Contractor articles from October 2003

Contractor archives from October 2003

Contractors help neighbors in aftermath of Isabel.
October 1, 2003... NEW BERN, N.C. -- When mechanical contractor David Novak finally went outside his home here on the morning Sept. 19 after the center of the eye of Hurricane Isabel had passed over his residence the day before, what he found surprised him. ...

N.Y. contractors battle 'scaffolding law'.
October 1, 2003... NEW YORK -- Only in New York state can a contractor's employee be dead drunk or high on drugs, fall off a scaffolding or ladder and sue his employer to collect damages. Under New York's notorious Labor Law 240, it's not a question whether a...

Oil-heat group, attorney general blast KeySpan.(Massachusetts Oilheat Council )
October 1, 2003... WELLESLEY HILLS, MASS. -- The Massachusetts Oilheat Council is hoping state regulators see things its way in the group's long battle against KeySpan Energy's oil-to-gas conversion program. KeySpan gives away free gas-heating equipment to...

Natural gas usage by market.(Contractor Infocus)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Industrial 41.9% Residential 22.5% Commercial 14.9% Electric utilities 12.5% Plant and pipeline usage 8.3% Sources: Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of...

Industry starts major recruiting campaign.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The plumbing-heating-cooling Industry has joined with heavy hitters such as General Motors and Toyota to recruit more young people into skilled technical fields. Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association,...

L.A. gives away toilet installations.(Industry News)(Los Angeles Department of Water and Power)
October 1, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- A Los Angeles Department of Water and Power program that provides water-saving toilets now includes free installation Services. The program is expected to gives an economic boost to diverse communities of Los Angeles through the...

Blue Dot prepares for sale of units.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Plumbing and HVAC consolidator Blue Dot Services announced in mid-September that it had sold off six business locations during the third quarter and has reduced the balance under its existing credit facility from $20...

Carlson mechanical delivers 'custom prefab' radiant.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... RENTON, WASH. -- Just over a year ago, Pat Harper decided that his family needed more room. The farmhouse-style home the Harpers had been living in since 1983 was a two-bedroom with about 1,000 sq. ft. of above-ground space and an unfinished...

Vacancy rates in top 10 industrial markets (As of second quarter 2003).(Contractor In Focus)(Illustration)
October 1, 2003... Vacancy rates in top 10 industrial markets (As of second quarter 2003) 1 Los Angeles Metro 9.1% 2 Chicago 10.4% 3 Dallas/Ft. Worth 14.4% 4 Atlanta 17.3% 5 Detroit 9.3% 6...

Polybute settlement money still available.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- Class-action lawyers sent out yet another notice in late September that owners of houses, mobile homes and other structures with polybutylene plumbing systems and acetal plastic insert fittings can claim part of a settlement with du...

Two Uniform codes get ANSI designation.(Industry News)(American National Standard Institute)
October 1, 2003... ONTARIO, CALIF. -- Following a three-year process, the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code were designated Sept. 8 as American National Standards. Except for the A40 Safety Requirements for Plumbing code, the UPC and UMC are...

The American Arbitration Association is presenting the National Forum on Conflict Resolution in the Construction Industry.
October 1, 2003... The American Arbitration Association is presenting the National Forum on Conflict Resolution in the Construction Industry Nov. 13-14 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago. Sponsored in part by the Associated Specialty Contractors, the...

Helmets-to-Hardhats.
October 1, 2003... Helmets-to-Hardhats, the national military recruiting program for the construction industry, received congressional support again in 2004 with $5.5 million in grant authority under the Defense Department appropriation bill signed Sept. 30 by...

Mechanical contractor Fluidics recently was notified by its broker, Marsh & Co., that its previous Experience Modification Rate of .742 has improved to .538.
October 1, 2003... Mechanical contractor Fluidics recently was notified by its broker, Marsh & Co., that its previous Experience Modification Rate of .742 has improved to .538. Michael Novak, Fluidics' vice president, made the announcement Oct. 3 to all Fluidics...

National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers.
October 1, 2003... As an incentive in its fall member campaign, the National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers is sponsoring a drawing for a free week-long hotel stay for two at its 2004 convention and trade show May 11-15 in Hartford, Conn. Any...

