Plumbing and Mechanical

With a decline in skilled trades workers, finding a reliable plumber is increasingly difficult. As thousands of job openings are projected annually, plumbing contractors must rethink their hiring strategies.

The plumbing industry faces a projected shortage of 550,000 plumbers by 2027, costing skilled trades $5.3 billion annually in hiring and training. However, a rising number of young adults are choosing trade school, which may introduce new talent and challenges for business owners.

No one claims that running a small business is simple. However, there are ways to make it easier, starting with how you begin each day.

As 2025 unfolds, rapid changes in technology and the global landscape are creating both challenges and opportunities for growth. Embracing these shifts with confidence can help individuals and businesses thrive amid uncertainty.

After five years with Supply House Times, Natalie Forster gained valuable insights into the supply chain and developed relationships with PHCP-PVF wholesalers. Now, as the new Editorial Director for both Supply House Times and Plumbing & Mechanical, she'll engage daily with all supply chain participants, including wholesalers, contractors, and engineers.

Discussions about wet venting in plumbing often spark heated debates, but if you're competing against a plumber who effectively utilizes it, you may lose bids by venting every fixture. Wet venting allows for a more efficient use of materials and labor, making bids more competitive.

Last month, we started with an air-to-water heat pump for space heating and added an auxiliary heat source and chilled water cooling. This month, we’re adding domestic water heating, similar to last month’s setup.

An emergency call led a team to a school with a leaking boiler, which was shut down due to safety concerns. After clarifying the need for urgent repairs, the executive director approved the work. Complications arose from snow and transport challenges, but a friend connected them with a group of young workers willing to help, easing manpower concerns.

The AHR Expo, scheduled for February 10-12 in Orlando, will showcase trends like decarbonization and A2L refrigerants, with 1,865 exhibitors including Caleffi North America. Attendees can connect with experts and explore new products, while the Podcast Pavilion celebrates its five-year anniversary.

Revival Brewing and Lost Valley Pizza faced plumbing challenges at their new location. Walter F. Morris introduced Saniflo's solutions, recommending the Sanicom 2 for the bar area and the Sanicubic 2 for restrooms. They later dealt with additional issues when adding a sink near the pizza oven and during bar construction.

California's push to replace gas-fired water heaters with electric heat pumps marks a significant shift in the construction industry. This electrification trend, while still emerging, is prompting plumbing contractors to navigate the changes brought on by decarbonization, impacting HVAC technicians and the broader market.

The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from February 25-27, featuring over 670 exhibitors and showcasing innovative, sustainable products. KBIS 2025 is slated to be the largest show in history.