Contractor articles from May 2007

Contractor archives from May 2007

Manufacturers told: pay attention to contractors.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
May 1, 2007... ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- The aging of America's population and building stock puts contractors in such a favorable economic position that manufacturers should pay more attention to them, two consultants told members of the Plumbing Manufacturers...

Contractors ramp up their recruiting efforts: FMI.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
May 1, 2007... RALEIGH, N.C. -- The changing workforce is forcing contractors to develop new ways to find, recruit and retain talent as competition for qualified workers continues to increase, according to FMI's "2007 U.S. Construction Industry Talent...

All they can handle.(construction industry)(Survey)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... GIANTS INTERVIEWED by CONTRACTOR magazine are saying that lack of human resources, both labor and middle management, may be the one thing holding the industry back from performing all the work it can. The Giants are loaded with work in health...

NY Thermal recalls: part for condensing boilers.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
May 1, 2007... WASHINGTON -- NY Thermal Inc. of Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada, and the the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall in early April of a component of the NTI Trinity gas-fired hot water boilers. About 4,800...

TAC recalls: Erie Boiler Boss controls.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
May 1, 2007... WASHINGTON -- TAC LLC, formerly Invensys Building Systems, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have announced a voluntary recall of the Erie Boiler Boss Operating and Reset Controls About 850 of the Erie BB2400 Boiler Operating...

CONTRACTOR awards: Plumbing Instructor of Year.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
May 1, 2007... LANSDOWNE, VA. -- Richard Carrington received the 2007 Plumbing Instructor of the Year award March 30 during the 2007 HVACR & Plumbing Instructor Workshop here. Carrington, former plumbing contractor, is the founder and an instructor of the...

Improving image: starts at top of company.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
May 1, 2007... SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. -- While many people talk about raising the image of the plumbing-and-heating industry, any action in that direction must come from contractors themselves, consultant Ron Collier told Quality Service Contractors Feb. 23 during...

Industrial plant construction rises 33% in '07.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
May 1, 2007... SUGAR LAND, TEXAS -- Alternative fuel production is among the industries leading this year's acceleration in industrial plant construction in the United States, according to Industrial Info Resources. About 76 ethanol and biodiesel plants are...

65% of China's sink manufacturers to raise export prices in 2007.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
May 1, 2007... HONG KONG -- Sixty-five percent of China's sink and basin manufacturers plan to raise export prices in 2007, according to Global Sources' "Sourcing Report: Sinks & Basins." "Higher raw material costs and price competition are forcing...

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association.(In Brief)
May 1, 2007... The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association will celebrate "Professional P-H-C Contractor Awareness Week" June 24-30. The week coincides with the June 27, 1883, anniversary of the founding of PHCC. The national, state and...

Applewood Plumbing, Heating & Electric.(In Brief)
May 1, 2007... Applewood Plumbing, Heating & Electric in Lakewood, Colo., in April started the second year of its "Crazy 12 for 12" campaign to support charitable and nonprofit enterprises by providing 12 checks for $1,000 each to local nonprofits nominated...

A. O. Smith.(In Brief)(A.O. Smith Water Products Co.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... A. O. Smith recently committed 5 new water heaters to the Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity for 2007. This marks the fourth consecutive year that A. O. Smith has donated water heaters to the project, totaling 119 units in all. The Milwaukee...

The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute.(In Brief)
May 1, 2007... The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute has announced that 10 HVACR equipment manufacturers have joined the 54-year-old trade association. Five of the new members have joined to participate in ARI's Heat Pump Pool and Spa Heaters...

FMI.(In Brief)
May 1, 2007... Due to increasing industry demand, FMI has scheduled an additional Young Managers Institute to take place June 26-29 Raleigh, N.C. Since its creation 15 years ago, the institute has trained more than 1,000 managers for future leadership roles.

Emerson Appliance Solutions/White-Rodgers.(In Brief)
May 1, 2007... Emerson Appliance Solutions/White-Rodgers announced a price increase on OEM and replacement gas water heater controls effective May 1.

