Contractor articles from November 2004

Contractor archives from November 2004

Bigger ISH-NA shows some new twists.(ISH North America)
November 1, 2004... BOSTON -- The ISH North America Show held in mid-October here continued to grow, with 13,456 attendees registering from 40 countries, marking an increase of 14% over last year. The $37 exhibiting companies represented 16 countries. The...

Johnson control buys 'giant' Cal-Air.
November 1, 2004... WHITTLER, CALIF. -- Johnson Controls has purchased California mechanical giant CAL-AIR here in a cash deal. Terms were not disclosed, although Tim Fahringer of Kerlin Capital Group, which helped orchestrate the deal, told CONTRACTOR that...

RPA hears plans for fuel cells in Europe, U.S.(Radiant Panel Association)
November 1, 2004... BOSTON -- Look for the first limited commercial sales of residential fuel cells in 2006 in Europe, a fuel cell manufacturer told members of the Radiant Panel Association meeting in October here. Tucker Ruberti of Ida Tech Inc. said that his...

Survival rates for family business.(Contractor In Focus)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 1, 2004... Survival rates for family businesses Fail in 1st generation 44% Survive to 2nd generation 40% Survive to 3rd generation 15% Survive to 4th generation 1% Sources: Aspen Family Business for Deloitte & Touche,...

Hiring and firing full of legal pitfalls.(Industry News)
November 1, 2004... SANTA ANA PUEBLO, N.M. -- Most hiring and firing legal pitfalls are the result of bad communication, lawyer Donna M. Dell told members of the Mechanical Service Contractors Association meeting in October here. Most money in wrongful...

Road to profitability paved with service agreements.(Industry News)
November 1, 2004... SANTA ANA PUEBLO, N.M. -- Mechanical contractors can do good for their customers and do well for themselves by selling extended service agreements that are backed by insurance, Equiguard's Craig Funke told members of the Mechanical Service...

Watts radiant centralizes operations in new facility.(Industry News)
November 1, 2004... SPRINGFIELD, MO. -- Watts Radiant hosted an open house in September for its new facility here. The manufacturing plant provides 143,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and office space. Watts Radiant previously occupied three manufacturing/office...

DIY market has room for plumbing contractors too.(Industry News)(Del Grande Heating & Plumbing)(Interview)
November 1, 2004... BOSTON -- Ed Del Grande has spent more than 30 years in the plumbing industry, the last four on the DIY network. His new TV show, "Ed the Plumber," premiered Oct. 3. He holds master's licenses in plumbing, pipefitting and fire protection...

'Marketing on the cheap' can yield positive exposure.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ATLANTA -- Service contractors do not need to spend lavishly on a marketing program to communicate effectively with their customer base, business coach Jim Hamilton told Nexstar members during their Super Meeting XXIV Sept. 30-Oct. 2 here. They...

Contractor teaches 'daily essentials'.(Industry News)
November 1, 2004... NASHVILLE, TENN. -- Ken Goodrich knows where his money is, and other contractors better know that too if they want to make a good living. Goodrich told fellow members of Plumbers Success International meeting here in September what numbers they...

How Americans feel about their home.(Contractor In Focus)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 1, 2004... How Americans feel about their home (By percentage, with % change from 1998 Private retreat 90% +5% Entertainment center 78% +16% Family haven 77% +2% Social hub 61% +14% Financial asset ...

American Plumbing and Mechanical.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... American Plumbing and Mechanical has emerged from Chapter 11 and said its reorganization plan has been completed. This ends the restructuring process begun Oct. 13, 2003, by AMPAM and its affiliates. The reorganized company will consist of five...

EMCOR Group.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... EMCOR Group on Oct. 25 appointed Anthony J. Guzzi president and chief operating officer. Frank T. MacInnis remains chairman and CEO. From 1997 to the present, Guzzi held senior leadership positions at United Technologies Corp. and its...

Sloan Valve Co.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Sloan Valve Co. has announced the addition of Leonard Valve to the Value Alliance Club, an incentive-reward program for plumbing contractors and distributors who can earn vacation packages and merchandise for selling certain products. Leonard...

An apartment tenant in Salt Lake City who decided to dispose of gasoline down the toilet ended up doing $75,000 worth of damage to his building.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... An apartment tenant in Salt Lake City who decided to dispose of gasoline down the toilet ended up doing $75,000 worth of damage to his building. The man collected the gasoline from his car's leaking tank and flushed it, only to have the pilot...

An artificial reef created two years ago in the Black River in Hampton, Va.
November 1, 2004... An artificial reef created two years ago in the Black River in Hampton, Va., out of unwanted toilets, sinks and other porcelain products has proven a good habitat for oysters, said Jim Wesson, director of oyster restoration with the Virginia...

Place your business where the money is.(Schmitt On Management)(Column)
November 1, 2004... LAST MONTH I observed that most of those who will instruct you as you learn the skills of the trade have no interest in your becoming a good and successful businessperson ("I'll take a businessperson over a craftsman," October, pg. 24). ...

