Contractor articles from October 2006

Contractor archives from October 2006

Keep big picture in mind for one plumbing code.(EDITORIAL)
October 1, 2006... WHEN THE TWO major model code bodies began talking about a single national set of plumbing and mechanical codes a little more than a year ago, we admit to greeting the news with a healthy dose of skepticism. "Where have we heard this one...

On the spot: a ductless mini-split does the job when a room over an unheated garage becomes living space.(COMFORT SYSTEMS)
October 1, 2006... When the Thomas family built their home six years ago, they were sure that the bonus room above the three-bay garage would be used for storage. But eventually their interest in using most of the space as a media room won the tug-of-war. ...

Add value ... by using your vendors' resources!(FORUM)
October 1, 2006... IN TODAY'S BUSINESS environment, smart operators seize on every opportunity to get an edge. That means differentiating your offering, providing the utmost in customer service and creating a brand for your company that customers remember and...

Joint effort on apprentice books.(FORUM)
October 1, 2006... ALBANY, N.Y. -- Educational publisher Thomson Delmar Learning has announced a new publishing collaboration with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association Educational Foundation, Air Conditioning Contractors of America and...

Knowing right statistics can save your profit.(BEST PRACTICES)
October 1, 2006... IF YOU HAVE played or followed sports, you most likely have learned the science of tracking statistics. Most sports fans find it fun to follow team and player statistics. I know I do. Service companies create many statistics as they do...

Sunbelt acquires NationsRent.(BEST PRACTICES)
October 1, 2006... CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Sunbelt Rentals, leading U.S. equipment rental company serving the commercial construction and industrial markets, has completed the acquisition by merger of NationsRent Cos. The acquisition, valued at more than $1...

Politics in play on lead bill, waterless urinals.(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2006... YORBA LINDA, CALIF. -- You are probably tired of hearing from me with opinions on items in CONTRACTOR magazine, but the August issue again stimulates me to write to you on two topics: 1. While I disagreed very strongly with your Editorial...

Make plumbing and HVAC licenses an act of Congress.(LETTERS AND E-MAILS)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2006... BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- I have been reading in the last couple issues of CONTRACTOR newsmagazine the letters pro and con on the licensing issue. What I see as the big final way to solve this ongoing debate is as follows: Make it a federal license...

Contractors should not hire illegal workers.(LETTERS AND E-MAILS)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2006... VIA E-MAIL -- I read Valerie Stakes' Industry Education column in CONTRACTOR magazine's September issue and was surprised that someone who is supposed to be educated would have such an opinion ("Bridging the safety gap with Hispanic workers,"...

Car antifreeze for hydronics?(LETTERS AND E-MAILS)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2006... DICKINSON, N.D. -- I have a question for Mark Eatherton. I have read over and over telling me not to use automotive antifreeze in hydronic systems, but not one source has said why. If it is toxicity, there are non-toxic automotive glycols. They...

Anti-lead bill's import impact.(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2006... WYANDOTTE, MICH. -- I hope the California legislation passes so that there will be less junk from China coming over ("California lawmakers pass anti-lead bill," September, pg. 1). I can guarantee you that most of the current Chinese stuff...

Continuing education: a cautionary tale.(INDUSTRY EDUCATION)
October 1, 2006... ONLY TWO YEARS old, Connecticut's continuing education requirement for plumbers has suffered a series of setbacks: First, the program was not vigorously enforced; second, the annual number of required hours was reduced; and third, plumbers now...

ServiceMaster Co. sells ARS.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... DOWNERS GROVE, ILL. -- The ServiceMaster Co. announced in early October that it has completed the sale of American Residential Services, its plumbing and HVAC business to Caxton-Iseman Capital and Royal Palm Capital Partners. ...

Sloan honors its 100th year.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... FRANKLIN PARK, ILL. -- Sloan Valve Co. announced that 2006 marks its 100-year anniversary. In 1906, Sloan's founder and inventor of the flushometer, William E. Sloan, introduced his first model of the Royal Flushometer, the basic design that...

Family pursues contractor's killer.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- Three years ago on Halloween, Victor Bach, owner of Western Plumbing & Heating here and a past president of Mechanical Contractors Association of America, was bludgeoned to death in his office. No one has been arrested for the...

MCAA introduces seminars on safety, finance.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... ROCKVILLE, MD. -- The Mechanical Contractors Association of America has added a four-hour course on The Profitability of Safety to the curriculum of Job Operations Seminars offered through its National Education Initiative. Geared toward...

