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  • March 2021

    • March 2021

    Severe Winter Weather Creates Plumbing Crisis; KBIS/IBS Virtual Shows Postponed; Incoming MCAA President Armand Kilijian; Gen Z More Open to Careers in the Skilled Trades; COVID or not, Prefab is Trending UP, and much more.
    MacDonald-Miller.
    Part of the fab shop at MacDonald-Miller.

    COVID or Not, Prefabrication is Trending Up

    Feb. 26, 2021
    With advantages such as faster schedules, increased quality and less impact on the construction site and surrounding area, what’s not to like?
    Bob Mader (with Ed O'Connell in the background) torture cell phones at Comfortech 2014.
    Bob Mader Ed O Connell

    Good-bye, Bob

    Feb. 26, 2021
    Bob Mader, former Editorial Director for CONTRACTOR Magazine, just recently, unexpectedly, passed away.
    Photo 106318116 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 106318116

    How to Troubleshoot Hydronic Pipe Size in the Field

    Feb. 26, 2021
    A commonly encountered hydronic system problem is the pipe sizing. Let’s take a look at how you can use a table and calculation to 'see' if pipe size is causing your problem or...
    Iwsh Logo

    United Association Becomes Platinum IWSH Partner for 2021

    Feb. 25, 2021
    The UA represents an estimated 340,000 plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, service technicians and welders in local unions across North America.
    Coty Franklin (l.) and Nicole Decker. Photo: Fortune Brands.
    Coty Franklin Nicole Decker

    Fortune Brands Global Plumbing Group Adds Two Sr. VPs

    Feb. 25, 2021
    Nicole Decker joins to lead Global Growth and Development; Coty Franklin to oversee Global Human Resources.

    More content from March 2021

    Photo 86721142 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 86721142

    Best-Case Scenarios

    Feb. 25, 2021
    Get in the habit of planning the steps to achieve a determined outcome. Then, follow through with what you planned and celebrate the successes.
    Photo 104864021 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 104864021

    Baby It's Cold Outside

    Feb. 25, 2021
    I cut my teeth on frozen pipes. I was in the trade only about five months and we got hit with below zero cold. The company I worked for at the time was overwhelmed...
    Bob Mader (left) interviews Navien's Brian Fenske at AHR Expo 2018.
    Mader Fenske

    Bob Mader, RIP

    Feb. 24, 2021
    Bob approached the industry with seriousness and a dry sense of humor.
    The Buildertrend entrance. Photo: Buildertrend
    Buildertrend Entrance

    Buildertrend Acquires CoConstruct

    Feb. 24, 2021
    The combination will offer a comprehensive suite of SaaS products and services.
    Robert Gills. Photo: Danfoss
    Robert Gills Danfoss

    Danfoss Names New Sales Manager to Support Hydronic Heating Business

    Feb. 24, 2021
    Robert Gillis is now Key Account Manager for its hydronic heating business in North America.
    Stephen Toups. Photo: NCCER
    Stephen Toups Co

    NCCER Announces 2021 Board of Trustees

    Feb. 24, 2021
    Stephen Toups will succeed Michael Bennett as Chairman.
    Bradley Corp. Chairman/CEO Bryan Mullett. Photo: Bradley Corp.
    Bryan Mullett

    Bradley Corp. Marks 100 Years

    Feb. 24, 2021
    It all started with Bradley’s first multi-user handwashing fixture – the iconic Washfountain.
    Linked In Post (003)

    ServiceTitan Connecting Contractors Hit by Texas Storm with Businesses Ready to Help

    Feb. 24, 2021
    Software solution provider launches effort to help contractors meet community needs during unprecedented emergency.
    Navien
    NCB-H CONDENSING COMBI-BOILER SERIES

    Weekly Product Gallery: Navien, Watts, Leonard Valve, Apollo Valves, Basco, Matco-Norca

