The Push-Fit Solution for Plumbing and Heating Systems AB1953

april 2009 K•BIS Show Issue vol. 10, no. 4

A Publication

TheThe beautybeauty isis inin thethe hydronichydronic systemsystem Story on page 38

K/BIS ALL-ACCESS K/BIS ’09: What’s hot? . . .Pgs. 28, 48 ATLANTA

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Papa Duric, lead mechanic for Foley Mechanical, Inc. of Alexandria, Va., looks over plumbing & hydronic contractor news a work of art he helped create. However, this work of art is a state-of-the art hydronic www.phcnews.com system built for a 30,000 sq-ft, luxurious new Departments Virgina estate overlooking the Potomac River. Owner The installation incorporates four boilers, 28 Tom M. Brown, Jr. zones and 40,000 feet of PEX into a no- compromise system. Story begins on page 38. Chief Editor John Mesenbrink Managing Editor James Schaible Features Contributing Editors Mary Jo Martin Franchising Water-saving products Mark Bruno 42 Joining a franchise everywhere – pg. 32 Richard DiToma Belonging to franchise organization is like joining a fam- Morris R. Beschloss ily; there is a period of evaluation on both sides. When Paul Rohrs the franchise and franchisee are a good fit, it’s a win- Columns Dan Holohan win situation for everyone. Dan Holohan: Finding balance between Ellen Rohr flashy & new and day-to-day . . . .18 44 Getting help Paul Rohrs: Giving relays the respect Production Manager Dave Dahlquist is a good plumber but needed assistance they deserve ...... 20 Cate C. Brown in the business end. Clockwork Home Services stepped up Britsol Stickney: Determining collector Administrative Assistant and helped Dave reach his real potential. efficiency, effectiveness ...... 22 Debbie Newberg Ellen Rohr: Have you been short- changing yourself? ...... 24 Editorial Offices Richard DiToma: Honesty always is good for business ...... 26 1838 Techny Court Peter Schor: K/BIS ’09 preview – here’s Northbrook, IL 60062 what to watch for ...... 28 Phone: 847/564-1127 Fax: 847/564-1264, [email protected] Field Reports Fluidmaster Pro Series helps contractor Sales Offices provide efficient service ...... 45 David Schulte, Publisher RIDGID pipe threader helps international Midwest, Southeast, aid group keep wells flowing . . . .46 Eastern Canada In the News 1838 Techny Court RPA to sponsor fund-raisers; Northbrook, IL 60062 PHCC trade show set for Calif. . . . .6 847/564-1127 The Pulse: Green programs; Fax: 847/564-1264 recip arbors; school’s in; fuel up . .8 [email protected] Guide to energy tax credits from Service Roundtable; geothermal Brad Burnside, East technology part of recovery . . . . .10 1838 Techny Court Movers & Shakers ...... 11 Northbrook, IL 60062 NAOHSM to highlight energy, education; 847/564-1127 Liberty Pumps grows in US . . . . .14 Fax: 847/564-1264 QSC highlights learning ...... 16 [email protected] Water-saving products going mainstream; are you ready? . . . .32 Diane Spangler, West, Texas Public, institutional restrooms going Diane Spangler green in a big way ...... 34 P.O. Box 9802 Kitchen/Bath product preview . . . . .48 Fountain Valley, CA 92728 Product review ...... 49 – 51 714/839-6700 Fax: 714/839-6777 From the Editors [email protected] American-made means American jobs; buying American means preserving Direct subscription your business ...... 58 inquiries to: Cynthia Lewis Creative Data Services 519 E. Briarcliff Road Threading pipe for Bolingbrook, IL 60440 life-giving water wells – pg. 46 [email protected] 630-739-0900 x203 Fax: 630-739-7648

TMB Publishing, Inc. Tom M. Brown Jr., President Circle 3 on Reader Reply Card Circle 4 on Reader Reply Card 6 INDUSTRY NEWS Phc News — APRIL 2009

the Mohawk Valley Community In brief RPA to host charity fundraisers College campus as a part of RPA’s REX- perience. A sundry of donated items GreenPlumbers welcomes LOVELAND, COLO. — The Radiant View Golf Club in Utica, the Inaugural will be auctioned off at a lively event to Grundfos as founding partner Panel Association (RPA) is adding Radiant Panel Association Golf the fun and amusement of everyone in SACRAMENTO, CALIF.— some fun and generosity to its Outing will be held. All of the pro- attendance. Sponsors of the donated GreenPlumbers, the innovative upcoming REXperience conference ceeds from this event will benefit The items are encouraged to be creative environmental training program, and trade show in Utica, New York, Lowe Fund to provide scholarships with their donations to enhance the announced Grundfos Pumps Corp. May 27-29. Two separate charity and assistance to the next generation enjoyment of the evening. as a founding partner. Grundfos is fundraising events are planned to of radiant technicians. Proceeds from the auction will be one of the world's largest manufac- both entertain attendees and benefit A live auction is scheduled for Friday split between a local charity, Hope turers of pumps, providing water for some worthwhile charities. evening following the golf outing dur- House and the RPA. For info, www.rpa homes, farms, commercial build- On Friday, May 29, at the Valley ing the evening meal. It will be held on conference.com. ings and industrial uses. For more Watts Water Technologies to information, visit www.grundfos.us. Taco earns health & safety certification address lead-free legislation Bobcat and Polaris NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. — Watts Water announce strategic alliance CRANSTON, R.I. — Taco, Inc. has received the SHARP (Safety & Health Technologies, Inc., and its associated WEST FARGO, N.D. — Bobcat Co. and Achievement Program) Certification Award granted by the U.S. Department brands, are on the forefront of recent Polaris Industries Inc. of Medina, of Labor in conjunction with the Rhode Island Dept. of Health and the R.I. changes in legislation in California Minn., announced a long-term strate- OSHA Consultation Program. SHARP certification is granted to companies which and Vermont, which now mandate the gic alliance that will leverage the operate exemplary safety and health programs. reduction of lead in pipes, fittings and complementary strengths of both The certificate award was presented to company president and CEO John fixtures used companies to penetrate work-related Hazen White, Jr. and assembled Taco employees on January 16, 2009. to convey market segments globally. The To receive SHARP certification companies must meet specific safety and water for alliance will include co-development health requirements, including maintaining less than national average lost drinking or of work vehicles, supply of highly dif- workday injury and illness rates, an in-place comprehensive safety and health cooking — ferentiated work vehicles and tech- program, and exemplary efforts in employee safety and health protection. taking effect nology sharing, with a planned January 1, launch by the second half of 2010. 2010. In addition to the products Watts Franchisee satisfaction high already manufactures, which meet the for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing new lead-free requirements, it also SARASOTA, FLA. — Clockwork Home will make available a complete line of Services, Inc. announced that lead-free products for sale by mid-year Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® is 2009. ranked among the nation’s top 115 Watts Water Technologies has franchise opportunities for fran- launched a new informational web- chisee satisfaction, according to site, www.WeAreLeadFree.net, that independent research conducted will provide frequent updates on what by Franchise Business Review. is happening around the country with Benjamin Franklin ranked #36. lead-free legislation and requirements. This website will provide an EMCOR Group, Inc. acquires interactive map showing the status of Team Mechanical, Inc. lead-free initiatives nationwide, NORWALK, CONN. — EMCOR Group, downloadable catalogs and education- Taco president and CEO John Hazen White, Jr. (center) proudly shows the SHARP Inc., a Fortune 500 leader in al material. Visit the site today to see Award. At left is David Grof, Taco’s Health Safety & Environmental director. To the mechanical and electrical construc- the overview video and sign up for right of White are Paul Silva and Antonio Cabral, Jr. of the R.I. Dept. of Health. tion, energy infrastructure and facili- email alerts. ties services for a diverse range of businesses, announced that it has will be given away. You must be pre- acquired Team Mechanical, Inc., a 34th Annual PHC Industry Trade Show to hit SoCal sent to win. leading mechanical contractor and LONG BEACH, CALIF. — The 34th accessories on display. The New Products Pavilion will service provider headquartered in Annual Plumbing-Heating-Cooling The PHC Industry Trade Show is showcase the latest in new products Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Terms of the Industry Trade Show is back at the ideal for plumbing and HVAC contrac- and services in the industry. transaction were not disclosed. Long Beach Convention Center on tors, journeymen, and apprentices; Grow your business with high- Saturday, May 16, 2009. business owners and employees; PHC impact educational seminars. Top pro- Bombay Rayon, The largest and most successful professionals and support personnel; fessionals will help guide you through Armstrong sign agreement industry trade show for plumbing and and anyone wanting to make the these difficult economic times. “Utility CHENNAI, INDIA — Armstrong Intl. has HVAC professionals in the Western U.S., most of his/her companies. It’s a Company Rebates” is just one of the signed a multi-year contract to oper- this is your once-a-year opportunity to must-see, must-do event for all indus- seminars that can make the difference ate and maintain the 4.5MW cogen meet face to face with exhibitors from try professionals. in today’s economy. Barry Maher, a facility for Bombay Rayon Fashions all over the U.S., and around the world. The show has added exciting activ- nationally acclaimed speaker will help Ltd., a manufacturing facility in Exhibitors include regional, national ities to this year’s line-up. There will motivate you through turbulent busi- Bangalore, India. Under the terms of and international manufacturers, OEM be “Hands-on” seminars held right on ness times. the agreement, Armstrong will be distributors, manufacturer representa- the show floor. Manufacturers will be And, Hall of Fame Cincinnati Reds responsible for the operation and tives, wholesalers and service compa- demonstrating their products and ser- baseball player, Johnny Bench, will be maintenance of the site’s entire utili- nies. You’ll see all the latest innova- vices in one-hour segments. signing autographs at the American ty assets; manage the entire utility tions, technologies and services you There will be two raffles held at 3:30 Water Heater booth. operating staff; and will be responsi- can use to build strong, smoother busi- p.m. — one for licensed contractors Check out the entire line-up at ble for identifying future utility ness operations. And, there will be a and one for technicians. Thousands of www.phccglaa.org/tradeshow. Pre- improvement opportunities. large selection of trucks, vans and dollars in tools, products and services register today and get free admission. FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS THE SOLUTION IS SYMMONS®

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8 THETHE Phc News — APRIL 2009 PULSEPULSE

This can make the adapter very diffi- Inside the trade Tool Tips cult to remove. Under extreme drilling conditions, the torque with Hackman required can also strip the threads. What we’re hearing There are quick change arbors for hole saws 1¼" to 6", but again they require an adapter that screws into DOE addresses green collar jobs the backing cap separately before the LAS VEGAS — On Tuesday February On March 9, 2009, Bill Craddick — arbor can be installed – making this a 24, 2009, President Obama deputy director for the United States two- or three-step process. The length addressed the nation during a joint Department of Energy (DOE) — of the release head can also limit session of congress. The President Department of Energy Building drilling in a tight space. discussed a new wave of energy effi- Technologies Research & Integration Recently, I’ve discovered a quick ciency programs and standards that Center addressed the HVACR industry change arbor called Snap-Back. The will create new American jobs. about the new programs as they per- arbor for the smaller size hole saws “We will put Americans to work making tain to the HVACR industry. Craddick Quick change arbors has patent pending side pins that our homes and buildings more efficient so discussed the future green collar drive the smaller diameter hole saws that we can save billions of dollars on our economy jobs while giving his ool Tips feature trade tips from by the backing cap, not the threads. energy bills.” President Obama keynote address at the 2009 HVAC Lee “HACKMAN” Breton, market- This new design eliminates the possi- Excellence National HVACR Educators Ting services manager for bility of stripping the threads. There & Trainer Conference in Las Vegas. LENOX, team HACKMAN Craddick began his presentation event manager and car cut- by stating the importance of skilled ter extraordinaire. Every technical personnel in making the month, HACKMAN shares potential benefits of energy efficien- insight from his 25+ years cy equipment a reality. in the tool industry. The President plans on investing Changing a hole saw billions of dollars into weatheriza- arbor can sometimes be a tion. Weatherization is the practice cumbersome task — espe- of modifying a building to reduce cially when trying to do it energy consumption and optimize on the job. The change out energy efficiency. can be even more frustrat- HACKMAN fought the law, and who won?? The DOE presentation can be ing if your arbor needs yet downloaded by visiting www.hvacex another tool to make the change. are two Snap-Back quick change Conceptual installation of residential cellence.org and click on the confer- Obviously, the fewer tools you have to arbors for hole saw sizes 11/4" to 6", ground-source integrated heat pump. ence banner. carry to a job, the better, so get your- one with 3/8" shaft and the other with self a quick change arbor to keep 7/16" shaft. All three of these new things simple. arbors are easy to engage/disengage Although there are many models on and require no secondary tightening. Current prices the market, some quick change They are truly designed to reduce arbors require a separate adapter that time and frustration on the job — a screws into the hole saw backing cap definite priority for me. Fuels and allows the arbor to snap into the If you have any questions or com- adapter. Unfortunately, on the smaller ments for HACKMAN, email him at sizes (9/16" to 13/16"), the arbor is dri- [email protected] or visit Gasoline Diesel ving the hole saws by the threads. www.lenoxtools.com. I Area ¢/gal. Change Area ¢/gal. Change U.S. average 204.6 U.S. average 222.1 Training Center fifi fifififififififififi East Coast 202.5 East Coast 228.1 Second quarter courses announced for

fi Bell & Gossett’s Little Red Schoolhouse New England 200.9 New England 242.4 MORTON GROVE, ILL. — Bell & Schoolhouse seminars include: Central Atlantic 203.2 Central Atlantic 239.9 Gossett, a leader in education for • Design and Application fififi the hydronic heating and plumb- Seminar (April 6-8, June 15-17) Lower Atlantic 202.5 Lower Atlantic 221.8 ing industries, has announced its • Modern Hydronics Adv. training course schedule for the Seminar (April 20-22, June 1-3) Midwest 203.1 Midwest 217.6 spring of 2009. The free training • Modern Hydronics Basic Seminar (May 4-6, June 29- Gulf Coast 196.9 Gulf Coast 220.3 seminars are offered at the Bell & fi

fi Gossett Little Red Schoolhouse July 1) Rocky Mountain 193.7 Rocky Mountain 214.6 Education Center in Morton • Service and Maintenance Grove, Ill., and are open to engi- Seminar (May 18-20) West Coast 220.7 West Coast 228.2 neers, contractors and facility For complete descriptions fifi maintenance profes- and enrollment California 224.8 California 229.7 sionals. information for Upon completion of the Little Red Metals the three-day semi- Schoolhouse edu- nars, CEU credits are cational seminars, *Copper $1.84/lb. **Aluminum $0.62/lb. awarded to graduates. http://school- fi fi The 2nd quarter house.itt.com. Prices valid as of 3/30/09. Fuel information courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/gdu/gasdiesel.asp. Arrows indicate change from previous issue. * Copper prices according to NYMEX.com. ** Aluminum prices according to metalprices.com. It’s no secret …

