Contractor articles from October 2002

Contractor archives from October 2002

Contractor says wireless is the answer.(Rodenhiser Plumbing & Heating)
October 1, 2002... HOLLISTON, MASS. -- Andy Rodenhiser went wireless for his customers and employees. In order to maintain a high level of customer service, Rodenhiser figured he would need a lot of information about the customers of his company, Rodenhiser...

Feds sue UA over Diplomat.(United Association Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund sued over investment)
October 1, 2002... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor has filed suit against the trustees of the United Association Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund, seeking to have them removed as trustees and to recover any losses associated with the...

Housing bubble just local swelling?(housing prices)(Industry Trend or Event)(Industry Overview)
October 1, 2002... THE ALLEGED housing bubble story is, to mix metaphors, rearing its ugly head again, even after Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan testified before Congress during the summer that no housing bubble exists. On Aug. 28, the...

Consumers join PEX makers in California lawsuit. (Industry News).
October 1, 2002... SACRAMENTO, CALIF. -- A coalition of consumer and business organizations on Sept. 6 announced their support for a lawsuit filed by manufacturers of PEX plastic tubing against the state of California. The coalition has accused the...

Differentiate your firm with your people. (Industry News).
October 1, 2002... BALTIMORE -- Your competitors may sell and install the same products you do--at the same price. Still, you can differentiate your company. "The one thing your competitor doesn't have is your people," said Bill Raymond, co-owner of Frank &...

S&P cuts AMPAM credit rating. (Industry News).(Standard & Poor's, American Plumbing & Mechanical Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... NEW YORK -- Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Sept. 23 lowered its corporate credit rating on American Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. to single-B from single-B+, and removed the rating from CreditWatch. On June 30, AMPAM had $167 million...

Nothing in the air in newest radiant-heated Health House. (Industry News).
October 1, 2002... ST. PAUL, MINN. -- The latest American Lung Association Health House here didn't start out as a showcase home--it evolved into one. Homeowner Chuck Knight, an architect, just wanted to build a family home with builder Kise Homes. The house...

Members drive services. (New PHCC-NA president).(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association president Eddie Hollub)
October 1, 2002... PASADENA, TEXAS -- Later this month in Toronto, Eddie Hollub takes over the easy job of being president of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association during the group's annual convention. "It will be a very easy job,"...

Wisconsin OKs new point-of-entry water-treatment unit sizing. (Industry News).
October 1, 2002... LISLE, ILL. -- The Water Quality Association announced that the Wisconsin Department of Commerce formally has approved a system for sizing point-of-entry water-treatment devices such as softeners and filters that can be used as an alternative...

Construction Labor Research Council.(wage and benefit settlements report)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * Wage and benefit settlements reported to the Construction Labor Research Council so far this year have resulted in an average first year increase of $1.40 or 4.2% and a second-year increase of $1.41 or 4%. The average first-year increase at...

ISH North America.(international trade show to be held)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * The first ISH North America international trade show for the kitchen and bath, plumbing, piping, heating, hydronics and air conditioning industry will be held Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at the National Trade Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto. More...

USF Consumer & Commercial Water Group, a subsidiary of United States Filter Corp., has agreed to sell its Plymouth Products business to Pentair Inc.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * USF Consumer & Commercial Water Group, a subsidiary of United States Filter Corp., has agreed to sell its Plymouth Products business to Pentair Inc. Plymouth Products manufactures water filtration products used in residential, commercial and...

The Legionella Prevention Training Course.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * The Legionella Prevention Training Course will be offered Dec. 5-6 at the Virginia Department of Mental Health Northern Virginia Training Center in Fairfax, Va. The tuition is $495, or $425 for three or more, which includes a copy of...

Uniform Plumbing Code--The Archival Collection 1946-1994.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... * Uniform Plumbing Code--The Archival Collection 1946-1994 is now available from the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials. The past editions of the UPC are available on CD-ROM for $150 for IAPMO members and $1 79 for...

DA indicts, SEC sues Tyco triumvirate. (Industry News).(Tyco International Ltd. officials sued by Manhattan District Attorney, Securities and Exchange Commission)
October 1, 2002... NEW YORK -- Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau Sept. 12 announced the indictment of three former top officers of Tyco International Ltd. L. Dennis Kozlowski, formerly the chairman of the board and chief executive officer, and Mark...

