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  • October 2024

    • October 2024

    ID 26279615 © Joe Sohm | Dreamstime.com
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    Union Shop, Merit Shop, and America’s Way Forward

    Oct. 9, 2024
    PLAs are collective bargaining agreements that are—as far as I’ve been able to research—unique to the construction industry.
    PVI
    ctr2411_pvi

    Weekly Product Gallery: PVI, Delta Faucet, Speakman, Stellar, Cat, GDT

    Sept. 27, 2024
    This week's product gallery spotlights electric storage water heaters, a classic kitchen faucet collection, an anti-ligature bath collection, an aluminum mechanic truck, a composite...
    wattslogo

    Watts Announces Launch of Final Quarterly Sweepstakes Celebrating 150th Anniversary

    Sept. 26, 2024
    The company invites its network to spread the word and build anticipation for an exciting lineup of tech-savvy prizes.
    Acme Boilers
    Understanding how to select, specify, and install electric boilers for the specific situation will conserve substantial energy, space, and resources compared to fuel-fired options.

    The Consulting Engineer’s Guide to Advanced Electric Boiler Technology

    Sept. 26, 2024
    Boiler technology expert Robert Presser explains what consulting engineers most need to understand about electric boiler technology, including its selection, implementation, and...
    lochinvar_logo_promo

    Electric Boilers as the Decarbonization Key

    Sept. 26, 2024
    As the decarb conversation continues to evolve, heating alternatives are coming into the forefront.

    More content from October 2024

    ID 169871137 © Luckyphotographer | Dreamstime.com
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    Code & Regulation Roundup

    Sept. 25, 2024
    CONTRACTOR looks at current state of the regulatory environment and what it means for plumbing contractors.
    wrench_group_logo

    SmartAC.com Partners with Wrench Group to Provide Advanced Home Health Monitoring

    Sept. 25, 2024
    Service providers, and their customers, will have the ability to leverage data obtained through remote monitoring to catch issues before they become emergencies.
    High 5 Plumbing
    A brand identity is more than just a logo and a good-looking truck wrap.

    Foster Your Brand Identity with PR

    Sept. 25, 2024
    Companies that build a strong brand identity are not only more easily recognized, they illicit an unconscious response from consumers.
    t2b_native_direct_to_content_hero_warehouse_1400x8

    Answer These 8 Questions to Rightsize Equipment for Data Center Construction

    Sept. 24, 2024
    Over 20 million square feet of data center construction will occur in the U.S. by 2027. It’s a swell driven by growth in the internet-connected appliances in homes, 5G networks...
    Service Country logo

    Service Country Expands into New Markets with Three Partner Companies

    Sept. 23, 2024
    These new partnerships with high-quality businesses will target smaller cities in southeastern US markets.
    American Plumber Stories
    The Lahaina wildfire and its aftermath are the backdrop for the first episode of the fifth season of American Plumber Stories.

    American Plumber Stories Returns for Season 5

    Sept. 23, 2024
    The acclaimed docuseries—fresh from winning three Telly Awards—is back with an international perspective.
    ID 322680569 © Alexandersikov | Dreamstime.com
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    AI Innovations in Plumbing Services

    Sept. 20, 2024
    AI is reshaping the plumbing industry, offering solutions that are smarter and more effective than ever before.
    RoadFlex
    roadflex_card__at_a_gas_station

    5 Features of Modern Fuel Purchasing Platforms

    Sept. 20, 2024
    The following are what I call the five “need-to-know” features of modern construction fuel purchasing platforms.
    DAB
    ctr2411_dab

    Weekly Product Gallery: DAB, LG, DeWalt, Brass Knuckle, Brunt, RefrigiWear

    Sept. 19, 2024
    This week's gallery highlights a modular water pressure booster pump, heat pump water heaters, an inside PVC pipe cutter, touchscreen work gloves, and work apparel for cold and...
    Franklin Electric
    A lineshaft turbine in the Abernathy facility.

    Franklin Electric Realigns Water Systems Expertise and Manufacturing

    Sept. 19, 2024
    Engineered pumps and systems facility in Abernathy, Texas, joins Global Water Systems business segment.
    IAPMO
    The Codes Committee voting at the 94th Education and Business Conference.

    IAPMO Holds Annual Education and Business Conference in Las Vegas

    Sept. 19, 2024
    Code-development, networking and educational sessions will be on the schedule for the 95th installment of the event.
    Cherne
    Weighing 850 pounds and measuring 152 inches in length, the 72-120 in. Test-Ball Plug is engineered for best-in-class functionality, meeting the demands of various applications.