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Bosch Thermotechnology Corp. 50 Wentworth Ave., Londonderry, NH 03053 1-800-Buderus • www.buderus.net • www.BoschTaxCredit.com 10 INDUSTRY NEWS Phc News — APRIL 2009

Michel encouraged contractors to NTI, Inc. names Hydronic Service Roundtable offers act fast, noting that insulation, door & Systems, Inc. new rep agency window, and roofing contractors are all competing for the same tax cred- DENVER — NY Thermal, Inc., a man- guide to energy tax credits its. Once the tax credit is used, it’s ufacturer of hydronic heating equip- FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS — The American through hundreds of pages. I felt the gone for good. ment and furnaces, announced that Recovery & Reinvestment Act Of 2009 Service Roundtable was the best, Contractors can download Mike Hydronic Systems, Inc. has accept- includes an energy tax credit for quali- most accessible place to disseminate Bohinc’s report by visiting ed the role of sales representative fied energy efficiency improvements in the document to the industry.” www.ServiceRoundtable.com and for NTI, Inc. product lines in the ter- a taxpayer’s principal residence, “Mike did the industry a great ser- clicking on “Free Stuff.” Members of ritory of Colorado. including heating, air conditioning, and vice,” said Service Roundtable CEO Matt the Service Roundtable can also Hydronic Systems, Inc. (HSI) is a water heating equipment. A contractor Michel. “Different groups have the access a host of marketing, public manufacturer’s representative com- guide to the program, prepared by information available to their mem- relations, and sales support material pany selling hydronic equipment and Michael Bohinc, CPA of Keeping Score, bers, but no one made it available to all designed around the provisions of the the related supporting equipment Inc., is available free at the Service contractors like Mike has done. As tax- energy tax credits. through wholesale distribution, plan Roundtable. payers, all of us are paying for the tax Founded by a group of leading con- and spec bid work and design/build “It can be a little confusing and credits so it shouldn’t be difficult for tractors in 2002, the Roundtable is contractors. Each principal brings overwhelming to wade through the industry practitioners to learn what’s in one of the nation’s largest contractor more than 20 years of hydronic legislation,” said Bohinc, “So I put the bill that affects their businesses.” business alliance. experience to the market. HSI was together a brief explanation and chart The stimulus plan includes tax cred- For more info about the Service incorporated in June of 2000. to help contractors who need the its for 30% of the taxpayer’s cost for Roundtable visit the company’s web- information, but are too busy to dig qualified improvements, up to $1,500. site at www.ServiceRoundtable.com. Geothermal heating & cooling technology poised to support economic recovery WASHINGTON — The federal economic efficiency rebate program would be stimulus package is intended to cre- $4.8 million over the course of a year. ate and save 3.6 million jobs and Every geothermal heat pump jump-start the economy with eco- requires 24 hours of manufacturing nomic recovery tax cuts and targeted labor and 32 hours of installation labor. investments. In addition to putting Small businesses involved in the instal- money back in the pockets of con- lation include heating and air-condi- The Labor Saving, Easy to Install sumers and businesses, the package tioning contractors, electricians, also includes provisions that will help plumbers and drilling machine opera- Contractor-Friendly Products from achieve long-term goals, such as tors. These businesses have the capac- ® Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. improving energy efficiency in both ity and technical skills to begin the public and private sectors. installing green geothermal technology The Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® contractor-friendly Among those provisions, the plan in more homes immediately. products are designed with the contractor in mind. A. calls for a disbursement of $6.9 billion Reduced Carbon Footprint. In These products are designed to save time, require E. to state and local governments for addition to creating jobs, a rebate pro- less manpower, and make the contractor’s job energy efficiency upgrades and the gram and the ensuing installation of easier. reduction of carbon emissions, which geothermal heat pumps would cut an ® A. The Labor Saver Fixture Support M B. amounts to an average of $100 mil- average four metric tons of carbon B. Jubilee Twis-To-Floor® F. lion to each state. By investing a por- emissions per year per unit, due to the Cleanout tion of this $100 million in rebates or high energy efficiency of geothermal C. The Guardian Dual D. low interest loans to homeowners heat pump technology. This means Check Hydrant who replace their old fossil fuel or that for the average unit life of 24.4 D. Protective Cover Floor Drain Top I. electric furnaces with geothermal years, 97.6 metric tons of emissions N E. Carousel® Roof Drain C. G. heat pumps, the country would defi- could be eliminated over the lifetime F. M54 Closet Support J. H. nitely make progress toward the goals of each unit, and 234,240 tons over G. The Lightweight Enviro-Flo® Trench Drain Series of the stimulus package. States that the lifetime of every 2,400 units sold H. Rante-Arrow Channel Chair K. have invested in similar programs through a state rebate program. I. Double Arrow Channel Chair were able to create hundreds of A recent paper published by Oak L. J. The Boss Tee, Cleanout and Test Tee “green collar jobs” while significantly Ridge National Laboratory estimated K. Smith+Gard Protective Cover increasing energy efficiency and that aggressive deployment of geother- L. Siphonic Roof Drain reducing carbon emissions. mal heat pumps could achieve 35 to M. Combination Roof and Overﬂow Drain Green Jobs. An additional state 40% of a recommended carbon reduc- N. Floor Drain with FORM-IT Installation Device $2,000 rebate on the purchase of a tion path for the U.S. building sector. geothermal heat pump — or the avail- Economic Recovery. The stimulus To learn more, go to Contractor-Friendly Products ability of low interest loans — could package funding is critical to a U.S. at www.jrsmith.com. generate an additional 200 heat pump heating and air-conditioning industry sales every month in a typical state, that has been hit hard by the reces- or 2,400 geothermal heat pump unit sion. The collapse of the residential sales at the end of the first year. new construction market and the lack Furthermore, every 18 heat pump of consumer financing have slammed installations can create one new job. the industry over the past two years, By the end of the first year that means and heating system sales were down 133 new green collar jobs can be cre- to levels not seen since 1970. ated (2,400 units divided by 18 instal- Geothermal heat pumps are built lations per job). At $2,000 per unit, by manufacturers in the United States Circle 7 on Reader Reply Card the total cost of a job creation/energy at domestic plants in nine states.

Phc News — APRIL 2009 INDUSTRY MOVERS 11 Join

Sloan Valve Co. appoints director, Rinnai Corp. announces appoint- international business ments; sales group reorganization The FRANKLIN PARK, ILL. — Sloan Valve PEACHTREE CITY, GA. — Rinnai Company announced the appoint- Corporation, a gas appliance manu- ment of Ted Garcia as director, facturer and tankless water heater International Business. Garcia will manufacturer, announced the com- manage all interna- pletion of an internal reorganization Green tional market devel- within its sales division. Under the opment and direct a new structure, sales management worldwide network responsibilities fall under three prod- of sales representa- uct groups (heating, water heating tives. The announce- and hearth) and five regional areas. ment was made by Appointed by general manager Phil Scene John Aykroyd, vice Weeks, three existing managers have president of Business Garcia been tabbed to lead Rinnai’s reorga- Development. nized areas as area managers: Taylor Bradley names regional Shaw, former Southern California branch manager; Garry Porter, former sales manager Florida branch manager; and Rod MENOMONEE FALLS, WIS. — Bradley Travis former Texas branch manager. Corp. announced the appointment of Rounding out this group is newly hired Steve Henry as the company’s new Northeast regional sales manager Gary Western regional sales John. All report to Paul Sellers, who manager for Division has been promoted to director of sales. 10 products. Kirk Morrow, in his new role as Henry has worked at director of business development, will Bradley for six years oversee the expanded heating prod- in its Strategic ucts and commercial groups, as well Accounts Group and as Rinnai’s restructured residential brings product knowl- group and its newly hired Eastern Henry edge and sales exper- sales manager-residential business tise to the traditional development, Buddy Lamana. side of Bradley’s business. Heading the hearth products division will be Charles Collison. Ron Hunter HTP announces sales; will continue to oversee the entire operations posts sales and marketing team as vice EAST FREETOWN, MASS. — Heat Transfer president of sales and marketing. Products (HTP) president Dave Martin announced two key B & I Contractors names appointments to the plumbing manager company’s executive FORT MYERS, FLA. — B & I Contractors management team. promotes Joseph F. Hubner to plumb- Todd Romig, head of ing department manager. Hubner is a HTP operations since third-generation journeyman plumb- TM December 2007, has ing contractor with 24 years of New WatcoFlex Bath Waste been appointed vice plumbing experience in both residen- president of sales and Lyons tial & commercial markets. Hubner ...installs faster/easier marketing, while Jon has been with B & I since 2005 as a Lyons has succeeded him as vice pres- plumbing project manager. He holds Special patent pending PVC flexible tubing. Eliminates ident of operations. licenses and certifications: NYC four field joints. Innovator™ overflow parts Stiebel Eltron announces regional Master Plumber License; FL assemble by hand. No screws. Approved by IAPMO. Plumbing License; Florida Certified sales manager appointments Plumbing Contractor; Green It’s green. You’ll get used to seeing it. WEST HATFIELD, MASS. — Doug Belden Plumber; Medical-Gas certification; Just ask your wholesaler recently was named Western regional and backflow prevention. sales manager for Stiebel Eltron. Belden was formerly Mr. Rooter promotes manager; with Ferguson hires franchise consultant Enterprises and has WACO, TEXAS — The Mr. Rooter over 15 years experi- Corporation announced the promo- ence in the plumb- tion of Beth Dobkin to manager of ing/HVAC mechanical technical services and the addition of arena. Bobbi Sullivan to its franchise consul- WATCO MANUFACTURING COMPANY Glenn Issac is the tant team. 1220 South Powell Road, Eastern regional Belden A 25-year veteran of the plumbing Independence, MO 64057-2724 sales manager for industry, Dobkin joined Mr. Rooter as Stiebel Eltron. He was formerly with a franchise systems manager in 2005. Phone 816-796-3900 • FAX 816-796-0875 Bosch as national account manager In her new role, Dobkin is responsible A Division of WCM Industries, Inc. and Eastern regional sales manager, for training and development, techni- and has over 20 years of tankless cal and franchisee support as well as water heater experience. vendor relations. Circle 8 on Reader Reply Card 12 INDUSTRY NEWS Phc News — APRIL 2009

Mestek names regional manager and was promoted to O’Dowd Plumbing unveils hydronics showroom WESTFIELD, MASS. — Mestek, Inc. a variety of positions announced that John Looes has been in the Flordia mar- SAN BRUNO, CALIF. — O’Dowd offers visitors both a visual and appointed Mid-Atlantic regional sales ket, including out- Plumbing announced the grand open- hands-on experience to help under- manager for distribu- side sales associate, ing of its one-of-a-kind, hands-on stand how this increasingly popular, tor products. In his branch manager and hydronics heating showroom. The and green, technology works. new position, Looes sales manager. “I company hosted a San Bruno For over 35 years, O’Dowd will oversee the com- look forward to help- Chamber of Commerce mixer at its Plumbing has offered excellent ser- pany’s sales efforts ing continue the suc- Peelver facilities with San Bruno Mayor, Larry vice and quality products for design for Hydrotherm, RBI, cess Evansville has Franzella, officiating at the ribbon- and installation of both hydronic Smith, Ray, Sterling enjoyed over the last few years,” said cutting ceremony. heating and plumbing systems. and Beacon Morris. Peelver. The hydronics showroom features O’Dowd Plumbing was established Looes rejoins Mestek Looes Rotobrush hires industry veteran working models of hydronic heating in 1973, in Europe, then relocated to following eight years systems, including various radiant in- the Bay Area in 1986 and began ser- of experience with a manufacture’s GRAPEVINE, TEXAS — Rotobrush floor and under-floor options. vice locally. rep organization. International LLC, a leader in Visitors can see how the system Over the past several years, all indoor air quality and energy effi- works and feel how the heat radiates members of the O’Dowd family work- Ferguson names general manager ciency solutions, announced the through various flooring materials, ing in the field have earned the title NEWPORT NEWS, VA. — Brian Peelver addition of Clint Harris, a 13-year including tile, hardwood, concrete — accredited GreenPlumbers®. was recently promoted to general Lennox veteran, as its vice presi- and carpet. The showroom also fea- Those interested in visiting the manager for the Evansville, Ind. dent of business services, responsi- tures other hydronic equipment and showroom should call O’Dowd Ferguson branch. Peelver began his ble for building the business coach- applications, including panel radia- Plumbing at 650/952-6578 for an career with Ferguson in 1999 as a ing and business services areas of tors and a towel warmer. appointment or visit www.odowd management trainee in Naples, Fla., the business. The showroom is unique in that it plumbing.com.