Roto-Rooter is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its "Away Go Troubles Down the Drain" advertising jingle for radio and TV.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Roto-Rooter is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its "Away Go Troubles Down the Drain" advertising jingle for radio and TV. As part of a yearlong celebration, Roto-Rooter recently held a Karaoke-style jingle-singing contest with more than 50...

Thermo Pride receives grants.(Industry News)(National Oilheat Research Association)
October 1, 2003... LANCASTER, PA. -- Thermo Pride has received two research grants from the National Oilheat Research Association. Over the next year, Thermo Pride will use the grants from NORA to research the feasibility of a two-stage oil furnace with an...

'Tis the season to talk about clogs.(Schmitt On Management)
October 1, 2003... THE HOLIDAY SEASON is fast approaching. One of the gifts you can expect to receive if you are a service plumber is a substantial increase in the number of calls about house sewer clogs. I don't need to tell you how you may want to prepare...

Firm's focus is industry execs.(Schmitt On Management)(MECHdata's findMEP)
October 1, 2003... DES MOINES, IOWA--MECHdata's findMEP, the executive search division of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing industry resource, has introduced a new pricing model for executive search services. "Our plan features a rate that declines (as...

Four keys to effective business planning.(Forum)
October 1, 2003... AS I VISITED TRADE shows earlier this year, I made it a point to question residential hydronic heating contractors about business conditions. It appears that, in most areas of the country, business has been excellent. Contractors have more jobs...

Researcher clarifies toilet test results.(Letters)
October 1, 2003... YORBA LINDA, CALIF.--As one of the researchers involved in the toilet testing covered in your August article ("Low-flush toilets take bean curd test," pg. 7), I believe that you correctly characterized our approach and the results. Of the 50...

Ask questions for commercial boiler retrofits.(Eatherton On Hydronics)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... MANY OLDER apartment complexes, which were built more than 30 to 50 years ago, are coming up for major boiler and component replacement. Unfortunately, in most cases, we as contractors go into the job with a "replacement system" mindset. This...

Beware of voodoo equipment sizing.(Hydronic Systems)
October 1, 2003... CONSIDER THIS scenario. It's the coldest day of the year and the telephone is ringing off the hook. That might be considered a good start to most days; however, cold weather isn't the only reason the phone is ringing. * On one of today's...

Perform hydronics what-ifs and simulations.(Feldmans On Computers)
October 1, 2003... FOR HEATING contractors, sizing and specifying equipment for hydronic systems often entails time-consuming calculations, especially when trying out variables. Working with hand calculations takes a lot of time, or it results in best...

Bank assignment letters are serious events.(McGreevy On Law)
October 1, 2003... AS ECONOMIC TIMES get tougher, we are seeing more and more instances where banks are getting nervous about large outstanding lines of credit to their customers. One reaction to this nervousness is to invoke a clause in the fine print of that...

Clock is ticking on split-dollar insurance.(Blackman On Taxes)
October 1, 2003... THE SAD BUT TRUE fact is that the IRS changed the rules on split-dollar insurance in the middle of the game. If you or anyone in your company has what is commonly called a "split-dollar life insurance plan" (Split-$ Plan), this article is must...

The last third: job closeout procedures, pitfalls.(Craig On Project Management)
October 1, 2003... I'VE ALWAYS MAINTAINED that the first third of a typical new construction project is most important because it sets the tone for the rest of the job. It establishes the kinds of relationships you'll have with the general contractor and other...

The bar is raised: leadership, strategic plans.(High-Performing Contractors)
October 1, 2003... Second in a series JUST LIKE ANY business, High-Performing Contractors need leadership to guide them toward excellence. Many contracting companies started out with one or two people so leadership was apparent. Those who started the company...

During their meeting in July in Baltimore, the following contractors received their five-year pins as members of Quality Service Contractors, a subgroup of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association.(Contractors)
October 1, 2003... DURING THEIR MEETING in July in Baltimore, the following contractors received their five-year pins as members of Quality Service Contractors, a subgroup of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association: David Rice, DeTemple...

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association elected five members to its board of directors Oct. 1 at its annual business meeting.(Contractors)
October 1, 2003... The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association elected five members to its board of directors Oct. 1 at its annual business meeting. The newly elected directors serving four-year terms are: David D. Bultman, Kilgust...