    Three Firms Join Forces to Deploy World’s Largest Pipe Plug

    Sept. 19, 2024
    An underground chiller valve replacement at Universal Studios’ new theme park required Cherne’s 72-120-inch I-Series Test Ball Plug.
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    Watts Announces eLearning Campaign for National Energy Awareness Month

    Sept. 19, 2024
    The Energize Your Knowledge campaign features over 80 eLearning modules, with eight courses eligible for Continuing Education credit.
    Oatey Co.
    The New Orleans Saints locker room at the Caesars Superdome has undergone a complete transformation into a modern and motivational space for players of this National Football League franchise.

    New Orleans Saints Sport Oatey Linear Drains in Revamped Locker Room

    Sept. 18, 2024
    Recent renovations of the National Football League franchise’s locker room at the Caesars Superdome have transformed it into a modern and motivational space.
    abc_national_abc_1

    ABC Joins White House Roundtable on Addiction Recovery-Ready Workplaces

    Sept. 18, 2024
    At the roundtable, ABC committed to a Recovery Friendly Workplace Certification.
    malco_hammer_1

    Malco Tools to Represent Minnesota’s Manufacturing Industry In Inaugural First Nail Ceremony

    Sept. 18, 2024
    The Inaugural First Nail Ceremony takes place every year to commemorate the start of construction of the inaugural platform on which the next president and vice president will...
    Patrick Linhardt
    A bird's eye view of the country club.

    Closing the Loop – in Hydronics and Life

    Sept. 17, 2024
    The author takes a trip in a plane, and a trip to an old money boiler room that is having some issues.
    Sonnhalter
    Happy volunteers.

    15th Annual Sonnhalter Tool Drive Raises Nearly $50,000 Worth of Donations for Habitat for Humanity

    Sept. 17, 2024
    Since Sonnhalter began its efforts in 2010, it has collected $567,000—more than half a million in donations.
    Smith & Loveless
    The trend toward above ground pump stations, exemplified by the EVERLAST™ Pump Stations pictured here, offers a commonsense solution to problems with submersible pumps, such as the frequent pulling and replacement due to clogs and failures, and the hazards of accessing confined spaces.

    Above Ground Pump Stations: A Growing Common-Sense Trend

    Sept. 17, 2024
    The longer service life and easier maintenance add up to a significantly lower total cost of ownership.
    xoi_technologies_web784x441

    XOi and Powerhouse Consulting Partner to Provide Field Service Solutions

    Sept. 17, 2024
    Collaboration allows industry professionals to leverage comprehensive technology and authoritative expert insights to drive profitability.
    Service Experts
    Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 585,000 wishes in 50 countries worldwide.

    Service Experts Donates to Make-A-Wish for National Tune-Up Day

    Sept. 17, 2024
    The contribution of up to $40,000 continues a relationship started in 2018 that has led to more than $1.5 million in total giving.
    Rinnai
    242201007

    Rinnai Extends Partnership with Tony Stewart Racing in the NHRA

    Sept. 16, 2024
    The partnership commenced in 2023 when TSR won their first championship in the Funny Car division with driver, Matt Hagan.
    WorldSkills
    Opening ceremonies of the WorldSkills competition in Lyon, France.

    Brady Kroll Competes as WorldSkills 2024 Contestant

    Sept. 13, 2024
    Kroll will demonstrate his skills on an international stage, competing against top talent from other countries.
    Snap-On
    ctr2410_snapon

    Weekly Product Gallery: Snap-On, General Pipe, NIBCO, KNIPEX, Xylem, Peerless

    Sept. 13, 2024
    This week's gallery features a starter tool kit for tradespeople, equipment that clears tree roots in 3-in. to 10-in. lines, a series of valves and fittings to mix and match, ...
    Flushmate
    A Flushmate pressure-assisted flushing system.

    The Importance of Genuine vs. Knock-off Parts

    Sept. 13, 2024
    The industry has been seeing a trend of online stores and untrusted vendors selling knock-off flush valve cartridges.
    delairlogo

    Del-Air Now Servicing Southeast Florida Homes With ARS® Vero Beach Acquisition

    Sept. 13, 2024
    The new partnership will provide diversified services for ARS®/Rescue Rooter® customers and clients to include a full suite of home services from Del-Air.
    Plastics Pipe Institute
    A HDPE vault for connections of ground loop piping.