    Feb. 23, 2021
    This week's gallery highlights a condensing combi-boiler line; push-to-connect fittings for PEX, copper and CPVC; an emergency valve line; rigid coupling for gasket support; a...
    The Zuper web application. Image: Zuper.
    Zuper Web Application

    Field Service, Customer Engagement and Time Tracking

    Feb. 23, 2021
    Reviews for Zuper, an app that combines field service management with customer engagement, and Time Tracker, a cloud-based time-tracking solution.
    Photo 102128377 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 102128377

    Digitization in the Trades

    Feb. 23, 2021
    If you have been in the industry for that long, you know that change comes very slowly, or at least it always has before now.
    Photo 17851011 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 17851011

    IBS Session Coverage: 2021 Housing & Economic Outlook

    Feb. 23, 2021
    As the market recovers from the virus recession of 2020, lingering financial and economic challenges and opportunities exist.
    Asse Logo Copy

    ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 12000-2021 Now Available

    Feb. 22, 2021
    ASSE Series 12000 sets minimum criteria for the training and certification of pipe trades craftspeople on how to safely work in environments with potentially deadly diseases.
    Asa Codes And Standards Logo

    ASA Joins Appeal on DOE Rule to Change Showerhead Water-Flow Limit

    Feb. 22, 2021
    New standard would allow 2.5 gallons per minute on each showerhead nozzle.
    Photo 18496859 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 18496859

    Severe Winter Weather Creates Plumbing Crisis in the Southwest

    Feb. 22, 2021
    Snowfall, freezing temperatures and power shortages have combined to create a crisis in water supply and water quality.
    Service Titan Logo

    ServiceTitan and Johnstone Supply Announce Partnership

    Feb. 19, 2021
    ServiceTitan and Johnstone now offer contractors an optimized workflow that can save time and money.
    John Guest
    Jg 60 Anniversary 2

    John Guest Celebrates 60 Years of Leadership and Innovation

    Feb. 19, 2021
    The company is celebrating a long history of delivering advanced plumbing technology, quality products and innovative solutions.
    Photo 47100045 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 47100045

    Gen Z More Open to Careers in the Skilled Trades

    Feb. 18, 2021
    National survey finds high schoolers want lower-cost, quicker paths to careers.
    Sanibest Pro grinder units installed to discharge the wastewater from three toilets and a urinal. Photo: Saniflo
    Sanibest Pro grinder units installed to discharge the wastewater from three toilets and a urinal. The two toilets in the women’s restroom are each connected to a Sanibest Pro unit.

    Roman Plumbing Helps FL Restaurant Comply with FEMA

    Feb. 18, 2021
    Above-floor grinder pump installation solves problems for the Widow Fletcher's restaurant.
    Mark Whittington. Photo: Bradley
    Mark Whittington Bradley

    Bradley Corp. Names Whittington VP - Business Development

    Feb. 18, 2021
    Whittington's role will be growing Bradley’s plumbing products business.
    Photo 57450243 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 57450243

    Building for Our New Virtual World

    Feb. 17, 2021
    The construction industry has traditionally been one of the slowest to embrace technology. 2020 may have changed that.
    A VR training session. Photo: Interplay.
    Interplay

    Interplay Learning Raises $18 Million in Series B Funding

    Feb. 17, 2021
    The company is a global leader in training essential skilled trade workers.
    Victaulic HQ in Easton, PA. Photo: Victaulic
    Victaulic

    Victaulic Acquires Waupaca Foundry’s Manufacturing Facility

    Feb. 17, 2021
    Multi-million-dollar investment underscores focus on job creation, innovation.
    Photo 27702754 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 27702754

    Monthly Construction Input Prices Surge 2.5% in January, Says ABC

    Feb. 17, 2021
    Construction input prices rose 4.8% from a year ago.
    Johnson Controls

    Johnson Controls Joins The Climate Pledge

    Feb. 17, 2021
    Signatories of the Pledge commit to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
    Nibco
    585HP HIGH-PERFORMANCE BALL VALVES

    Weekly Product Gallery: Nibco, Electric Eel, Pfister, Bosch, Woodford, Jomar

    Feb. 16, 2021
    This week's gallery highlights commercial ball valves; a pipeline inspection camera; a pull-down kitchen faucet; a 20 SEER inverter heat pump; an outdoor anti-burst faucet; and...
    Honeywell
    An old Honeywell T475A outdoor reset control for sale on Ebay.

