no longer an obstacle. The...

The project forecast software application.(Products)
May 1, 2004... THE PROJECT FORECAST SOFTWARE APPLICATION predicts profit or loss on a project before it occurs. It is designed to eliminate the guesswork involved in tracking project status and allows specialty contractors to take a proactive approach to...

Code representation: it's the contractor's responsibility to get involved.(PHCC News)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors)
May 1, 2004... If there's one thing p-h-c contractors can get passionate about, it's the codes they must comply with every day in their businesses. Whether it's the plumbing code, the building code, the mechanical code or the fire code, they can all lead to...

Fluid fights fires without water.(Tyco Fire and Security Services, new product)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... NEW YORK -- Tyco Fire & Security has introduced its Halon replacement Ansul Sapphire Fire Suppression System. The technology uses a new chemical agent that fights fires without damaging electronics, works of art and other critical assets, the...

Reason for optimism among 2004 Giants.(Editorial)(Editorial)
May 1, 2004... SOME GIANTS MUST feel that they can't catch a break. After enduring three or four years of rugged business conditions, these large mechanicals finally were seeing a reversal in their fortunes when they were hit with rocketing prices of steel...