    New Technical Note Available on Piping Materials for Ground Source Geothermal Systems

    Sept. 12, 2024
    The new technical note describes eight types of installation techniques and discusses design topics, such as the effects of borehole depth on static water column pressure.
    Cortec
    A worker repairing a boiler.

    Boiler Scale Removal: Don’t Wait for a Ruptured Tube!

    Sept. 12, 2024
    Scale is a normal nuisance in boilers. However, by catching the problem early, boiler owners can avoid the most serious issues.
    ID 33698284 © Radub85 | Dreamstime.com
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    Construction Input Prices Inch Up in August, but Lower Than 1 Year Ago

    Sept. 12, 2024
    Overall construction input prices are 0.7% lower than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are down by 0.9%.
    ashrae_logo

    BAC’s Bill McQuade Voted President-Elect of ASHRAE

    Sept. 12, 2024
    McQuade will officially assume the presidency on July 1, 2025.
    Rheem
    Rheem employees join together, in Atlanta, for national effort to pack 8 million meals for 9/11 Day Meal Pack program

    Rheem Employees Part of National Effort to Pack 8 Million Meals for 9/11 Day Meal Pack Program

    Sept. 11, 2024
    Leading manufacturer of water heating and HVAC products supports 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
    Nelson Mechanical Design
    Chilled water pumps without pressure gauges—we routinely use a test gauge on circulators so we can determine system flow from the pump curve.

    Recipe for a Heating & Cooling System Rescue

    Sept. 11, 2024
    A rescue project doesn’t come with a solution or an install manual—we have to figure out what is going wrong and figure out how to make it work right.
    ID 59937573 © Marko Volkmar | Dreamstime.com
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    Workers with Disabilities and the Skilled Trades

    Sept. 10, 2024
    The right tools and initiatives can foster a more inclusive working environment for disabled workers in the trades.
    armstronglogo

    Armstrong Promotes Anish Suthesh Arul To RSEC Manager, North America

    Sept. 10, 2024
    Arul will manage both the US and Canadian Regional Sales Enablement Centers, Armstrong’s two largest global markets.
    FastPIPE
    FastPIPE estimating software.

    Estimating and Virtual Reception Solutions

    Sept. 10, 2024
    Reviews of FastPIPE Estimating Software, PataBid Quantify Estimating Software, and AnswerForce virtual reception services.
    ID 85619353 © Watchara Panyajun | Dreamstime.com
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    ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Down in August

    Sept. 10, 2024
    Contractor confidence turns negative on profit margins.
    ID 25940266 © Mira Agron | Dreamstime.com
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    Trucks - Money Pit or Money Maker?

    Sept. 9, 2024
    How do you treat your trucks? Do you look at them as merely necessary tools that help you do your job? Or do you think of them as an extension of you and your company?
    iapmo_white_space

    IAPMO Solicits Public Comments on 2027 UPC, UMC

    Sept. 9, 2024
    IAPMO urges its members and other interested parties to get involved in the code development process to ensure effectiveness in preserving the public’s health, safety and welfare...
    ID 320551126 © Tennesseewitney | Dreamstime.com
    President Joe Biden delivers a speech in May of 2024.

    President Biden Signs ‘Good Jobs’ Executive Order

    Sept. 9, 2024
    Continues the Administration’s strong support for unions; draws condemnation from merit-shop association.
    osha_logo

    US Department of Labor Launches Severe Injury Report Dashboard

    Sept. 9, 2024
    The new online tool will provide an interactive view of injuries across states.
    ID 325151904 © Aoo3771 | Dreamstime.com
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    Use AI to Supercharge Your Contracting Success

    Sept. 6, 2024
    By integrating AI into your operations, you're not just keeping up with the competition—you're setting the pace.
    Xylem
    The Richards family and HometownH20 volunteers (left to right, back row to front) Brad Palmer, Doug Bergeron, Tallon Mount, Todd Mount, Scott Zody, Hayden Parker, Portia Boggs, Brett Richards, Paula Richards, Ken Capuano and Margaret Martens.

    HometownH2O Collaboration Upgrades Newark Family’s Water Access with Well Transformation

    Sept. 6, 2024
    Xylem, Chris Long Foundation’s Waterboys initiative and Water Well Trust partner to ensure reliable water supply for local Richards family.
    Vicinity
    A computer rendering of the new medical campus at night.

