Plumbing and Mechanical

In the April 2026 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical we look at how “forever chemicals” are reshaping plumbing system design and installation. We review the advantages of ground-source heat pumps. We review upselling, what contractors get wrong about it and how to fix it. And we explore how manufacturers are managing risk and competitive strength. Also, our monthly columns, new products, and more.

Check back throughout the month for additional content.

PFAS and the plumbing contractor: what to know as regulations tighten

How "forever chemicals" are reshaping plumbing system design and installation.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 13, 2026

Water treatment is moving from an optional add-on to a core component of plumbing system design and installation.

Ground-source heat pumps gain traction in high-performance building design

Efficiency gains, code alignment and long-term ROI are driving renewed interest among engineers and contractors.

Rich Anderson CBO

April 15, 2026

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, geothermal heat pumps are among the most efficient HVAC technologies available, capable of significantly reducing building energy consumption.

Rethinking upselling: guide, don't sell

What contractors get wrong about upselling, and how to fix it.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 17, 2026

When options are framed around lifestyle improvements rather than just technical fixes, customers are far more likely to engage, understand the value and ultimately choose what’s right for them.

How inspection technology is transforming drain work

Advances in camera systems are helping contractors reduce uncertainty, limit excavation and win more business.

Dave Dunbar

April 20, 2026

Contractors have found that, when used correctly, camera systems simplify their lives, increase their options, and pay for themselves very quickly.

How manufacturers are reframing risk, resilience and return in 2026

In an uncertain market, predictive maintenance and domestic manufacturing are emerging as the new pillars of risk management and competitive strength.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 22, 2026

Bryan O'Toole and Paul Spradling weigh in on the state of the manufacturing market, and what it means for contractors.

Editorial Opinion | Kristen Bayles

AI can't fix a leak

Why automation may elevate plumbers, and other skilled trades, to the top of the labor market.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 23, 2026

A recent interview with the former CEO of Uber shows that jobs in the trades are on their way to being seen in a new way.

Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

The air-to-water heat pump summit brought contractors, suppliers, and educators together for hydronic technology

Sold-out summit

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

April 3, 2026

The air-to-water heat pump summit was held on March 4th in Burlington, VT, and attended by over 120 people.

Renewable Heating Design | John Siegenthaler

How to change the staging status of two heat sources

Who's on first?

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

April 6, 2026

What if your boiler system could automatically switch between heat sources based on energy cost? A closer look at staging logic, relays and smarter system control.

Guard on Compliance | Misty Guard

New Mexico's PFAS regulations signal a new regulatory era

New Mexico's proposed 20.13.2 NMAC rule serves as a highly detailed prototype for how regulators plan to track and restrict PFAs.

Misty Guard

April 8, 2026

As the United States (U.S.) States pioneer regulations for trace chemicals, manufacturers, specifying engineers, and contractors must adapt to a new era.

Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Contractors who respond to punch lists with professionalism — not defensiveness — earn lasting trust

Punch list

Dave Yates

April 10, 2026

Sometimes the smartest move on a punch list isn’t proving you’re right; it’s protecting the relationship.

Guest Editorial | Heather Ripley

The biggest interview mistakes plumbing contractors make with journalists

Strategic media coverage can elevate your company's reputation and position your leadership as industry experts.

Heather Ripley

April 27, 2026

As a contractor, one area you may overlook or may not fully understand is how media visibility can promote your business more effectively than traditional marketing or advertising.