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  • August 2023
  • August 2023

    PHCC Holds Industry Summit; Tankless Game Changer; DOE Proposes New Energy Efficiency Standards for Water Heaters; Legionella Update; Forum: AI in Mechanical Contracting; Feature: Trade School for All; PMI Releases 2023 Annual Report, and much more.
    Duravit
    Duravit board members Stephan Patrick Tahy (center left) and Thomas Stammel (right), together with Canadian ministers Pascale St-Onge (left) and François-Philippe Champagne (center right), laid the foundation stone on July, 13.

    Duravit Builds the World's First Climate-Neutral Ceramic Plant in Canada

    Aug. 4, 2023
    Manufacturer becomes pioneer for sustainable sanitary industry.
    Photo 140820417 © Susanne Fritzsche | Dreamstime.com
    Microplastics on a beach.

    PFAS, Microplastics, Water and Us

    Aug. 1, 2023
    There are plenty of man-made monsters out there in the world. Luckily, there are some people who make fighting monsters their life's work.
    Franklin Electric
    The Franklin Electric corporate HQ in Fort Wayne, IN.

    Franklin Electric Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Global Corporate Headquarters

    July 28, 2023
    Completed in 2013, Franklin Electric’s headquarters is 120,000 square feet and sits on 102 acres.
    Modigent
    Modigent Countywide Vans

    Modigent Expands to Establish Strong Industry Presence

    July 28, 2023
    Modigent's growth trajectory is driven by its commitment to seeking out and integrating new operating companies into its portfolio.
    RectorSeal
    FALCON BIG RED STAINLESS GAS CONNECTORS

    Weekly Product Gallery: RectorSeal, Watts, Matco-Norca, PlumbMaster, Adey, Willoughby

    July 27, 2023
    This week's gallery highlights stainless-steel gas connectors, a backflow preventer with flood sensor, stainless-steel water heater connectors, a pressure balance valve, a unit...

    More content from August 2023

    Photo 2117863 © Stephen Coburn | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 2117863

    Key Questions Contractors Should Ask to Choose the Right VoIP Provider

    July 27, 2023
    Here are the eight questions to ask to help choose the best Voice over Internet Protocol provider for your business.
    Any Hour Logo

    Any Hour Group Expands in Utah and Nevada

    July 27, 2023
    Platform continues to build scale in the Mountain West region.
    ID 23916610 © Ansis | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 23916610

    Reverse Flow

    July 26, 2023
    The author discovers an unusual system design inspecting an 1960s boiler room.
    Intellihot
    The Neuron iN199 from Intellihot.

    Intellihot Offers a $1000 Reward for Contractors to Try Its Tankless Unit’s Capabilities

    July 26, 2023
    First-time buyers of iN199 get a $500 Amazon gift card; another $500 for referral.
    Photo 193560467 © Senirdesign | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 193560467

    DOE Proposes New Energy Efficiency Standards for Water Heaters

    July 25, 2023
    Congressionally-mandated appliance standards could save consumers $11 billion annually, help meet carbon emission targets.
    Photo 86372261 © Andrey Popov | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 86372261

    Plumbing and Peace of Mind

    July 25, 2023
    Strategies to reduce workplace stress and enhance well-being.
    Photo 216171167 © Korn Vitthayanukarun | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 216171167

    7 Safety Tips to Protect Construction Workers in Summer Heat

    July 25, 2023
    Every year, construction workers become ill on the job and some even lose their lives due to heat exposure.
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    Dreamstime M 47099913

    Trade School for All

    July 25, 2023
    A look at how lender Fynn ensures that career and technical education schools are options for everyone, especially young people living in poverty.
    Merit Brass
    The new 35,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Houston, TX.

    Merit Brass Opens New 35,000 Square Foot Distribution Center

    July 24, 2023
    The new distribution center spans over 35,000 square feet and is equipped with advanced technology and automation to streamline operations.
    Photo 40615054 © Bozhdb | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 40615054

    Total Construction Starts Dip in June

    July 24, 2023
    Most construction categories lower in the month; single family starts are a bright spot.
    Bradford White
    The Grandville Robotics Competition Center.