    Oklahoma State Partners with Vicinity Energy for Sustainable District Energy

    Sept. 6, 2024
    Vicinity will serve the entire 58-bed medical-surgical inpatient hospital for Oklahoma veterans, totaling over 275,000 square feet of building space.
    sunplumbingmelbournefl

    Cascade Services Announces the Acquisitions of Sun Plumbing in Florida and Smith & Keene Home Services in Virginia

    Sept. 6, 2024
    As the 11th addition to the Cascade platform, the Smith and Keene team will continue to operate with the same commitment to customers.
    ID 18391136 © Jose Gil | Dreamstime.com
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    Nonresidential Construction Employment Increased by 28,300 in August

    Sept. 6, 2024
    On a year-over-year basis, industry employment grew by 228,000 jobs, an increase of 2.8%.
    A. O. Smith
    A. O. Smith's new production facility in Ciudad Juárez is scheduled to produce 39,000 tankless water heaters in the first year.

    A. O. Smith Celebrates 150 Years, Plant Expansion in Ciudad Juárez

    Sept. 5, 2024
    Upcoming event honors company and employees, recognizes new facility.
    ID 124449632 © Pop Nukoonrat | Dreamstime.com
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    AI Adoption in Construction Held Back by Legacy Systems, Security Concerns

    Sept. 5, 2024
    Research by IFS finds serious concerns, but also optimism that Industrial AI will improve product & services innovation.
    germ_chasers_planet_water_logo_v2

    Bradley Sponsors ‘The Germ Chasers’ Hygiene Education Program for Schools

    Sept. 5, 2024
    2,205 students at three elementary schools in The Philippines, Mexico and Thailand were provided with financial support, resources and expertise.
    sloanlogo

    Sloan Announces Products in Compliance with Build America Buy America Act

    Sept. 5, 2024
    Sloan commercial restroom products eligible to support infrastructure projects.
    iapmo_white_space

    IAPMO Seeks Members for Newly Formed Young Professionals Committee

    Sept. 4, 2024
    The Young Professionals Committee will act as an idea lab for connecting with a broader set of emerging industry leaders.
    ID 28332531 © Dalibor Sevaljevic | Dreamstime.com
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    Construction Job Openings Plunge by 51,000 in July

    Sept. 4, 2024
    Industry job openings decreased by 51,000 last month and are down by 103,000 from the same time last year.
    Netzch
    promo

    Lowering Municipal Wastewater Treatment Pump Maintenance Time and Costs

    Sept. 4, 2024
    A review of some design considerations that contribute to lowering costs for progressing cavity pumps in wastewater treatment plant applications.
    Bradley
    10359010359_copy_2

    High Schoolers Hand Out Bathroom Grades to Schools

    Sept. 4, 2024
    The Healthy Handwashing Survey™, from Bradley Company connected with 1,012 high schoolers ages 14 to 18 to gather their insights and opinions.
    taco_mdp_progam_image

    Taco Unveils New Manager Development Program

    Sept. 3, 2024
    The MDP is designed to meet the unique needs of managers while aligning with Taco's strategic vision.
    ID 5344929 © Pavel Losevsky | Dreamstime.com
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    Nonresidential Construction Spending Dips 0.2% in July

    Sept. 3, 2024
    Private nonresidential spending decreased 0.4%, while public nonresidential construction spending was up 0.2% in July.
    servicetitanlogowhitespace

    ServiceTitan Named as a Preferred Software Provider for Ferguson

    Sept. 3, 2024
    Industry leaders join forces to drive customer revenue growth, solve procurement challenges, and deliver exceptional customer experience.
    Photo courtesy of Foster Love
    The 2024 scholarship recipients share a lighthearted moment, celebrating their new paths toward fulfilling careers in essential industries like plumbing, HVAC, and construction.

    Ferguson Partners with Foster Love to Support the American Industries Trade Scholarship

    Sept. 3, 2024
    Each scholarship recipient receives $10,000 to help them earn technical certifications or vocational degrees without the weight of financial stress.
    armstrong_international_steam_trap__81339

    Armstrong International Announces Expansion into Brazil

    Sept. 3, 2024
    Leading global energy manager enters Brazil as the nation leads Latin America’s energy transition.
    americanplumber_logo

    Pfister Faucets Unveils Season 5 of 'American Plumber Stories'

    Sept. 2, 2024
    The celebrated docu-series returns with real-life stories of plumbers' successes and the individual approaches that enabled them to achieve their dreams.
    Schlosser & Associates
    image009

    Schlosser & Associates Mechanical Contractors Celebrates 70 Years

    Aug. 30, 2024
    Schlosser is best known for providing heating, plumbing, and air conditioning solutions to its commercial, industrial, and residential customers.
    ID 86356960 © Bombaert | Dreamstime.com
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    7 Tips to Improve Customer Satisfaction on Your Next Home Renovation Project

    Aug. 30, 2024
    From the planning phase through follow-up, here are seven things to keep in mind on your next renovation project.
    ID 318534180 | Adaptive Reuse © Justlight | Dreamstime.com
    With a nod to its past as a manufacturing plant this adaptive reuse home incorporates original steel beams and exposed brick walls into its modern design. AI-generated image.

