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  • September 2023

    • September 2023

    DOL Issues Final Rule to Modernize Davis-Bacon Act; Corrosion Proves a Hydronic Systems Killer; Ferguson Acquires Three Distribution Companies; Moving Water Quality Forward; Forum: The Future of the Skilled Trades; Feature: Exceeding Expectations; PHCC Connect 23 Product Page Takeover, and much more.
    Legend Valve
    T-47NL UNDERSINK THERMOSTATIC MIXING VALVE

    Weekly Product Gallery: Legend Valve, Bradford White, Zoeller, Moen, Liberty Pumps, Saniflo

    Aug. 30, 2023
    This week's gallery highlights a thermostatic mixing valve, a condensing tankless water heater series, a residential grinder pump series, a touchless bathroom faucet, a battery...
    Photo 104222974 © Kriscole | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 104222974

    Awash in Regulation

    Aug. 28, 2023
    Regulatory agencies affect so much of what businesses can and can’t do that some have called them the “Fourth Branch” of government.
    Malco Meta Logo

    Malco Appoints Bill Spohn and Nataline Lomedico to its Board of Directors

    Aug. 25, 2023
    Final additions complete Malco’s transition to a strategic board.
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    Dreamstime M 270211592

    Tankless Manufacturers React to Proposed Water Heater Efficiency Standards

    Aug. 25, 2023
    The new standards would demand 91% efficiency from most tankless water heaters, while traditional tank-type heaters would only be required to increase their efficiency from 65...
    Carhartt Logo

    Carhartt Continues Support of Skilled Trades with Labor Day Donation

    Aug. 25, 2023
    The donation is for the benefit of Team Rubicon’s inaugural TRades Academy empowering military veterans and rebuilding disaster-impacted communities.

    More content from September 2023

    Stac Logo

    Leaders from Skilled Trades Industries Unite to Combat Labor Crisis in US and Canada

    Aug. 24, 2023
    The Skilled Trades Advisory Council will leverage their resources, knowledge, and network to elevate the skilled trades as high-paying, honorable career paths.
    Nibs Logo

    National Institute of Building Sciences Sets Agenda for Building Innovation 2023

    Aug. 24, 2023
    Keynote speakers include HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman and Trimble Vice President & Executive Director Albert H. Anoubon Momo.
    Patrick Linhardt
    Take a close look at this side-view of the near boiler piping. Can you see what's missing?

    Near Boiler Piping Problems

    Aug. 23, 2023
    The author inspects a steam-heated building from 1929 and finds a few surprises. Can you see what’s missing?
    Epic2024 Logo

    Deion Sanders and Robert Irvine to Headline EPIC2024 at Disneyland

    Aug. 23, 2023
    EGIA Contractor University & OPTIMUS release full details for the 2024 version of their annual conference for home services contractors.
    InSinkErator
    F-2000S WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM

    Weekly Product Gallery: InSinkErator, Kohler, Nibco, Delta Faucet, Pfister, Navien

    Aug. 23, 2023
    This week's gallery spotlights a water filtration system, a bathroom faucet collection, carbon-steel fittings, a pull-down kitchen faucet, a shower column, and a noncondensing...
    Aos Johnnyunitas Logo Color

    The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Unveils 2023 Watch List

    Aug. 22, 2023
    48 of the nation's leading quarterbacks, representing 10 FBS conferences as well as a football independent are represented on the list.
    Houzz Logo

    Houzz Opens 2024 Scholarship Program Call for Entries

    Aug. 22, 2023
    Houzz programs aim to support the next generation of design and construction professionals.
    Iapmo White Space

    IAPMO Makes Tentative Interim Amendment Available for Public Comment

    Aug. 22, 2023
    IAPMO invites all interested parties to review the proposed TIA on the IAPMO website under Uniform Mechanical Code / Proposed TIAs.
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    Dreamstime M 104864025

    Recognizing the Signs that a Repipe Should be Recommended

    Aug. 22, 2023
    Here are some of the causes of plumbing failures and what they can tell you about the potential for future failures.
    Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of the Treasure Coast
    If Port St. Lucie's lift stations become faulty and don’t work properly during a hurricane, sewer backup can be a problem. Plumbers cannot open them up and work on them.