ISH trade show.(In brief)
May 1, 2007... CONTRACTOR's coverage of the recent ISH trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, will appear in our June issue.

Hex-chrome training offered.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
May 1, 2007... VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. -- Coastal Training Technologies Corp. has released a training program to help companies comply with OSHA's updated standard on hexavalent chromium. "Hexavalent Chromium Awareness," available on DVD and video, covers the...

Get serious about customer complaints.(INDUSTRY EDUCATION)
May 1, 2007... HOW DO YOU HANDLE customer complaints? Most contractors think they do a good job of resolving them. But when asked, "How do you know?" most owners/CEOs respond, "I don't!" Research shows that if customer complaints are resolved quickly,...

Condensing boilers have been in service here.(LETTERS AND E-MAILS)
May 1, 2007... UTICA, N.Y. -- In response to Mark Eatherton's Industry Education column "A matter of thermal efficiency," (March, pg. 22), ECR International would like to provide the following comments. ECR International does agree with Mr. Eatherton's...

Did he create 'silent monster'?(LETTERS AND E-MAILS)
May 1, 2007... VIA E-MAIL -- I read Mark Eatherton's column in the recent CONTRACTOR with great interest ("A matter of grave concern," March, pg. 38). I am one who had for many years moonlighted as an employee for a heating contractor (combo steam and...

As much as they can handle: add ethanol plant construction to the mix of health-care, school and government work that has been sustaining the industry.(BOOK OF GIANTS)
May 1, 2007... A few things become apparent during interviews with some of the country's largest mechanical contractors: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * If a contracting firm is not heavily involved in the residential market, it will do fine. * The...

A matter of grave concern, part 3.(EATHERTON ON HYDRONICS)
May 1, 2007... I STATED IN last month's column (pg. 42) that I had contracted Legionnaires' disease and promised to explain exactly how that happened. I maintain a weekend home in the mountains of Colorado. It's my future retirement home. During the...

Package automates entire design process.(FELDMANS ON COMPUTERS)
May 1, 2007... DESIGN-BUILD 6.0 (Carmel Software, www.carmelsoft.com, 800/339-6030) is a suite of five software programs that automate the entire HVAC design-build process. The solution, which is based upon the latest ASHRAE Fundamentals, performs HVAC...

Who are you working for?(MCGREEVY ON LAW)
May 1, 2007... GETTING NEW BUSINESS is always a challenge, so when the phone rings and you are asked to work for a new customer, your first instinct is generally not to send an inquiry about its corporate status to the secretary of state. Yet, if there is a...

'Industrial strength succession planning'.(BLACKMAN ON TAXES)(Column)
May 1, 2007... RAISE YOUR HAND if you are the owner (or part owner) of a successful family business and someday you want your kids to step into your shoes. Let's be specific about the word "kids." We mean only those kids who are now in the business and who...

Outcome, not output, is what matters.(CRAIG ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT)
May 1, 2007... THERE ARE THREE types of people in this world: those who have a basic grasp of math and those who don't. Forty percent of the people in this world understand fractions and the other 75% have no clue. And there are two prototypical types of...

Close the sale or open the door for competitors.(HUDSON ON MARKETING)
May 1, 2007... DON'T YOU HATE that? You run ads, get the call, set the appointment, run the lead, price the job, present the offer and your prospect needs to "think about it." Egads. No close, no sale. In your mind, he's doing all that "thinking" while...

Plumber's truck not just for hauling tools.(BEST PRACTICES)
May 1, 2007... SAYING THE WORDS "plumber's truck" typically conjures up an image of a beat-up white pickup truck, sometimes with a cracked windshield, rusting bumpers, tools sticking out the back, with the driver speeding along to the next job, completely...

Comfort Systems repurchases stock.(COLUMNISTS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... HOUSTON -- Comfort Systems USA, a provider of commercial, industrial and institutional HVAC services, has approved a stock repurchase program to acquire up to 1 million shares of its outstanding common stock. The share repurchases will be...

