Readers flocked to Plumbing & Mechanical this year for the latest information on new products and technologies, industry news and market trends. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 articles you read the most in 2024 based on the number of unique pageviews on www.pmmag.com.
10. Contractor finds success in simple, scalable hydronic designs
Like many immigrants who landed in the United States in the 1960s, Jim Harper Sr. brought a trans-Atlantic work ethic with him from Ireland, ultimately passing that discipline on to his son.
“I was born in Boston and attended the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin, Massachusetts, where I studied under master plumbers John Blaney and Joseph Conley,” says Jim Harper Jr. “For that, I’m forever grateful.”
Image courtesy of Dan Vastyan / Common Ground.
9. Plumbing & Mechanical 2024 Mechanical Contractor of the Year: JH Kelly
Longview, Washington-based JH Kelly is a large mechanical contracting firm with humble beginnings. The family-owned business celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. With five locations, JH Kelly provides industrial construction, commercial plumbing, HVAC and electrical and 24/7 mechanical services.
JH Kelly’s commitment to maintaining its family culture through decades of growth and expansion, as well as its dedication to employee safety, has earned the company the honors as Plumbing & Mechanical’s 2024 Mechanical Contractor of the Year.
undefinedImage courtesy of JH Kelly
8. The ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of thermal storage
As electrification reshapes the HVAC market, hydronic-based heating and cooling systems stand ready to offer plenty of design and performance benefits. One of them is the potential for thermal storage. After all, water is one of the best materials on earth for storing sensible heat.
The goal of electrification is to shift most of the energy currently supplied by fossil fuels to electricity produced by renewable sources such as large scale solar photovoltaic systems and wind turbine “farms.” We’re moving in that direction, albeit at a slower pace than desired by some politicians and climate activists, and arguably at a faster pace than engineers responsible for stable electric grids are comfortable with. I expect this trend will continue, but I don’t expect that the utopian notion of eliminating all fossil fuels will occur in my lifetime.
Image courtesy of imaginima / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Image courtesy of imaginima / iStock / Getty Images Plus
7. Do you understand hydraulic separation?
Many technologies have their “glory days.” Times when technical improvements happen quickly, performance gains are impressive, and interest is strong.
In my opinion, the 1940s through the 1990s were the glory days of aviation. Huge progress was made, starting with the propeller-driven fighters that helped win World War 2 and extending through research jets that could fly six times the speed of sound just three decades later. A lot of kids — including me — wanted to be a pilot and strap themselves into one of those incredible machines.
Image courtesy of John_Brueske / iStock / Getty Images Plus.
6. The plumber’s guide to backwater valves
As plumbers, you understand the crucial role that backwater valves play in maintaining the integrity of plumbing systems. Sewage backup can wreak havoc on properties, leading to costly repairs and potential health risks. However, with the right solutions, you can provide your clients with reliable protection against this unfortunate scenario.
One key solution is a backwater valve — a specialized device that allows wastewater to flow in one direction while preventing it from flowing back upstream. It acts as a strong line of defense, ensuring that wastewater moves only in the intended direction.
Image courtesy of Oatey Co.
5. Radiant heating provides zoned comfort and efficiency to log cabin home
At 62 years old, Mike Guglielmo has been in the hydronics industry for 30 years. After graduating college with a degree in mechanical engineering, Guglielmo decided he’d rather design/build over sitting behind a desk. “I found the heating industry very interesting, in particular hot water heating, radiators, radiant floor and baseboard heat,” he says. “It caught my attention, and I ran with it.”
He started Fineline Plumbing & Heating in 1994, a primarily residential service and new construction company. About 80% of his business is radiant heating with the other 20% being plumbing. Most of Fineline’s business comes from word-of-mouth.
Images courtesy of Priscilla Klenke / 59 Photography4. 2024 Next Gen All Stars: Top 20 Under 40 Plumbing Professionals
The plumbing industry thrives on innovation, skill and a commitment to quality — all of which are embodied by the next generation of leaders. Today’s young plumbing professionals are not only masters of their craft but also pioneers in adopting new technologies, improving sustainability and enhancing customer satisfaction. Our Next Gen All Stars roster recognizes these rising stars — those under 40 who are shaping the future of the plumbing industry. These are driving the industry forward through their technical expertise and relentless pursuit of excellence.
As we spotlight these outstanding individuals, we recognize their contributions to the trade and their role in setting new standards for success. They are the innovators, leaders and visionaries who are paving the way for the future of plumbing. Join us in celebrating these Top 20 Under 40 plumbing professionals who are making a lasting impact on the industry.
3. Celebrating 10 Influential Women in the Plumbing Industry
While stereotypes and traditional gender roles have long perpetuated the notion that plumbing is a man's job, women are challenging these norms and reshaping the landscape of the industry. As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week, Plumbing & Mechanical is shining the spotlight on 10 influential women who are leading the plumbing industry to great success.
These women are challenging stereotypes and demonstrating that gender is not a determinant of skill or capability in this industry. Representation is more important than ever, and each of the women below shares the value of a career in the trades as well as ideas on how to attract more women into the plumbing industry.
2. Air-to-water heat pumps — a game changer for the hydronics industry
As the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable heating solutions rises, air-to-water heat pumps are gaining significant traction in the hydronic heating industry. This innovative technology is not only helping reduce carbon footprints but also offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional heating systems.
Image courtesy of U.S. Boiler Co. 1. Options for connecting heat pumps to existing boiler systems
Heat pumps, in all flavors, are continually gaining market share against all types of fossil fuel heating equipment. Regardless of how you view this trend, it’s happening, it’s not going to go away anytime soon — if ever, and it is going to reshape the hydronic heating and cooling markets in significant ways.
Like others who understand the difference between a kilowatt and a kilowatt•hour, I question the pace at which government-mandated electrification is happening. I’m skeptical that utility infrastructures are ready to handle the loads implied by the lofty electrification goals established by politicians.
Image courtesy of the John Siegenthaler
