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  • April 2024

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    Better Behind the Wall = More Choices in the Front

    April 10, 2024
    My visit to KBIS got me thinking about the dichotomy of the plumbing industry.
    Harts Services

    Harts Plumbers, Electricians and HVAC Rebrands, Expands Service Offering

    April 1, 2024
    Top Tacoma home service experts now provide heating, cooling maintenance and repairs for area homeowners.
    Tipton Co.

    Noritz Enlists Tipton Company to Expand its Sales Coverage in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas

    March 29, 2024
    The third-generation sales agency engages wholesalers, contractors, builders, and engineers to bolster Noritz America’s southcentral sales strategy.

    New MCAA President Rick Gopffarth: Creating Leaders

    March 29, 2024
    Motivating and encouraging the MEP industry’s next generation to develop their leadership skills is a focus for Gopffarth during his presidential term.
    Elite Trades Championship Series

    Round One of the 2024 Plumbing National Championship Kicks Off

    March 29, 2024
    Prestigious competition seeks to honor the skill, precision, and dedication of plumbers nationwide.

    More content from April 2024

    Armstrong Fluid Technologies

    A District Approach

    March 28, 2024
    Improving efficiencies and achieving net-zero goals through district heating and cooling isn’t necessarily new, but the conversation continues to gain momentum.
    Lincoln Electric

    Weekly Product Gallery: Lincoln Electric, Webstone, US Boiler, Helly Hansen, Dornbracht, Pyramex

    March 28, 2024
    This week's gallery highlights a multifunction engine drive for work trucks, Y-strainers with G-thread bodies, an air-to-water hydronic heat pump, a high-visibility waterproof...
    MAC Faucets

    MAC Faucets Announces International Expansion

    March 28, 2024
    California-based plumbing manufacturer accelerates expansion plans to Europe and the Middle East.

    Bradford White Earns 2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award

    March 28, 2024
    Leading water heating and storage manufacturer named a leader in energy efficiency for the fifth consecutive year.
    HTP

    Combination Boiler Solves Age-Old Problem

    March 27, 2024
    Apartment owner chooses new unit rather than risk further upkeep costs.
    NKBA

    Kitchen and Bath Industry Show Marks Record Attendance in 2024

    March 27, 2024
    The show was held February 27-29, 2024 in Las Vegas as part of Design & Construction Week (DCW).

    Dept. of Energy Selects Kohler Co. to Pioneer Commercial Scale Decarbonization Solution in Company’s Largest Manufacturing Plant

    March 27, 2024
    Funding, matched with Kohler investment, will create jobs, decrease emissions, and support local economic development.
    Photo 31267809 © Tom Fawls | Dreamstime.com

    IAPMO Seeks Public Input on Manual of Recommended Practice for Hydrogen Fuel Gas Piping

    March 26, 2024
    IAPMO initiated the Hydrogen Fuel Gas Piping Task Group in March 2022 to create a manual to develop code-enhanced and adoptable language for hydrogen gas piping systems.
    Photo 55516365 © Goodluz | Dreamstime.com

    How to Turn 'Kids These Days' Into Top-Performing Teams

    March 26, 2024
    I thought training my team, treating them with respect and paying them fairly entitled me to loyalty and top performance. It didn’t.
    Photo 32247048 © Alexxxey | Dreamstime.com

    How to Value Engineer Plumbing Systems in Buildings

    March 25, 2024
    Safe Piping Matters details key factors for balancing performance and cost in a new report.
    Rinnai America Corp.

    Hydrogen-Powered Water Heating: Challenges and Opportunities

    March 25, 2024
    In this Q&A, CONTRACTOR speaks with Renee Eddy, Chief Innovation Officer for Rinnai America, about what hydrogen power means for the future.
    World Water Day

    World Water Day — IAPMO Advances March4Water with Capitol Hill Events

    March 25, 2024
    A busy week culminated with a World Water Day celebration event marking the 10-year anniversary of The Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act.
    Little Giant

    Sump, Effluent, & Sewage Pumps: Tips for Selecting the Correct Pump for Your Installation

    March 22, 2024
    Get the details on the three standard pumps found in residential properties—and find which one is the right one for your job.
    Photo 107586743 © Caifas | Dreamstime.com

    Your Mod-Con Boiler Energy Savings Could Surprise You

    March 21, 2024
    Things get a little fuzzy sometimes—like predicting energy savings when modernizing hydronic systems.
    Mae Stevens

    University of Miami Report: Robust Building Standards Defend Against Water Scarcity

    March 21, 2024
    Findings were shared by the International Code Council at the first annual Water Conservation Summit hosted by the National Press Club.
    Delta

    Weekly Product Gallery: Delta Faucet, Toto, Empava, IBC, Miller, Smith and Loveless

    March 21, 2024
    This week's gallery spotlights touchless kitchen and bath faucets, a wall-hung urinal with an integrated flush valve, an outdoor hydromassage hot tub, a tankless water heater ...
    Photo 4893132 © Bernard Maurin | Dreamstime.com

    United Association Releases Statement on Chrysotile Asbestos Ban

    March 21, 2024
    Praises ban as an historic step towards protecting the health and safety of all construction workers.