The deluxe commercial units.(editor's choice)
May 1, 2007... THE DELUXE COMMERCIAL UNITS have more than 200 options, allowing them to be customized to fit any work truck owner's needs with a wide selection of door and window sizes, toolbox configurations, a ladder rack and overall cap heights ranging...

Weather guard itemizer drawer units.(TRUCKS)
May 1, 2007... WEATHER GUARD ITEMIZER DRAWER UNITS are a lightweight storage solution that compartmentalize tools, small parts and fittings. Designed for vans or enclosed truck beds, the units help keep overall vehicle weight down. They are constructed of...

The W62 new truck chassis.(TRUCKS)
May 1, 2007... THE W62 NEW TRUCK CHASSIS extends the capacity of the company's walk-in lineup with 19,500 lb. and 23,500 lb. GVWR models. The chassis will use the 8.1 L. Vortec gasoline engine mated to the five-speed Allison 100HS or Allison 2200HS...

The cyclonator containerized wash rack system.(TRUCKS)
May 1, 2007... THE CYCLONATOR CONTAINERIZED WASH RACK SYSTEM is able to keep trucks and heavy equipment clean year-round, even in inclement weather or temperatures as low as -10[degrees]F. The stand-alone 8' X 8' X 24' steel container structure can be set up...

This slide rack.(TRUCKS)
May 1, 2007... THIS SLIDE RACK provides a secure platform for carrying cumbersome materials. It is easy to install and remove. The rack is attached via bolts on the gutters and under-body brackets. Once materials are in place, a convenient hand crank at the...

The 2007 savana.(TRUCKS)
May 1, 2007... THE 2007 SAVANA is a reliable and durable commercial cargo van. It has over the years been a proven foundation for conversion vans. The different needs of different users are expertly handled by a myriad of powerplants, including the...

The new chevy astro body.(TRUCKS)
May 1, 2007... THE NEW CHEVY ASTRO BODY improves on the original service body by delivering greater storage capacity. Compared to earlier models it is taller (78"), longer (82") and can carry wider items (43.1" above the wheelhousings) safely and securely....

The Maya wireless GPS solution.(TRUCKS)
May 1, 2007... THE MAYA WIRELESS GPS SOLUTION integrates easily with most vehicle tracking software and is able to significantly reduce transmission costs. The GSM-capable data hub is able to provide a range of data types, including location, vehicle status,...

This new cargo restraint system.(TRUCKS)
May 1, 2007... THIS NEW CARGO RESTRAINT SYSTEM prevents objects in transit from shifting and sliding, protecting the truck bed and its cargo from dents and scratches. The all-truck cargo net is able to fit mid- and full-load pickups. The elastic nylon...

This 4 1/2" economy angle grinder.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THIS 4 1/2" ECONOMY ANGLE GRINDER weighs just 4.5 lb. Its light weight and small diameter grip of 2 3/16" makes it comfortable and easy to use in many different applications. It features a 600 watt, 6 amp motor and boasts a no-load speed of...

Heavy-duty I-reels.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... HEAVY-DUTY I-REELS are custom-engineered for grueling demands. They are heavy-duty, rust-resistant, and feature a brass NPT swivel inlet that allows the hose to enter from outside the hose drum, preventing the restriction caused by typical...

The HVLV 180 manifold system.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE HVLV 180 MANIFOLD SYSTEM is a combination of interlocking plastic chamber-type sections. As stormwater run-off travels through the system, side portals make the necessary tee connections and convey the water into stormwater chambers. The...

The RSVP bath suite.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE RSVP BATH SUITE is a complete bathroom collection including faucets, shower systems and accessories. It draws on the influence of the Art Nouveau movement and features genuine crystal accents. All fixtures in the collection are offered in...

These new pedestal glass sinks.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THESE NEW PEDESTAL GLASS SINKS are offered in a variety of sizes and styles. They have a contemporary, space-saving design, and come standard with faucet, towel bar and drain. Options include a shelf, pop-up drain and chrome-plated widespread...

The new fly-trap clip.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE NEW FLY-TRAP CLIP allows contractors to save valuable time when installing conduit or pipe. Just position the clip on the nose of the company's C3-ST tool, press it to the wall and shoot. Then position the pipe or conduit between two or...

