d

Codes Corner: The benefits of the UPC and Installation Standards

The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) has a long history of providing useful information that is not offered by other model codes. 




d

PM Profile: IAPMO’s Dave Viola

Last fall, IAPMO announced its CEO of 25 years, Russ Chaney, would be retiring at the end of the year, and former COO and Executive Vice President Dave Viola would succeed Chaney at the helm of the 95-year-old association. 




d

Codes Corner: Encouraging economic recovery

Amid one of the most impactful pandemics this nation has ever faced, one lesson that continues to be compounded is public buildings need to be updated to provide citizens with a sense of security in order to encourage an economic recovery. 




d

2021 UPC, UMC Technical Committee meetings to be held virtually

Attendees will still be required to register in order to participate.




d

Flexible Parking Garage Gas Monitoring Design is Key

Whether new or retrofit construction, parking structures and shipping and loading bays are often crucial to the viability and efficient use of residential, commercial, industrial and multi-use developments. 




d

Codes Corner: How code or specialty plumbing certification sets you apart as a contractor or engineer

I frequently speak at college campuses and trade apprenticeships. Whether it be to future engineers or contractors, my technical talks typically end up covering non-technical content, specifically career development. 




d

Codes Corner: An introduction to IAPMO IS 34

IAPMO has collaborated with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to produce an installation standard for solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems (ESS) in residential applications. 




d

Innovative plumbing code technologies are critical to creating sustainable and resilient buildings

To aid plumbers and tradespersons in staying competitive in the marketplace, innovative technologies and materials must be a priority when crafting and revising provisions within model codes and standards in order to enhance efficiency, positively impact affordability and provide ease of service for those implementing it.




d

Codes Corner: Water efficiency is critical to creating sustainable and resilient communities

As the creation of sustainable and resilient buildings becomes a greater priority, especially over the past year, one critical component will be to ensure our buildings are water efficient. 




d

ICC, PMI announce transition of Matt Sigler to Code Council’s plumbing and mechanical team

Sigler is a well-known and highly respected technical expert in the industry with over 20 years of experience in construction, codes and engineering.




d

Deadline to submit proposed changes to 2024 National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) is March 1

Proposals accepted by the technical committee will appear in the 2024 NSPC.




d

ICC, RESNET to develop standard on Remote Virtual Inspections for energy and water performance in buildings

The new standard will provide guidance for implementing RVI for energy code compliance and for energy and water efficiency performance.




d

IAPMO seeks WE Stand Task Group members

The deadline to apply is Oct. 22.




d

ASHRAE publishes Standard 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols

Standard 241 establishes minimum requirements to reduce the risk of airborne disease transmission, such as SARS-COV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, the flu virus and other pathogens in buildings like single and multi-family homes, offices, schools and healthcare facilities.




d

The International Code Council releases 2024 International Codes

The International Code Council’s 2024 International Codes (I-Codes) are now available for order in print and digital formats.




d

IAPMO code change monographs now available

The Technical Committee Meeting Monographs contain every code change proposal submitted for the 2027 editions of the UPC and UMC as part of the ANSI-accredited consensus code development process employed by IAPMO.




d

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

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.




d

IAPMO makes Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) available for public comment

The deadline to submit comments is Sept. 5.




d

5 steps to consider when designing a wastewater system

designing a wastewater system requires careful consideration of a range of factors to ensure efficient and compliant operation.




d

Commercial water heating market moves toward electrification

As more and more cities and states seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it’s clear that regulatory activity is clearly driving the push to electrification and decarbonization.




d

Demand for trenchless pipe solutions grows

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had the chance to chat with Jason Klaus, senior sales manager of HammerHead Trenchless about the growing market demand and the benefits of offering trenchless solutions.




d

The growing trend toward electrified heating and cooling

As the world continues to search for solutions to reduce and eliminate carbon emissions, the plumbing industry suddenly finds itself at the forefront of change.




d

Water shortages series: What happened to our water?

The increase in population and the associated trash continues to increase the need for clean water. These problems are not going to improve until we decide to work for that progress.




d

5 trends affecting residential plumbing systems

Various market forces and trends can influence the decisions plumbers and engineers make regarding those materials and designs. Here are five that should be considered in the coming year.




d

F.W. Webb's hydronic panels, born of circumstance, succeed

Leave it to good old fashioned ingenuity. F.W. Webb recognized an opportunity during the pandemic that resulted in a new revenue stream and an influx of satisfied customers.




d

The heat pump renaissance — exploring the latest trends shaping sustainable building solutions

Heat pumps are growing in importance due to climate change. Extensive investment in heat pump technology has led to higher heating capacities and smaller equipment sizes.




d

Tips and tools for 'Fix a Leak Week' and beyond

The U.S. EPA's "Fix A Leak Week" runs March 18-24.