    Grandville Public Schools Announces Five-Year Partnership with Bradford White

    July 24, 2023
    Water heating manufacturer will provide $125,000 over five years through Industry Forward® program to support robotics facility, teams and events.
    Iapmo White Space

    IAPMO Advances Development of 2024 USHGC and 2024 USPSHTC During Technical Committee Meetings

    July 21, 2023
    The technical committees considered public comments to amend the uniform codes in advance of the release of the 2024 editions.
    Westand 700x270

    IAPMO Advances Development of 2023 WE•Stand During Technical Committee Meetings

    July 21, 2023
    The technical committee considered public comments to amend the WE•Stand in advance of the release of the 2023 edition.
    Photo 69273309 © Feverpitched | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 69273309

    Home Improvement Professionals Report Mild Optimism for Q3

    July 20, 2023
    Despite three consecutive quarters of slowed activity, professionals report record high backlogs.
    HPAC Engineering
    Legionella–large 963x722

    Legionella Update with Dr. Janet Stout

    July 20, 2023
    It may not be in the news every day, but Legionnaires' Disease is still out there. One leading expert updates us on the continuing battle to end it!
    Photo 44834475 © Flynt | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 44834475

    Management Lessons from the Great Resignation

    July 20, 2023
    These are a few crucial management lessons anyone can take back to their company, especially for essential plumbing and hydronic heating workers.
    Photo 97221292 | Network © Panom Bounak | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime Xxl 97221292

    Leveraging Big Data Analytics for Construction Success

    July 20, 2023
    From improving efficiency to enhancing safety and maximizing resource utilization, the impact of big data in construction is profound.
    Asse Logo Copy 2

    ASSE International and CSA Group Release ASSE 1003/CSA B356

    July 19, 2023
    It is the first of three harmonized standards for pressure reducing devices in the US and Canada.
    Right Time

    Right Time Group Acquires Knight Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning

    July 19, 2023
    Knight is the 20th acquisition completed by Right Time as part of its continued growth strategy.
    EcoSmart
    ELEMENT TANKLESS ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS

    Weekly Product Gallery: EcoSmart, Weil-McLain, Watts, Olympia, Senco, Sentera

    July 19, 2023
    This week's gallery spotlights an electric tankless water heater, an oil boiler compatible with biodiesel fuel, a Wi-Fi thermostat for a floor-warming system, a pull-out kitchen...
    High 5 Plumbing
    Members of the High 5 Cares team present a check to Hope Kids.

    High 5 Cares Celebrates Five Years Helping Nonprofits

    July 19, 2023
    Leading Denver plumbing provider remains committed to giving back to the community.
    John W. Danforth Co.
    Piper poses with members of the J. W. Danforth team.

    John W. Danforth Company Supports 'Pawsitive for Heroes' Program

    July 19, 2023
    Partnership with WNY Heroes sponsors service dog training to aid local Veteran.
    Photo 22337977 © Lbarn | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime Xxl 22337977

    DOL Announces Proposed Rule to Clarify PPE Standard

    July 19, 2023
    Action seeks to align construction, general industry, maritime standards.
    Peterman Brothers
    Truck Photo

    Peterman Brothers Celebrates New Class of Top Tech Academy Grads

    July 19, 2023
    21 new HVAC and plumbing techs kick off their careers after intensive four-month skilled trades training program.
    Illustration 48306788 © Kran Kanthawong | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime Xxl 48306788

    Artificial Intelligence in Mechanical Contracting

    July 19, 2023
    AI could help contractors reach new levels of efficiency, safety and profitability—but implementation may hold unexpected risks.
    Bw Corp Logo

    Bradford White Announces For the Pro® Photo Contest

    July 18, 2023
    Through December, the company will give away a Carhartt® Thermal-Lined Duck Active Jacket to each weekly winner.
    Photo 12802991 © Selestron76 | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime Xxl 12802991

    Exceptionally Strong Growth in Nonresidential Building Spending Projected for 2023

    July 18, 2023
    American Institute of Architect’s Consensus Construction Forecast panel predicts slower growth for 2024.
    Photo 117597262 © Antonio Guillem | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime Xxl 117597262

    When Things Go South

    July 18, 2023
    To handle the occasional screw up with aplomb, you must have a service recovery procedure.
    Blue Cardinal

    Blue Cardinal Launches Network of Residential HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Services Businesses

    July 18, 2023
    Group has acquired seven leading home services businesses in Texas, Missouri and Alabama.
    busybusy
    Various screens from the busybusy mobile app.