    Exceeding Expectations: Plumbing Franchises Go All Out for Their Customers, Teams

    Aug. 21, 2023
    This month, we’re highlighting three plumbing franchises and how they have taken care of their employees and customers through good times and bad.
    Photo 80565244 | Fresh © Martinmark | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 80565244

    Decentralization: The Future of Hot Water Generation

    Aug. 21, 2023
    The time is now for domestic hot-water systems with heat-exchanger solutions. They will help reduce water aging while keeping temperatures in safe ranges.
    Photo 207222081 © Aliaksei Shaviakou | Dreamstime.com
    Mineral deposits, scale and corrosion on the plate of a heat exchanger.

    Corrosion Proves a Hydronic System Killer

    Aug. 18, 2023
    Commercial property owner finds delayed maintenance requires costly solution.
    Oatey / Utah NAHB
    Promo

    Women, Representation, and the Future of the Skilled Trades

    Aug. 18, 2023
    CONTRACTOR speaks with Oatey’s Katherine Lehtinen about the company’s Woman’s Resource Network, The House That She Built and more.
    Jobber
    Jobber Grants 2023 Pr Recipient

    Jobber Awards $150,000 in Grants to 25 Pros Demonstrating Excellence in Home Service

    Aug. 17, 2023
    Jobber Grants program celebrates the accomplishments of home service businesses making a difference in their communities.
    Photo 106002223 © Vitaliy Pozdeev | Dreamstime.com
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    IAPMO Applauds Introduction of Federal Water Efficiency, Conservation and Sustainability Legislation

    Aug. 17, 2023
    The Water Efficiency, Conservation, and Sustainability Act of 2023 has been introduced by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and US Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA).
    Marcone
    Time Shearer.

    Marcone Plumbing Appoints Industry Veteran Tim Shearer as President

    Aug. 17, 2023
    Before joining Marcone Plumbing, he served in various executive roles at Ferguson, Fortune Brands Global Plumbing Group and Moen.
    Nti Logo

    National Technical Institute Launches Regional Immersion Program to Expand Workforce Training Solutions

    Aug. 16, 2023
    Specialized online along with intensive in-person training trade school educational opportunities provides accessible and comprehensive training.
    Merit Brass
    VISUAL INDICATOR PRESS RING

    Weekly Product Gallery: Merit Brass, GE Appliances, Oatey, Bradford White, Taco, Apollo Valves

    Aug. 16, 2023
    This week's gallery focuses on a visual indicator press ring for press connections, a true 50-gal. electric water heater, a bath waste kit in champagne bronze, a commercial electric...
    Photo 57701817 © Andrey Popov | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 57701817

    14 Simple Things to Make Your Plumbing Business Stand Out

    Aug. 16, 2023
    These items are not rocket science, but they are part of the science of service. They are simple and easy to do, but they are also easy not to do.
    Photo 48432808 © Dibrova | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 48432808

    Plumbing Manufacturers International to Explore Industry’s Potential at PMI23 in Seattle

    Aug. 15, 2023
    The PMI23 Manufacturing Success Conference, to be held Oct. 23-26 will explore how the industry can contribute to solving water-related challenges worldwide.
    YARDZ
    The YARDZ dashboard on desktop, laptop, smartphone and tablet.

    AI-Assisted Solutions to Enhance Productivity

    Aug. 15, 2023
    Reviews of the YARDZ equipment management solution, Workyard workforce management software, the Fin natural language bot and the Rillavoice sales insights app.
    Photo 46917697 | Staff © Ginasanders | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 46917697

    Ready to Grow Your Plumbing Business?!... Or Not!

    Aug. 15, 2023
    The level of stress incurred by a one-man shop on the verge of expanding is quite high for a lot of good, and some not so good, reasons.
    Photo 12728140 © Christian Delbert | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 12728140

    ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Up in July

    Aug. 15, 2023
    The South remains the region with the highest level of backlog, despite being the only region with lower backlog on a year-ago basis.
    Illustration 42327070 © Olivier Le Moal | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 42327070

    Do You Have Something to Give?

    Aug. 14, 2023
    Inspire, empower, succeed: changing your role from owner-operator to owner-leader.
    REHAU
    Installing RAUPEX 02 Barrier PEX pipe.