The KDE5000TA diesel generator.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE KDE5000TA DIESEL GENERATOR provides a maximum output of 5.0 kVA while still being amazingly quiet. It features a digital control panel that allows the user to monitor performance, load characteristics, voltage, power, frequency, total run...

The mini-rooter XP drain cleaning machine.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE MINI-ROOTER XP DRAIN CLEANING MACHINE has an upright frame design with roll bars to protect the motor when taking it up and down stairs. A variable speed power cable feed allows the user to feed or retrieve cable at up to 16 ft. per minute....

The ranger family of engine-driven welders.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE RANGER FAMILY OF ENGINE-DRIVEN WELDERS feature higher power ratings and more reserve power for welding. The line delivers between 200 and 300 amps of welding and 9,000 to 11,000 watts of AC generator power for a variety of welding...

The new VF boiler.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE NEW VF BOILER is a high-efficiency modulating unit that provides up to 88% AFUE while maintaining low N[O.sub.X] emissions. The vertical tube design allows for a large heat transfer area while maintaining the small footprint ideal for...

Sta put ultra plumbers putty.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... STA PUT ULTRA PLUMBERS PUTTY is a stain-free polymer sealant that is safe for most plumbing applications. It is oil-free and can be used on porous surfaces without pretreatment, including stone, marble, granite, plastic, rubber, fiberglass and...

The OX box washing machine and ice maker outlet boxes.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE OX BOX WASHING MACHINE AND ICE MAKER OUTLET BOXES provide a strong installation with multiple options. Separate supply and drain boxes enable it to be mounted in several configurations. The steel box clip and bracket stand up to difficult...

The combo condensate measuring elbow thermostatic sanitary steam trap.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE COMBO CONDENSATE MEASURING ELBOW THERMOSTATIC SANITARY STEAM TRAP was designed specifically for clean steam equipment condensate drainage in pharmaceutical, bioprocess, food, beverage and cosmetics applications. It features an...

This new stainless steel farmhouse sink.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THIS NEW STAINLESS STEEL FARMHOUSE SINK is made from heavy, 16-gauge, premium stainless steel. It is highly resistant to stains and corrosion. The underside is fully coated and padded with extra rubber to help deaden sound and maintain water...

The model 231 multi-sense wet-to-wet differential pressure transducer.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE MODEL 231 MULTI-SENSE WET-TO-WET DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE TRANSDUCER is ideal for users who need to monitor and control pump differential pressures, chiller or boiler differential pressure drops, and flow measurement of gasses or liquids. An...

The vitodens 100 condensing boiler.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE VITODENS 100 CONDENSING BOILER incorporates the company's Inox-Radial heat exchanger for consistently high condensing performance. Boasting an AFUE of 95.1%, the boiler is Energy Star qualifed. The wall-mounted unit uses a full-modulation...

The series 05 mini water hammer arrestor line.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE SERIES 05 MINI WATER HAMMER ARRESTOR LINE now include tee models with OD compression, OD compression x reverse compression nut, and PEX connections to meet a variety of installation needs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Watts Regulator ...

The TCJ-50 chipless cut-off system.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE TCJ-50 CHIPLESS CUT-OFF SYSTEM extends the company's chipless rotary cut-off technology into a small, bench-mounted system designed for short production runs from straight tube. It is capable of cutting copper, steel, aluminum and stainless...

The cutskill 250 cutter and welder.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE CUTSKILL 250 CUTTER AND WELDER is designed specifically for light to medium duty applications and the frequent user. The torch handles are offered with such safety features as built-in flashback arrestors and built-in reverse-flow check...

The NLD series liquid drainer and the NAV series air venter.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE NLD SERIES LIQUID DRAINER AND THE NAV SERIES AIR VENTER are fee-floating valves for use on pressurized air, gas and liquid systems such as hydronic heating systems. They are available in sizes 1/2" X 1/2" and 3/4 X 1/2" with NPT connections...