Tyco names 2 executives, 5 directors. (Industry News).(Tyco International Ltd. )
October 1, 2002... PEMBROKE, BERMUDA -- At the same time that three former executives were being indicted and sued by the government, Tyco International Ltd. was cleaning house, naming two new senior executives and five new directors. Tyco is the world's...

Mold threatens contractors' wallets. (Industry New).(liability for mold)(Legal Beat)
October 1, 2002... KOHLER, WIS. -- When a group of plumbing contractors came here to learn about the risks of mold, perhaps the most telling slide that flashed on the screen carried a statement from a trial lawyer. "I've learned that these can be terrific...

NIBCO[R]--leading the way in innovative solutions. (Advertorial).
October 1, 2002... For nearly a century, NIBCO has led the industry with a broad offering of the highest quality products backed by excellent customer service. NIBCO's unsurpassed line of quality flow control products include: metal and plastic fittings, valves...

How to prevent `Mikey ain't here'. (Schmitt On Management).(the way a contractor's phone is answered makes a big first impression on customers)
October 1, 2002... YOUR CUSTOMERS learn about you in many different ways. Your customers find how to locate you by looking at the Yellow Pages. Your customers reach you by calling you on the telephone. Customers and potential customers typically get their first...

Builder unveils universal design home. (Schmitt On Management).(Product Information)
October 1, 2002... AUBURN HILLS, MICH. -- Genesis Homes, a nationwide builder of modular homes, built and displayed a home with universal design features at the AARP Life@50+ Show Sept. 12-14 in San Diego. The builder said it built the structure to educate...

Country desperately needs tort reform. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2002... PHOENIX -- Robert Mader's article ("Nevada contractors battle trial lawyers," pg. 1) and Bob Miodonski's editorial ("Don't let this happen in your state," pg. 50) that ran in the August issue really hit home. The Nevada builders and...

Stand up to trial lawyers. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2002... PHOENIX -- I just finished reading Bob Miodonski's editorial about the construction defects litigation issues in Nevada ("Don't let this happen in your state," pg. 50) and Robert Mader's lead front-page news article in the August issue of...

CSI states position on MasterFormat. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2002... ALEXANDRIA, VA. -- On behalf of the Construction Specifications Institute, I want to thank CONTRACTOR magazine for its excellent coverage of our efforts to expand and revise the MasterFormat specifications system. Partially as a result of your...

Reader appreciates Yates.(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2002... VIA E-MAIL -- Just a note of appreciation for Dave Yates' plumbing columns. He is always right on! Tell Dave to keep smiling and writing.

Help the builder by offering a choice. (Forum).(faucet upgrades)
October 1, 2002... INDIANAPOLIS -- Plumbing contractors working in the production builder market recognize the frustration: More homebuyers want distinct or specific faucet upgrades. Yet from the builder's perspective, satisfying these requests adds complexity...

Stop, thief! What works and doesn't work in preventing equipment and tool theft. (Jobsite Security).
October 1, 2002... Between October 2000 and July 2002, Raven Mechanical in Houston suffered the theft of more than $40,000 worth of tools and equipment from jobsites. "The bulk of this came out of our pockets, because with the insurance climate being what it...

Radiant heat for everyone, part 1. (Eatherton On Hydronics).
October 1, 2002... RECENTLY FINISHED up on a project for Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. I've been trying to donate a hydronic radiant floor heating system to this organization through the auspices of the local chapter of the Radiant Panel Association for...

AHR Expo to recognize innovation. (Eatherton On Hydronics).(2003 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... WESTPORT, CONN. -- The products judged to be the most innovative among the thousands on display at the 2003 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition will be recognized in the inaugural AHR Expo Innovation Awards. ...

Using Internet, wireless solutions in the field. (Feldmans On Computers).
October 1, 2002... THERE'S NEW meaning to the idea that it pays to be connected. Decades ago, Dick Tracy was ahead of his time with his telephone wrist watch, but nowadays plumbing and HVAC contractors can easily do much more with equipment just a bit bigger. ...

When to stop work for non-payment. (McGreevy On Law).
October 1, 2002... VERY SUBCONTRACTOR has had to deal with slow payment by general contractors who claim that it's not their fault--the customer hasn't paid them and, in a slow economy, this refrain is heard more and more frequently. As sympathetic as the...