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Circle 10 on Reader Reply Card 14 INDUSTRY NEWS Phc News — APRIL 2009

Energy, education get top billing at NAOHSM In brief Uponor opens sustainable HERSHEY, PA. — This year’s National offer. The afternoon session has been http://www.naohsm.org/trade_show.cfm. distribution center Association of Oilheating Service designed to help those that already own There you will find photos of the pre- LAKEVILLE, MINN. — Uponor, provider of Managers (NAOHSM) show — held on the software become more proficient senters along with outlines of the radiant floor heating and cooling, plumb- May 17-21 in Hershey, Pa., — will with it. Also in the afternoon, sit in on class. While you are there, also regis- ing and fire safety systems, recently cover topics such as the stimulus pack- an outdoor reset roundtable session. ter yourself and your staff. As an opened its new 285,000-square-foot dis- age, energy and education. Tuesday & Wednesday — You pick. added bonus, most classes earn NORA tribution center. On Monday, May 18, management There will be classes that focus on and NATE CEUs, and all classes are free The new building, which houses professionals can take a Manual J saving energy for our customers, thanks to our many sponsors of edu- Uponor’s primary North American distri- Software class. The morning will be updates on bioheat, geothermal, cation. geared toward those that have an chimneys, new and emerging tech- And for those that want to kick back understanding of basic load calcula- nologies for the oil heat industry, and enjoy a Travelogue of heating tions — those considering purchasing solar, ECM motors, and more. To get an ’round the world — join Dan Holohan software or those who understand the idea of the classes you’d like to on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. capabilities this type of software has to attend, visit our convention page For details, visit www.naohsm.org.

Free GreenPlumbers seminar offered information about the innovative GreenPlumbers® program. at PA-PHCC & NJ-PHCC trade show Patrick Scheper, and his wife Sue bution operations, is applying for HARRISBURG, PA. — The highly- one-day trade show is scheduled from have completed all five Green LEED® certification and features many acclaimed GreenPlumbers® series of Noon until 4:00 p.m. on May 15, 2009. Plumbers USA workshops and are sustainable building solutions, including environmental courses will be high- Certified GreenPlumbers instructor actively taking their company green. Uponor’s own radiant floor heating and lighted at the 6th Annual Pennsylvania Patrick Scheper will conduct the sem- In addition to being a Certified cooling in the office areas, as well as and New Jersey PHCC one-day trade inar from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Instructor, Pat is licensed with Green snow and ice melting in the sidewalks show. The venue this year is the Split and also will be available at the booth, Plumbers USA and he is a member of and dock ramps. Rock Resort and Conference Center, in the Galleria Exhibit Hall, to answer the Maryland PHCC. For more info, on Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania. The questions and provide additional www.paphcc.com. T&S Brass U.S. facility converts to Eco Brass quick delivery of our products. The TRAVELERS REST, S.C. — T&S Brass, a Liberty Pumps: Proudly growing in America new expansion features a reconfigura- manufacturer of plumbing and foodser- BERGEN, N.Y.— With bad news afflicting the manufacturing process. These tion of many of the manufacturing vice equipment, announces that its U.S. so much of America’s manufacturing efficiencies directly impact our cus- areas to further enhance these effi- facility has converted to Eco Brass (lead- sector, there are still some bright spots tomers — both in helping to reduce ciencies,” said Randall Waldron, vice free) alloy. Effective January 1, 2010, coming right here, from the U.S. the cost of our products and to assure president of sales and marketing. products manufactured from the U.S. plumbing industry. Liberty Pumps, facility will meet new lead reduction leg- based in rural upstate New York, is islation set forth by California Assembly expanding amid the current economic Bill 1953 (AB1953). downturn. It recently held an open house celebrating its new building UL participating in studies to expansion — one that more than dou- establish testing requirements bled its current size. The additional NORTHBROOK, ILL. — Underwriters space provides added manufacturing Laboratories (UL) announced that it will areas for new products, increased establish its testing protocols for low- warehouse space and a significant level lead compliance with California upgrade and expansion of the engineer- Assembly Bill 1953 (AB 1953) based on ing area used in product development. the results of the round-robin study Liberty Pumps has a history of inno- currently being conducted to validate vation and aggressive product develop- the testing protocol for inclusion in ment. The company produces such Annex G of ANSI/NSF Standard 61. trademark names as the SumpJet®, UL has been actively engaged with SumpBox®, Omnivore® Grinder, V- The building expansion allows Liberty added manufacturing areas for new products, both the State of California and the Slice® cutter technology, PRO- increased warehouse space and expansion of the engineering area. industry to determine what protocols, Series™ ejectors and QuickTree® including Annex G, will be accepted by float technology. Recent additions to the State. UL is an active member of the the product line include larger FL- LENOX kicks off HACKMAN World Tour ANSI/NSF Standard 61 Lead Task Group Series effluent pumps and the newly EAST LONGMEADOW, MASS. — LENOX, a strate the extreme strength of the that developed Annex G. Completion of released LEH-Series sewage pumps. manufacturer of premium power tool LENOX T2 Technology with a trade- the round-robin study is anticipated in With a proud heritage of being an accessories, hand tools, torches, sol- mark vehicle cut appropriate for each the next two to three months. independent, family-owned business, der and band saw blades, announces location, including a double-decker Liberty takes its service levels seri- the 2009 HACKMAN World Tour. Lee bus in the UK, a Zamboni in Canada, PSI celebrates 10 years ously. A live voice answers the phone “HACKMAN” Breton is hitting the road and a Jeepney in the Philippines. ST. LOUIS — Plumbers’ Success instead of an automated system, to spread the word about the new In support of the tour, LENOX is International (PSI), an organization orders are shipped in 24 to 48 hours LENOX T2 Blade Technology™ on launching cutsomething.com. The devoted to providing residential plumb- and custom EPS job quotes are provid- reciprocating saw blades and hacksaw site takes you on a virtual tour of the ing contractors with the proven manage- ed the same day. Its lean manufactur- blades. LENOX factory where you can learn ment systems, turnkey marketing, training environment reduces costs - keep- Throughout 2009, HACKMAN will be about the new LENOX T2 Technology ing, and buying clout that leads to free- ing Liberty competitive and allowing traveling the globe making stops all through videos, demos and sampling. dom of time, market dominance and resources to be put into value-added around the US, South America, The site also allows you to follow financial independence, recently cele- areas of the company. “Material flow Europe, Asia and Canada. At each HACKMAN around the world as he sets brated 10 years in the industry. and efficiency are key to streamlining stop along the way, he will demon- out on the HACKMAN World Tour. 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DIAGNOSTICS PRESSING PIPE & TUBE TOOLS DRAIN MAINTENANCE POWER TOOLS 16 INDUSTRY NEWS Phc News — APRIL 2009

QSC Power Meeting fosters learning opportunities In brief

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. — Opportunities Maximizing Profits.” Also, $10,000 Cooling, Inc., Des Moines, Iowa, and 2009 UPC & UMC designated do exist in bad economic cycles, mem- was raised for Challenge Air for Kids Tina Hedrick, Ray A. Shaffer Inc., as American National Standards bers of Quality Services Contractors and Friends (www.challengeair.com), Schwenksville, Pa., were elected to ONTARIO, CALIF. — The American (QSC) learned at a March 18-21 Power the 6th year QSC has raised funds for the QSC Board of Trustees. National Standards Institute (ANSI) Meeting. A wide range of experts urged the not-for-profit organization that • Roger Fouche, Schaal Heating & announced the 2009 editions of the QSC to take the time in down econom- offers motivational, inspirational and Cooling, Inc., Des Moines, Iowa, was Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC©) and ic times to prepare for the upturn. life-changing experiences to physical- named 2008 Contractor of the Year. Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC©), devel- Whether it’s practicing smart market- ly challenged children and youth • Brian Williams, Ashton Service oped by IAPMO using an ANSI-accredited ing, undertaking strong sales efforts or through aviation. Group, Vancouver, BC, was named consensus process and released on considering new forms of business Other highlights of the meeting: 2008 Humanitarian of the Year. technology, now is the perfect time to • David Singleton, David R. • Keith Bienvenu, Bienvenu get ready for better times. Singleton Inc., Manchester, Mass., Brothers Enterprises, Metaire, La., Many more timely business man- was elected QSC Chair. Doug Santoro, received the QSC Founders’ Award. agement tips were exchanged during General Plumbing Inc., West Palm The next QSC Power Meeting will be the meeting, themed “Lean Business Beach, Fla., was elected vice chair. July 16-18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Practices: Operating Efficiently & • Roger Fouche, Schaal Heating & For more info, visit www.qsc-phcc.org.

Bell & Gossett lends hand on ‘This Old House’ Mestek Inc. partners with Sweeney-Rogers MORTON GROVE, ILL. — ITT and its heating products, including Bell long-time representative, Wallace Gossett 3-Speed NRF® wet rotor cir- WESTFIELD, MASS. — Mestek Inc., a man- Eannace Associates of Long Island, culators and McDonnell Miller’s RB- ufacturer of over 30 specialty heating, N.Y., recently provided both Bell 122 low water cutoffs, were donated ventilating and air conditioning prod- Gossett hydronic heating pumps and to the This Old House New York City ucts, announced a new sales partnership accessories and McDonnell Miller boil- project by ITT and Wallace Eannace. with the Sweeney-Rogers Corp., head- March 1, have been awarded designation er controls to the Emmy-winning PBS Other ITT products donated included quartered in Raynham, Mass. as American National Standards. This Under this new partnership, Sweeney- home improvement series, “This Old Bell Gossett Check-Trol® isolation marks the third time the UPC and UMC House.” The products were used in the valves, Circuit Setter® balancing Rogers will become the manufacturer’s have earned the designation. rep for Smith cast iron boilers residential renovation of a Brooklyn brownstone, valves, expansion tanks, reducing ANSI accreditation signifies that the the first-ever New York City project in valves, differential bypass valves, an and commercial products and also the procedures used by standards setting Petite, Kompak, Suntemp and Heatrim the show’s 30-year history. The 1904 EAS® enhanced air separator and a organizations such as IAPMO meet the Renaissance Revival townhouse was a PSH primary/secondary header. hydronic baseboard radiation offerings. Institute's requirements for openness, former rooming house that will be Randy and Erik Gitli of Aladdin Their representative territory includes balance, consensus and due process. transformed into a three-family home. Plumbing Heating of Brooklyn, N.Y. Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, This process brings together volunteers A total of 15 different hydronic installed the heating system. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode representing a variety of viewpoints and Island and upstate N.Y. interests to achieve consensus on Travelers Risk Control launches TravSources plumbing and mechanical practices. search functionality. The UPC and UMC are the only plumbing SAINT PAUL — Travelers has launched to industry-specific risk management Travelers is offering customers and and mechanical codes of practice to be an enhanced Risk Control Web site tools for the construction industry. The agents Construction TravSources, a named American National Standards. (www.travelers.com/riskcontrol) offer- site features additional Web-based collection of safety and risk manage- ing customers and agents easier access Industry TravSourcesSM and improved ment resources dedicated to help con- Ferguson receives McElroy tractors meet today's risk management President’s Award and safety challenges. Customers can NEWPORT NEWS, VA. — Ferguson, a leading Get ready for stainless steel scratch repair training access resources on contracts/contrac- distributor of industrial pipe, valves and CARLSBAD, CALIF. — Ron Ford and Barry effective solution for scratch removal tual risk transfer, OSHA 1926 safety and fittings, recently received the President’s Feinman have teamed up to bring the verses replacing an expensive part.” associated training topics, fleet safety Award from McElroy, a world leader in now proven and industry standard The Institute of Applied for both non-regulated and regulated pipe fusion equipment. The 2008 custom process for repairing stainless steel to Restoration Technology, Inc. (iART) fleets and building green. With the Waterford vase was awarded for out- the world with the goal of training and was launched in late 2008 to bring availability of TravSources, customers standing achievement in the high density certifying thousands of technicians, innovative surface restoration tech- and agents will now be able to take polyethylene (HDPE) industry. The award small business owners and service nologies, like Scratch-B-Gone, to advantage of helpful risk management was unveiled last month during a cere- providers in the Scratch-B-Gone commercial, institutional and resi- guides, sample safety programs and mony at Ferguson’s headquarters. Stainless steel restoration system. dential consumers by training and training that can help reduce expo- The Scratch-B-Gone system has certifying a worldwide network of sures and potential loss. Kohler named ‘associate been available as a product for a few The Travelers Companies, Inc. is a of the year’ by surface years and has achieved significant leading property casualty insurer sell- fabricators group recognition and acceptance by the ing primarily through independent KOHLER, WIS. — Kohler Co., a global majority appliance manufacturers. agents and brokers. Travelers under- leader in kitchen and bath design and “We recommend using Scratch-B- stands that life and business are inher- technology, recently received the Gone, a product that over the last six ently dynamic and to serve customers Associate of the Year Award, presented months has shown a tremendous best is to deliver insurance in-synch by the International Surface Fabricators response from our customers,” said with evolving risks. The company’s Association (IFSA) for its support of the Mark Bledsoe, technical services diverse business lines offer its global kitchen countertop industry. The 2009 manager at BSH Home Appliances customers a wide range of coverage in ISFA Associate of the Year award was pre- Corporation. “We’ve had customers technicians in the art and science of the auto, home and business settings. sented to Kohler Co. for its strong sup- call us back to thank us for the rec- surface restoration. iART’s courses and To access the new features, visit port of the decorative surfacing industry, ommendation, and genuinely appre- certification programs are available at travelers.com/riskcontrol and log in as well as proactive efforts to promote the ciate that we provided a simple and www.iartpros.com. to the Risk Control Customer Portal. interests of IFSA fabricators. ECAST™ Products from Chicago Faucets ECAST, from Chicago Faucets, is the line of durable, high-quality brass faucets that are designed and manufactured with less than one quarter of one percent (0.25%) total lead content by weighted average. 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Conservation & Sustainability Chicago Faucets commitment to water conservation and sustainability is highlighted. The brochure focuses on Chicago Faucets’ extensive product offering of components and fixtures designed to assist in maximizing water conservation. Selecting low-consumption, energy saving Chicago Faucet products as new or replacement fittings can help earn green building rating points toward a facility’s LEED certification. Circle 38 on Reader Reply Card Chicago Faucets Metering Faucets Metering faucets prevent faucet run-on while providing added safety and ease of operation. Available in both mixing and non-mixing designs, Chicago Faucets durable metering faucets and the adjustable MVP™ cartridge, allow you to control the run-time of water flow, for conservation savings you can count on. Chicago Faucets metering faucets can also help earn water efficiency credits toward LEED® certification.