    Solutions for Time Tracking, Payments and More

    July 18, 2023
    Reviews of the busybusy time tracking solution, the Square payment platform, the Finturf multi-lender direct-to-merchant financing solution and more.
    Photo 38546907 © Nomadsoul1 | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime Xxl 38546907

    Newer = Better? (Or Not... )

    July 18, 2023
    Over the years we have been sold a bill of goods on products that have not performed as advertised, and the guys in the field get to hold the bag for the failures.
    Mike Ross, UNH Photographic Services
    Exterior of UNH.

    Replacing Water Heaters with Tankless a Game Saver by New England Contractor

    July 17, 2023
    Just days before the beginning of the UNH sports summer camp, the water heaters failed at McLaughlin Hall.
    Intellihot Logo

    Intellihot Launches telliSize, a Six-Dimension Dynamic Sizing Tool for Heat Pump Water Heaters

    July 17, 2023
    New online tool comes with a guarantee to meet commercial hot water demands.
    Photo 171785560 © Mark Gomez | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime Xxl 171785560

    ABC Opposes OSHA’s Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Final Rule

    July 17, 2023
    The final rule requires establishments with 100 or more employees in certain designated industries to electronically submit information from their OSHA Forms 300 and 301 to OSHA...
    Photo 100760682 © Alexandersikov | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime Xxl 100760682

    Is Your Smart Building an Easy Target for Hackers?

    July 17, 2023
    Building owners, operators, and contractors, as well as well as the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing designers implementing these new technologies should be wary.
    Franklin Electric Logo

    Franklin Electric Names Greg Levine Vice President and President, Global Water

    July 13, 2023
    Levine succeeds Donald Kenney, who will be retiring at the end of July.
    Kohler Logo

    Kohler Co. Outlines Strategy, Ambitions, and Progress in 2022 ESG Report

    July 13, 2023
    Efforts focused on water conservation and safe access, innovative product development, and diverse hiring.
    Photo 20896520 © Dennis Dolkens | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime 20896520

    German Court Postpones Heating Law

    July 13, 2023
    The Federal Constitutional Court ruled in favor of conservative lawmaker who argued in an injunction that the government needed more time to deliberate.
    Photo 7625773 © Alfredo Angeles | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime 7625773

    Monthly Construction Input Prices Unchanged in June

    July 13, 2023
    Overall construction input prices are 4.9% lower than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 4.5% lower.
    Photo 148497098 © Andrea De Martin | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime 148497098

    Death by a Thousand Paper Documents

    July 13, 2023
    Why digital HR recordkeeping is a must-have on and off the jobsite.
    Photo 77022782 © Kmiragaya | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime 77022782

    ABC Applauds House Committee’s Passage of the Fair and Open Competition Act

    July 13, 2023
    ABC submitted more than 40 pages of comments to the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council.
    Photo 131140735 | 5 Star Review © Tero Vesalainen | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 131140735

    Your Reputation is Only as Good as Your Last Review

    July 12, 2023
    If you aren’t paying attention to your online reviews, you might be missing an opportunity.
    Aos Logo Cmyk

    A. O. Smith University Announces In-Person and Virtual Summer Courses

    July 12, 2023
    The course will cover installation, maintenance and troubleshooting for commercial gas, commercial electric and tankless gas water heaters.
    in2aqua
    The Richard Alan & Associates team.

    in2aqua Partners with Richard Alan & Associates

    July 12, 2023
    RA&A now represents in2aqua throughout its entire territory, extending from Florida to Southern California.
    Photo 206366936 © Yurii Kibalnik | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 206366936

    Top Tax Tips for Contractors From an IRS Enrolled Agent

    July 12, 2023
    Most CPAs and financial advisors will tell you it’s best to think about tax planning year-round and not just at tax time.
    Xylem
    Ctr2308 Xylem

    Weekly Product Gallery: Xylem, Liberty Pumps, General Pipe Cleaners, Cherne, REHAU, StaCool

    July 12, 2023
    This week the product gallery features a dewatering pump, a compact drain pump, a portable drain cleaner, a plumbing muni-ball, press adapters for manifolds, and a cooling vest...
    Rheem
    The IBC plant in British Columbia, Canada.

    Rheem Family of Brands Releases 2022 Sustainability Progress Report

    July 11, 2023
    Eco-forward programs launched at Friedrich® Air Conditioning and IBC™ Technologies Inc. showcased.
    Messana Hydronic Technologies
    An exterior shot of the Jackson residence.