    Viega LLC Announces Andreas Reger as New CEO

    March 21, 2024
    New CEO appointed for Viega LLC as Markus Brettschneider transitions to Global CEO.
    PMI

    PMI Members Discuss Government Affairs Topics at KBIS

    March 20, 2024
    Major topics facing the industry made for a dynamic discussion at the PMI Power Break and Briefing at KBIS.
    ConstructReach

    ConstructReach Hosts 'I Built This!' Work-based Learning Initiative

    March 20, 2024
    Partnership with Procore connects Denver high school students with construction industry opportunities.
    PHCC

    Key Takeaways from PHCC's Essentials of Project Management Class

    March 20, 2024
    Twenty-two attendees engaged in the highly interactive and intense four-day class conducted March 13- 16.

    IAPMO Publishes Manual of Recommended Construction Practices for Potable Water

    March 20, 2024
    The manual provides guidance to help plumbing professionals in the design, construction and commissioning of water systems.

    Alexander Crosson

    March 20, 2024
    Alexander Crosson is the founder and CEO of Brawn, a financial technology company building solutions for construction workers. Brawn can be contacted by visiting https://www.brawnfinanc...
    Photo 210125655 © Frank Harms | Dreamstime.com

    Leave Your Contracting Company In Good Hands

    March 20, 2024
    Whether you’re near retirement, or a decade away, it’s never too early to start thinking about who should take your seat.
    Photo 3910686 © Tracy Whiteside | Dreamstime.com

    Prima Plumber Donna

    March 19, 2024
    For all the sales money a prima donna might bring in, it just isn't worth the damage they can do to company morale.
    NTEA

    Work Truck Week 2024 Breaks Attendance Record

    March 19, 2024
    The premier event of the work truck industry brought together 15,790 attendees and 536 exhibitors at the Indiana Convention Center.

    ABC Names the Winner of the 2024 Construction Management Competition

    March 19, 2024
    A total of 25 teams of undergraduate students from colleges and universities nationwide competed this year.
    FieldVibe

    Solutions to Build, Enhance, and Streamline Your Business Operations

    March 19, 2024
    Reviews of FieldVibe job scheduling app, Leap management solution, JobTread estimating/PM software and Pipedrive CRM.

    Taco’s Fall River, MA, Plant Expansion Underway

    March 18, 2024
    Groundbreaking began in early September ’23 and the project is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
    Sloan

    Sloan Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Sloan Park

    March 18, 2024
    Sloan welcomes baseball fans at the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs.
    Photo 9915701 © Feng Yu | Dreamstime.com

    Contracts and Subcontracts - That’s Why They Call it Contracting

    March 18, 2024
    The fact of the matter is that just about every business in the world today operates on some level of contractual obligation.

    A. O. Smith Appoints Stephen Shafer President and Chief Operating Officer

    March 18, 2024
    Shafer will lead the company’s global business units, including operations, engineering and IT.
    Merit Brass

    Weekly Product Gallery: Merit Brass, General Pipe, GE Appliances, Kohler, Durango Boots, Tri Tool

    March 15, 2024
    This week's product gallery spotlights press fittings, drain-cleaning machine for small pipe, a smart hybrid heat pump water heater, a digital showering system, leather work boots...
    Photo 86207791 © Tnsdesign | Dreamstime.com

    11 Ways to Boost Your Plumbing Company’s SEO

    March 15, 2024
    Whether you run a single-location operation or a multiple-unit franchise, these SEO tips will help you reach more consumers in your service area.

    Jason Mudd

    March 15, 2024
    Jason Mudd started digital marketing in 1994 and search engine optimization in 1998. His company, Axia Public Relations—one of America’s Best PR Agencies according to Forbes Magazine...
    Photo 94867270 © Teerayut Khuenwan | Dreamstime.com

    Green Plumbing Innovations for Sustainable Buildings

    March 15, 2024
    Let’s explore a few of the current green plumbing innovations available.