Editorial promotes good sense.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... HARLINGEN, TEXAS -- Wonderful editorial by Bob Miodonski in your October issue ("Don't expect me to listen to your rage," pg.62). Thank you for the promotion of truly good sense. We see a lot of lever pullers in my part of Texas who don't...

OSHA rules for hot work.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... VIA E-MAIL -- I am a safety consultant working for the state of Nevada's OSHA in its Safety Consultation and Training Section. I found the recent article about hot-work fires by Mark Blank to be very good ("Hot-work fires: devastating but...

Ground-source heat pumps for radiant, DHW.(Eatherton On Hydronics)(Domestic Hot Water )
November 1, 2004... IN ORDER TO USE the relatively low-temperature water available from ground-source heat pump systems, the designer must consider all the parameters required to deliver comfort when it is needed. The designer must pay attention to floor...

Web service connects unrelated data.(Feldmans On Computers)(Corecon Technologies recently introduced Corecon 4.0: Subcontractor Edition, a new Web-based version of a contractor-centric solution )
November 1, 2004... SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT who provide solutions for contractors are frequently among the early adopters of evolving computer technologies. Eager to expand their program capabilities, they often incorporate innovations that aim to improve...

When you see a claim coming, prepare.(McGreevy On Law)(JTE Constructors of North Carolina Inc)
November 1, 2004... JUST AS FLORIDIANS learned to put up plywood to protect their properties in September, contractors have to learn to take steps to protect their rights when they see a potential claim coming toward them. In JTE Constructors of North Carolina...

The risk/reward paradigm on tough jobs.(Craig On Project Management)
November 1, 2004... THROUGHOUT MY project management career I've been known as the "project garbage man" because I am usually willing to take on jobs where other companies or project managers fear to tread. I'm known for my penchant for taking on difficult...

How to track numbers to ensure profits.(Best Practices)
November 1, 2004... IF YOU WENT to work one day and faced a $50,000 shortfall, would you know in advance it was coming, or would it hit you like a bolt out of the blue? For the life of your business, how do you avoid unwelcome surprises, improve performance...

Uponor to streamline operations.(Industry News)
November 1, 2004... APPLE VALLEY, MINN. -- Uponor North America will close RTI Piping Systems in the United States and Plasco PEX-b Manufacturing in Canada, the company announced Oct. 27. Additionally, the Uponor Manufactured Structures and Uponor Ecoflex...

The new workmax shop van.(editors choice)
November 1, 2004... THE NEW WORKMAX SHOP VAN was developed with contractors in mind. Available on a rugged GM chassis, its exterior compartments and adjustable interior shelves provides easy access to stored items. Models come with interior lengths of 10' or 12',...

The pressurepro tire pressure monitoring system.(Products)
November 1, 2004... The pressurepro tire pressure monitoring system continuously monitors the pressure on all vehicle tires and displays them on a digital readout in the cab. It can display the pressure of up to 34 tires, allowing the driver to schedule repairs...

The 00R-IFC radiant heating circulator.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE 00R-IFC RADIANT HEATING CIRCULATOR is designed specifically for the lower flow and higher head requirements of today's radiant heating systems. It can be used with a wide variety of tube diameters and lengths of runs. It includes a...

The natural gloss shower alcove.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE NATURAL GLOSS SHOWER ALCOVE is a three-panel wall system made of a compression-molded composite material. It is offered in three molded-in solid colors and seven granite colors. A sturdy boss-and-clip interlock system means that the walls...

Flexible vinyl torque arrestors.(Products)
November 1, 2004... FLEXIBLE VINYL TORQUE ARRESTORS prevent wear and tear in water wells. An expandable spacer that fits snugly between the drop pipe that delivers water and the well casing that surrounds it, the arrestor is positioned just above the pump at the...

The demo-dozer skid-steer attachment.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE DEMO-DOZER SKID-STEER ATTACHMENT combines the capabilities of most other buckets into one. Ideal for excavation, demolition and blading, the attachment is available in overall widths of 61", 67", 73", 79" and 85". The open height for all...

The LK7322 kitchen faucet.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE LK7322 KITCHEN FAUCET features a convenient pullout spray head and single-control lever for water temperature and volume. The 15" tall high-arc faucet provides a 7 1/2" reach and is offered in chrome, brushed nickel and brushed chrome. It...

The hot-shot pipe thawing machine.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE HOT-SHOT PIPE THAWING MACHINE comes in two models, the 320, which generates 320 amps of power, and the 400, which generates 400 amps. The 320 is able to thaw up to 100' of 1 1/2" frozen pipe, yet weighs just 30 lb. The 400 had a dual level...

The model 535 threading machine.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE MODEL 535 THREADING MACHINE is built to thread carbon, galvanized and stainless steel pipe, PVC, conduit rod and bolt. Threading capacities are 1/8" to 2" for pipe, and 1/4" to 2" for bolt. It is available in various configurations to meet...