    Look Like a Pro With Reset Control

    Feb. 15, 2021
    I am constantly amazed there are pieces of equipment used today that are older than me and are still not understood very well.
    Ashrae Logo

    ASHRAE Wraps Up Successful Virtual Winter Conference

    Feb. 15, 2021
    The conference kicked off with the ASHRAE Meeting of the Members, including a Secretary’s Report from ASHRAE Executive Vice President Jeff Littleton.
    Kbis Virtual 2021

    KBIS/IBS Virtual Shows Postponed

    Feb. 15, 2021
    Due to technical problems, both virtual exhibit halls have been postponed; virtual programming, education sessions to continue.
    A prefabricated rack, ready for installation at the Lumen Playhouse in Cleveland. Photo: Uponor.
    Lumen Playhouse Square Cleveland Pre Fab 2019 2272

    Commercial Projects - Planning, Prefab, and PEX

    Feb. 12, 2021
    Strategic planning and coordination at the very beginning of a project provides the greatest benefits on total project costs, schedule, and profitability.
    State flag of Virginia. Photo 15890803 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 15890803

    AMT, Brown and Caldwell Selected for Virginia Water Quality Project

    Feb. 12, 2021
    Protection of the Commonwealth’s bodies of water preserved via collaborative stormwater management.
    Photo 170183133 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 170183133

    How Contractors Can Generate More Customer Ratings

    Feb. 12, 2021
    (And how to deal with negative ratings online.)
    Rpa Logo Green

    RPA Interim Executive Director Report

    Feb. 12, 2021
    There are four main elements of hydronic-based systems that are universally applicable.
    Aos Logo Cmyk

    A. O. Smith Wholesale Partners Celebrate Essential Workers

    Feb. 11, 2021
    Organized donation efforts to provide boxed lunches to more than 4,500 employees at five plant locations.
    Left to right, Mark Bruder, John Loughlin, Robert Os and Dan Rivetts. Image --EDOS.
    Image001

    EDOS Manufacturing Reps Expand Territory Coverage for RectorSeal Products

    Feb. 11, 2021
    EDOS adds Maine, Eastern Massachusetts, and Rhode Island to their coverage area.
    Epa Logo New

    EPA Approves IAPMO R&T to Issue WaterSense Certification for Soil Moisture-Based Irrigation Controllers

    Feb. 11, 2021
    A WaterSense-labeled SMS can save an average home with an automatic landscape irrigation system more than 15,000 gallons of water annually.
    Photo 42375825 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 42375825

    Plumbing Problems for Concrete Slab Foundation Homes

    Feb. 11, 2021
    Learn more about plumbing problems common in concrete slab foundation homes and how to solve them.
    Trimble
    Ants At Work Contractor Mag Image Trimble Mep 2 3 21

    What Ants Teach Us About Mitigating Project Risks

    Feb. 10, 2021
    How can you mitigate risk and equip your teams to make good choices?
    Photo 1692684 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 1692684

    Housing Affordability Holds Steady; Challenges Loom

    Feb. 9, 2021
    Regulatory and supply-side challenges threaten to aggravate affordability problems.
    Photo 12121795 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 12121795

    Contractor Optimism Rises to Start 2021

    Feb. 9, 2021
    Backlog rises according to ABC member survey.
    Reed Manufacturing Co.
    HPC8+ GUILLOTINE PIPE CUTTERS

    Weekly Product Gallery: Reed, Gerber, General Pipe, Little Giant, Brass Knuckle, DAP