d

Flowing forward: commercial pumps embrace sustainability for a greener future

With the world's focus on sustainability growing, plumbing engineers play a crucial role in adopting eco-friendly solutions. A major trend in commercial pump technology is the drive for efficiency and energy conservation. Find out how manufacturers are addressing environmental concerns and high energy costs.




d

Pipeline profits: Drain cleaning, pipe inspection create opportunities

Drain cleaning and inspection services offer lucrative opportunities for plumbing contractors, especially with aging infrastructure. New technology makes these services easier than ever.




d

Hot water in seconds — boosting comfort while saving water

Nestled within a 20-year-old home deep in the heart of Klein, Texas, the Stansifer family encountered a common homeowner problem: a painfully long three-to-five-minute wait for hot water whenever they turned on a faucet.




d

The benefits of polymer piping systems for engineers and business owners

PEX's shape memory allows it to expand and shrink without compromising its integrity, making it highly resistant to damage in freezing conditions. This has proven to be a lifesaver in areas like Texas during unexpected mid-winter freezes.




d

IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator included in AWWA M22 Manual

AWWA M22 is a manual of water supply practices that covers the basic principles and methods of water distribution system design and operation.




d

PEXa plumbing system provides long-lasting toughness in dairy barn project

Dairy farming is vital for rural communities and household nutrition. Durable materials like REHAU PEXa plumbing systems are essential for dairy barn construction. Three WRC dairy barn projects feature these systems.




d

ASTM Standard updated for polypropylene pressure piping systems

Pressure and chlorine ratings revised.




d

Tankless water heaters offer reliable, cost-saving alternative for fertilizer producer

Tankless water heating technology has proven to be a great success for Wedgworth's, a custom blender of dry and liquid fertilizers for agriculture, sod, nursery, and golf-course applications in Florida.




d

Avoiding the pitfalls of breaking concrete with above-floor grinder pumps

When property owners need restroom or kitchen facilities in areas without existing plumbing, they often face the challenge of expensive and disruptive work to create below-floor drainage that usually requires breaking through concrete, which is messy, noisy, and costly. This high cost may lead clients to reconsider their projects altogether. For trade professionals, navigating concrete obstacles is just another day at the office. Yet, for others, it might be less welcome.






d

Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater lowers racing legend’s home energy bills

NASCAR legend Ward Burton installed a Premier AL Smart Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater in his 1999 home, saving up to $300 monthly on electric bills. Homeowners can save 75% or more on energy costs with this unit.




d

5 steps to building a strong banking relationship

A strong banking relationship is critical for securing loans and for establishing and maintaining lines of credit. Relationships are not built overnight. Here are the steps you need to build a good relationship with a bank.




d

7 reasons manufacturers advertise in the trade press

Every now and then I talk with a plumber who gripes about manufacturer ads in the trade press. Usually, the plumber believes the money could be better spent elsewhere, such as consumer advertising to make it easier for the plumber to sell the manufacturer’s products. Here are seven reasons why manufacturers advertise in the trade press.




d

Beating the scalding and legionella paradox

Scalding remains a hidden danger lurking in homes across the United States, particularly impacting the vulnerable. The plumber can avoid the unintended consequences of simply lowering water temperatures.




d

BuyFin payment processing and consumer financing now available to help business owners unlock growth

BuyFin Payment Processing, which is offered in conjunction with third-party partners, helps business owners get paid faster from customers with competitive processing rates and a best-in-class technology platform, the company states.




d

4 things you must do to justify a higher price

In every market, some companies offer low-priced products, while others offer high-priced premium products. If you want to justify a higher price, here are four things you must do.




d

6 groups every plumber should join

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.




d

How should you handle merchant service fees?

Some customers prefer using credit cards, but accepting them means paying merchant service fees. Contractors may offer cash discounts or add an upcharge, so consider how to handle merchant services.




d

Leadership tips and best practices

When we hear about a 'dream team,' our minds envision the perfect basketball team or a group of highly skilled attorneys assembled for a high-profile legal matter. But creating a team that consistently delivers great results shouldn't be limited to sports or legal teams.




d

Six things that matter about your branding

Developing a strong brand can significantly impact your plumbing company by making it more familiar and less intimidating to consumers. This can lead to more calls and reduced marketing costs. Here are six important factors to consider when building a brand and brand image in your market.




d

Applying the Water Demand Calculator: Public fixtures in multi-family buildings

The IAPMO Water Demand Calculator has faced challenges due to exclusions from its documentation and calculations, causing difficulties for engineers in luxury apartment buildings.




d

Customer service 101: Don't burn bridges

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.




d

Junkyard ruminations from a hydronic heating contractor

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




d

Why mini case studies are better than reviews

Online reviews are essential for contractors, as low ratings can hinder local leads. To boost visibility, it's important not just to gather reviews but also to incorporate mini case studies into your marketing strategy.