    Air Pros USA Taps Plumbing Industry Leader to Build Drain Genie Brand

    March 15, 2024
    Debra Held brings 35 years of plunger-to-boardroom experience to the role.

    ASSE Seeks Working Group Members for Development of National Standard ASSE 1010

    March 14, 2024
    Industry stakeholders are invited and encouraged to apply to participate.
    Photo 8813605 © Berniezajac | Dreamstime.com

    Construction Input Prices Increase 1.4% in February

    March 14, 2024
    Overall construction input prices are 1.5% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 1.8% higher.

    ABC Names the 2024 Craft Professional of the Year

    March 14, 2024
    The award is presented to a craft worker who excels in their field, demonstrating a commitment to health and safety, workforce development and the merit shop philosophy.
    Taco Comfort Solutions

    Taco Presents Dan Holohan Comfort Award at 2024 AHR Expo

    March 13, 2024
    Richard Medairos is the 8th recipient of the award, and is recognized for his warmth, humor and passion.
    High 5 Plumbing

    High 5 Plumbing Offers Insight Into Careers for Women in the Trades

    March 13, 2024
    Denver-based plumber touts benefits for working in the home service industry.

    Skilled Labor Shortage Continues to Challenge Industry Despite Economic Gains

    March 13, 2024
    Marcum LLP releases annual analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).
    Elite Trades Competition

    Elite Trades Championship & ServiceTitan Announce Title Sponsorship for Ninth Annual Competition

    March 13, 2024
    Leading software provider for trades businesses expands role in annual competitions for skilled tradespeople across the auto tech, electrical, HVAC and plumbing industries.
    Plastics Pipe Institute

    Advantages of PEX Systems Detailed in New Technical Document

    March 13, 2024
    Document from PPI includes a historical overview of discontinued PB piping materials.

    Bemis Donates Toilet Seats for Cancer Advocacy Event

    March 12, 2024
    Partnership with Fight CRC continues to support initiatives against the second-most deadly cancer in the United States.
    Photo 137796812 © Designer491 | Dreamstime.com

    Succession Planning Strategies for Contracting Companies

    March 12, 2024
    At the foundation of retirement planning is the question, “What does retirement look like for this owner?”
    Photo 26086754 © Paulpaladin | Dreamstime.com

    ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Down in February

    March 12, 2024
    All three index readings still remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations for growth over the next six months.
    Honda

    Are Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles in Your Future?

    March 12, 2024
    Automobile OEMs and startups research and test hydrogen fuel cells for a cleaner tomorrow.
    Photo 241499821 © Unique93 | Dreamstime.com

    What’s Going On with Modular Construction?

    March 11, 2024
    This building method based on prefabrication has its advocates and adversaries, but the next generations could boost its market share.
    Photo 3902071 © Aliaksandr Autayeu | Dreamstime.com

    WaterSense Considers Revising and Broadening Faucet Specification

    March 8, 2024
    EPA is considering lowering the maximum flow rate for private lavatory faucets to earn the WaterSense label to either 1.2 GPM or 1.0 GPM.
    Photo 28135049 © Ffang | Dreamstime.com

    Nonresidential Construction Employment Increased by 23,000 in February

    March 8, 2024
    On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 215,000 jobs, an increase of 2.7%.
    Nelson Mechanical Design

    Nelson Mechanical Designs, Installs Huge Solar Radiant System

    March 8, 2024
    With 20 solar collectors and a 700-gal. storage tank, it is the largest solar hot water system on Martha's Vineyard.

    NIBCO Promotes Joe Choflet to Vice President, Sales and Marketing

    March 7, 2024
    Choflet will continue to lead wholesale, retail, specialty, and international sales.

    VDMA Sanitary Technology and Design Industry Association Welcomes New Members

    March 7, 2024
    GROHE and TECE GmbH have joined the association which now counts 22 manufacturer-members.
    State Water Heaters

    State Water Heaters Renews Partnership with Jeb Burton for 2024 NASCAR Season

    March 7, 2024
    This season marks State Water Heaters’ 12th in partnership with Jeb Burton, and Burton’s second season with JAR Bommarito Autosport.
    Stellar

    Weekly Product Gallery: Stellar, Zurn Elkay, Easyflex, Weather Guard, InSinkErator, Barber Wilsons

    March 7, 2024
    This week's gallery highlights a bale-style pull-handle truck box, quartz sinks in new colors, a water heater mixing valve kit, saddle and lo-side boxes for trucks, a garbage ...
    Photo 116464499 © Joe Sohm | Dreamstime.com

    The Home Depot Foundation Invests $1 Million to Train Veterans to Rebuild Communities After Disasters

    March 7, 2024
    New grant to Team Rubicon will deploy more skilled tradespeople to communities impacted by natural disasters.
    PHCC-NA

    PHCC Members Will Head to Capitol Hill During Crucial Election Year

    March 7, 2024
    PHCC will facilitate visits between members and their elected representatives during the annual Legislative Conference.