Limbach Facility Services.(Contractors)
October 1, 2006... Limbach Facility Services in Pittsburgh has promoted Bill Eichner to chief financial officer. Eichner joined the company in 1992 after having spent the previous six years with a national auditing firm. He was most recently the company's...

Mr. Rooter honored its outstanding franchisees and franchise team members during the company's 2006 international convention in Phoenix.(Contractors)
October 1, 2006... Mr. Rooter honored its outstanding franchisees and franchise team members during the company's 2006 international convention in Phoenix. Franchisee of the Year was given to Paul and Saunda Kitchen of the Sonoma County, Calif., franchise. Woman...

The International Code Council Board of Directors.(Contractors)
October 1, 2006... The International Code Council Board of Directors promoted Chief Operating Officer Rick Weiland to the position of chief executive officer. Weiland will succeed James Lee Witt. Weiland, who has been ICC's COO for the past three years, has more...

J. F. Ahern Co.(Contractors)
October 1, 2006... Dave Reinelt has been promoted from HVAC assistant project manager to full project manager at J. F. Ahern Co. in Fond du Lac, Wis. Reinelt joined the company in 2003.

Rheem Manufacturing Co.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2006... The Rheem Manufacturing Co. has announced that R. Craig Breese has joined the company as president of its water heating division in Montgomery, Ala. He succeeds Simon Parfitt, who has been promoted to vice president/finance at the corporate...

LA-CO Industries.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2006... LA-CO Industries has named Tony Blaskoski as director of sales across all business units including plumbing, industrial and agricultural. Blaskoski has been calling on distribution, industrial partners and home-center retailers for more than 25...

Sloan Valve Co.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2006... Sloan Valve Co. has announced six key management personnel appointments. Christina Nicosia, who has managed Sloan's national account program, has been promoted to Western regional sales manager. Don Yurkovich has been promoted to central...

Jackson Systems.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2006... Jackson Systems has promoted Doug Engel to inside sales engineer. Engel has been with Jackson Systems since 2002. Engel has held the positions both of warehouse manager and also production manager.

Flowserve Corp.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2006... Flowserve Corp. has announced that Bruno Schiavello, director of fluid dynamics in the technology department of Flowserve Pumps, has won the 2006 Fluid Machinery Design Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Schiavello earned...

Anvil International.(Dean Taylor promoted to vice president)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Anvil International recently promoted Dean Taylor to the position of vice president/sales and marketing. Taylor will manage the company's mechanical and fire-protection divisions, the business development team and inside sales. He has been with...

American Standard Cos.(appointment of Dale Elliott and Donald Devine, promotion of Richard Ward)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... American Standard Cos. has appointed Dale Elliott as president of its global bath and kitchen business and Donald Devine as president of the Americas region. Richard Ward, vice president and general manager of bath and kitchen Asia, was named...

Franke Consumer Products.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2006... Franke Consumer Products has appointed Charles F. Lawrence as vice president/marketing and product development. He comes to the company with experience in brand building at GE Appliances, Brunswick and Masco. He was most recently vice...

Everpure.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2006... Everpure recently hired Tamara Kennedy as marketing communications manager. She brings more than a decade of experience to the post, most recently as the marketing services manager for The Tape Co.

Crane Plumbing.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2006... Crane Plumbing has hired Bruce H. Baker as national sales manager for Sanymetal, a manufacturer of toilet partitions and dressing enclosures. Baker brings more than 20 years' experience to the job.

Wrightsoft.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2006... Wrightsoft recently announced that its vice president/research, Charles Barnaby, has been presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers for contributions that...

UltraViolet Devices Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tom Veloz died Sept. 13.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2006... UltraViolet Devices Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tom Veloz died Sept. 13. He was the former owner of Aquafine Corp. and the founder of UltraViolet Devices. Veloz was a philanthropist who supported the SCV Boys and Girls Club, Henry Mayo...

Contest reveals: top apprentices.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR CHICAGO -- Christopher Platner of Windsor, N.Y., won first place in the 2006 International Plumbing Apprentice Contest, held Sept. 28-29 during the ISH North America trade show here. He is employed by L.N. Piccianno....

Schwarzenegger signs anti-lead faucet bill.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... SACRAMENTO, CALIF. -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sept. 30 signed into law Assembly Bill 1953, which reduces the allowable amount of lead in faucets to 0.25%. Plumbing manufacturers said that a brass faucet doesn't exist that can meet the...

Find 'green' in green buildings.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Engineering Green Buildings Conference)
October 1, 2006... AUSTIN, TEXAS -- The other "green" in the green movement--the folding kind--is why construction firms should market their ability to deliver environmentally friendly buildings. "Good work speaks for itself, right?" asked Jerry Yudelson, a...

