2024 October

The October 2024 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features our cover story on the 2024 Residential Contractor of the Year. Read additional features including how to lower home energy bills, the success of "American Plumber Stories", and much more!

The Boiler Room | Ray Wohlfarth

Avoiding problems on your next hydronic boiler project

Best practice tips when replacing a boiler system.

Ray Wohlfarth

October 16, 2024

Always assume the old boiler was installed wrong. This principle has served me well in my career by finding problems before we own the system.

Four stacks of silver coins next to a red and white toy house with a blurry background.

Serving Plumbing Pros | Matt Michel

The psychology of plumbing pricing

8 things to keep in mind.

Matt Michel

October 15, 2024

We all know about pricing, right? Hopefully, we know the difference between markup and margin. We know how to calculate break even. Here are eight things you should know about the psychology of pricing.

Road wrinkled up with high ups and downs isolated on a white background.

The Blue Collar Coach | Kenny Chapman

Insights on how to lead your business with confidence

Navigating tumultuous times

Kenny Chapman

October 14, 2024

Here are a few insights I'd like to share on how to lead our businesses with confidence, regardless of what's happening in the broader world.

Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

Junkyard ruminations from a hydronic heating contractor

Careful what you drive over.

Scott Secor

October 11, 2024

Junkyards are one of those forgotten places we in the heating business must visit on occasion.

HVAC repairmen at work looking at a tablet.

Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Customer service 101: Don't burn bridges

Dave Yates

October 10, 2024

If you treat a customer well, they will recommend your services to three others. However, if you treat a customer poorly and make them feel cheated, they will spend a lot of time spreading negative feedback, especially on social media.

Environmentally Friendly Heat Pump Technology in Front of a brick house.

Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

The convergence of hydronics

Modern hydronic technology binds new technologies and desired outcomes together and creates unprecedented market opportunities.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

October 4, 2024

In 2024, the North American air-to-water heat pump market saw significant expansion, with nine new offerings introduced at the January AHR show by companies new to this category. By year's end, at least 18 companies either have or plan to offer these pumps in the U.S. Read the list of these companies as of mid-2024.

Jerome and Sue Sabol, owners of Plumb Works Inc.

Plumbing & Mechanical names Plumb Works Inc. 2024 Residential Contractor of the Year

Atlanta-based contractor celebrates 35 years in business.

Nicole Krawcke

October 9, 2024

Plumb Works Inc. in Atlanta, led by Jerome Sabol, is celebrated for its excellent service and strong community ties, earning it the title of Plumbing & Mechanical’s 2024 Residential Contractor of the Year.

Dan Callies, President-elect, PHCC-National Association

PMC Profile

Meet PHCC — National Association’s new President Dan Callies

Enhancing member engagement is incoming president’s No. 1 goal.

Nicole Krawcke

October 8, 2024

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke chatted with Dan Callies about taking over the national president gig, what he hopes to accomplish during his term, and the many opportunities for PHCC members over the next year.