A successful home service franchise offers sales and marketing systems similar to those employed by large companies. These systems can be easily implemented and replicated over and over again.

As the population grows older, there is a heightened need for affordable plumbing and HVACR systems that offer safety and accessibility.

As 2023 comes to a close it is now time to review my predictions from last year as well as predict ten more trends I see as we enter 2024.

Every year during May, the International Code Council holds its Building Safety Month campaign to help raise awareness about the importance of building safety and educate the public on how to ensure their communities are resilient and sustainable.

The skilled trades industry is evolving as more Gen Z workers choose trades over college. Efforts to obtain certifications through learning modules and hands-on training are becoming integrated into daily work routines, helping tradespeople build long-lasting careers and enabling businesses to succeed.

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.

“I don’t think people care that I’m young, or female. They care about what I know.”
Those words, spoken by Baylie Frost, a virtual design and construction (VDC) lead at Harvey’s Plumbing & Heating in Bozeman, Montana, must be music to the ears of an industry that is seeking to attract more talented young people to its ranks.

The ongoing transformation of the plumbing industry has been driven in part by the evolving expectations and priorities of homeowners and consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced existing concerns about hygiene and public health, pushing the demand for hands-free technology and automated features that reduce contact with germs and bacteria. 

Let’s be honest. The trades are the inventors of 'remote work.' For decades, we’ve been dispatching remotely while technicians are awarded company vehicles to drive home each evening. They begin their mornings from the comfort of their own homes by receiving their work log for the day through walkie-talkie, text, email, slack, pager… remember those? Shoot, we’re awesome — others should take note!

Several new ServiceTitan product updates and features powered by Titan Intelligence were also announced at Pantheon 2022

There’s nothing worse than coming home to find a burst pipe or malfunctioning water heater has flooded your basement. It’s perhaps why leak detection and prevention products continue to become more popular each year.

ServiceTitan unveils new AI-powered solutions to revolutionize the trades industry and equip contractors with powerful tools to run and grow their businesses

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke spoke with Chad Salge, vice president of virtual design and engineering at The Brandt Companies about its digital transformation journey.

Trinova USA produces high-performance pinch valves and replacement sleeves, ideal for demanding environments with high abrasion. Made in the USA, these valves and sleeves are widely used in industrial settings, wastewater treatment, power generation, and other rugged applications.

As controller, my job essentially boils down to two things: support our branches and ensure that Leap Partners has the cash flow to fund further acquisitions.  I want to share with you the three fundamental lessons I’ve learned to achieve these goals.

The partnership between Interplay and Peterman comes at a pivotal time as Peterman continues to expand its operations and scale its technical training efforts.

The integration will allow mutual customers to access valuable information about their prospects and customers. The integration will ensure that the complete customer journey, from lead to job, is all captured within the ServiceTitan dashboard.

Trimble recognized for commitment to innovation across projects, processes and company culture.

The new integration will empower franchise owners to maximize business performance, grow profitably, and deliver a superior customer experience.

Contractors and technicians embrace AI to advance skill sets and grow businesses with solutions announced at ServiceTitan’s annual user conference.

Mechanical contractors are looking to improve operations by cutting costs and boosting efficiency while maintaining quality. A popular solution is the adoption of new technologies, specifically virtual inspection services, which have gained popularity since the pandemic.

 Like the rest of the series, the new products are constructed with high-quality materials and designed for easy installation and maintenance, making them an ideal choice for busy commercial settings.

Gen-Ear LE can pinpoint water leaks in residential and commercial water lines – including problems in walls and under concrete slabs, swimming pools and hot tubs.

Carrier’s lineup of communicating peripherals for the i-Vu building automation system has been expanded to include smart valves with Characterized Control Valve (CCV^T) technology and smart damper actuators. 

The Ice Bath provides optional plumbing integration for easy filling and draining and is intended for both indoor and outdoor use. 

This system's sensing technology and robust software platform are designed to uncover hidden water system insights and risks, empowering building managers to enhance building performance and occupant experience. 

The product qualifies for a 30% federal tax credit as well as stackable state and local rebates.

LG Electronics USA expanded its line of ENERGY STAR-certified Inverter Heat Pump Water Heaters with two new models featuring demand response and a water leakage detection sensor, ensuring a comprehensive domestic water heating solution for residential applications.

HammerHead point repair resin is odor-free, styrene-free and VOC-free.

Clearing up to 30 feet of 1 1/4- to 2” pipe, the K9-12 breaks up grease, hair and other soft blockages, making it ideal for kitchen and bath sinks, as well as tubs and shower drains.

ZONEFIRST’s new A2L-compliant product are engineered to ensure full compliance with this code while maintaining system performance.

Featuring a vertical downflow and draw-through layout, the YORK MCV CRAH is engineered to deliver reliable cooling in above-floor or under-floor data center applications. 

The entire offering accommodates Uponor Engineered Polymer (EP) and Stainless-Steel Manifolds, but for the first time ever, four of the six new cabinets will accommodate Uponor Commercial Stainless-Steel Manifolds as well. 

MCAA’s spring meeting and conference schedule screeched to a halt this year, much like many other contractor organizations in the industry, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In August, Nexstar Network announced Julian Scadden would replace Jack Tester as president and CEO, effective Nov. 1. Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke recently chatted with Scadden about his background and leadership goals for the organization.

In April, Niagara held a virtual launch event, announcing its new Niagara Wholesale Program and more than 100 new products designed to help wholesalers serve the needs of their plumbing professional clients by offering advanced technology and high performance for those looking for a wide variety of water-efficient products.

Established as a foundry of brass fixtures in 1851, Oventrop has since evolved into a global manufacturer of balancing valves and thermostatic radiator valves for the building industries. The family-owned company is now expanding into the American market, and Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had the chance to chat with Nicola Schannath, CEO of Oventrop-US, about the company’s plans in the United States and current PHCP-PVF market trends.

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.

When installed properly and protected from incompatible chemicals, CPVC can deliver years of reliable service in even the most aggressive water conditions. Get tips on installing and servicing CPVC pipes.

The training facility, designed for the plumbing industry, will generate all energy required to support the operation of the building on site through the incorporation of several renewable energy technologies.

The 2021 USHGC is scheduled to be published in early 2021.

Each module is $140 for RPA and IAPMO members, and $170 for non-members.

Hybrid systems that run on propane and solar can be tailored to a project’s unique needs, providing lower first costs and reduced ongoing energy costs and emissions.

There are multiple ways to dehumidify a space — mechanical, reheat and desiccant to name a few. The biggest issue has been that conventional air conditioning units are only 10% effective at removing humidity. Until now, standard de-humidification systems were expensive to purchase and install.

New technical assistance capacity will help the federal government lead by example in demonstrating benefits and potential of decarbonizing buildings with geothermal energy.

 While most plumbers may like to think that they’re mostly serving routine maintenance or installation customers, the most common nature of those calls is likely panicked customers with a burst pipe, a backed-up toilet or another emergency that needs a response ASAP.

In 2009 under President Barack Obama, the economic stimulus package of 2009 was signed into law. Egg Geo was a regional engineering and contracting company in the southeastern United States with robust business in our central Florida offices.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has delivered good news in the form of federal income tax credits and accelerated depreciation deductions that help make geothermal a more attractive option.

Greenwashing is deceptive advertising that uses green PR to make products seem eco-friendly and desensitizes consumers to environmental claims. TerraChoice describes "seven sins of greenwashing" to help consumers spot misleading environmental claims.

The document addresses the need for enforceable safety provisions for geothermal district ambient temperature loop systems.