Construction activity will increase as the need to attract young people to plumbing and heating trades grows.

U.S. prices for polyvinyl chloride, the plastic most widely used in construction, are set to rise by 5 cents per lb. in the first two months of 2014. This is a significant price increase in a market that will see producers end the year with a net five-cent increase in their 2013 margins, according to PetroChem Wire’s PVC & Pipe Report.

MacroAir promoted Barry Warner to the position of national sales manager.

Explore the Trades website is geared toward inspiring young people to pursue a career in the plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical service industry.

Last month, Plumbing & Mechanical interviewed Russ Chaney, CEO of The IAPMO Group, about his organization that develops the Uniform Plumbing, Mechanical, Swimming Pool and Solar Energy Codes and tests and certifies plumbing and mechanical products in the United States and overseas. 

With so much focus on energy efficiency these days, home-owners may be confused about how much energy is consumed in their homes and what appliances or equipment need to be monitored.

With the average age of the 290,000 UA members in the United States being 46 years old, United Association General President Bill Hite urged union plumbing contractors to “go young.”

Organizers of the 2013 edition of PHCC Connect said more than 700 attendees took advantage of the Oct. 16-19 event in Las Vegas to attend seminars and trade-show activities during which more than 60 exhibitors showed off their newest and most advanced products.

Armacell’s ArmaTuff thermal insulation is an aesthetic, durable and low-maintenance solution for thermal and UV protection of outdoor ducts, tanks, vessels, large pipe and fittings.

General Tools & Instruments’ PalmScope is a full-featured pocket-sized video inspection system built to survive the harsh environments of HVACR maintenance and plumbing.