    REHAU Announces Partnership with BDA Manufacturers’ Representatives

    Aug. 14, 2023
    The partnership will allow each company to better support contractors, engineers and wholesalers in the KY-IN region.
    Bradford White Corp.
    For The Pro App

    Bradford White Launches For the Pro® Mobile App

    Aug. 14, 2023
    New digital tool for iOS and Android equips contractors with a range of information and features to support professional service and installation.
    Photo 121720603 © Ala2017bn | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 121720603

    Expand Bathroom Remodel Choices with Franchise Systems

    Aug. 11, 2023
    Technology and innovative business insights are driving new solutions that can quickly and affordably transform a customer’s home.
    Photo 32593081 © Tuayai | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 32593081

    Monthly Construction Input Prices Unchanged in July

    Aug. 11, 2023
    Overall construction input prices are 3.1% lower than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 2.7% lower.
    RIDGID
    An Experience winner builds their own iconic RIDGID customized pipe wrench during the factory tour.

    Trade Professionals Go Behind-the-Scenes During Sixth Annual RIDGID® Experience

    Aug. 10, 2023
    Attendees are selected from a pool of hundreds of professional tradespeople who enter the contest annually.
    Photo 138989278 © Gwapo | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 138989278

    IWSH to Launch New Plumbing Champions Initiative in Australia

    Aug. 10, 2023
    The Plumbing Champions program aims to inspire young people to pursue a career in the skilled trades, encouraging the next generation of plumbers.
    Balboni Plumbing & Heating
    After three deployments in Afghanistan as a Marine, Sergeant Brian Balboni returned home to re-start the family business in Wellesley, MA.

    US Marine Resumes Family Boiler Business

    Aug. 10, 2023
    Brian Balboni talks about the family business, including details on a boiler retrofit job that will save his customer thousands.
    Department Of Labor

    Department of Labor Recovers $1.6M in Back Wages, Damages from North Carolina Contractor

    Aug. 10, 2023
    188 workers misclassified as independent contractors denied workers minimum, overtime wages.
    Noritz Logo

    Noritz 'Retrofit Rewards' Offers Contractors Opportunities to Win Gear or Cash Prizes

    Aug. 9, 2023
    EZ Series and NRCR residential tankless water heaters will carry a free scratch-and-win card for pro installers to redeem cash rewards as often as they like.
    Oatey Logo Rgb (2)

    Oatey Co. Joins Partners to Celebrate Cleveland Manufacturing at PHCC Connect

    Aug. 9, 2023
    Oatey Co. to sponsor PHCC Connect 2023 Cleveland, offering tours of its local manufacturing and training facility and sponsoring Women in Industry Luncheon.
    National Backflow Prevention Day (1)

    National Backflow Day Will be August 16

    Aug. 8, 2023
    Without backflow prevention, people would face the risk of consuming water with toxins, chemicals, waste, and countless other contaminants.
    Photo 101298018 © Cebas1 | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 101298018

    US Department of Labor Announces Final Rule to Modernize Davis-Bacon Act

    Aug. 8, 2023
    Aided by labor, industry stakeholders’ comments, the rule will provide the most comprehensive updates in 40 years.
    Rectorseal Logo Rgb High Res Png

    RectorSeal Announces New Territory Coverages for Manufacturer Representatives

    Aug. 8, 2023
    The changes support RectorSeal’s vision to provide a single, industry-leading customer experience with a unified factory direct and manufacturer representative support function...
    Forrest Anderson

    Forrest Anderson Plumbing & A/C Named Finalist in 2023 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics

    Aug. 8, 2023
    Forrest Anderson recognized for commitment to ethical business practices.
    Photo 40369995 © Gstockstudio1 | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 40369995

    EEOC Issues Proposed Rule to Implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

    Aug. 7, 2023
    The PWFA requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to a worker’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
    Weil Mc Lain 135

    Weil-McLain® Presents ‘School of Better Heating’ Personalized Training Programs for Residential Heating Contractors

    Aug. 7, 2023
    The Condensing Boiler Technology & Hydronic Fundamentals course will be available in one- and two-day sessions and feature seminars and hands-on training.
    Rpa Logo Green

    Version 6.2 of Building Efficiency System Tool™ (BEST) Now Available for Download

    Aug. 7, 2023
    The enhanced BEST 6.2 focuses attention on energy use, including up to four selected systems in one life-cycle comparison report.
    Hzn Web Logos Oct21 Copy

    Horizon Group Holdings Welcomes Mike Hart as Vice President

    Aug. 7, 2023
    Hart will lead the acquisition strategy as the company expands into the midsouth and Texas.
    Ceo Warrior