The divani bathing system.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE DIVANI BATHING SYSTEM consists of a bathtub wall set and two coordinating bathtubs. The direct-to-stud installation of the walls and injection-molded support base of the tubs provides added strength and security. Geometric styling creates a...

The CS-SS crawl space sump system.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE CS-SS CRAWL SPACE SUMP SYSTEM is designed to eliminate the damaging water that can collect in the low areas of crawl spaces. The pre-packaged system consists of a 1/3 HP shaded pole motor with thermal overload protection; a lightweight,...

The TIR series IR flexcam digital imager.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE TIR SERIES IR FLEXCAM DIGITAL IMAGER is designed for building diagnostic applications. It combines both visible light and thermal images for better identification, analysis and image management. The imager features a large 5" LCD display to...

The papillion bathtub and infiniti pedestal.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE PAPILLION BATHTUB AND INFINITI PEDESTAL are now available in Carrera marble. The interior footprint of the basin is set at an angle from the top rim, and the angled "scoop" out of the rim creates the wave effect seen from the front view,...

Enviropure shower filters.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... ENVIROPURE SHOWER FILTERS help protect against chlorine and other water-borne impurities using a combination of proven filtration media and patented Chlorgon filtration technology. The filters are offered in four attractive models, including...

The type 568 lug style butterfly valve.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE TYPE 568 LUG STYLE BUTTERFLY VALVE is corrosion-resistant, and designed for dead-end service. The valve is fully pressure rated at 150 psi to allow for easy system expansion to the pipeline without the expense of a system shutdown. Typical...

The new APS series of snow melting controls.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE NEW APS SERIES OF SNOW MELTING CONTROLS are highly dependable. The APS 3-C is available for either 120 v. or 208/240 v. operation. The APS-4C directly controls heaters with its three-phase definite purpose contactor rated for up to 50 amp...

The signature series steam bath controls.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE SIGNATURE SERIES STEAM BATH CONTROLS are designed specifically for use with the company's steam baths and their optional sound and light systems. They offer the user precise temperature adjustment, variable session times, sound system...

The black procoat gas connector.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE BLACK PROCOAT GAS CONNECTOR is a nearly invisible appliance connection. It features a proprietary polymer coating for protection against prolonged exposure to ammonia, acids, chlorine and other caustic chemicals common to household cleaning...

A new line of industrial grade two-stage wet/dry vacuums.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... A NEW LINE OF INDUSTRIAL GRADE TWO-STAGE WET/DRY VACUUMS are now available, designed specifically for the clean up of heavy debris and liquids. Two models are available, offering a 14-gal. and 16-gal. drum. The quiet two-stage motor is designed...

The KC100 line of high efficiency boilers and water heaters.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE KC100 LINE OF HIGH EFFICIENCY BOILERS AND WATER HEATERS deliver unmatched turndown while maintaining an environmentally friendly profile. They support sealed combustion and can be configured to support dual fuel (natural gas or propane)...

This double head showerhead.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THIS DOUBLE HEAD SHOWERHEAD features two pivoting spray heads, as well as an adjustable spray pattern on each, allowing the user to direct and change the water stream to suit their personal preference. Constructed of solid brass, it has easy to...

The 7000 series sloanstone solid-surface lavatory system.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE 7000 SERIES SLOANSTONE SOLID-SURFACE LAVATORY SYSTEM installs faster than any sink like it on the market. It is completely serviceable from the top, keeping technicians off their knees. Its continuous curved basin design, offered in a wide...

The Apollo 4SG series double check valve and double detector assembly.(PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... THE APOLLO 4SG SERIES DOUBLE CHECK VALVE AND DOUBLE DETECTOR ASSEMBLY combines a short lay length with consistently low pressure loss and an extremely flat flow curve that makes it easy to incorporate into any plumbing system. It is sized from...

Giant labor shortage needs educated solution.(Editorial)
May 1, 2007... ALTHOUGH IT PROVIDES little comfort to this year's Giants and other contractors who face labor shortages, here's a headline from an Associated Press story in late April: "Lack of qualified workers threatens India's success." India, along...