    New Engineering Business Sentiment Report Finds Executives’ Optimism About the US Economy Growing

    March 7, 2024
    ACEC Research Institute Q1 2024 Engineering Business Sentiment Report finds respondents less likely to anticipate a recession than a year ago, still contending with business headwinds...
    NTEA

    Jason Ritchey to Serve as 60th NTEA Board Chair

    March 7, 2024
    Ritchey has spent nearly 25 years in the work truck industry, and has served as president and owner of Curry Supply Co. since 2011.
    Photo 35766761 © Sergiu Marian Leustean | Dreamstime.com

    Historic Project Linking Rome and Vatican City Uses Advanced Technology and Local Knowledge to Keep Water Flowing

    March 7, 2024
    Relocation of major sewer infrastructure enables construction of pedestrian link for 35 million visitors to the 2025 Jubilee.

    Zoeller Co. Names Bill Zoeller as Chief Executive Officer

    March 6, 2024
    Bill Zoeller will assume office in May upon the retirement of John Zoeller, who will have served for 22 years.

    Jobber Grants to Award $150,000 to Home Service Businesses for Fourth Consecutive Year

    March 6, 2024
    To date, Jobber Grants has awarded $475,000 to 85 home service entrepreneurs to help them accelerate their ambitious plans.

    A. O. Smith Acquires Impact Water Products, a Water Treatment Solutions Provider

    March 6, 2024
    The acquisition will expand the company's presence on the West Coast.

    Matt Hinson of Taco Hydroflo Named Doctor of Water

    March 6, 2024
    The Southern California Water Utilities Association presents the award to members who have skillfully served the water industry in California for 15 years or more.
    Photo 16809051 © Sculpies | Dreamstime.com

    Construction Job Openings Remain Elevated at 413,000 in January

    March 6, 2024
    Industry job openings decreased by 21,000 last month but are up by 120,000 from the same time last year.
    Photo 47766758 © Pixattitude | Dreamstime.com

    Labor Department Cites Silver Creek, GA Plumbing Contractor

    March 6, 2024
    34-year-old employee suffers fatal fall, exposure to hydrogen sulfide.

    Labor Department Cites Macon, GA Plumbing Contractor

    March 6, 2024
    OSHA proposes $308K in penalties for safety violations after worker suffered fatal injuries.

    Cordless Tool Showcase: Festool Experience Returns For 2024

    March 5, 2024
    Festool will showcase a variety of brand-new and existing power tool solutions in over 150 US cities throughout the year.
    Photo 9632325 © Wellesenterprises | Dreamstime.com

    California Approves Water Demand Calculator® as Alternate Standard for Sizing Water Supply Piping

    March 5, 2024
    The Water Demand Calculator accurately predicts peak water demand in single-family homes and apartment buildings.
    Photo 26934473 © Flynt | Dreamstime.com

    International Partnership Looks to Unlock the Power of Sustainable Finance

    March 5, 2024
    Building Research Establishment, Green Building Council of Australia and the US Green Building Council will work jointly to inform decision makers.
    Photo 42043017 © Rawpixelimages | Dreamstime.com

    ABC Announces 2024 Top-Performing US Construction Contractors

    March 5, 2024
    The list recognizes outstanding achievements in safety, quality, inclusion, project excellence and special designations ranked by number of hours worked.

    Ethisphere Names A. O. Smith One of the World’s Most Ethical Companies

    March 5, 2024
    Company recognized during 150th year of business.

    Carhartt Makes Sales Donation, 'For the Love of Labor' Grant to Metallica’s Foundation

    March 5, 2024
    Women’s gear sales on March 8 to fund scholarships for women pursuing fulfilling careers in the skilled trades.

    The IAPMO Group Again to Highlight Vital Role Plumbing Plays in Building Community Resilience, Protecting Public Health with March4Water Month

    March 4, 2024
    March4Water seeks to bring awareness to challenges and inequities in providing clean drinking water and safe sanitation, as well as the solutions the plumbing industry is producing...