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For a free ™ Chicago Faucets’ Lasts as long as the building catalog CD presenting our Since 1901, our goal has been to provide the highest quality commercial entire line, call 800/323-5060 or faucets available. This commitment to quality is why many of our products, circle the number Cartridge Brochure Tells below on the installed decades ago, continue to function as well as they did the day reader service card. the Inside Story they were installed - truly lasting as long as the building. Chicago Faucets has developed a With over 500 standard products and the know-how to custom build cartridge brochure designed to faucets to your exact needs, you can count on us to cover virtually any tell the story of the heart of our commercial or institutional application you face. And you can install our products with confidence knowing that every faucet we manufacture is faucets. An overview of cartridge www.chicagofaucets.com built with a consistent purpose – to last for years to come. 800/323-5060 categories, complemented by a listing of Chicago Faucets most popular cartridges, is included. While there are imitations, there is no substitute for the quality of a genuine Chicago Faucets Cartridge. Circle 36 on Reader Reply Card Circle 12 on Reader Reply Card 18 CHOLUMNSEATING HELP Phc News — APRIL 2009

Balance the now with possibilities All roads lead to Ausfahrt

he Main River (and the Germans pronounce that reminded me of the show. I came upon a guy selling Grohe “Mine”) cuts the business city of Frankfurt in half, faucets. He had hundreds of them. Another guy had Tleaving the skyscrapers (some of which have radi- chrome-plated pipes for every sink in the world. A third BY DAN HOLOHAN, ant-cooling systems) on one side, and the museums and guy had used circulators. It went on like that for about a contributing writer winding streets on the other. I’ve been walking along the half-mile. It was every bit as crowded as the ISH, and Main since 1991 and have come to know the area well everyone here was ordinary. enough so that when I go into a particular bar in the old I looked under lampshades in all the rooms I entered section of Römer, the barmaid and some of the guys on the that week. In seven days, I didn’t see one compact flores- stools know my name. For me, it’s Cheers, but with much cent light. That surprised me, because for years, the esca- better beer. lators of Europe haven’t been running unless someone I was in Frankfurt last month for the ISH fair. It was my steps onto them. And in some hotels, the lights don’t come tenth visit to the world’s largest heating show, and it never on until you enter the room, but on this trip, I saw not one disappoints. Once again, it was as large as the Fourth of energy-saving light bulb. You getting this, Walmart? July, and just as spectacular. The Viessmann booth, which There was an enormous amount of solar at the show, I thought the “Best of Show,” was a total sensory experi- both photovoltaic and solar thermal. I marveled at it all, ence. They had a corner space this time and it was about and I thought about where all of this wonderful technology the size of a football field. They were using the long wall as is taking us. I thought about this as I rode the train from the screen for a series of enormous projectors that were Wiesbaden, a lovely city about an hour west of Frankfurt, constantly changing the images, some of which appeared where I was staying. You can take the S1, the S8, or the S9 to be 3-D. I couldn’t take my eyes off of it and I can’t begin train between those two cities and each runs a different to imagine what this must have cost. Within the booth, route. I took all three during that week and I watched out there was soft lighting and deep bass lines of music, such the window mile after mile. I was looking at the roofs of the as you’d hear in a spa. It put me into this calm, contem- homes and the commercial buildings. There were very few plative space, which is what, I’m sure, the Viessmann peo- solar panels on those roofs. Had I spent all my time at the ple intended. And they organized their enormous space show, I would be now be writing to you that everyone in according to the interests of the visitor. Oil over here; gas Europe is now using solar. The show blinds you in that way. It was my tenth over there; biomass in this corner, and so on. It was a cat- The radiators at the ISH come in all shapes and sizes alog come to life. They had a restaurant in the booth, of and they all make me smile. Some stream across the walls, visit to the world’s course. It wouldn’t be ISH without the beer and the like rainbows; others morph into the utility of furniture, sausages. What recession? while still others masquerade as metal animals, or stair When I first visited the ISH in ’91 and ’93, I came back rails, or room dividers. They’re all whimsical and wonder- largest heating and wrote about how our entire American world of heat- ful and they’re everywhere at the ISH. ing was about to change, and how these folks in Europe In the bar, there’s a plain panel radiator. It has an old show, and it were so far ahead of us. I was enthralled. I sat back and thermostatic radiator valve that’s seen better days, and waited for the instant change, but not much happened rusting pipes, coming and going. I saw that radiator’s rela- right away. tives in the restaurants, the stores, the hotels, the train never disappoints. I went back to the ISH in ’95 and returned, saying the stations, just about everywhere outside of the ISH. same thing, and I waited. Not much happened. In ’97, I Thing is, you have to go to the ISH, and then you have started to approach the show in a different way. I figured to walk away from it if you’re to understand it all. out how to learn a lot in a short time by talking to the right Flying home for eight hours, I had much time to think people. Then I spent less time at the show, and a lot more about. It occurs to me that there will long be a need in this time wandering the city of Frankfurt, and the cities near business for the ordinary things, the things that the ordi- Frankfurt. I also began to travel to other countries in nary people use. In Europe, there are laws that are much Europe, and as I rode the rails and the busses, and as I stricter than the laws we have in the U.S., and these laws moped through the winding streets of the neighborhoods, push people toward greenness and conservation. But the I watched everything, and I talked to the locals. Some people move slowly in that direction, and they don’t like speak English; others don’t. That was okay. I get by to be pushed. They’re just like us in that way, so there’s because I’m a friendly guy, and I’m interested in them. going to be a market for the ordinary things, the things People respond to that. we’ve grown used to over the years, for some years to You have to walk away from that show because it’s blind- come. You have to get away from that show to see this. ing. You have to get out into the streets and see what’s On my first trip to the ISH in ’91, I traveled with two going on. You have to find the balance point between friends and we rented a car and laughed like boys at the what’s possible and what’s actually happening right now. funny Germany signs that were everywhere. Our favorites And that’s why they know my name in that bar. I ask good were Einfahrt! and Ausfahrt! All sorts of fahrts! We questions, and I listen to the answers. laughed like schoolboys at that, and we marveled at every- March 14 was a Saturday and I was wandering along the thing we saw. museum side of the Main River, where the locals have this Einfahrt, loosely translated, means “enter,” and ausfahrt big flea market on the street. They do this every Saturday means “leave.” You’ll see these signs on all the on-ramps and I’ve wandered it a bunch of times over the years. Most and the off-ramps of Germany. To truly understand what is of the vendors just lay their wares right on the street, and going on at the ISH, you have to take both of those ramps, here you’ll find junk and a few treasures. It’s a big human but ultimately, all roads lead to Ausfahrt, and that is where stew, thick with people, and everyone was looking for bar- you’ll find the ordinary things, and the ordinary people, gains. We moved as if all our legs were chained together. It both of which will be with us for some time to come. I Boiler? Oh, I ﬁnished that hours ago.

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Not sexy, but essential An Olympic caliber relay, Part 2

ast month we talked about relays: what they are, 120V is switched through terminals 11 and 12. We use this how they work, how best to utilize them. This circuit to power the coil on our relays on terminals 7 and Lmonth I would like to build on that by looking at 2 on relays R2 and R3. With the coil now closed, we can how industry professionals from coast to coast are using highlight two functions on each relay. First, upon energiz- BY PAUL ROHRS relays in practical and creative applications. ing the coil, the NO (normally open) terminals 1 and 3 contributing writer Rocky Pavey is the owner/operator of Rocky’s Heating close and allow it to complete the circuit back to our boil- Service in Fairbanks, Alaska. Rocky uses relays with his er TT of our Lochinvar Knight boiler. This signals the call Energy Kinetics System 2000 boiler installs. Rocky stated, “The EK boiler has a ‘digital manager’ that provides power to the thermostats. It also provides power to the zone valves. Closing the zone valve kills power to the zone contacts, relying on a ‘spring return’ style zone valve to pull itself closed. If we come across a system using White Rogers 1311 or 1361 zone valves where they are ‘power open/power close,’ then we have to leave their 24-volt transformers connected. This presents possible conflict between the System 2000 digital manager’s transformer and the zone valves transformer. “We use the RIB brand, single-pole single-throw (SPST) relay to connect to the tail switch contacts of White Rogers 1311 and 1361 series zone valves. Then the output Figure 2. Illustrates how relays 1 to 3 are used and what their As with any side of the RIB becomes my thermostatic demand to the functions are. digital manager, preventing any butting heads of trans- heating former power. It keeps us from having to replace some for heat, and the boiler initiates its firing sequence to perfectly good zone valves when using the System 2000 inject heat into the system. Secondly, when the coil is or snowmelt boiler controls.” energized, relays R2 and R3 allow terminals 8 and 6 to Brad White is a highly respected engineer from Boston. switch 120V(ac) power to complete our circuit to the P6 White said, “I am partial to Veris Hawkeye current sensing and P3 circulators. system, proper relays. They are roughly sixty bucks and can be panel Now let’s look at our Knight boilers control board. With mounted or in a junction box. Some uses I have in play the Knight boiler, anytime there is a call for heat via the programming and include: interlocking combustion air fans with a clothes room stat or end switch terminals, the system pump con- dryer; make-up air fan with a cooking range hood fan; lock- tacts are engaged. Even if the domestic hot water (DHW) selection of out or enabling of pumps and/or fan coils (not running a fan circulator is used and the boiler pump drops off, the sys- until water flow is established) to prevent freeze-stat lock- tem pump contacts remain engaged until the call for heat controls is out. This allows the return temperature sensor to be satis- ends. This feature is used to our advantage by driving the fied in series, too. These are just a few of its many applica- circulators that provide heat to the heat exchangers. The essential to proper tions. Also the #735 can detect amperage spikes indicating Knight boiler system pump contacts will allow up to a 1.8 a fan belt break or sheared pump coupling.” amp draw (the larger Knight XL series has dry contacts operation. A lot of snowmelt systems use circulators with high amp that can switch up to 30 amps), but our P2 and P5 circu- draws. I use relays to isolate and protect circuits in the lators are going to draw 3.0 amps each, so use the R1 relay system when these circulators have the potential to trip to protect our system pump contacts. breakers and blow fuses. Figure 1 illustrates a two-zone As said earlier, the system pump contacts remain snowmelt system with one heat source. Figure 2 shows the engaged constantly during a call for heat, so we are going electrical schematic of the controls and boilers that are to use those contacts to close the 120V(ac) coil of our R1 relay to switch a dedicated and appropriately sized circuit (Circuit #1) to our P2 and P5 circulators. When the system pump contacts engage, it powers the coil on terminals 7 and 2 and allows our NO contacts to close so that terminals 8 and 6 safely feed the necessary power and amperage to our circulators. With the use of three DPDT relays on this job, we safely switched the necessary voltage and required amp draw to our P2 and P5 circulators, switched power to our P3 and P6 circulators and completed the low voltage circuit to Figure 1. An illustration used for piping and visual references. signal a call for heat to the boiler. As with any heating or snowmelt system, proper programming and selection of controlling this system. We can refer to Figure 1 for piping controls is essential to proper operation. Hopefully, relays and visual references and to Figure 2 for the bulk of our and their proper wiring will be second nature to you, and discussion about how relays 1 to 3 are used and what their heating contractors across the country will be using these functions are. handy and inexpensive devices to enhance their heating The Tekmar 665’s featured slab sensors (S5 and S6), systems. I when coupled with the outdoor sensors (S3 and S2), will activate the system and start melting snow through termi- Paul Rohrs welcomes your comments. Contact Paul at nals 11 and 12. When the snowmelting call for heat begins, [email protected]. Circle 14 on Reader Reply Card 22 SOLAR SOLUTIONS Phc News — APRIL 2009

