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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. 




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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. 




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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.




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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. 




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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.




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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.




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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.




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IAPMO solicits public comments on 2024 UPC, UMC

No comments will be accepted after the 5 p.m. PST deadline on Jan. 4, 2022. All public comments will be distributed to the technical committee members in March and reviewed at their meetings, May 2-5, 2022, in Anaheim, California.




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IAPMO seeks WE Stand Task Group members

The deadline to apply is Oct. 22.




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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.




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

The deadline to submit comments is Sept. 5.




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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.




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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.




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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.




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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.




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Climate Control Group celebrates 75 years

IEC, a subsidiary of Climate Control Group, celebrated its 75th anniversary in October.




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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.




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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.




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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.




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Innovation for an important part of the home

Wi-Fi technology has improved homes, including water heaters. The changing landscape of water heaters presents challenges for industry professionals. Nick Snell, director of plumbing sales at F.W. Webb Co., emphasizes the importance of working with a supplier that understands the evolving marketplace.




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Master the basics of sewer root removal

Root intrusion in sewer systems causes blockages, slow drainage, unpleasant odors, and overflow. Preventative root control is essential to maintain the sewer system's hydraulic capacity. This issue deserves our full attention.




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Heat pump water heaters: transforming contractor profits with sustainable solutions

The plumbing industry is evolving with a focus on sustainability. Heat pump water heaters (HPWH) present an opportunity for contractors to stand out and meet changing client needs, contributing to environmental conservation and demonstrating leadership in a dynamic market.




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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.




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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.




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From automobiles to water heaters

A. O. Smith, celebrating 150 years in 2024, began in 1874 as a metal components supplier for baby carriages and bicycles. Arthur O. Smith designed a lightweight pressed steel car frame and became a major supplier to car manufacturers like Packard, Cadillac, and Ford.




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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.




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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.




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ASTM Standard updated for polypropylene pressure piping systems

Pressure and chlorine ratings revised.




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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.






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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.




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11 ways to boost your plumbing company’s SEO

Explore 11 proven ways plumbing companies can improve their website visibility and search rankings. Whether you run a single-location operation or a multiple-unit franchise, these SEO tips will help you reach more consumers.




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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.




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Best practices for managing finances

As Leap Partners' CFO I handle financial statements, acquisitions, and sales. Small businesses often find finance tasks overwhelming. I work with them daily, guiding them to secure their financial standing. Through this, I've learned about common financial trends and errors. Recently, I shared my insights with a friend.




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Networking for commercial plumbers

Larry Taylor, a renowned contractor, believed that networking is the key to commercial sales. Business is built on relationships, and networking helps build them. Here are nine ways to network effectively.




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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.




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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.




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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.




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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.




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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.




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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.




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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.




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Junkyard ruminations from a hydronic heating contractor

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




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The psychology of plumbing pricing

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.




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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.






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4 reasons hydronic radiant heating promotes sustainability and indoor environmental quality

With remote work becoming the standard for many employees across the U.S. and homeowners spending even more time indoors as a result of the pandemic, a new focus is emerging on the need for sustainability and indoor environmental quality in homes. 




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Australia training facility chooses geothermal

In order to achieve a more environmentally friendly footprint for its new education and research campus in Narre Warren, Australia, IAPMO and the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) chose one technology rooted quite literally in the earth.




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More time, less mess

When a crew in Maine needed to renovate the heating system in an elementary school, they were up against two challenges — time and cleanliness.




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Viega hosts online training seminars in November

Attendees can earn credits and certifications.




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BoilerMag magnetic filter

Installing the magnetic filter will increase energy efficiency, significantly prolong boiler life, protect pipework and considerably reduce maintenance calls, the company notes.




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The Glitch & The Fix: Share, and share alike

An installer is asked to pipe up two larger commercial air handlers supplied by a dual boiler setup.