The atlas series condensing boiler.(editor's choice)
October 1, 2003... THE ATLAS SERIES CONDENSING BOILER offers a 97% thermal efficiency, fully modulated 4:1 turndown, and a sealed combustion chamber. It combines high performance with extremely low NOx emission. It is available in 1 MMBtu/hr and 1.5 MMBtu/hr...

The rapidgrip wrench.(products)
October 1, 2003... THE RAPIDGRIP WRENCH is now offered in three new sizes: 10", 14" and 18". The wrench features a spring-loaded hook jaw design that quickly adjusts to any size work surface. A thumb trigger allows users easy application and removal from the work...

The calorplast flexible heat exchanger.(products)
October 1, 2003... THE CALORPLAST FLEXIBLE HEAT EXCHANGER features a design that prevents solids buildup with fluids containing fibers or other particulates. The all-plastic heat exchanger is corrosion-resistant, and suited for applications including commercial...

Extreme hand torches.(products)
October 1, 2003... EXTREME HAND TORCHES are self-lighting and use either propane or Mapp gas. The long-lasting torch tips feature a swirled combustion design that reduces brazing time by as much as 40% by maximizing heat output. The torches have a rugged...

FSB ultra.(products)
October 1, 2003... FSB ULTRA is a high temperature insulation product for passive fire protection applications that will not shrink or become brittle over time. It weighs just 8/10ths of a pound per sq. ft.. At 1.5" thick, it provides low-profile 2-hour grease...

The CrimPall tool kit.(products)
October 1, 2003... THE CRIMPALL TOOL KIT includes the CrimpAll tool with four jaw set sizes, rugged tool case, adjustment tools and a "go/no-go" gauge. The CrimpAll crimps four sizes of PEX pipe, 3/8", 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4". Watts Radiant CIRCLE 106 ON...

The 945 magnum level.(products)
October 1, 2003... THE 945 MAGNUM LEVEL is built with reinforced aluminum frame encased in structural ABS material for strength and to prevent the level from being affected by moisture or temperature. It features tempered glass lenses over the full-travel 2"...

The plumb n' plug cartridge circulators.(products)
October 1, 2003... THE PLUMB N' PLUG CARTRIDGE CIRCULATORS are now available with optional clock timers, including a new digital clock version that can be programmed for up to seven days. The circulators can save up to 25 gal. of household water a day that would...

The 8" spoke showerhead.(products)
October 1, 2003... THE 8" SPOKE SHOWERHEAD is offered in a brushed nickel finish. It features five adjustable spokes that radiate from the center spray hub. It is made of solid brass for long, dependable product life. It mounts to any standard showerhead arm. ...

The speedglass flexview welding helmet/respirator.(products)
October 1, 2003... THE SPEEDGLASS FLEXVIEW WELDING HELMET/RESPIRATOR features a retractable, auto-darkening lens with a powered air-purifying respirator. It provides full eye, face and respiratory protection for welding and very low light weld preparation...

Two new model chipping/demolition hammers.(products)
October 1, 2003... TWO NEW MODEL CHIPPING/ DEMOLITION HAMMERS are suitable for light demolition of masonry or concrete. Each has an 11.5-amp motor and variable impact control from 1,330-2,660 BPM. The hammers have a compact housing with a large rear grip to...

How to shrink your market and boost your profits.(Advertorial)
October 1, 2003... It costs a lot of money to get that phone to ring. And when a prospective customer calls, how do you address the price question? It almost always comes tip, doesn't it? And, with cutthroat competition popping up every time you turn around,...

"How an amazing, step-by-step marketing tool I discovered by accident from my 'lousy kid brother' took me from frustration and struggle to incredible financial success and a life of personal freedom": attention plumbers: is there a way to get all the customers you want--on demand--anytime? Special report reveals ...(Advertorial)
October 1, 2003... Lagrangeville, NY -- In each of the last few years, while other plumbers here and nationwide have been fighting to just stay even, I've enjoyed double-digit growth, even though I'm in a tough market... with a Home Depot... and plenty of...

Complete shower wall panel systems.(Products)
October 1, 2003... COMPLETE SHOWER WALL PANEL SYSTEMS are sized to fit floor sizes that are 36" X 36", 34" X 48" and 32" X 60". The panel systems are available in 29 solid and granite colors, and come complete with: two side-wall panels, one back-wall panel, two...

