The December 2021 issue of PM Engineer features the 2022 Plumbing Industry Outlook, questions and myths about PEX, key advantages and technology make tankless an attractive solution, and much more!
Reaching 100 years is quite a milestone for any business, let alone for a family plumbing business. Especially when you consider the average lifespan for a family-owned business is 24 years, according to Cornell University’s SC Johnson School of Business.
The stakes are always high for commercial businesses’ decisions and especially those related to equipment investments. Every penny adds up and, in some industries like restaurants, margins are notoriously unforgiving.
Even though PEX has a long history in construction applications, its early North American beginnings in residential radiant floor heating systems more than 35 years ago dubbed it a “residential” product for the first decade or so.
As I write this month’s column, the holiday season is upon us. The holidays mean different things to different people, but for me, it’s a time to reconnect with friends and family — especially given the past two years dealing with COVID-19.
An electrician walked into the equipment room to diagnose and repair an electrical problem in the school. It didn't take long for the carbon monoxide inside the boiler room to fell the man. The source of the carbon monoxide leak was a faulty boiler installation.
I worked for a manufacturers’ rep when I was first learning about hydronics. A guy I worked with was 15 years older than me. He knew that I had absolutely no training as an engineer so he took a different tack with my education.
Getting stuck “between a rock and a hard place” is something that happens to most all of us as we navigate through life. It’s that sinking feeling you get in your gut when you must make a tough decision.
Modern panel radiators are one of my favorite hydronic heat emitters. They’re easy to install, emit radiant and convective heat, and have high-quality powder coat finishes.
Chicago has been known as the last major city in the United States that still mandates lead and oakum cast iron systems in buildings. No-hub fittings have never been allowed in the Chicago Plumbing Code. What is interesting is that caulking tools used to make lead and oakum joints are normally found in the plumbing museum.
PMI advocated for the act's water efficiency, conservation and water reuse funding, as well for significant improvements for water and wastewater systems to be covered by the law.
RectorSeal, Houston, introduces Draft-Block Orange, a fire-blocking expanding polyurethane foam sealant for use by trade professionals across North America.
Navien’s NPN-120E 120,000 Btu/h non-condensing tankless water heater is offered in separate natural gas and liquid propane configurations for outdoor-only operation.
The newly upgraded NCC199CDV commercial condensing tankless water heater from Noritz America offers an industry-best, 10-year warranty on its redesigned dual stainless steel heat exchangers,
Manufactured from premium, lead-free, dezincification-resistant brass, these full-port ball valves from Uponor feature positive tube stops that ensure installers insert the valve into the pipe far enough without overextension.