Create a plan to earn PM credentials. (Craig On Project Management).
October 1, 2002... IN THE OLDEN days, PME (plumbing/mechanical/electrical) engineers were scarcer than the proverbial general contractor's holiday bonus to his workers. That was when an HVAC or plumbing contractor was expected to have enough knowledge to do...

Insurance analysis test yields big results. (Blackman On Taxes).
October 1, 2002... A WHILE BACK I wrote a column about cutting premium costs yet increasing life insurance benefits. I received a flood of faxes, phone calls and even e-mails from readers. The following policy analyses from four readers are typical of what I...

Masco buys installation firms. (Blackman On Taxes).(Service Partners, SCE Unlimited, IDI Group, Diversified Cabinet Distributors)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... TAYLOR, MICH. -- Masco Corp. in mid-September announced the acquisition of four companies with annualized 2002 sales expected to be in excess of $650 million. Total consideration for the four acquisitions is more than $800 million in cash and...

Let's work together to improve PHC industry. (Guest Columnist).(plumbing, heating and cooling)
October 1, 2002... At a recent national industry summit, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association brought contractors, manufacturers, wholesalers and service providers to the table for indepth conversations. This was the first step in...

Risk summit scheduled. (Guest Columnist).(Associated General Contractors of America )(Associated Specialty Contractors )(Industry Trend or Event)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... FALLS CHURCH, VA. -- The Associated General Contractors of America and the Associated Specialty Contractors will hold a summit Nov. 8-9 at the Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, Calif., to address the risks faced by contractors in the...

Assist, value loyal customers. (Letters/Forum).(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2002... MINNEAPOLIS -- I read with much interest Bob Miodonski's article regarding Dennis Sowards' remarks to the Mechanical Contractors Association of America conference ("Gain customer loyalty by design, not by accident," August, pg. 5). His...

U.S., local agency to build desalination plant. (Industry News).
October 1, 2002... LONG BEACH, CALIF. -- On Sept. 9, the Long Beach Water Department signed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to begin design and construction of a prototype desalination plant here. The federal cost-sharing agreement...

A comprehensive line of industrial pipe and fittings. (editor's choice).
October 1, 2002... A COMPREHENSIVE LINE OF INDUSTRIAL PIPE AND FITTINGS is available that includes PVC Schedule 80 and Schedule 40 pipe and fittings; Corzan CPVC Schedule 80 and Schedule 40 pipe; and and Corzan CPVC Schedule 80 fittings. CPVC pipe is offered in...

The elliptical purist bath . (editor's choice).
October 1, 2002... THE ELLIPTICAL PURIST BATH is engineered to be a shell within a shell, incorporating an overflow rim that allows the individual to be fully immersed in warm water within the 20"-deep bathing well. Bubbles from eight ports create a relaxing...

Sparcomix anti-scald mixing valves. (editor's choice).
October 1, 2002... SPARCOMIX ANTI-SCALD MIXING VALVES come in three new models designed with CPVC union fittings that can be connected directly to 3/4" CPVC piping for "point of use" and "point of source" applications This ready-to-use feature saves time and...

The total escape luxury custom shower system. (editor's choice).
October 1, 2002... THE TOTAL ESCAPE LUXURY CUSTOM SHOWER SYSTEM provides the user with multiple body sprays and body jets. Showerheads, six handle options, coordinating hand showers, volume controls, tub spouts, body sprays and body jets can be mixed and matched...

The lion's foot bath. (editor's choice).
October 1, 2002... THE LION'S FOOT BATH is a claw foot tub crafted of cast iron with a vitreous enamel glaze on the exterior. Its feet have a dramatic lion's foot design and are made from solid brass. The feet are available with white enamel, brushed nickel,...

This metering faucet features solid brass construction for durability and vandal resistance. (editor's choice).
October 1, 2002... THIS METERING FAUCET features solid brass construction for durability and vandal resistance. A separate, hydraulically controlled self-closing system requires only minimum pressure to operate at maximum efficiency. Flow time, water volume and...

The 1330 hydraulic drive pedestrian trencher. (editor's choice).
October 1, 2002... THE 1330 HYDRAULIC DRIVE N TRENCHER measures 84" long and 33" wide, allowing it to maneuver through a standard yard gate and work in narrow, confined areas. It feature a reversible digging chain for dislodging rocks or spoils caught in the...