Super heat steam traps.(Products)
October 1, 2003... SUPER HEAT STEAM TRAPS virtually eliminate steam losses and their associated energy waste. These medium and high-pressure traps are easily maintained due to accessible internals. They are ideal for turbines, superheated drips, soot blowers,...

The double-wall B-flex.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE DOUBLE-WALL B-FLEX offers flexibility and cost savings in B-vent installations. It eliminates measuring, special adapters and assembly of rigid pipe. It delivers maximum flex without kinking, and can be used as both a flexible connector...

Boxer series 3000 diaphragm pumps.(Products)
October 1, 2003... BOXER SERIES 3000 DIAPHRAGM PUMPS for liquids or gases are ideal for low current/high reliability pressure or vacuum applications. DC-powered and flow-rated for liquids up to 5.0 LPM (gases to 30 LPM), they are constructed of non-corrosive...

Color-coded flexible dura-pex pipe.(Products)
October 1, 2003... COLOR-CODED FLEXIBLE DURA-PEX PIPE allows contractors to save time and avoid uncertainties in identifying hot and cold plumbing lines. The company can provide customized labeling and special colors to allow larger contractors to create a...

An expanded line of pressure gauges and thermometers.(Products)
October 1, 2003... AN EXPANDED LINE OF PRESSURE GAUGES AND THERMOMETERS now includes the Series PDG3 center back entry pressure gauge, the series DPG5 top entry pressure gauge, and series TA 9" and TL 5" adjustable, liquid-filled thermometers. Gauges are...

The fairytale oak collection.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE FAIRYTALE OAK COLLECTION includes this lavatory ensemble, consisting of a pedestal, sink, mirror and soap dish. The vessel sink (27" round and 6" deep) and pedestal (30" tall) are crafted with meticulous detail in bronze. Each piece is...

Indirect water heaters.(Products)
October 1, 2003... INDIRECT WATER HEATERS are now available in sizes to 8,000,000 Btu/hr with water heating capacities to 7,680 gal. per hour at 100[degrees]F temperature rise (40[degrees]F to 100[degrees]F). The larger sizes broaden the range of applications for...

A new low-N[O.sub.x] burner.(Products)
October 1, 2003... A NEW LOW-N[O.sub.x] BURNER is available for use with the KC1000 series of high-efficiency gas-fired boilers and water heaters. The models will produce less than 30 ppm of NOx corrected to 3% of excess air, making them well-suited to...

The raindance handshower.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE RAINDANCE HANDSHOWER has an elegant, flattened silhouette. The handle is short enough that even small hands can easily grip and shift from one spray mode to the next. A fuller spray provides total body coverage. The handshower features five...

The model FDA series valve.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE MODEL FDA SERIES VALVE is designed for winterization protection of exposed water lines, fire system lines, tanks, solar collectors and safety shower supply lines or other systems requiring protection below 35[degrees]F based on the fluid...

The defender safety system.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE DEFENDER SAFETY SYSTEM is engineered to be a dependable and maintenance-free flammable-vapor ignition prevention system. It uses ScreenLok, a patented flame-arrestor plate design. The precisely-engineered component is made of...

The 325 hacksaw frame.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE 325 HACKSAW FRAME offers comfortable elastomer grips on both the front and back ends. The added front grip provides users with convenient two-handed use to cut down on fatigue and increase control. The hacksaw features high blade tension...

The HM1304B demolition hammer.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE HM1304B DEMOLITION HAMMER breaks, chips and digs in both the vertical and horizontal positions. The 35 lb. hammer has a powerful 13-amp motor delivering 1,450 BPM and 27.5 joules of impact energy. Makita CIRCLE 125 ON INQUIRY CARD...

This electronic soap dispenser.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THIS ELECTRONIC SOAP DISPENSER features touch-free operation. Its economical, pre-measured dispensing saves soap and money while encouraging hand-washing. It comes with a three-year guarantee. Sloan CIRCLE 126 ON INQUIRY CARD ...

The handy-stand.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE HANDY-STAND turns many hand-held drain cleaners into practical countertop or floor machines. Ergonomically balanced for stability, the lightweight, portable stand fits the Super-Vee, Power-Vee and Handylectric. The stand can be positioned...