    New Hampshire Hydronics

    July 11, 2023
    Messana Hydronic Technologies' latest install is part of a growing trend in the US.
    Pmi Logo

    PMI Report Highlights ‘Upstream, Downstream’ Water Solutions

    July 11, 2023
    The report highlights achievements relating to water efficiency, sanitation, hand hygiene, sustainability, green building, and more.
    Xylem Logo

    Registration Open for Goulds Water Technology Factory School Q3 Courses

    July 11, 2023
    Dynamic training in Seneca Falls offers interactive demonstrations and hands-on learning experience.
    Photo 4524968 © Sculpies | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 4524968

    ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Steady in June

    July 11, 2023
    ABC’s Construction Confidence Index reading for sales, profit margins and staffing levels moved lower in June.
    PHCC-NA
    Attendees at the 2023 PHCC Industry Summit.

    PHCC Holds Industry Summit in Dallas, TX

    July 10, 2023
    Industry leaders promote solutions, explore key topics such as workforce development, education, regulation and more.
    Iapmo White Space

    IAPMO’s 2023 Conference Returns to San Antonio

    July 10, 2023
    IAPMO Education & Business Conference to be co-located with ASSE Annual Meeting, ARCSA Annual Conference.
    Oatey Co.
    A group shot of camp attendees.

    Oatey Women’s Resource Network Sponsors Plumbing Day at Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls

    July 10, 2023
    Oatey associates volunteered at Northeast Ohio camp, imparting life skills and encouraging young girls to explore career opportunities in the trade.
    Bradford White
    Newlabels

    New Bradford White Label Highlights Commitment to Professional Installation

    July 10, 2023
    Streamlined product label designed to elevate brand awareness and reinforce message of support for pro contractors and distributors.
    Abc National Abc 1

    ABC Members Invested $1.5 Billion in Workforce Education in 2022

    July 10, 2023
    Nearly 1.3 million course attendees have been provided with craft, leadership and safety education.
    Photo 7507349 © Cornelius20 | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 7507349

    Construction Job Openings Increased by 19,000 in May to 366,000

    July 8, 2023
    Industry job openings increased by 19,000 last month but are down by 26,000 from the same time last year.
    Photo 40022402 © Merkushev | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 40022402

    Construction Employment Increased by 23,000 in June

    July 8, 2023
    Industry employment has risen by 198,000 jobs since June 2022, an increase of 2.6%, to 7.947 million.
    Zurn Industries
    EZ FLUSH RETROFIT KITS

    Weekly Product Gallery: Zurn, Rheem, Evapco, Toto, Watrline, Brass Knuckle

    July 7, 2023
    This week's gallery highlights flush valve retrofit kits converting to hands-free, super- and light-duty water heaters, water treatment for evaporative coolers, touch-free flush...
    Iapmo Codes Portal

    IAPMO Launches the IAPMO Codes Portal

    July 6, 2023
    The IAPMO Codes Portal connects the industry with the IAPMO code development process.
    Watts
    National Backflow Prevention Day Logo

    Celebrate National Backflow Prevention Day 2023 with Watts

    July 6, 2023
    Watts will be hosting a new CEU webinar on August 16th at 12 p.m. ET.
    Upc Umc

    IAPMO Solicits Proposals for 2027 UPC, UMC

    July 5, 2023
    IAPMO urges its members and other interested parties to get involved in the code development process.
    P3 Logo

    P3 Services Acquires Anchor Plumbing

    July 5, 2023
    San Antonio-based plumbing services company joins multi-regional platform.
    Photo 138931171 © Waingro | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 138931171

    Skilled Trades Prove to be Recession-Resilient

    July 5, 2023
    Recession resiliency starts at the employee level with training and education.
    Iapmo White Space

    IAPMO Makes Tentative Interim Amendment Available for Public Comment

    July 5, 2023
    IAPMO invites all interested parties to review the proposed TIA on the IAPMO website.
    Photo 36603058 © Andrey Kotko | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 36603058

    Nonresidential Construction Spending Decreases in May

    July 5, 2023
    On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.06 trillion.
    RT Olson Plumbing
    Rt Olson Plumbing In Corona Ca Team Truck 700px Opt

    RT Olson Plumbing Moves to New Location

    July 5, 2023
    With their new location in Corona, they look forward to continuing their mission of providing excellent customer service.