    CEO Warrior Moves to Larger New Jersey Space to Accommodate Growth

    Aug. 7, 2023
    The global business mentoring and coaching organization will move from its current location in East Brunswick to a new building in Eatontown this fall.
    Photo 138187910 © Piotr Swat | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 138187910

    Small Business Loans: Fact vs. Fiction

    Aug. 4, 2023
    There can be a lot of misinformation about what is needed to secure a loan if you’re a small business owner.
    A. O. Smith
    VOLTEX 120V HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER

    Weekly Product Gallery: A. O. Smith, PVI, Toto, California Faucets, Knipex, QED

    Aug. 4, 2023
    This week's gallery spotlights a 120V heat pump water heater, fire-tube water heaters, fully automated bidet seats, z cylindrical-shaped kitchen faucet, jaw protectors for pliers...
    Photo 34962954 © Lcswart | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 34962954

    Nonresidential Construction Employment Increases in July

    Aug. 4, 2023
    On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 198,000 jobs, an increase of 2.5%.
    Iapmo White Space

    IAPMO Receives Alliance for Water Efficiency’s 2023 Affiliate Member of the Year Award

    Aug. 3, 2023
    The award honors an organizational member that has demonstrated consistent commitment to and support for the work of the Alliance for Water Efficiency.
    RIDGID
    Employees past and present gather for the celebration at the RIDGID headquarters in Elyria, OH.

    RIDGID Marks its 100 Year Anniversary with Celebration at Elyria Headquarters

    Aug. 3, 2023
    Employees, retirees, and their families were invited to enjoy festivities at an open house event.
    Photo 172035836 © BiancoBlue | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 172035836

    6 Ways Contractors Can Implement AI Tools

    Aug. 3, 2023
    Here are six of the best methods for contractors to leverage AI tools, and key points to consider as you begin implementation.
    Photo 23941734 © Stevanovicigor | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 23941734

    State Construction Unemployment Rates Range From 0.4% to 7.5%

    Aug. 2, 2023
    All states posted an unemployment rate lower than 8%.
    Ferguson Logo

    Ferguson Acquires Bruce Supply Corp., The Kennedy Companies and S. G. Torrice

    Aug. 2, 2023
    Ferguson has completed more than 50 acquisitions in the last five years.
    Oatey Logo Rgb (2)

    Oatey Co. Acquires Netherlands-Based Lansas B.V., Expanding Its Footprint in Europe

    Aug. 2, 2023
    For more than 70 years, Lansas has been a leading manufacturer of pipe and disc plugs servicing the waterworks markets in Europe.
    Gemini Valves
    Manual two-piece and three-piece ball valves.

    A Comprehensive Guide to Ball Valve Maintenance

    Aug. 1, 2023
    Despite their durability and long service life, ball valves are not immune to wear and tear.
    Photo 42562900 © | Dreamstime.com
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    Nonresidential Construction Spending Increases Slightly in June

    Aug. 1, 2023
    Private nonresidential spending was virtually unchanged, while public nonresidential construction spending rose 0.3% in June.
    Photo 38644784 © Bjorn Hovdal | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 38644784

    What Can Contractors Do to Get Paid Faster?

    Aug. 1, 2023
    Contractors lose billions annually due to customers paying invoices late, not paying bills at all, and refusing to pay interest or late fees.
    Photo 16177423 © Vladimir Zhuravlev | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 16177423

    Construction Job Openings Decreased by 5,000 in June

    Aug. 1, 2023
    Despite interest rate increases and tighter credit conditions the number of unfilled jobs remains elevated by historical standards.
    Emerson
    RIDGID employees at the Elyria Public Library.

    RIDGID Employees Donate to Elyria’s Pioneer Freedge

    Aug. 1, 2023
    Donation drive sponsored by Mosaic, an Emerson employee resource group focused on giving back.
    Photo 111731978 © Oleg Zaikin | Dreamstime.com
    Water quality testing in a laboratory.

    From Past to Present: Moving Water Quality Forward

    July 31, 2023
    In talking with WQA’s President Amanda Moore, it’s clear that the organization’s mission is to be the recognized resource and advocate for the betterment of water quality.
    F542e9b2246e36ec0cb1c474252588ba

    Red Cap Plumbing, Air & Electric Celebrates 20 Years Serving Tampa Bay

    July 28, 2023
    Red Cap provides plumbing, drain, water heater, heating, cooling, and electrical services to commercial and residential customers in the Tampa Bay area.