In the plumbing and mechanical industry, we’ve spent a lot of time and money trying to learn to sell over the years. Has it worked? Sometimes.

When I look at any replacement hydronic boiler project, my tenet is always to assume the existing system is installed improperly. I like to pretend I am a famous detective, such as Sherlock Holmes, and my job is to uncover the hidden mistakes.

An architect, insulation installers, door and window salespersons/installers, and a mechanical contractor are in a classroom together, and the instructor asks: “Should you upgrade the building envelope or replace the heating and air conditioning equipment?

The 1970s bestseller “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values” used the author’s experience repairing a motorcycle on a cross-country trip to explore competing approaches to life.

Water is the “life-blood” of hydronic systems. Its chemical characteristics can make the difference between a system that lasts for decades versus one that develops expensive corrosion issues within months of commissioning.

Plumbing and mechanical contractors wouldn’t be able to get the job done without the help of innovative, durable and ergonomic tools of the trade.

Tool Tips—June 2019

T-Rex’s Waterproof Tape provides tough waterproof adhesion that can be applied in dry conditions or underwater, the company notes.

Unlike their traditional storage tank-based counterparts, tankless water heaters are capable of providing a constant flow of hot water on-demand. The concept is relatively simple: The heaters function by coupling a modulating burner with a high-efficiency heat exchanger.

The PDQ sillcock offers significant savings to installation time and cost, according to Sioux Chief.