Bristol’s six principles of good solar hydronic design Collector efficiency and the SRCC

have said many times that if you don’t get the first five their programs, so feel free to check it out. principles right, the last one does not matter. Yes, I am Free publications are available for download on this I speaking of the E-word, Efficiency. website. The ones that cover solar collector ratings from A BRISTOL STICKNEY, Many people use this term in casual conversation, with- to Z in PDF format are: contributing writer out understanding what it means. It is really a simple rela- 1. Summary of SRCC Certified Solar Collector and tionship between the total energy (fuel) available and the Water Heating System Ratings, a 50-page publication useful portion of it that is put to good use. Divide the use- listing the performance ratings for solar collectors and ful energy delivered by the energy available and you get systems; Efficiency, expressed as a fraction or as a percent. It is 2. Directory of SRCC Certified Solar Collector Ratings, a often abbreviated using the Greek letter Nu (η). The con- 279-page publication that includes construction and rat- fusion starts when people are not clear about what is avail- ing information on certified solar collectors. able or how much is useful. Even worse is when they con- There is also a lot of information on solar water heater system ratings, which I hope to cover in more detail in the Efficiency is calculated by dividing the future. “useful energy out” by the “energy available.” Efficiency vs. Effectiveness Effectiveness has more to do with user satisfaction and In the case of the solar heat collector, with how well the equipment does its job. This includes the energy available is the solar radiation everything that the owner needs in order to feel satisfied Rating and labeling with the equipment, including the cost-effectiveness and that arrives at the collector aperture. comfort temperatures. When we succeed in providing have become more solar heating components that are effective, the owners fuse Effectiveness with Efficiency, such as the fellow that have little to complain about. Be aware, however, that the important to recently told me that his flat plate solar collectors get boil- owner’s perception may be mistaken, as in the example I ing hot, so they must be really efficient. mentioned earlier. The fellow that commented how “effi- installers and To add to the confusion, the thermal efficiency of a solar cient” his collectors must be, because they got boiling heat collector is not static: It changes as the operational hot, was actually being fooled by an impressively high conditions change. This can make a fair comparison of temperature that he thought should be very effective. owners in recent one collector to another really difficult, since panels come On the contrary, the general rule is that a cool collec- in different sizes, are made of different materials and can tor is an efficient collector. When the collector stays cool years, since this be used in countless different climates and temperature on a sunny day, it means that the solar heat is being car- applications. Clearly there is a need for a standard way of ried away by the coolant and is not building up in the col- is now required testing and comparing solar heat collectors and, in the lector. In fact, extremely hot collectors quite often indi- United States, that standard is maintained by the Solar cate a coolant pump failure, with a corresponding collec- for the solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC). Let’s take a tor efficiency of zero. closer look at collector efficiency and the vast repository Efficiency is calculated by dividing the “useful energy equipment to qualify of solar collector data that is the SRCC. out” by the “energy available.” In the case of the solar heat collector, the energy available is the solar radiation that for solar tax The SRCC arrives at the collector aperture. This can change from The Solar Rating and Certification Corporation is our national solar heating test facility. It was founded in 1980 New products entering the credits in the U.S. as a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is development and implementation of certification programs U.S. market must submit to and national rating standards for solar energy equipment. They administer a certification, rating and labeling pro- SRCC testing, or they will not qualify gram for solar collectors and a similar program for com- for most solar subsidy programs. plete solar water heating systems. (We will cover complete systems in a future article.) The rating and labeling have become more important to installers and owners in recent moment to moment, with passing clouds and other shad- years, since this is now required for the solar equipment to ing conditions. The useful energy out is the net thermal qualify for solar tax credits in the U.S. The labels them- energy embodied in the hot fluid (coolant) leaving the col- selves can be useful when making an energy performance lector outlet pipe. A cold outdoor air temperature sur- comparison, since they show a standard performance rat- rounding the collector tends to draw more heat out of it, ing similar to those found on appliances and cars. so cold ambient temperatures can lower the useful energy The SRCC database is the one place where all these rat- delivered. ings can be found side by side for an easy and useful com- When this situation is boiled down mathematically, it parison. This information is free on the SRCC website at turns out that there are only three things you need to www.solar-rating.org and includes a complete list of all the know to evaluate the collector efficiency for any heating test results for all the collector manufacturers available on application: the U.S. market. New products entering the U.S. market How hot is the fluid you want to heat? (Ti), must submit to SRCC testing, or they will not qualify for How cold is it outdoors? (Ta), most solar subsidy programs. The list is regularly updated; How sunny is it (I)? new products are listed as their testing is completed. The So the Collector Efficiency (η) is directly linked to these SRCC website does a good job of explaining themselves and (Turn to Efficiency’s...Page 52.) solar

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Circle 15 on Reader Reply Card 24 BARE BONES BIZ Phc News — APRIL 2009

Fix your financials Do the math…Raise your prices

subscribe to Fortune Small Business magazine. In a Equity. It’s your responsibility to KNOW where you stand. recent issue, columnist Jay Goltz wrote an article If you have been lax about understanding your financials, Icalled “Do the Math.” He described a friend’s business I suggest that you step up. Verify that the Balance Sheet is this way… current and accurate. I call this getting to KFP…a KNOWN ELLEN ROHR, “My friend was running something of a Ponzi scheme, financial position. You may need some help if you don’t contributing writer except that he was conning himself instead of clients.” understand the Balance Sheet….or if it looks like a slinky- The article illustrated how you can fool yourself (and knot mess of numbers and dollars. Have a sit down with your banker!) into thinking you have assets when it’s all your bookkeeper and accountant and go line by line down just a house of cards. I have seen lots of balance sheets the Balance Sheet and ask, “What is in this account? Is it built on faulty accounting. If you are starting to sweat, right? How can we verify it?” read on. You can fix your financials and you can turn (BTW, at www.barebonesbiz.com, I am giving away free around a bad financial situation…if you are willing to pdf copies of my book, “Where Did the Money Go?” This apply some bare bones business basics. book helps you understand basic accounting terms and reports. It can help you get a better understanding of the Bare Bones Biz basics… Balance Sheet and the Income Statement.) In business, there is ultimately one financial Make sure the Balance Sheet is right. Then, take a look Scorecard: The Balance Sheet. Every other financial at the numbers. If you have more Liabilities than Assets, report is a subset of the Balance Sheet. This is the you are going backwards. You’ll have a negative Equity bal- Balance Sheet equation… ance. You may be able to fix it. The long-term fix address- Assets = Liabilities + Equity es the reason you got in trouble in the first place. You have Assets = Claims on the Assets. This equation is in line to charge more than it costs. And you have to have enough with the universal law: what goes around comes around. Sales at the right price to cover all expenses and make a “My friend was run- Or, for every action there is a reaction. It’s how we keep profit. You might be able to borrow more money and you financial score in the game of business. may be tempted to put more of your own money into the ning something of a Warren Buffet’s Rules for Business… company. You might even entice an investor to infuse I love Warren Buffet. The guy makes money the bare some cash. However, the only way to create wealth is to bones basic way. He builds companies that make profits. generate profits. Ponzi scheme, except Here are his rules for business… Protect the Assets. The assets are your “stuff.” — what Profits solve lots of problems you have. The first financial objective is to protect the Chances are good that you have been undercharging that he was conning wealth you have. your customers. Chances also are very good that you Grow the Assets. The second financial objective is to could improve your sales, communications, marketing himself instead of expand the “stuff.” Grow cash and other Assets. and operational systems. You could improve each of That’s the game! Let’s look at the three ways that you these areas of your business. You could start generating can grow Assets. 10 or 20% profitability; that can solve a lot of financial clients.” Through Liabilities. You can borrow money. When you problems. buy a new truck, and get a loan for that truck, Assets go Here’s a list of action items that can turn things around up and the Liability (a loan) goes up. Note that there is at your company: “good” debt…and “debilitating” debt. It can make sense to • Put a Biz Plan together. Think about what you want grow using debt (buying a truck is a good example), but it and write it down. If you really don’t want to be in the gets crazy when you are putting payroll on your credit business you are in, you don’t have to keep doing it. If you card. do, take inspired action to move you in the direction of Through Owner Investment. You can put your own what you want. Think and act. money into the company. Perhaps when you got started • Let go of the people who are sucking the life out of you, you wrote a check from your personal checking account and money out of the business. You know who they are. and opened up your business checking account. Assets go • Get to KFP. You gotta know. up and Owner’s Investment (an Equity account) goes up. • Collect old Accounts Receivable or write it off. Get Again, this may be required to get up and running, but the real. idea of building a business is to create wealth for you — • Put a Budget together. Set financial goals and come up not to reduce your personal fortune. (Reminds me of the with a reasonable selling price. joke, “How do you become a millionaire? Start with $10 • Review the Budget and put real salaries, benefits and million dollars…and open your own business.”) operating expenses in. Add some padding for debt reduc- Through Profits. Sell stuff for more than it costs and tion and things you don’t see coming. Come up with a bet- create profits. Assets go up and Net Income goes up. This ter selling price. year’s profits show up in the Equity section of your • Put a debt reduction plan in place and implement an Balance Sheet. When you lose money — sell stuff for less auto-withdrawal debt reduction payment. Work out pay- than it costs you — Equity goes down and Assets go down. ment plans with your creditors. That’s the elegant, beautiful, sometimes horrible truth of • Adopt a “Take their money now” policy and get paid the Balance Sheet. when you do the work. Don’t take credit cards? Get it set up. You are not in the business of loaning money. Are you winning or losing the game? • Job Cost the big jobs and update your bidding proce- Take a look at your Balance Sheet. Go line by line down dures. Make sure you have enough hours in the jobs you each account. Do you know what each account repre- sell, and that your install crew is trained and equipped to sents? Find out. These are your Assets, Liabilities and (Turn to Bare Bones Biz, Page 30.)

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Circle 16 on Reader Reply Card 26 PLUMBING BUSINESS Phc News — APRIL 2009