    IAPMO Publishes Groundbreaking White Paper on Adaptive Reuse in Construction

    Aug. 29, 2024
    The whitepaper emphasizes the importance of flexible building codes, like the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code in promoting affordability and sustainability.
    Service Experts
    Anna and her wish-granters. Starting at back row from left to right: Derek Fey, Melissa Horvath, Ryan Phillips, Mark Dalrymple, Maurice Reeves, Matthew Harrell, Scott Peterson, Matthew Michele, and BW/Cook Service Experts GM Joe Phillips

    Waikiki Wish Granted by Service Experts with Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana and Wawasee Middle School

    Aug. 29, 2024
    This will be the 27th wish celebration that Service Experts has hosted with more than $1.5 million in total giving.
    jobber

    15 Home Service Pros Earn $150,000 in Jobber Grants For Demonstrating Business Excellence

    Aug. 29, 2024
    Jobber's fourth annual program crosses the 100 recipient milestone for recognizing and celebrating local entrepreneurs.
    Lubrizol
    Installed CPVC pipe.

    Understanding the Risk of Chlorine Dioxide Disinfectant to Residential Plumbing Systems

    Aug. 28, 2024
    Questions have been raised about the disinfectant byproducts (DBPs) that form when bacteria in drinking water interact with chlorine and chloramines in water disinfection.
    ID 7310482 © 1971yes | Dreamstime.com
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    Construction Starts Jump 10% in July

    Aug. 28, 2024
    A sharp rebound occurred in nonresidential building and infrastructure starts, offsetting residential pullback.
    wint_logo

    WINT Joins World Water Week in a Call for Collaborative Solutions to Global Water Crisis

    Aug. 27, 2024
    Up to 25% of water in the real estate sector is wasted—water management leader urges decision-makers to adopt a technology-driven approach to reduce waste.
    Plastics Pipe Institute
    PP-R and PP-RCT pipes and fittings discussed in the recently updated ASTM Standard F2389-24a are available in diameters from 16 mm to 710 mm, also known as nominal diameters 3/8 to 28 inches. Photo courtesy of PPI.

    ASTM Standard Updated for Polypropylene Pressure Piping Systems

    Aug. 27, 2024
    Both pressure and chlorine ratings have been revised.
    marcone_logo

    Marcone Unifies Nationwide Technician Training Program

    Aug. 27, 2024
    Marcone Contractor Training offers both in-person and virtual classes, taught by industry experts and aimed at elevating the service provided by repair professionals.
    Lochinvar
    The Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, FL, is a $120 million dollar, 125,000 square foot facility.

    Jaguars Choose Lochinvar for New Football Practice Facility

    Aug. 27, 2024
    The Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville includes locker rooms, training and medical facilities, office space and a draft room.
    Saniflo
    saniflocspwcplumbingdentistofficelabsink01

    Dental Office Renovation Avoids Costly Break Through to Install Drainage for Sanitary Sink

    Aug. 27, 2024
    PWC Plumbing’s Paul Corcoran opted for Saniflo’s Saniswift Pro, preventing the tear down of 30 feet of concrete to install below-floor drainage.
    ID 323385661 © BiancoBlue | Dreamstime.com
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    Before the Downturn Hits, Prepare Your Commercial Contracting Business for Success

    Aug. 26, 2024
    I'll share some steps you can take to improve productivity, attract and retain customers, and ignite revenue for your commercial services contracting business.
    Preferred Utilities
    image001

    A Contractor's Guide to Hassle-Free Boiler Room Management

    Aug. 26, 2024
    Full system integration offers a comprehensive solution, ensuring not only the reliability and efficiency of boiler operations but also a single source of accountability.
    Corken Steel
    A training session at a recent Home Comfort Expo.

    Corken Steel Product Company to Host Home Comfort Expo

    Aug. 26, 2024
    This will mark the company's 15th year hosting the multi-disciplenary training event.