    Oatey Acquires Durgo, Expanding Footprint in European and Asian Plumbing Markets

    March 4, 2024
    Durgo is a specialty manufacturer of air admittance valves (AAVs) and other pressure regulating valves based in Stockholm, Sweden.
    Taco Comfort Solutions

    New Taco Hydroflo Pump Solutions Facility Opens in Lubbock, TX

    March 4, 2024
    The new facility is in the manufacturing and transportation hub of northwest Texas, 40 miles north of its prior location in Brownfield, Texas.
    NAHB

    Economic Outlook from the National Association of Home Builders' Meeting of the Members

    March 4, 2024
    Single-family starts will rise in 2024, but supply side challenges will persist.
    Illustration 28812971 © Peter Plosonka | Dreamstime.com

    Home Builders and Remodelers Embrace Greener Practices, Surpassing 2019 Levels

    March 4, 2024
    New study reveals surging adoption of water and materials conservation and energy efficiency in building practices.
    Peterman Brothers

    Peterman Brothers Launches Charity Showdown Tournament to Benefit Indianapolis-Area Charities

    March 4, 2024
    Interactive online event lets residents vote for their favorite nonprofit organizations to be the HVAC and plumbing provider’s charity partners for 2024.
    Photo 6396151 © Wgy1952 | Dreamstime.com

    Rising Materials Costs Continue to Drive Engineering and Construction Costs Higher in February

    March 4, 2024
    Moderate step-up, according to the Engineering and Construction Cost Indicator from PEG and S&P Global Market Intelligence.
    Oatey Co.

    Weekly Product Gallery: Oatey, InSinkErator, Infinity Drain, Brizo, Clean-Fit Products

    March 1, 2024
    This week's product gallery features a linear drain built into a shower bench, an instant hot water tank, a designer linear drain, a tankless reverse osmosis system, and pipe ...

    White Wolf Capital Acquires Shamrock Plumbing & Drain Cleaning

    March 1, 2024
    Shamrock is a leading provider of residential and commercial plumbing services throughout the Central Florida region.
    Photo 79972697 © Adrian825 | Dreamstime.com

    Better, Not Bigger, Homes Among Top Design Trends for 2024

    March 1, 2024
    Builders are acting on this trend, with 38% indicating they built smaller homes in 2023 to help support home sales and 26% indicating they plan to build even smaller in 2024. ...
    Photo 213816067 © Siri Wannapat | Dreamstime.com

    New White Paper Available on Mental Health in the Construction Industry

    March 1, 2024
    The white paper was released at the 3rd annual Construction Working Minds Summit in Kansas City, Missouri.

    Nation’s Home Builders Elect Leadership for 2024

    March 1, 2024
    NAHB represents the interests of the nation’s housing professionals through advocacy, education and research.
    Photo 43123762 © Aizhong Wang | Dreamstime.com

    Nonresidential Construction Spending Falls Sharply in January

    March 1, 2024
    On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.190 trillion.
    NAHB

    2024 International Builders’ Show Attracts Largest Attendance in 15 Years

    March 1, 2024
    This milestone attendance—the highest level since 2009—reflects the bullish outlook of the residential construction industry.

    Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Offers New Scholarship Opportunities

    Feb. 29, 2024
    The Educational Foundation's scholarship program plans to award 55 scholarships totaling $132,000 this year.
    Design & Construction Week

    International Builders’ Show and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show to Extend Co-Location Agreement Through 2030

    Feb. 29, 2024
    The 2024 DCW, held this week in Las Vegas, marks the 11th year of the agreement.

    Bradford White Donates Heat Pump Water Heaters to Training Centers Across California

    Feb. 29, 2024
    Center for Employment Training receiving nine energy-efficient heat pump water heaters to help train future skilled trades workforce through Industry Forward® charitable giving...

    Ariston USA Forms National Accounts Team For Commercial Water Heating Products

    Feb. 28, 2024
    Ariston USA recently added industry veterans with successful records of delivering results in the commercial water heating space.
    Photo 23151855 © Joe Sohm | Dreamstime.com

    Franklin Electric Ranked One of the Best Places to Work in Indiana

    Feb. 28, 2024
    The Best Places award recognizes companies that foster a workplace culture that instills pride in their employees.

    Niagara Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation with Donation to Affordable Housing Developer

    Feb. 28, 2024
    Donation is part of Niagara’s mission to reduce water waste and utility costs for owners.
    High 5 Plumbing

    High 5 Plumbing Celebrates Successful Graduates and Participants of its Apprenticeship Program

    Feb. 28, 2024
    Program success underscores the proven effectiveness of its training; offers path to a lifelong career.
    WiPP/Uponor

    Women in Plumbing & Piping Announces Uponor as Latest Sponsor

    Feb. 26, 2024
    Uponor joins a select group of organizations at the forefront of championing the cause of women in traditionally male-dominated industries.