UA, Lincoln Electric team up at train the trainers event.(United Association, Instructor Training Program)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... ANN ARBOR, MICH. -- The United Association and Lincoln Electric teamed up in mid-August for the 53rd UA Instructor Training Program at Washtenaw County Community College here. More than 1,800 UA members from the United States and Canada...

Schwarzenegger vetoes 1.3-GPF toilet bill.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR SACRAMENTO, CALIF. -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in late September vetoed AB2496, a bill passed by the California legislature that would have mandated the use of 1.3-gal. per flush water closets and 0.5-GPF...

EMCOR wins contracts for facilities services.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... NORWALK, CONN. -- EMCOR Facilities Services, a subsidiary of EMCOR Group, has been awarded several major new projects in both the public and private sectors. These projects involve the maintenance, upgrading, management and operation of...

Alternative snow-melt system heat sources.(EATHERTON ON HYDRONICS)
October 1, 2006... AS HUMBLE BEINGS on the face of this fine planet of ours, it is important for all of us as citizens to seek out ways to reduce our environmental impact on the face of the Earth. This applies not only to our corporate positions, but more so to...

Hydronics brings comfort, efficiency to Alaska.(HYDRONIC SYSTEMS)
October 1, 2006... THE CITY OF Homer, Alaska, is known as the "end of the road." It's nestled among rolling hills and overlooks Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains. This seaside community has 4,000 residents and another 8,000 beyond the city limits. In addition...

Software solution streamlines sales processes.(FELDMANS ON COMPUTERS)
October 1, 2006... OPPORTUNITY MANAGER Version 3.3 (Opportunity Interactive, www.opactive.com, 877/816-6649) is a sales process/sales management tool for HVAC and hydronic heating contractors. The solution was designed for sales personnel using a laptop during a...

The coming wave in plumbing marketing.(HUDSON ON MARKETING)
October 1, 2006... THIS FORM OF MARKETING is no longer a secret. Well, except for about 94% of you. Brace yourself. This is big: You like getting new customers. So, with heady observations like that, you may be equally shocked at this one--getting new customers...

Immigration reform puts the burden on you.(McGREEVY ON LAW)
October 1, 2006... It might come as a surprise to many business owners to learn that they have to comply with immigration laws, even if they have never hired a non-U.S. citizen. All companies are now required to check immigration status and keep detailed records...

NORA issues new guide, video.(McGREEVY ON LAW)
October 1, 2006... WATERTOWN, MASS. -- Helping to ensure that the products and services available to consumers meet the promise of "Intelligent Warmth," the National Oilheat Research Alliance has released a totally updated and revised version of its installation...

LEED accreditation will be vital to your future.(CRAIG ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
October 1, 2006... If you honestly think this so-called "green revolution" is a fad, ask yourself: Do you believe that gasoline is going to drop back down to a buck a gallon in your lifetime? If your belief is that so-called "energy-efficient architecture"...

Linc receives contract with Westinghouse.(CRAIG ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT)
October 1, 2006... HOUSTON -- Linc Facility Services announced in early September that it was selected by Westinghouse Electric Co. to provide facility support services for the worldwide supplier of nuclear technology at its Monroeville, Pa., Energy Center, and...

Turn insurance mistakes into tax-free wealth.(BLACKMAN ON TAXES)
October 1, 2006... It's frustrating. Year after year our office is asked to give a second opinion on the completed estate plans of owners of family businesses. It is rare--very rare--to analyze the estate plan (particularly the life insurance policies) of a...

Grainger partners with community colleges.(BLACKMAN ON TAXES)
October 1, 2006... WASHINGTON -- The American Association of Community Colleges and W.W. Grainger Inc. have launched Grainger's Tools for Tomorrow scholarship program. The national program provides funding for students at select community colleges to finish their...

Action plans bring business plans to life.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... BALTIMORE -- Saying that 90,000 to 100,000 plumbing and HVAC contractors are in business today, consultant John LaPlant added that less than 10% do any planning. "A business plan is a journey, not a destination," he told contractors Sept....

AGC: private nonresidential construction shows vigor.(Associated General Contractors of America)
October 1, 2006... WASHINGTON -- Reports Sept. 1 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on construction employment in August and from the U.S. Census Bureau on construction spending in July "show how much vigor private nonresidential construction has," said Ken...

Triangle Tube announces water heater recall.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... WASHINGTON -- Triangle Tube/Phase III and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in early September announced a voluntary recall of about 3,000 Delta Performance or Delta Performance Plus Series Combination Water Heaters. The burner...