Honesty never fails The value of integrity

ntegrity is defined by Webster’s as “moral soundness, business. They allow the other four types to post their opin- probity — wholeness, completeness — the quality or ions about your company on their Internet websites. Their Istate of being unimpaired.” Therefore, when someone is trashy posted opinions are often based in the fantasy mind unethical, dishonest and flawed in any quantity, that person of a misanthrope who lacks common decency. More often RICHARD DiTOMA L.M.P., does not have integrity. There is no such thing as partial than not, their twisted views lack total veracity. Most, if not contributing writer integrity. You’re either honest or you are dishonest. all, of the people offering their scrutiny of your business No one wants to deal with an unethical dishonest person. hide behind the anonymity of an assumed Internet name. Yet, it is inevitable that we all will come in contact with that type of person from time to time. Some people tell you they The truth shall set you free are fond of you. Then, behind your back, they tear you to People who speak truthfully are entitled to enjoy freedom pieces when speaking with others about you. of speech. Those who slander and/or libel while maliciously In business, you probably have, or certainly will, run into injuring others and their businesses should be taken to task. consumers, other contractors, and in some instances, your Freedom of speech does not include freedom to lie, espe- own employees who are mean-spirited miserable dirt bags. cially in a spiteful manner. In their own selfish minds they will step on anyone to get Before you begin taking people to court you should con- what they want. sider the financial and time-consuming expense you will incur. You must understand that you have no control over Types of people without integrity the stupid malicious actions of others. But, you do control The following describes the different types of malicious your own decisions. people without integrity that you as a contractor will You can avoid the costs of bringing litigation by develop- inevitably encounter. ing the ability to interact with people in a fashion that lets Type 1: Consumers from Hell. The CFH spend your them know you are intelligent, honest, ethical and fair. resources. They often don’t allow you to recover the costs Armed with integrity, you can put protocols into your busi- There is no such of those resources and/or make a profit. The CFH are a ness, which will help you avoid most potential problems. main source of your stress and frustrations. Some have the However, if you think you possess these traits but don’t, unmitigated audacity to agree to your prices, terms and you’ll only exacerbate any problem that arises. thing as partial conditions before you start to perform a proposed service for them because they want it done now and you are avail- Protocols that avoid problems integrity. You’re able to do it within their requested time period. Then after Protocol 1: Use Contract Pricing not Time & Material the job is done and they have enjoyed the excellent perfor- Pricing: The first problem many contractors give them- mance you delivered to them, they complain about those selves is charging customers on a time and material basis. either honest or you prices, terms or conditions to which they agreed before the Charging by the hour works for psychiatrists and consul- job commenced. tants because the client dictates how much of the psychia- Type 2: Ignorant Busy Bodies telling the person you ser- trist’s or consultant’s time they wish to use while knowing are dishonest. viced that “They paid too much.” This type knows nothing the rate they must pay for the time. about the true costs you incur in servicing the public in an If you utilize a T & M pricing method in your con- excellent manner, and even less about the circumstances tracting business, you take the choice of time spent away regarding the service you provided to the consumer. from the client and place it in your control. If a client Type 3: Ignorant and Machiavellian Competitors. They agreed to pay you $1,000.000.00 per hour and you per- know nothing about proper business procedures. If they formed in an excellent manner, the client still did not did, they wouldn’t say anything about anyone else’s busi- agree to how many hours for which they were willing to ness. They further fuel ill feelings by trying to make them- pay. Therein is the potential for an argument. You could selves look good in the eyes of the consumer at the cost of be accused of stretching the time. You know they will making you look bad. This type of low life often tells find an ignorant and Machiavellian competitor who untruths about you. could claim that he would have completed the task faster Types 1, 2 and 3 don’t know how to spell integrity let and/or at a lower rate. Either allegation would put your alone possess integrity. Brainless consumers with flawed integrity in a questionable state. beliefs fueled by the lies, erroneous assumptions and mis- If you use a contract pricing method, you would describe perceptions of others are blinded by greed. They cannot a task and quote a price to perform the task before com- envision the value you as a contractor with integrity deliv- mencing the task. If your client agreed to the conditions, ered to them at their request in a professional timely man- and you fulfilled your obligations under the contract in an ner in fulfillment of a contract to which they agreed. They excellent manner, the client would have no legitimate rea- are not only ignorant, they are foolish and unjust. son to contest the amount they must pay. In that instance, Type 4: Unscrupulous and Ridiculous Employees in your your integrity could not be justly questioned. (If you would company who show their lack of integrity by doing stupid like me to help you with this protocol, I can through my things or making untrue statements that are detrimental to “Profit-Ability” workshop.) your company. Besides having no integrity, this type is an Protocol 2: Don’t give phone prices for circumstances you outright moronic, disloyal person. In their attempt to look have not seen: Consumers often call contractors expecting a good, they kill the golden goose that gives them an oppor- price over the phone. Sometimes they have already had the tunity to earn a living. Some may even use your business to job performed by another contractor and are just comparing promote their own moonlighting activities. prices after the fact. Sometimes they are looking for prices Type 5: Internet Blogs and Companies. The other four before deciding to have a task performed. Either way, if you types have existed for a long time. But this type is the latest quote phone prices without seeing the conditions related potential purveyor of maliciously injurious lies about your (Turn to Keep it... Page 54.) ™ ™ ™ AutoCut Copper Tubing Cutter Gen-Ear LE Water Leak Location System. Jet-Set Clears Grease Clogs Fast. A great tool to have when you don’t have the swing The economical, simplified Gen-Ear LE pinpoints water The J-1450 electric water jet, a compact and portable room to use a conventional tubing cutter. You can cut leaks in residential and commercial water lines. It saves drain cleaning machine, uses high pressure water to copper tubing with less than one inch of clearance. you a lot of guesswork and unnecessary digging. clear drain lines clogged with grease, sand and ice. I Just snap it on the tube, close the gate And that saves you a lot of money. I Clears 1-1/2" to 4" lines of grease, and turn – no knobs to twist. I Compact amplifier provides noise free amplifi- sand and ice. I Cutter wheel is spring loaded to provide cation with built-in preset audio filters, so you I 1-1/2 hp motor drives 1500 psi, constant cutting pressure – so you won’t don't have to guess what settings to use. 1.7 gpm pump. accidentally crimp the tubing. I High performance head-phones with noise I Vibrapulse® helps the hose I AutoCut has long lasting hardened steel cancellation features block out interfer- around tight bends. cutting wheels. ence from surrounding ambient noise. I Slide-out handle makes it I Ratchet turning handle available for extra I Hard to find leaks get a boost with the easier to roll to the job. turning power in tight spaces. Sound Amplification Manifold to hear leaks by using air to pressurize the water line. I Easily removable hose reel I Available in 1/2", 3/4" and 1" sizes. to make machine more compact. Call 800-245-6200 or visit Call 800-245-6200 or visit Call 800-245-6200 www.drainbrain.com. www.drainbrain.com. or visit www.drainbrain.com. 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When working under sinks or in other awkward places, the Power-Vee is like having a third hand. Just squeeze the feed lever and three offset rollers in the automatic feed grip the cable and drive it into the line. I Handles 1/4" through 3/8" cables without any need for adjustment. I Feeds and retrieves 3/8" cables at 16 feet per minute. I Quick-change cable cartridges make cable changing clean and easy. I Flexicore® wire rope center cables have unequalled strength and the right amount of flexibility. Call 800-245-6200 or visit www.drainbrain.com.. Circle 40 on Reader Reply Card

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The Metro-Rooter is a tough root cutting machine in a compact, lightweight package, at a price that's easy on tight budgets. I Heavy-duty powder coated steel drum holds 100 ft. of 1/2" cable for inside lines, 75 ft. of 5/8" cable for roots, or 50' of 3/4" cable for tough jobs. I Power cable feed is a real labor saver. It enables you to vary feeding speed in and out of the line and give you better control when working through tough stoppages. I Self aligning Flexitube™ distributor tube reduces cable tangling. I Heavy-duty reinforced frame and drum support shaft takes rough handling in the field. Call 800-245-6200 or visit www.drainbrain.com. Circle 41 on Reader Reply Card

Circle 17 on Reader Reply Card

28 KITCHEN & BATH BUSINESS Phc News — APRIL 2009

Cascade Faucets

Navigating K/BIS 2009 — What’s new & hot with plumbing products for ’09

PETER SCHOR, here is no doubt that 2009 is going to be a chal- your showrooms, you can subscribe as a group. Anyone showroom specialist lenging year for all of us in the plumbing industry. attending K/BIS is pre-qualified for free business-to-busi- T The best advice for these tough economic times ness magazines. Make sure that you stop by the TMB includes: Cutting down on the amount of toxic repetitive Publications booth where The Wholesaler, Phc News and news that you are exposed to on TV, and by reading the Plumbing Engineer magazines are located. Many associa- newspapers — 15 minutes a day is all you need; adopt a tions attain booths in order to get closer to the show, so positive attitude and solution-oriented mind — your check their booths out. clients are asking for this. One of the fastest growing market trends — The Kitchen and Bath Industry “GREEN” still moving forward In early December, Ed S. Pell, the master market “Green design” houses are in! Things like green roofs researcher for the K & B Industry, with 35 years of expe- and geothermal heating and cooling have helped reduce rience in the K & B segment, said, “For all the scare head- energy consumption by 50%. Some great ideas for sustain- lines, 2008 turned out to be a decent year for kitchen and able (green) bathroom designs include: using low-voltage bath remodeling. Kitchen remodeling slumped about 6% to lighting; using recycled glass and ceramic floors; avoiding 7.1 million jobs, but high-end projects returned, causing cabinets with particle board; installing radiant heating in spending to climb more than 25% to over $121 billion. floors; creating baths with good ventilation; using low-flow Bath remodeling jobs dipped nearly 7%, to just over 10 fixtures/1.6 gpfs; providing good exterior lighting; million units, but spending on those jobs was up slightly installing operable windows; using a solar hot water sys- This is one of the less than 1% to $71 billion.” Yes, I know that the economy tem; using tankless hot water heaters; installing sustain- has turned dramatically downward since that date. able harvested floors; and purchasing safe cleaning products. Remember to ensure that when you are working leanest new product K/BIS 2009 — general overview — with clients that you qualify their wants/needs. Are they slimmer pickings require smarter choices. “green” or do they want to turn their shower into water years in a long K/BIS 2009 (www.kbis.com) is being held on May 1-3, slide parks and car washes? 2009 at The World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The show hours are Friday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - What’s new & hot in bath products for 2009? time... but new 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. This show Some of these products are being exhibited at K/BIS will feature 700 exhibitors covering about 400,000 square 2009; however, there are also some goodies that will not products are out feet of exhibit space within three halls (A, B and C). There be exhibited at this show but have been included below. also will be three specialty pavilions at K/BIS to help you Steam showering and air massage bathing has become focus on industry segments: Decorative Hardware (new) more popular. there on the floor. — B Hall; Natural Stone and Tile — C Hall and Cabinets Mr. Steam (www.mrsteam.com) has new spa packages — C Hall. The NKBA bookstore always has some good books that include features like: steamtherapy; aromasteam available for our bath design segment, or books that you (essential oils and herbs); chromasteam (light and can add to your showroom library. There is also NKBA color); and in-shower musictherapy speakers. Jason Center Stage, which includes CEU Credit presentations International (www.jasoninternational.com), estab- open to all attendees. The schedule of events will be avail- lished the original Jacuzzi family in 1982, has coupled able at K/BIS 2009. K/BIS 2010 is scheduled for April 16-18, air massage and whirlpool tub; chromatherapy, aro- 2010 at McCormick Place, Chicago. matherapy, self-cleaning features, digital controls and The New Product Pavilion, renamed “Best of K/BIS much more into their product family. Kohler Company 2009” has seen some improvements by increasing (www.kohler.com) introduced their Fountainhead from one kitchen and one bath award to 10 categories VibrAcoustic bath to provide unprecedented relaxation in kitchen and nine categories in bath. However, this is to their customers. This multi-sensory environment one of the leanest new product years in a long time. synchronizes music, vibration and light with water. You will have to look outside your normal vision to find Each massaging experience adds physical vibration that new and exciting products but new products are out can be adjusted to the consumers desired level of inten- there on the floor. sity, which enables them to personalize their bath experience. Diamond Spas (www.diamondspas.com) offers Magazines and associations – incredible stainless steel and copper bathtubs, as well as booths at K/BIS 2009 outdoor spas, shower pans, sinks, lavatories, pedestals, One of the greatest perks of the K/BIS Convention is the outdoor spas and water features. magazines and free subscriptions in the “business-to-business category.” Most of the magazines are not assigned a Plumbing fixtures booth until the middle of April or at show time. I would One of the most spectacular lines of luxury plumbing fix- look on the K/BIS website (www.kbis.com) under tures is called The Rivers Collection, which is exclusively “Exhibitor List,” then “Publications – Business to busi- made and sold by The Stock Market (www.thestockmar ness,” and finally “Publications – Consumer” to find out ket.com/Rivers_brochure.pdf). The Rivers Collection more information. Last year, I counted a total of 21 maga- includes magnificent and unique stone lavatories, vessels, zine booths. If you visit their booth with a typed list of all (Turn to K/BIS ’09...Page 30.) High Efficiency Bathroom Fixtures Saving water at the touch of a button

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7EBSITEWWWCAROMAUSACOM 0HONE Circle 18 on Reader Reply Card 30 KITCHEN & BATH BUSINESS Phc News — APRIL 2009

K/BIS ’09 the place to be for great products

Chicago. La Torre Faucets, designed, engineered and produced in Italy since 1960, has received code approval for the U.S. and Canada. Kimball and Young (www.kimbally oung.com) produces magnifying mir-