The contour service body.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE CONTOUR SERVICE BODY is for short-bed light duty trucks having a 40" cab-to-rear axle dimension. It provides enclosed storage space for tools, equipment and materials. An efficient gasket design creates a watertight seal that eliminates the...

These centrifugal pumps.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THESE CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS are offered in 2", 3" and 4" models, each powered by the Subaru EX Series overhead-cam engine. The 2" delivers 158 GPM, the 3" 256 GPM. An abrasion-resistant, cast-iron three-blade impeller ensures long operating life....

The fold-a-saw hacksaw.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE FOLD-A-SAW HACKSAW can be folded to a compact size for transport or storage. It is comprised of two folding blade securing pieces that nest neatly in a u-shaped channel. It accepts standard 12" blades. Seateki CIRCLE 112 ON...

The jobsite truck cap.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE JOBSITE TRUCK CAP delivers the toughness of steel construction for about the cost of an aluminum top. It is comprised of 26-gauge double-sided, electrogalvanized steel skin over 16-gauge galvanized steel framing. A pickup equipped with the...

The P10 thermodynamic steam trap.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE P10 THERMODYNAMIC STEAM TRAP is for pure and clean steam systems. It features an all stainless steel design with air-jacketed construction to reduce no load cycling and extend the trap life by insulating the steam pressure chamber. It is...

The Olympian GM 12 multi-sparker.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE OLYMPIAN GM 12 MULTI-SPARKER is designed for lighting all gas appliances. The continuous ignition piezo electric sparker provides an immediate spark. It is offered with a fixed nozzle measuring 7", or flexible nozzle in lengths of 20" and...

The DP roof drain deck plate.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE DP ROOF DRAIN DECK PLATE is easy to install; underdeck clamps are no longer needed in place of the current roof sump receiver. An option allows the entire roof drain and deck plate assembly to be securely fastened to the deck using...

The max climber 2000P rack and pinion personnel lift.(Products)
November 1, 2004... THE MAX CLIMBER 2000P RACK AND PINION PERSONNEL LIFT is designed with passenger safety in mind. It features 5", 95 lb. galvanized mast sections which are easily connected with four bolts and attached to scaffolding or the building with wall...

New pipe hanger catalog release first since company name change.(Literature Showcase)
November 1, 2004... NEW PIPE HANGER CATALOG RELEASE FIRST SINCE COMPANY NAME CHANGE. 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...

The new Gen-Eye3 video pipe inspection/location system.(Literature Showcase)
November 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...

Danze showcases "cool" line in 2004 product catalog.(Literature Showcase)
November 1, 2004... DANZE SHOWCASES "COOL" LINE IN 2004 PRODUCT CATALOG. Danze has introduced its new product catalog. Throughout this 40 + page book, Danze highlights its line of decorative kitchen and bath faucets, showerheads and bath accessories. To receive a...

Elkay expands offering of quick-clip sinks to meet contractor demand.(Literature Showcase)
November 1, 2004... 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 technology to more than 1,100 sink models. The patented design is easy to...

The J-2512 Typyhyoon trailer jet.(Literature Showcase)
November 1, 2004... THE J-2512 TYPYHYOON TRAILER JET from General Pipe Cleaners blows away blockages in big lines and long runs. The Typhoon delivers 12 gallons a minute at 2,500 psi to blast lines clean of grease, sediment and debris. A 200-gallon holding tank...

Sioux Chief's easy-to-navigate and fast loading.(Literature Showcase)
November 1, 2004... SIOUX CHIEF'S EASY-TO-NAVIGATE AND FAST LOADING web site features up-to-date information about every Sioux Chief product, downloadable spec sheets and other literature in PDF format, an entire section dedicated to water hammer, Sales Rep...

The new Amtrol data sheet.(Literature Showcase)
November 1, 2004... THE NEW AMTROL DATA SHEET features the company's SmartControl temperature control unit. The sheet highlights the unit's benefits which include a tamper-resistant setting and adjustable post-purge function that produces energy savings of up to...

Pipe joining products.(Literature Showcase)
November 1, 2004... PIPE JOINING PRODUCTS 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...

The Metraflex fireloop expansion joint.(Literature Showcase)
November 1, 2004... THE METRAFLEX FIRELOOP EXPANSION JOINT protects fire sprinkler systems across seismic separations and building joints, simplifying designing movement into a sprinkler system. A proven technology with thousands of seismic installations in...

Electronic FlowHood.(Literature Showcase)
November 1, 2004... 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...

A product summary brochure is now available from Red-White Valve Corp.(Literature Showcase)
November 1, 2004... Featuring brief descriptions of every product we offer with photos, it is an excellent resource for contractors. Includes all important data you will need to know about our complete valve line for your upcoming projects. Red-White Valve...

New literature describes Sloan's side mount operator.(Literature Showcase)
November 1, 2004... 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...

When employees are present and unproductive.(ergonomics rule)(Editorial)
November 1, 2004... I RAN INTO two of my favorite people in the contracting industry during the recent PHCC convention and ISH North America trade show in Boston. I discovered that both suffered from the same condition--carpal tunnel syndrome. One of them had...