    Feb. 9, 2021
    This week's product gallery spotlights guillotine pipe cutters; a high-efficient, pressure-assist toilet; a mini jetter for sinks; energy-efficient sump and effluent pumps; work...
    Rwc Hbi Partnership Announcement Graphic Final

    RWC Joins Forces with HBI to Address Skilled Labor Gap

    Feb. 9, 2021
    Organizations will work together to emphasize career opportunities in the trades.
    Uponor Logo Rgb

    Uponor and Bullfrog Power Set Green Electricity Agreement

    Feb. 9, 2021
    Uponor will partner with Bullfrog Power, a Canadian company.
    Ferguson Logo

    Ferguson Selects Salesforce to Power its Digital Transformation

    Feb. 9, 2021
    Ferguson will deliver a smarter, more frictionless experience for customers.
    Nibs Logo

    NIBS Convenes BIM Executive Roundtable

    Feb. 9, 2021
    Public and private organizations meet to discuss digital transformation in the construction industry.
    Iapmo White Space

    IAPMO Standards Council Issues TIA UPC 001-21

    Feb. 9, 2021
    TIA UPC 001-21 added text in UPC Table 603.2 pertaining to the installation of atmospheric vacuum breakers.
    Photo 200052716 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 200052716

    Home Services Marketing Trends for the New Year and Beyond

    Feb. 5, 2021
    With a new year upon us, it's helpful to understand the emerging digital marketing trends.
    Simplii 648x400

    Simplii Consulting Open for Business in TX, TN

    Feb. 5, 2021
    Company dedicated to providing the tools contractors need to be successful.
    Abc Inc Logo

    ABC Releases Statement in Opposition to the PRO Act

    Feb. 5, 2021
    Re-introduction of the Act overturns the will of voters in 27 sates, says ABC's President and CEO.
    536 Munch Supply Logo

    Munch’s Supply Acquires Oklahoma-based C&L Supply

    Feb. 4, 2021
    Leading distributor expands into new geography.
    Egia Logo

    Jeff Revlett Joins EGIA as New General Manager

    Feb. 4, 2021
    Contracting industry veteran brings three decades of experience to his new role.
    A BIM design from Uponor Construction Services. Image: Uponor.
    Uponor Cps Bim 3 D Navis Transparent3 1020

    Uponor Unveils Complete Polymer Solution for Commercial Projects

    Feb. 4, 2021
    Virtual event introduces Uponor PP-RCT mechanical piping system and Uponor Construction Services.
    WaterFurnace International
    5 SERIES 500W11 SINGLE-STAGE HYDRONIC HEAT PUMP

    Weekly Product Gallery: WaterFurnace, Bosch, Charlotte Pipe, Goodman, HoldRite, Mecalac

    Feb. 2, 2021
    This week's gallery spotlights single-stage hydronic heat pumps; inverter ducted split-system heat pumps; an iron plumbing system for aggressive DWV; an HVAC monitoring system...
    Usgb Clogo

    USGBC Elects New Members and Officers for 2021

    Feb. 1, 2021
    Members bring expertise in community development, public health and sustainability.
    Photo 172981225 © - Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime M 172981225

    Nonresidential Construction Spending Dips Nearly 1% in December

    Feb. 1, 2021
    Decline deepens a month-long slump, says ABC.
    2020 Ad Financial Results

    AD Achieves Increase in Distributions to Members

    Feb. 1, 2021
    Despite the impacts of the pandemic, AD achieved a 1% increase in net distributions.
    Robert Bosch Tool Corp.
    PROFACTOR GBH18V-36CN 18V ROTARY HAMMER

    Weekly Product Gallery: Bosch Tool, T&S Brass, Knaack, Bradley, Toto, Brass Knuckle

    Jan. 27, 2021
    This week's gallery focuses on a cordless rotary hammer; a line of portable stainless-steel sinks; an industrial-grade storage cabinet line; a hands-free wash-rinse-dry lav bar...