The 200 Series towel warmer by Mr. Steam is comprised of four wall-mounted models, featuring all-welded steel construction and advanced heat technology. The Rivers Collection by The Stock Market offers a complete line of unique (www.waterinc.com): Everhot instant stone lavatories, vessels, pedestal lava- hot water dispensers; Evercold water tories, vanity systems, bathtubs, kitchen chillers; Everbrew built-in purified and bar sinks, with a wide variety of coffee maker; and most of all, great wrought-iron vessel stands. looking traditional and contemporary gooseneck faucets for hot and cold (Continued from Page 28.) water — lead-free — that are avail- pedestal lavatories, vanity systems, able in 20 finishes and colors. Check bathtubs (five types), kitchen and bar the new combination instant The CR527P soaking bath from Jason sinks and wrought-iron vanities or hot/chilled water dispensers and International is made of Carrera™ com- stands. instant chilled with carbonated water posite material, featuring Jason’s exclu- dispensers. What about whole-house sive ergonomic design. It has the look Faucetry and bath accessories purification systems? and feel of natural stone, is easy to Faucets are still the “jewel” of the Much more information will be clean with no grout lines or seams, is bath industry. A new “star,” Cascade available in post show magazine stain-resistant, and is renewable with Faucets (www.cascadefaucets.com), issues of new bath and plumbing consistent color throughout. The over- serving Canada since 1999, launched Kimball & Young applied the latest LED products from K/BIS 2009 and other flow drain is integral in the design and its La Torre Brand of faucets at K/BIS in technology to this minimalist-lighted upcoming shows. I the floor drain assembly is included. vanity mirror with 3x magnification. This environmentally conscious mirror is available in chrome and brushed nickel. Bare Bones Biz rors and lights for shaving or make- up, which uses the latest LED technol- (Continued from page 24.) ogy. These projects offer improved get them done on time. digging the hole and building the light and are made to be virtually • If you haven’t already, make the house of cards in the first place is to Cascade Faucets Ovaline single control, maintenance-free. Great Grabz move to flat rate pricing. Customers MAKE MONEY. If that means having a wall-mounted lavatory faucet is instal- (www.greatgrabz.com) wave decora- want to know, before they commit, selling price that’s three, four or five lable with or without the back plate for tive ADA safety grab bars have great how much it’s going to cost. times higher than the going rate in an even more minimalist look. mounting kits, and include the • Craft a simple, easy to use price your market, so be it. Figure out how Saniguard anti-microbial product pro- book. Customize a “canned” package to be better, faster, nicer, cleaner, tection process (green). Electric or make your own. more sober, more fun and more Mirror (www.electricmirror.com) is • Adopt a Sales Trainer — one who knowledgeable than the other guys. the bathroom innovator and inventor doesn’t insult your soul — and teach Do your best to communicate the of back-lit mirrors, mirrored TV tech- yourself and your team how to value of your services so your cus- nology and wet-application TVs. With improve your communication, ser- tomers say, “They are expensive, but 10 years of experience serving the vice and sales. they are worth it.” hotel industry in the U.S. and global • Engage a Marketing Plan. If all There are worse things than going markets, Electric Mirror has entered you can afford to do right now is go out of business. Like building a moun- into the K & B market. door to door and offer to be of service, tain of debt or getting into tax or bank do that. It works. fraud trouble. You could go out of Towel warmers • Create written procedures. business. (It may be your best, most with aromatherapy — hot! Practice those procedures. Hold folks liberating option.) Or, you may be Mr. Steam (www.mr.steam.com) accountable for using them. able to fix the one you’ve got. Ready towel warmer collection is available • Compare actual performance to to make the leap to profitability? I in four designer finishes — polished budget and make changes as needed. challenge you. I chrome, satin nickel, oil rubbed Make enough sales at the right price. bronze and white. Their towel Tighten the belt on expenses. Be prof- Ready to break FREE? Join me for The warmer accessories include an aro- itable every month. Challenge. Build a rockin’ Biz Plan at La Torre Faucets’ Zero Collection fea- matherapy oil well. • Have fun playing an honorable www.barebonesbiz.com. You also can tures minimalist styling, yet a sophisti- game! reach me at 417.753.1111 or con cated, soft look that is available in 13 Kitchen Check out Jay Goltz’s article at [email protected]. decorative finishes. Take a look at Water Inc.’s www.fsb.com. The way to keep from A A = @ 1 / PRESSING TOOL FOR THE P20+CORDLESS

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Is the U.S. now prepared for true or false: water-efficient plumbing products? BY C.J. LAGAN, is initial concern from those who experienced Disposers contributing writer early 1.6-gpf toilets. “They ask: ‘This is really going to work, right?’” Green explains the engineering are loud. oes “going with the flow” now mean going advances and says his firm has installed many with the ultra low-flow? Trade professionals HETs, almost all American Standard. He has not Dare reporting greater acceptance of water- heard any complaints. “And when I don’t hear efficient plumbing products, including high-effi- about it, that’s a good thing,” Green said. ciency toilets, faucets and showerheads. While Steve Lehtonen, managing director of fear of flushing still exists, it seems to be mainly Sacramento, Calif.-based GreenPlumb ers North among those unfortunate enough to own the earli- America, said his organization has not received est generation of 1.6-gpf toilets. any feedback on poor toilet performance since its Managing water resources has risen to the top of U.S. launch in early 2008. “Some plumbers had public awareness, especially in communities that misgivings at first, but these new high-efficiency long took unlimited water for granted. Indeed, the town of Orme, Tenn., just 150 miles from Atlanta, actually ran out of water in late 2007. A recent government survey showed at least 36 states are anticipating local, regional or statewide water shortages by 2013. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, public demand for water is far outpacing population growth. Between 1950 and 2000, the U.S. population nearly doubled, but public demand for water more than tripled. Americans Low-flow shower heads such as this American now use an average of 100 gallons of water each Standard FloWise model provide the same showering day — enough to fill 1,600 drinking glasses. experience as older high-flow heads. Educated con- While agriculture is far and away the biggest sumers are now asking for low-flow products with The Evolution drain on overall water usage, toilets have the greater frequency. PRO SeriesTM is put biggest impact on home water use, second only to the bathroom in general, with shower systems, toilets are performing well,” he said. “We’re defi- to the test with soaking tubs and dripping faucets. The increased nitely not getting any negative response from con- Jamie and Adam demand has put additional stress on water sup- sumers.” plies and distribution systems, threatening human John Murphy, showroom manager at Redlon & from Discovery Channel’s health, the environment and everyone’s wallets. Johnson in the greater Boston area, and president MythBusters. of the National Association of Plumbing Showroom Water conservation or water efficiency? Professionals, added, “The good news is that (the Water-saving toilets don’t save much water when EPA label) WaterSense and the ‘green’ movement is you have to flush them three times to get the job now catching on with most everybody. We have Can Evolution PRO Series done. requests daily on dual flush toilets and water-sav- take on an entire Thanksgiving Flushing out the recent history of water-con- ing faucets. Many of today’s toilets are comparable dinner without interrupting the serving plumbing starts with the federal Energy to the 1970s 5-gpf toilets. We sell these toilets with Policy Act (EPACT) of 1992, regulating the volume confidence.” family conversation? of water that could flow through residential, F.W. Webb plumbing products manager Tim See for yourself. commercial and industrial equipment before O’Connell noted, “1.6 (gpf toilets) work really well engineering improvements could be made. It now with all the new technology, like larger flush Build your InSinkErator prod- became painfully obvious that actual water con- valves and trapways. Both American Standard and servation suffers when performance efficiency toto make great 1.28 (gpf) toilets.” uct knowledge and your busi- isn’t considered. ness. Order the Michael Green, president of Dominion Interests, Changing hearts, minds and traditions an engineering firm in Houston, said while most of New super power-flush toilets. Thanks, Portland Evolution PRO Series his commercial customers now accept HETs, there Water Authority! “Throwdown“ Training Kit. Several factors likely Resources contribute to greater • Plumbing Manufacturers Institute: www.SafePlumbing.org acceptance of green Call 1-800-323-5050. • EPa WaterSense: www.epa.gov/watersense/ plumbing products: • MaP Test Report: www.cuwcc.org/MaPTesting.aspx • Improved perfor- • Rebate Locator: mance. That in cludes www.americanstandard-us.com/Microsite/WaterEfficiency/rebatelocator.aspx not only flushing power, • Calculate how much money can be saved in homes but also bowl cleanli- and buildings with water-efficient plumbing products: ness created with larger www.americanstandard-us.com/Microsite/WaterEfficiency/default.aspx water spots, better rim • Water Efficiency Journal: www.waterefficiency.net/ washing and surfaces • GreenPlumbers North america: www.greenplumbersusa.com/ that repel stains and odor. ©2009 InSinkErator, InSinkErator® is a division of Emerson Electric Co. All Rights Reserved. All Rights Electric Co. Emerson is a division of InSinkErator® InSinkErator, ©2009 • alliance for Water Efficiency: www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/ • For the calculator: www.americanstandard-us.com/WaterEfficiency • Regional rebate pro- • For the locator: www.americanstandard-us.com/rebatelocator grams, first for 1.6-gpf Circle 20 on Reader Reply Card (Continued on page 34.) *

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Circle 21 on Reader Reply Card 34 EEFFICIENTFFICIENT RRESTROOMSESTROOMS Phc News — APRIL 2009

What are some of the most asked- Green demand dominating restroom installations for updates in older restrooms? Popular considerations are for prod- BY KRIS ALDERSON, ucts that lower utility costs by contributing writer reducing water, electricity and gas usage: ou don’t have to be a tree hug- ger or eat granola to appreci- Slow the flow Yate why green technology is in Toilets and Faucets — demand these days. According to Traditionally, the United States and the U.S. Green Building Council other developed nations use 10 times (USGBC), expanding use of green more water than poor nations. technology accounts for an 8 to 9 According to GreenBiz.com, a non- percent decrease in overall building- profit information resource for busi- operating costs. And now, under the nesses, commercial buildings use new administration in Washington, about 9.5 billion gallons of water each funding for energy-saving construc- day. That volume of water drives up tion and fixtures has become a criti- maintenance and operating costs — cal part of the economic stimulus and strains municipal water storage program. and treatment providers. Now, more USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and facility managers are rethinking their Environmental Design (LEED) Green water usage and choosing environ- Building Rating System™ encourages There are many handwashing options available that conserve water. While sensor acti- mentally friendly auto flush valves and accelerates global adoption of vations can reduce water usage up to 70 percent, infrared activation on faucets can save and low-flow aeration faucets. sustainable green building and green water by restricting the flow to a preset time. Replacing older toilets that use as practices for both new construction much as 4.5 gallons per flush (gpf) and existing buildings. LEED practices Even at a time when most commer- surprisingly active. Schools, in partic- with low-volume toilets that use only help building owners and operators cial construction is languishing, build- ular, are looking for green updates. 1.6 gpf can save a substantial amount measure operations, improvements ing green and retrofitting older build- That’s all good news for plumbing and of total water use. Ultralow-flow toilets and maintenance. ings with energy-efficient fixtures is hydronic contractors. (Turn to Commercial... page 36.)

“There’s a lot of information out mining green acceptance, especially there. Savvy consumers are already in the current economic client. “Con - Water efficiency: Are we ready? getting it. We feel like we’re hurrying. sumers will pay a premium for green, (Continued from page 34.) Bruce Jefferson of N.C. Jefferson We really believe consumers are but it won’t be a substantial premi- toilets, and now increasingly for 1.28- Plumber in Rocky Hill, N.J., who ready, and we have to take the next um,” Lehtonen said gpf toilets. attended a GreenPlumbers class in step” to train more plumbers. Stuart Berke, president of Action • Public education efforts by New Jersey last May, noted, Judy Litt, of Aaron & Company’s Supply in Ft. Lauderdale, said green plumbing manufacturers, whole- “Consumers are becoming more Freehold, N.J., showroom attended a is a hard sell in his state. With rising salers, trade professionals and trade Green Plumbers class last May to learn insurance rates from hurricanes and associations. how to better educate customers. high regional employment, Berke • Demand from specifiers and “We’re in the business of education — said of his mostly commercial busi- building owners seeking leed and of both plumbers and consumers,” she ness: “Until we see banks start lend- related certifications. said. “We want to demonstrate how ing money again, we’re all going red, • Independent performance verifi- sustainable and renewable products not green.” cation, including the EPA WaterSense can be stylish and cost effective.” Toni Cosper, a designer with Morris label and the Maximum Performance In addition to training, Architects of Houston, Orlando and (MaP) test developed by John Koehler GreenPlumb ers has started two pilot Los Angeles, said the commercial cus- and Veritec Consulting. Many toilets programs to demonstrate het perfor- tomers will buy green if there’s not a — including HETs — now meet the mance and water savings. Denver substantial difference in price, especial- maximum MaP measurement of Water & Excel Energy in Colorado has ly HVAC and plumbing systems. Other flushing up to 1,000 grams of solid offered to have GreenPlumbers install green products are a harder sell. waste. an het and efficient showerhead in the “People are interested in green, but not • Word-of -mouth, as more end- homes of their 100 highest home necessarily leed. It does cost,” she said. users enjoy positive experiences. water users. In Marin County, north of Pricing includes operating costs, That in cludes word-of-mouse, as San Francisco, Calif., the Marin not just the initial purchase and nearly everyone interviewed for this Municipal Water District is in talks installation. The EPA calculator article cited Internet information as Photos courtesy of American Standard with GreenPlumbers to install 1,200 demonstrates that family of four can increasing confidence among buyers. Specifiers and building owners are HETs in multi-family and business save $100 annually on water bills by “Consumers are more educated. actively seeking LEED and related certi- locations. Both pilots would use toilets choosing WaterSense labeled faucets They do a lot of internet research fications when ordering products such by one of GreenPlumber’s sponsors, and replacing 3.5-gpf toilet with an before they come into the show- as this wall-mount flush-valve toilet. American Standard. “The American het. American Standard’s water-sav- room,” said F.W. Webb’s O’Connell. Standard products offered great per- ing calculator estimates that a school “We get tons of questions, like ‘How aware due to the internet and are def- formance and were in the right price replacing 20 3.5-gpf toilets with HETs can I save water,’ or ‘How can I be initely requesting green products range,” Lehtonen said. and replacing 14 faucets with environmentally friendly?’ They are when they contact us.” WaterSense-labeled models can save interested in faucets, toilets and Green Plumbers is a grass-roots ini- Water efficiency and the economy approximately $3,000 a year. showerheads.” O’Connell said it used tiative seeking to train and deploy a “Before we go green, we need to go Leed-accredited Michael Green of be that the showroom staff introduc- “green army” of thousands of black.” Houston’s Dominion Interests says ing the idea of water-efficient plumb- plumbers to help change end-user — Stuart Berke, president of Action long-term savings is key to selling ing products. “Now all the informa- behavior through one-on-one educa- Supply in Ft. Lauderdale green. “It’s not anything magic,” he tion is out there.” tion. GreenPlumbers’ Lehtonen said, Price remains a key factor in deter- said. I All the hot water heaters in the world with PVC venting that are 98% efﬁcient.