Plastic pipe maker donates appliances.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... LIVINGSTON, N.J. -- Plastic pipe producer J-M Manufacturing Co. has remained active in its Hurricane Katrina relief efforts one year after the devastating storm struck the Gulf region, the company said. JMM recently announced the donation of 80...

Clockwork home services plans: 1,500 contractor locations.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... SARASOTA, FLA. -- Clockwork Home Services in early September announced its acquisition of Nashville, Tenn.-based Tab Hunter's One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating franchise and Tab Hunter's Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise. For 2005, these...

Rustic on the outside, high-tech radiant inside.(Mountain River Lodge, Northwest Mechanical)
October 1, 2006... SEATTLE -- The "river" in the Mountain River Lodge refers to the Yakima, and the lodge overlooks a bend of the river that is famous statewide for its fly-fishing. Located outside Easton, Wash., it was the inspiring natural beauty of the locale...

Viega opens N.H. training facility.(Viega North America)
October 1, 2006... NASHUA, N.H. -- Viega North America opened its first educational facility Sept. 18 in grand style before a turnout of nearly 350 attendees. Contractors, industry partners, city officials and Viega personnel gathered to celebrate the official...

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association President Jim Stack recently announced that PHCC has entered an agreement with Hudson, Ink to provide members with marketing services.
October 1, 2006... * Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association President Jim Stack recently announced that PHCC has entered an agreement with Hudson, Ink to provide members with marketing services. Many services or discounts will be exclusive to...

Nexstar Network.(Jack Tester has rejoined)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... * Contractors 2000's founding Executive Director Jack Tester has rejoined the organization, which is now the Nexstar Network, as a business coach for member companies. His first day back will be Nov. 1. After leaving the organization, Tester...

The 2006 UA/MCAA labor relations conference will take place Oct. 30--Nov. 1 in Chicago for members of the United Association, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America and industry guests.
October 1, 2006... * The 2006 UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference will take place Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 in Chicago for members of the United Association, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America and industry guests. For program highlights or more information,...

"Your Green Home," by Alex Wilson, is now available.
October 1, 2006... * "Your Green Home," by Alex Wilson, is now available. Wilson, executive editor of Environmental Building News and president of BuildingGreen Inc., has been writing in the field of green building for more than 20 years. His 256-page book,...

ASHRAE.
October 1, 2006... * To help engineers respond to environmental challenges, ASHRAE is working to ensure that guidance on sustainable design is incorporated in its handbook. The ultimate goal is to create better total building concepts that will have a long,...

Correction.(Correction notice)
October 1, 2006... * Correction: A headline on pg. 90 of the September issue of CONTRACTOR states that Hill Phoenix Dealer Group purchased Memphis Mechanical Services of Memphis, Tenn. That is not the case. Memphis Mechanical did join Hill Phoenix's dealer...

Panel Oks code changes.(National Standard Plumbing Code )(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... FALLS CHURCH, VA. -- The National Standard Plumbing Code committee, at a recent public hearing, approved significant changes to the NSPC. The committee reviewed and voted on 125 proposed code changes to the 2006 edition of the NSPC. The...

The series N360/N360i brass vacuum relief valves.(editor's choice)
October 1, 2006... THE SERIES N360/N360I BRASS VACUUM RELIEF VALVES feature a low-profile, all-brass body design. They can be mounted in a vertical or horizontal position and are suitable for low pressure steam and water service. The valves are tested and rated...

The urbane faucet collection.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE URBANE FAUCET COLLECTION features an ultramodern, industrial style that includes rough knurling on the edges and a tool-bit-like base. It is designed as a widespread with copper handles. A wide variety of finishes are available. Watermark...

The S.M.O.O.T.H. (Sidemount-Operator-Over-Thehandle) retrofit product.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE S.M.O.O.T.H. (SIDEMOUNT-OPERATOR-OVER-THEHANDLE) RETROFIT PRODUCT quickly and easily converts most manual flushometers to water-saving sensor operation. It installs in less than a minute using only a screwdriver--there is no need to shut...

This syphonic roof drain.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THIS SYPHONIC ROOF DRAIN uses a siphon action created by an internal baffle to deliver superior volume and velocity performance . It is designed to effectively capture rainwater from a building's rooftop to aid in rainwater harvesting. Jay...

The ridgid compact series pressing jaws.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE RIDGID COMPACT SERIES PRESSING JAWS crimp PEX and multi-layer tubing for radiant heat and potable water applications. The jaws are designed for use with the Compact 100-B battery pressing tool. The jaws feature new jaw ID clips constructed...