The MCH-100 portable heat gun and soldering iron kit. (editor's choice).
October 1, 2002... THE MCH-100 PORTABLE HEAT GUN AND SOLDERING IRON KIT features a 48-v. battery pack housed in a rugged carrying case equipped with a 9' cable for connecting each tool. The hot air gun can reach a temperature of 1,350[degrees]F for installing...

A comprehensive group of plumbing accessories. (editor's choice).
October 1, 2002... A COMPREHENSIVE GROUP OF PLUMBING ACCESSORIES is available that includes grid strainers, high-polished chrome and stainless steel basket strainers, plug cleanouts, and bath and continuous wastes. Zurn CIRCLE 109 ON INQUIRY CARD ...

M-1 structural sealant. (editor's choice).
October 1, 2002... M-1 STRUCTURAL SEALANT is now available in a two-gal, size as well as 10.3 oz. and 28 oz. cartridges. The solvent-free thermosetting adhesive is designed for bonding and sealing applications. It can easily be used in confined spaces. Elastic...

These heavy-duty cable shears. (editor's choice).
October 1, 2002... THESE HEAVY-DUTY CABLE SHEARS cut copper, steel, ACSR and most hardened wire with ease. The lightweight tool is designed for single-hand use continuous cutting. It is manufactured of heavy-duty tempered steel and features a triangular cutting...

The 694 series shower head. (Products).
October 1, 2002... * THE 694 SERIES SHOWER HEAD is made of solid brass, weighs 1.8 lb., is 3" in diameter, has 27 spray holes and 28 spray nozzles. The head has a solid brass adjustable ball joint connector and fits on a standard shower arm. It is designed to...

The PVDF HP flex tubing system. (Products).
October 1, 2002... * THE PVDF HP FLEX TUBING SYSTEM is a cost-effective solution for the conveyance of ultra-pure water and chemicals. It is ideal for applications involving semiconductors and the life sciences. The tubing is constructed from a polyvinylidene...

The avalon bath faucet. (Products).
October 1, 2002... * THE AVALON BATH FAUCET features cross handles and contemporary styling while still echoing older, more traditional faucet designs. The faucet can be specified in over 20 different finishes (it is shown in polished nickel) to complement almost...

The quartermaster valve series. (Products).
October 1, 2002... * THE QUARTERMASTER VALVE SERIES offers innovative ball valve technology for easy operation. A quarter-turn of the handle opens and closes the valves. They are low-lead and can be used for general purpose hose connection outlet for external...

These portable utility pumps. (Products).
October 1, 2002... * THESE PORTABLE UTILITY PUMPS include 1/6 1/4 and 1/2 hp sizes in capacities ranging from 1.0 gpm to 62.0 gpm with lifts up to 30'. They are all equipped with 115 v. AC, 60 Hz overload protected motors. Oil-free, the motors feature permanent...

Corr-Paint CP3015. (Products).
October 1, 2002... * CORR-PAINT CP3015 is a high-temperature, ceramic and metal-oxide filled coating for the protection of large steel structures at up to 1,500[degrees]F. It is applied using conventional painting equipment, drying to a thickness of 2 to 3 mils....

The 18-V., 6 1/2-in. Metal cutting circular saw. (Products).
October 1, 2002... * THE 18-V., 6 1/2-IN. METAL CUTTING CIRCULAR SAW is designed to cut through conduit, unistrut, angle iron and steel, copper and galvanized pipe, metal studs, spiral duct and even black pipe. The cordless saw is easy to maneuver and cuts to a...

Pre-engineered valve stations. (Products).
October 1, 2002... * PRE-ENGINEERED VALVE are custom-configured water flow control systems built using proven, reliable components to meet exact application requirements. They are factory-assembled and -tested to provide uninterrupted water service to hospitals,...

Dura-pex pipe. (Products).
October 1, 2002... * DURA-PEX PIPE has UV inhibitors built into the pipe to minimize damage from UV rays. Even if it is stored outside in wholesale or retail yards for extended periods its performance characteristics will not change. It is available in 1/4",...

The vanity flair collection. (Products).
October 1, 2002... * THE VANITY FLAIR COLLECTION of antique-style bathroom vanities features six design finish options created with old world crusty gesso, antique wax, French toile fabrics, gold leaf and other exclusive textured mediums. Vanities can be custom...

