2024 July

The July 2024 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features our cover story on tools of the trade that enhance safety and efficiency, stories on hot water circulation, the 150 year anniversary of A.O. Smith, and much more!

Editorial Opinion | Nicole Krawcke

AI solves pain points for contracting businesses

Artificial Intelligence is meant to augment your business, not replace employees.

Nicole Krawcke

July 12, 2024

Embracing new technology can be challenging, but it can boost sales and productivity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize how plumbing contractors operate by enhancing employee capabilities.

African American / Afro-Caribbean male working with large computer screens and CAD. He’s designing built in insulation structures in domestic homes.

Guest Editorial | Pook Villegas

Optimizing efficiency in commercial installations

The role of BIM tools.

Pook Villegas

July 11, 2024

In modern construction, the phrase "a worker is only as good as his tools" holds true. To stay competitive, contractors must always seek innovative tools to boost efficiency. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one such tool.

0724 PM Guest Editorial GettyImages-1466993756.jpg

Guest Editorial | Josh Weiss

Deepfakes are here: Here’s how plumbing and HVACR companies can prepare

Best practices to mitigate negative impacts to public perception.

Josh Weiss

July 11, 2024

Did you know that it only takes 30 seconds to create a deepfake? Deepfakes are AI-generated media that can be made using any device. They can be used to spread misinformation and harm a plumbing and mechanical company's reputation.

0724 PM Matt Michel column feature image: People and modern technology connection.

Serving Plumbing Pros | Matt Michel

6 groups every plumber should join

The benefits of networking.

Matt Michel

July 10, 2024

Plumbers are typically independent and work alone from a service truck, but there are significant benefits to joining groups. These can include learning from peers and expanding your customer base. Consider joining these six groups as a plumber.

Employee packing a box and leaving the office, another employee sitting at her desk in the blurred background.

Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

Not all employees work out

Word of mouth can work well for attracting new employees… until it doesn’t.

Scott Secor

July 5, 2024

Most of the employees we hired on a full-time basis worked out quite well. Unfortunately, a few of them did not.

Organizational chart using multi-colored human figures

The Blue Collar Coach | Kenny Chapman

How organizational charts accelerate team efficiency

A game plan for success.

Kenny Chapman

July 2, 2024

Our training at The Blue Collar Success Group focuses on three crucial areas: scorecards, processes, and organizational charts. These components are essential for clarity, motivation, and accountability. This month, we will focus on organizational charts.

Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Discussing thread sealants with Oatey

Pipe dope.

Dave Yates

July 2, 2024

During the AHR Expo in Chicago, I met John O'Reilly at the Uponor booth. He mentioned that he represents Oatey, in addition to Uponor, and I'm interested in interviewing someone there about pipe dope and PTFE tape. John agreed to set me up with someone at Oatey.

Boiler Room with Pressure Tanks and associated Plumbing.

Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

Follow established piping layouts to prevent reverse thermosiphoning

Reversals revealed.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

July 1, 2024

Flow direction is crucial in hydronic systems. Most designs have a fixed flow direction, but there are situations where reversals can occur. It's important to address these proactively to ensure smooth operations.

Tools of the trade: enhancing precision, safety and efficiency

Press technology continues to advance the plumbing industry.

Nicole Krawcke

July 8, 2024

Plumbers and pipefitters rely on high-quality, reliable tools to ensure excellent service.

A. O. Smith's the Mechanical Marvel, the world’s first fully automated automobile frame assembly plant.

From automobiles to water heaters

A. O. Smith celebrates 150 years.

Natalie Forster

July 22, 2024

A. O. Smith, celebrating 150 years in 2024, began in 1874 as a metal components supplier for baby carriages and bicycles. Arthur O. Smith designed a lightweight pressed steel car frame and became a major supplier to car manufacturers like Packard, Cadillac, and Ford.

Rebuilding effort in Paradise, California focuses on fire-safe buildings

Rebuilding Paradise

Mike Flenniken

July 24, 2024

The Camp Fire in Butte County, California, started in 2018, destroying over 18,000 structures and causing 85 deaths. Paradise, a town 90 miles north of Sacramento, lost about 95% of its buildings, but It is on the road to recovery.

The reinvestment in American manufacturing and training

Plumbing industry manufacturers making strategic investments in domestic footprint and training.

Nicole Krawcke

Natalie Forster

July 17, 2024

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke and Supply House Times Editor Natalie Forster sat down with several industry manufacturers to discuss their efforts, including Andres Caballero, president of Uponor North America, Mark Hudoba, vice president of building solutions division for REHAU, and Marki Huston, COO of Viega LLC.

Grundfos ALPHA COMFORT SYSTEM hot water recirculation pump

Case Study

Hot water in seconds — boosting comfort while saving water

Grundfos’ versatile solution improves hot water supply while reducing the environmental footprint.

Grundfos Domestic Building Services

July 1, 2024

Armstrong introduces Design Envelope Permanent Magnet pumps (up to 60hp), delivering 20% lower operating costs and highly accurate flow metering (+/- 5%).

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

Plumbing and Mechanical

Columnists

AI solves pain points for contracting businesses

Optimizing efficiency in commercial installations

Deepfakes are here: Here’s how plumbing and HVACR companies can prepare

6 groups every plumber should join

Not all employees work out

How organizational charts accelerate team efficiency

Discussing thread sealants with Oatey

Follow established piping layouts to prevent reverse thermosiphoning

Cover Story

Tools of the trade: enhancing precision, safety and efficiency

Feature Articles

From automobiles to water heaters

Rebuilding effort in Paradise, California focuses on fire-safe buildings

The reinvestment in American manufacturing and training

Hot water in seconds — boosting comfort while saving water

New Products

Milwaukee Tool announces advanced cameras on its Pipeline Inspection System

Matco-Norca announces new line of Copper Press Fittings

General Pipe Cleaners announces Copper and Plastic Tubing Cutters

Elkay expands certified filter capabilities to include microplastics, PFOA/PFOS

DEWALT launches cordless battery platform

Zoeller announces grinder pump package system

Xylem introduces e-150X Smart Pump

Taco Comfort Solutions launches Hydroflo VT Series vertical turbine submersible pumps

Franklin Electric announces Little Giant 16G Series heavy-duty, 1hp grinder pump

Armstrong Fluid Technology introduces expanded range of Design Envelope permanent magnet pumps

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