The vantage NP negative pressure if heater.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE VANTAGE NP NEGATIVE PRESSURE IF HEATER offers design flexibility with a broad range of burner Btuh inputs, tube lengths and layout options. Roberts-Gordon CIRCLE 106 ON INQUIRY CARD [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The napoli freestanding tub.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE NAPOLI FREESTANDING TUB is crafted from a blend of volcanic limestone and resins to be as strong and rigid as cast iron but 50% lighter. It provides an easy-to-clean surface that is more durable than acrylic. Victoria & Albert ...

The parma single-handle pre-rinse faucet.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE PARMA SINGLE-HANDLE PRE-RINSE FAUCET is a high-end, commercial-grade faucet that stands 23" tall and is ideal for rinsing large pots and pans. The heavy-gauge stainless steel spring suspends an ergonomic spray head that can be toggled to...

The SH-07 traditional showerhead.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE SH-07 TRADITIONAL SHOWERHEAD provides six distinct sprays ranging from gentle rain to vigorous massage. It is available in more than 30 different finishes to suit nearly any decor, including 10 PVD finishes that carry a lifetime guarantee...

A new line of stainless steel kitchen sinks.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... A NEW LINE OF STAINLESS STEEL KITCHEN SINKS is now available in six innovative styles. Two top-mount models and four undercounter models are offered in single bowl, offset and double bowl configurations. The spacious basins provide a generous...

Heattrack radiant heat transfer plate.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... HEATTRACK RADIANT HEAT TRANSFER PLATE is an ideal solution for radiant heat staple-up applications. It is manufactured from extruded aluminum for 3/8" and 1/2" pipe. It ships in 4' lengths and is pre-drilled. Its C-channel design allows PEX...

This synchronous ball valve.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THIS SYNCHRONOUS BALL VALVE is a very quiet zone valve that combines a synchronous motor-style actuator with the high close-off pressure and shut-down properties of a ball valve. It can be used in closed-loop hot water and/or chilled water...

The FX-series of highefficiency cast iron boilers.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE FX-SERIES OF HIGHEFFICIENCY CAST IRON BOILERS are gas-fired, direct-vent, and intended for the residential market. The line is up to 86% efficient and features an easy-to-install and service design, and deluxe insulated metal jacket. Sizes...

The model 125WT cast iron double door check valve.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE MODEL 125WT CAST IRON DOUBLE DOOR CHECK VALVE is offered in sizes from 2" to 10". It is designed to prevent severe water hammer from the backflow of a pressure tank when automatic controls shut down a fire pump. It is Factory Mutual...

The model e gasoline-powered roadrunner drain cleaning machine.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE MODEL E GASOLINEPOWERED ROADRUNNER DRAIN CLEANING MACHINE is able to rapidly remove clogs in large lines and long runs up to 500' down the line. It is capable of coupling to either sectional cables to clear up to 14" lines, or 5/16"...

Large diameter tapcon anchors.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... LARGE DIAMETER TAPCON ANCHORS now offer a patented "sawtooth" design that produces up to a 30% reduction in installation torque. The pattern cuts its own grooves into concrete while optimizing pullout performance. The anchors are offered in...

This copper farmhouse sink with cabinet.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THIS COPPER FARMHOUSE SINK WITH CABINET is hand crafted. The sink features an extended front apron. It is an ideal design touch for a kitchen, bar or pantry with old-fashioned, traditional decor. Artisan CIRCLE 117 ON INQUIRY CARD ...

The BTU 2000+ portable gas analyzer.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE BTU 2000+ PORTABLE GAS ANALYZER is ideal for servicing and maintaining boilers, heaters and other domestic or industrial equipment. It analyzes O2, CO, and calculates CO2. acts as a differential pipe pressure leak detector, and as a draft...

The snake overhead anchor.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE SNAKE OVERHEAD ANCHOR speeds the installation of threaded rod by eliminating the time consuming steps of banging in a drop-in and then using a special tool to set the expansion mechanism. The anchor is simply set into a drilled hole and...

The liberty faucet.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE LIBERTY FAUCET features contemporary lines that make it a good fit in most modern or traditional style kitchens. It is a single-lever faucet with a graceful hourglass-shaped pedestal mount. The lever can lock in the "on" position for...

A new line of crimping tools.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... A NEW LINE OF CRIMPING TOOLS are now available to better install PEX potable water or radiant heating systems. The tools create a full-circle crimp that eliminates the unsightly appearance of tool marks and distortion of crimped rings. ...

The contra line of vanity tops.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2006... THE CONTRA LINE OF VANITY TOPS are offered in two under-mount options: seamless and overlap. Thirty vanity top colors are offered, and four colors for bowls: white, bisque, bone and shell rose. They are offered with a 22" depth, and five...