Plumbing and Mechanical

The November 2024 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features our cover story on how mobile workstations maximize jobsite efficiency. Read additional features including enhancing sales, installing fire sprinklers, and much more!

Supervisor talking to a group of men and women employees.

Editorial Opinion | Nicole Krawcke

The power of reverse mentoring

Boost innovation and team collaboration.

Nicole Krawcke

November 15, 2024

Reverse mentoring is transforming the plumbing contracting industry by pairing seasoned professionals with younger employees. This innovative approach fosters cross-generational learning, enhances adaptability, and drives growth for the business's future.

Vector of a businessman's hand holding a pot watering profitable money tree.

Guest Editorial | Bill Gouty

How a plumbing and HVAC business went from near-bankrupt to profitable

Digital marketing strategies for success.

Billy Gouty

November 14, 2024

At ServiceOne Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we transitioned from traditional marketing to digital strategies during an economic downturn. Recognizing the need for better visibility and growth, I sought a marketing partner to help elevate our business. This shift transformed us from at-risk to successful, resulting in more leads and higher revenue.

Engineer working with drawings inspection on a tablet in the office along with a calculator, triangle ruler, safety glasses, compass, vernier caliper on the blueprint.

Guard on Compliance | Misty Guard

The code development cycle for National Standard Plumbing Code is open

The plethora of information contained in the diagrams within the NSPC is indispensable.

Misty Guard

November 12, 2024

The code development cycle for the 2027 National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) is open. I encourage your participation in the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the International Code Council (ICC) activities, as your involvement is vital for public health and safety. For guidance, feel free to call me at Regulosity. I look forward to seeing you at the next code hearing!

energy usage monitoring dashboard interface

Renewable Heating Design | John Siegenthaler

Versatile hydronic systems leverage time-of-use energy rates

When the price is right...

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

November 11, 2024

As government electrification target dates loom in the near future, and power transmission systems get pushed closer to their limits, utility companies continue implementing ways to manage peak demand.

Male teacher helping a young college student with his work on a laptop while sitting with classmates at a table in a school cafeteria.

Guest Editorial | Celia Church

Technology is necessary to recruit and train the next generation of home service employees

Best practices for attracting and training new employees.

Celia Church

November 13, 2024

How can smaller, locally-owned home service businesses compete with larger companies for a new generation of workers? Beyond better pay and a more engaging culture, they must use technology to attract younger employees.

Serving Plumbing Pros | Matt Michel

9 things to make your trucks more effective in your plumbing business

Your vehicles are a projection of your brand into the market.

Matt Michel

November 8, 2024

Your vehicles are a projection of your brand into the market.

The Blue Collar Coach | Kenny Chapman

Challenges today equal opportunities tomorrow

Turn adversity into a catalyst for growth and innovation.

Kenny Chapman

November 7, 2024

In the world of business, challenges are inevitable. Economic shifts, changing consumer demands and unforeseen crises are part and parcel of running a company.

Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

Jobsite oddities

Strange tales from the field.

Scott Secor

November 6, 2024

Last week, we did a simple oil to gas steam boiler replacement. The customer (Mike) has been a family friend of my parents for more than 60 years. Mike’s grandfather built the house back in the 1920s. The home is currently occupied by Mike’s daughter and her two teenage grandchildren.

Heat Pump, vertical ground source, 3d illustration

Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

How to create your own flush cart for hydronic heating systems

Budget flushing

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

November 4, 2024

In 1986, I installed a 1.5-ton geothermal heat pump in my home using two 500-foot horizontal HDPE earth loops. After digging a trench, I connected the loops to the pump and opted for a 2 HP swimming pool pump to fill and flush the system, as a garden hose couldn't provide the needed flow rate.

Close-up image of a plumber repairing a gas boiler of a heating home system in the boiler room.

Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Industry connections are worth their weight in gold

Fish tales and hydronics.

Dave Yates

November 4, 2024

Education enhanced my earning potential. I became a more skilled technician, gained knowledge about new and emerging technologies, and became a much more valuable asset to my employers. Throughout my journey, I met numerous mentors in various aspects of the PHVAC trades and established insider contacts that proved to be invaluable.

Create mobile workstations using smart upfitting solutions to maximize jobsite efficiency

Power your plumbing contracting business with smart fleet upfitting solutions

Nicole Krawcke

November 5, 2024

Efficient fleet management is essential for plumbing and HVAC contractors looking to optimize operations and improve service. Customizing fleet vehicles to meet specific company needs is a key strategy. Modern upfitting now includes advanced technology and ergonomic designs, creating mobile workstations that boost efficiency on job sites.

Mechanical Engineer of the Year: J. Michael Galway

Plumbing & Mechanical names J. Michael Galway 2024 Mechanical Engineer of the Year

Loring Consulting Engineers’ Galway takes the lead in implementing new technology in historic building renovations.

Nicole Krawcke

November 12, 2024

J. Michael Galway, PE, LEED AP, CPD, is well-respected by his peers for his expertise, attention to detail, calming professional demeanor, and the fact that he’s not afraid to get out into the field and get his hands dirty, which is why he has been selected as Plumbing & Mechanical’s 2024 Mechanical Engineer of the Year.

Tankless water heater connected to recirculator.

Empower homeowners and enhance sales with properly installed tankless water heater solutions

Plumbing pros need to keep their customers informed and meet their evolving expectations.

Dongtaek Lee

November 15, 2024

Tankless water heaters can be a great option for many consumers, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Their efficiency and performance vary based on individual circumstances. Homeowners should consult with a plumbing professional to explore all their water heating options.

Join our deep dive into DOE’s new standards so you can future-proof your MEP practice.

EARN: 0.1 ASPE CEU; 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 IACET CEU*; 1 PDH

2024 November

Columnists

The power of reverse mentoring

How a plumbing and HVAC business went from near-bankrupt to profitable

The code development cycle for National Standard Plumbing Code is open

Versatile hydronic systems leverage time-of-use energy rates

Technology is necessary to recruit and train the next generation of home service employees

9 things to make your trucks more effective in your plumbing business

Challenges today equal opportunities tomorrow

Jobsite oddities

How to create your own flush cart for hydronic heating systems

Industry connections are worth their weight in gold

Cover Story

Create mobile workstations using smart upfitting solutions to maximize jobsite efficiency

Feature Articles

Plumbing & Mechanical names J. Michael Galway 2024 Mechanical Engineer of the Year

Empower homeowners and enhance sales with properly installed tankless water heater solutions

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