The E-force commercials gas water heater. (Products).
October 1, 2002... * THE E-FORCE COMMERCIAL GAS WATER HEATER boasts the highest efficiency rating (98.5%), greatest venting flexibility and quietest operation of any water heater in its class. It is available in 100 gal./199,999 Btus and is ideal for meeting the...

The olbuckt1 oiler system. (Products).
October 1, 2002... THE OLBUCKT1 OILER SYSTEM effectively delivers threading oil to piping work. The gun-and-trigger approach makes it easy to pump oil directly on the work. An integral hook allows hanging near work for quick draw pick-up. The rugged and...

The mini-rooter XP. (Products).
October 1, 2002... * THE MINI-ROOTER XP drain-cleaning machine features a new, upright frame design with roll bars to protect the motor when taking the machine up or down stairs or loading it into the back of a truck. A variable speed power cable feed allows the...

The powerpack small volume asme commercial electric water heater line. (Products).
October 1, 2002... THE POWERPACK SMALL VOLUME ASME COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC WATER HEATER LINE is intended for the engineered specification market. It is ideal for both new construction and commercial replacement applications involving kilowatt inputs above 12 kW. They...

Versacooler water coolers. (Products).
October 1, 2002... VERSACOOLER WATER COOLERS are barrier-free and vandal-resistant. Finished in brushed stainless steel, the coolers are ADA-compliant and feature heavy-duty, galvanized steel frame construction, a single recessed front push button with heavy-duty...

The azur 50 airjet bath. (Products).
October 1, 2002... THE AZUR 50 AIRJET BATH features 34 airjets and measures 60" by 33" by 20". It includes two grab bars and a wall-mounted control. The airdriven system is combined with an automatic dry cycle that expels any remaining water droplets to ensure a...

The easy view hygrothermomether. (Products).
October 1, 2002... THE EASY VIEW HYGROTHERMOMETER displays any two parameters (temperature, humidity, dew point, wet bulb) simultaneously. Results are easily read off of the large LCD screen along with bar graph, low battery and over range indications. The...

The Paris kitchen faucet. (Products).
October 1, 2002... THE PARIS KITCHEN FAUCET features a striking green patina finish, a concealed ledge design and a metal hand spray. The distinctive Emporium handles provide an added touch of detail. It can be coordinated with a matching bar faucet, bath...

The model T-60 tube branching system. (Products).
October 1, 2002... THE MODEL T-60 TUBE BRANCHING SYSTEM can reduce the cost of a copper tube installation by as much as 18%. The system is powerful, portable, and will form outlets 1/2" to 2" on K, L or M copper 1/2" to 4". T-Drill CIRCLE 130 ON INQUIRY...

The OBV ball valve. (Products).
October 1, 2002... THE OBV BALL VALVE is a 1,000 psi W.O.G. full port three-piece 316 stainless steel process control valve. It is ASTM certified. Thrust washers and packing are PTFE. It is offered with or without locking handles in 1/4" through 1" NPT and...

The adflo welding respirator. (Products).
October 1, 2002... THE ADFLO WELDING RESPIRATOR creates a positive atmosphere of filtered air within the helmet that is 25 times cleaner than the air outside the helmet. It features a stackable filter configuration, a lightweight all-in-one design, electronic...

The extreme heavy duty storage cabinet. (Products).
October 1, 2002... THE EXTREME HEAVY DUTY STORAGE CABINET is made of 12 gauge steel with 14 gauge adjustable steel shelves. Models are available in widths of 36", 48" or 60" wide and heights of 66" or 78". Models with half-width shelves are also available. They...

The sandblaster SBX commercial gas water heater. (Products).
October 1, 2002... THE SANDBLASTER SBX COMMERCIAL GAS WATER HEATER combines a self-cleaning design with a fan-assisted, sealed combustion system for low NOx emissions. Sealed combustion also eliminates the effects of negative air pressure that can impair water...

PVC true union ball valves. (Products).
October 1, 2002... PVC TRUE UNION BALL VALVES are available in sizes ranging from 1/2" to 2". The valves come with both socket and threaded end connectors and have EPDM seals. They are NSF certified with a pressure rating of 235 psi at 73[degrees]F. Canplas...

Pay attention to education as well as training. (Editorial).
October 1, 2002... THE DIFFERENCE between training and education is easy to remember, a consultant told a group of us a few years ago during a convention workshop. "If your daughter is going away to college," he said, "do you want her to have sex education...