The vacuity toilet features the whispervac.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE VACUITY TOILET FEATURES THE WHISPERVAC flushing system for a quieter, more efficient 1.6 gpf flush. The vacuum-assist technology permits a return to larger traps, deeper seats and a broad, deep water surface. Enhanced performance minimizes...

The min/max alarm digital thermometer.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE MIN/MAX ALARM DIGITAL THERMOMETER has a high/low temperature alarm selling, the ability to switch between an internal and an external sensor, and a memory function able to instantly recall stored readings. Delta TRAK CIRCLE 129 ON...

The model AUA2 low current accessory head.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE MODEL AUA2 LOW CURRENT ACCESSORY HEAD enables technicians to measure the current in flame rectifier diodes in gas appliances. If the current isn't high enough, the technician will know to replace the flame diode. Adapters are included to...

This flexible fire sprinkler connection.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THIS FLEXIBLE FIRE SPRINKLER CONNECTION is designed for use in suspended ceilings. Fast and simple to install, the system requires no measuring, no cutting and no in-field assembly. FlexHead CIRCLE 131 ON INQUIRY CARD ...

The versasaw.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE VERSASAW turns any power drill into a power saw. Designed for use with 1,000+ rpm corded or 14.4+ V. cordless drills, it is ideal for working in tight spaces. Professional Tool CIRCLE 132 ON INQUIRY CARD [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

The transitional series handshower.(Products)
October 1, 2003... THE TRANSITIONAL SERIES HANDSHOWER delivers beautiful lines, interesting handles, and an exceptional finish. It features solid brass construction and is available in over 35 finishes and 41 handle trip options. The entire collection includes...

A complete line of power-return tape measures.(Products)
October 1, 2003... A COMPLETE LINE OF POWER-RETURN TAPE MEASURES feature rare earth magnetic tips to hold the tape-end firmly in place on iron and steel surfaces to allow for easy, one-person measurements. The following blade sizes are available: 16' X 1", 25' X...

Tests show biofuel lowers emissions.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... WELLESLEY HILLS, MASS. -- Recent tests underwritten by the Massachusetts Oilheat Council and the National Oilheat Research Alliance indicate that emissions from oil-fired heating systems are dramatically lowered when the heating units are...

Kevin Gill, president of McCusker-Gill, Hingham, Mass., has received the SMACNA Contractor of the Year award.(Contractors)
October 1, 2003... Kevin Gill, president of McCusker-Gill, Hingham, Mass., has received the SMACNA Contractor of the Year award. Gill took a leading role in publishing SMACNA's "Creating the High-Performing Contracting Company--Best Practices for SMACNA...

Shaw Mechanical Services, a commercial services and contracting company, has promoted Michael G. Hendricks to manager of their sheet metal division.(Contractors)
October 1, 2003... Shaw Mechanical Services, a commercial services and contracting company, has promoted Michael G. Hendricks to manager of their sheet metal division. He brings four decades of experience in mechanical engineering to the post. Shaw has appointed...

Bradford White.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2003... Bradford White has promoted of Nicholas J. Giuffre to executive vice president. Giuffre has served as both a regional and national sales manager and had been vice president/sales.

Rheem Water Heaters.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2003... Rheem Water Heaters has named Allen R. Wicher director of residential markets. He had been global market manager at Emerson/Thermo-O-Disc.

Jacuzzi Brands.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2003... Jacuzzi Brands has appointed Claudia E. Morf to the company's board of directors.

Lennox International.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2003... Lennox International has appointed Doug Young vice president and general manager, Lennox North American Residential Products. He had served as vice president and general manager of Lennox Industries' residential sales, marketing and...

Watts Radiant.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2003... Watts Radiant has announced that Rick Ferguson has joined the company as western regional sales manager in the backflow products division.

Burnham Hydronics.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2003... Patrick Flaherty and Nathaniel Warren have joined Burnham Hydronics as sales representatives.

Labor law lacks personal accountability.(Editorial)
October 1, 2003... WITH CONTRACTING companies at the top of the list of businesses with drug and alcohol problems, New York state's Labor Law 240 strikes us as a particularly misguided piece of legislation. Not only does the law place absolute liability on...