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.

There is a changing of the guard (so to speak) every fall during PHCC’s annual conference and trade show.

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.

Johnson Controls celebrated National Skilled Trades Day by confirming a second cohort of schools receiving funding as part of its Community College Partnership Program. Last year, Johnson Controls agreed to fund $15 million over the span of five years to help support the community college’s HVAC, fire, security and digital academic programs.

This month, PHCC — National Association President Joel Long, owner of Gastonia, North Carolina-based GSM Services, will pass the baton to Dave Frame, fourth-generation owner of Bob Frame Plumbing Services, South Bend, Indiana. Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had a chance to chat with Frame about what he hopes to accomplish during his term and the many opportunities for PHCC members over the next year.

Grundfos announced the launch of the next generation of small circulators for the residential heating market with the introduction of the Grundfos Digital NEXT range — starting with the UPSe 15-58 in late 2022, followed by the release of the new, digital ALPHA 15-58 in early 2023.

On Feb. 1, NIBCO announced it acquired Matco-Norca and its subsidiary SVF Flow Controls.
NIBCO Chairman Rex Martin stated, “This acquisition supports our strategic long-range goal of growth through acquisition, expanding our market reach and providing customers with access to a broader portfolio of products.This is an extraordinary time in NIBCO’s evolving history.”

Meet Daniel Quinonez, PHCC Educational Foundation's new executive director.

This month, PHCC — National Association President to Dave Frame, owner of Bob Frame Plumbing Services, South Bend, Indiana will pass the torch Joe Cornetta, third-generation co-owner of Elmont, New York-based Cornetta Bros.

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had the chance to chat with Magda Elizondo, Hero Helps coordinator for Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, about the company’s charitable efforts, not just during the giving season, but throughout the entire year.

PM Engineer Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke sits down with Lance MacNevin, director of engineering, building and construction division of the Plastics Pipe Institute, to discuss top trends influencing the use of plastic pipes in commercial applications.

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.

Plumbing Manufacturers International applauded the House Appropriations Committee for approving its fiscal year 2020 Department of the Interior-EPA spending bill.

The Bell & Gossett HYDROVAR HVL pump controller, combined with the Series e-1510 base-mounted end suction pump, provides flexibility and efficiency for new and retrofit applications in buildings, utilities and general industry.

The Prestige Series Hybrid Electric Water Heater from Rheem is Energy Star-rated and its high 3.55-3.70 UEF reduces operating cost.

The 0018e high-efficiency, Bluetooth-enabled circulator brings a new level of control to residential and light commercial hydronic systems.

Despite some reprieve from the draught that gripped the state for several years, Californians continue to find resourceful ways to trim their water consumption. Businesses large and small are no exception. 

Wilo USA offers a range of solar borehole pumps, including a new 4” solar submersible pump.

The deadline to submit an application is May 3.

When most people think about solar, they think about photovoltaic panels that generate electricity, but they don’t often think about solar thermal. When considering heating water, solar thermal is incredibly efficient by comparison.

Webstone, a brand of NIBCO, introduces the new Thermostatic Mixing Valve for high-temperature solar heat sources.

The state-of-the-art facility houses IAPMO R&T’s Oceana research center and product testing laboratory.

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

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than half (51%) of the energy used in U.S. homes is directly spent on just two end uses, heating and air-conditioning. As such, producing a comfortable temperature within your living space creates one of the biggest carbon footprints of our modern living environment.

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

What does a looming housing shortage, a significant increase in energy prices and 52% of home buyers ready to heat and cool their homes with electricity have in common? They’re all remedied in the same way: All-geothermal residential developments.

A lot of things are out of your control when working on a job involving multiple trades. Whenever I design any type of system, I always go down a list of “what ifs.” The “what ifs” are scenarios that can affect the performance of a system due to an unknown. This includes actions by other trades.

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.

A little-known fact about solar electric panels is that the hotter the panel itself, the less efficient it becomes. Studies have found a 0.05% efficiency loss for every degree of temperature that is increased. The reverse is true in that efficiency increases by 0.05% for every degree temperature decreases.

 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.

PPI MS-7 includes detailed specifications for four plastic piping materials which have been proven in ground-source heat exchange systems: HDPE, PE-RT, PEX, and PP (PP-R and PP-RCT).

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.

A North Vancouver school chose WaterFurnace for its reliability and energy efficiency. The manufacturer's rep mentioned that the equipment aligned with decarbonization efforts. Finances were a concern, as is usual with building projects.

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.

Yates will serve in the general interest category for a term of two years.

The publication is based on study, research and discussions from the Code Council’s membership, partners and industry experts.

Since 1926, IAPMO has protected the public’s health and safety through its codes and standards activities. 

Plumbing & Mechanical recently had the chance to interview International Code Council CEO Dominic Sims about the current landscape for codes and standards and the plumbing industry overall. 

Viola has more than 25 years of senior management experience within the plumbing and mechanical industry. 

Joint committee governing NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 lowers maximum allowable limits of leached lead from plumbing endpoint devices.

David Gans, chief building official for the city of Oceanside, California, was elected IAPMO’s 61st president, and Steven Panelli, chief plumbing inspector for the city and county of San Francisco, was elected vice president.

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. 

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. 

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

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.