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Circle 22 on Reader Reply Card 36 EFFICIENT RESTROOMS Phc News — APRIL 2009

Photovoltaic Cells — Photovoltaic cells integrated into the top of a lava- Commercial restrooms could use green makeover tory system can store and use energy collected from normal restroom (Continued from page 34.) lighting — and that energy can and urinals restrict flow to 1.28 gpf, power the lavatory’s sensors and and 0.125 gpf, respectively. Dual flush valves. These units operate without toilets curb water use to 1.6 gpf for expensive batteries and without solids and 0.8 for liquids. Low-flow fix- electricity. Eliminating batteries also tures, metered faucets and waterless cuts down on maintenance and the urinals can reduce water consumption number of batteries that end up in by more than 30 percent. landfills. Likewise, seeing that public lavatories must utilize products that have Increasing the lifecycle 0.5 gpm or less, there are many new In addition to conserving water, handwashing products that are curb- using more durable plumbing fixtures ing water usage. Sensor activations and accessories with longer lifecycles can reduce water usage up to 70 per- also helps conserve natural resources cent, and infrared activation on Group handwashing fixtures are a popular choice for green restrooms, since these and keeps waste out of landfills. faucets can save water by restricting water-saving fixtures restrict water flow to less than 0.5 gpf. Restroom fixtures, such Recycled Materials — Product the flow to a preset time. as partitions and lockers, that incorporate recycled materials make an even greener manufacturers are increasingly incor- Group handwashing fixtures use choice and help earn LEED credits. porating post-consumer recycled con- less water, save on materials for tent in restroom products, such as installation, reduce required floor energy savings, when compared with restrooms can translate to major cost solid plastic toilet partitions made space, and can conserve as much as conventional faucets. savings in water and sewer bills, as well from 100 percent post-consumer 80 percent of water, in addition to Curbing the flow of water in as energy costs for heating water. recycled High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic (i.e., recycled milk jugs). This solid plastic material stands up well to heavy usage and traffic. Lockers made of this same G-O-N 100% GUARANTEE G-O-N recycled material also make a sound ,I\RXDUHQ·WVDWLVÀHGZLWKWKH choice in restrooms and locker G-O-N, for any reason, return G-O-N WKHP*21ZLOOSD\WKH G-O-N rooms. VKLSSLQJDQGWKHUHZLOOEH Solid-Surface Materials — 12UHVWRFNLQJFKDUJHVRIDQ\NLQG G-O-N Specifying recycled solid-surface G-O-N ® G-O-N lavatory systems or countertops in restrooms will also help ensure long- G-O-N 7+(12==/(<28´,167$//$)7(57+(:$//µ,6%8,/7 G-O-N term durability and ease of cleaning. A LIGHTER NICKEL BRONZE NOZZLE WITH A PVC HUB Recycled solid surface looks, feels 0$&+,1(',1727+(%$&. and performs like regular solid sur- G-O-N G-O-N face, and it meets current code and standard requirements. The integrated bowl design used with solid G-O-N G-O-N surface material eliminates crevices GLUE ON NOZZLE where microbes can hide, and the G-O-N G-O-N material is naturally resistant to bacteria. Stainless Accessories — Consider G-O-N G-O-N stainless steel washroom accessories and partitions made from a majority of recycled stainless content. These G-O-N G-O-N products are long-lasting, vandal- resistant and won’t need replacement G-O-N CALL YOUR G-O-N for years. We have only touched on some WHOLESALER strategies for “greening” restrooms. G-O-N G-O-N As technology advances and demand FOR PRICING for sustainable products increases, it’s G-O-N G-O-N guaranteed that more water and energy — and cost — conserving tech- 6HW1R]]OHV:KHQ

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Circle 24 on Reader Reply Card 38 COVER STORY Phc News — APRIL 2009

Hydronic paradise found Foley Mechanical dreams big at Virginia estate f you could monitor the dreams of a plumbing lic flow, mechanical perfection and an adoring, in the craft of modern hydronics and HVAC would and mechanical pro, one of the sleepy pathways appreciative customer. want a crack at this job. In this idyllic, hydronic set- Iwould inevitably lead to a lusciously green gar- Such a place actually exists here on Earth, but its ting are 300 acres of rolling meadowland bordering den of hydronic perfection, a place where copper location is a well kept secret. the gorgeous Potomac River. The entire property merges artfully with radiant tubing and state-of-the Yet Dan Foley knows it well. In fact, he and his rolls luxuriously into the water, yet there are gentle art components and systems. Ahh — warmth, idyl- crews helped to create it. bluffs just perfect for a view of the river, and that’s

the Radiant Panel Association presents

SEMINAR SERIES 9 DVD’s GREEN HEAT TO THE RESCUE Siegenthaler and Bean SIMPLY GREEN John Siegenthaler GROUND UP GEOTHERMAL Jeff Persons MOD/CON SHADES OF GREEN Gary “Skipper” Joyce (l), owner of manufacturers rep, the Joyce Agency, reviews mechanical room plans with Dan Foley. David Yates AVOIDING THE BAD GUYS Mark Eatherton “There are a few jobs that I enjoy returning to fre- where a few new homes now exist. ELECTRIC GREEN quently,” said Foley, president of Alexandria, Va.- According to Foley, a brilliant entrepreneur sold George Royce based Foley Mechanical, Inc., a 16 -person mechan- his company and bought the property in Loudon MAKING IT RIGHT Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr ical contracting firm that specializes in large, high- County, Va. There was still plenty of money to go KEEPING IT SIMPLE er-end hydronic and HVAC systems. “This job would around, so he invited members of his extended fam- Robert Bean be at the top of that list.” ily to join him there. And then he told them to SUNSHINE AND RADIANT It would be a pretty good bet that anyone involved design the home of their dreams; he’d provide the Peter Biondo necessary funding. $30 ea. Kitchen and bath — cocoons of comfort Their desires quickly became a reality for Foley plus because he was chosen to fulfill those dreams. $250/set shipping (all 9 DVDs) very square foot of living space within the Today, some of the homes in the Virginia estate are Virginia estate is radiantly heated. And Foley still under construction, and Foley’s installation ask about the RPA E Mechanical also applied hydro-air as back-up teams are busily crafting hydronic masterpieces. Member Discount heat and for quick recovery. The large, 450- The young entrepreneur and his family now live in square-foot master bath is unusual, and ideally a 30,000-sq.-ft. Tudor-style home that looks out over suited to radiant heat because — as a bump-out a lazy bend in the river. Its lower level includes a full- above a screened-in porch — it’s surrounded on sized racquetball court, generously equipped exer- most sides, and below, by ambient temperatures. cise room, steam sauna, swimming pool, hot tubs, a “The floor would be ice cold if not for the billiard room, library, several guest bedrooms and ample radiant heat and lots of insulation,” said bathrooms and two bowling lanes. Tucked in next to Dan Foley. The use of radiant heat was especial- the racquetball court is a 600-sq.-ft. mechanical ly useful because the homeowners chose tile for room where Foley’s crews installed systems and the floor. To enhance operation of the radiant components that power the home’s substantial radi- and to reduce the effect of low outdoor temps ant heat, hydro-air and HVAC systems. surrounding the bathroom, the builder used Foley chose two 285 MBH gas boilers and two Argo cast iron electric boilers (20 kW/each) as the heat online at icynene spray foam as a sealer and insulation. www.RadiantPanelAssociation.org The home’s kitchen, toward the rear of the large sources. There are fifteen air handlers to provide first floor with views of a cobbled courtyard and cooling and 100 percent redundant second stage driveway, and the river beyond these, is a con- heat. They also incorporated HEPA filtration systems, temporary, 700-square-foot masterpiece. Well- Honeywell UV lamps and Nortec steam humidifiers insulated radiant heat warms the kitchen’s stone to provide top shelf comfort and indoor air quality. floor. A 120-gallon dual-coil stainless steel indirect provides Circle 25 on Reader Reply Card (Turn to Beautiful Home... Page 40.) Introducing the Latest Generation of Regulators from Watts

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For additional information, visit our web site at watts.com A Watts Water Technologies Company Circle 26 on Reader Reply Card 40 COVER STORY Phc News — APRIL 2009

heated by two cast iron, atmospheric, Beautiful home calls for beautiful hydronic system LP gas-fired 140 MBH Viessmann (Continued from page 38.) through Uponor’s super-insulated product for its ability to move a lot of Vitogas 50 boilers with outdoor reset plenty of heat for domestic hot water. Ecoflex tubing. We used two, 300-foot, Btus effortlessly.” control and staging based on load and Foley explained that Tekmar stag- 2-inch supply and return runs to move For summer comfort, Foley ambient conditions. ing, reset and mixing controls operate a lot of Btus quickly and reliably,” said installed three 10-ton Multi-Aqua The Viessmann systems feed an the system. Belimo floating action Foley. He explained that the twin, fully- chillers behind a detached garage on extensive, nine-zone radiant system motorized mixing valves control the insulated, two-inch PEX runs are housed the other side of a stone courtyard. designed to be the primary source of heat, though Foley included four additional hydro-air zones as the system’s second-stage for quick recovery from set-back temperatures. A brother is building a 7,000-sq.-ft., five-bedroom home with two master suites a few hundred yards away. The house is also radiantly heated, though with solar-thermal assist, warmth Foley will store in multiple Viessmann Vitocell SS storage tanks. The solar thermal arrays will also be the primary source of heat for domestic water. In warmer months, excess solar production will be dumped into a hot tub and outdoor pool. Not far from the brother’s home is a 60,000-sq.-ft. horse barn, home to several horses. The barn is a new masterpiece in a traditional design. It has a grand walkway between spa- cious stalls on both sides, and includes an enclosed, 150-foot, circu- lar riding arena with bleachers at one end. Foley Mechanical crews put radiant heat in the high, central hallway and common areas, tack room, vet room, and an office. The placed several flat, higher-temp, wall-mounted Euro panels in the mechanical/feed room, storage room, powder room Papa Duric (l), FMI’s lead mechanic on the project, and Dan Foley, discuss completion of one of several elaborate mechanical and laundry room. systems at the estate. The red “Party Barn” is a completely remodeled late 1800s bank radiant water temperature and Caleffi within a rugged, corrugated outer shell. There, too, the Ecoflex was employed barn. It, too, received an overhaul by zone valves control the flow provided The supply and return runs of that size to carry chilled fluids to and from the Foley Mechanical including 8,000 lin- by Grundfos UPS15-58FC and dictate an outer dimension that’s 7.9- house. eal feet of 3/8-inch Uponor PEX UPS26-99FC pumps. Isolation flanges inches wide. “That was one big mass of A sister and her family are building attached below the 1-inch recycled provide for easy repair and mainte- tubing to un-coil, but we managed it,” an 8,000 s.f. ranch-style home along oak floor boards using the manufac- nance without having to drain the he said. “The Ecoflex enables us to the river, complete with six bedrooms turer’s Joist-Trak extruded aluminum entire system. move a freight train of heat to remote and great room with a wall of glass plates. The PEX runs feed into Uponor “The owners, their children and radiant loops with ease. We love the looking out upon the Potomac, all Tru-Flow manifolds and a Pro-Mix many pets love the radiant heat,” said 101 mixing control station. Foley with a grin. He was standing Foley also used Grundfos pumps to near the billiard table, overlooking the provide system flow. “A recessed con- racquetball court, 20 feet below. “We vector runs the length of the west have about 40,000 lineal feet of 1/2- glass wall to provide a convective flow inch Uponor PEX tubing on this job of heat up the glass curtain wall and feeding 28 zones, and plenty of their prevent cold air from cascading down zone control valves, all geared toward on the occupants,” said Foley. He making this a comfortable, year-round added that the architect was con- experience for the homeowners. vinced that radiant would not heat “There simply are no compromis- this space and specified the installa- es,” added Foley, “at least any that tion of two gas furnaces to supple- have occurred to us yet.” Foley went ment the radiant. “They’ve yet to run on to say that there are six sophisti- in two years,” he added. cated ERVs (energy recovery ventila- “This was a very discerning client tors) permitting comfortable fresh air who was willing to pay for the best but ventilation year ‘round. Two were also demanded the best,” concluded installed in the basement mechanical Foley. “Papa Duric, FMI’s lead room and four more were planted in a mechanic on the project, oversaw third floor mechanical space. every last detail to ensure the client “The house is so long that we needed received what he paid for — the ulti- to deliver radiant energy to some loops Mechanic Papa Duric completes a connection for the system’s Caleffi hydro-separator. mate in comfort and efficiency.” I 800-543-2550 Copyright © Liberty Pumps, Inc. 2008 All rights reserved. www.libertypumps.com Circle 27 on Reader Reply Card 42 FRANCHISING Phc News — APRIL 2009

will meet their support team prior to Franchises in the plumbing sector making a decision on joining the franchise. “It’s important that a franchise BY JEFF YOUNG, owner fits our culture and wants to be contributing writer part of the team,” said Sembower. Before joining a franchise system, emember eating your first there is a process of mutual evalua- hamburger or eating your first tion. Potential franchise owners must Rice cream cone? That first complete their due diligence of learn- experience may have been provided ing about the franchise, reviewing the by a franchise business. Many of the Franchise Disclosure Documents and legendary franchised restaurant talking to franchise owners currently chains — from Burger King to Dairy in the system to determine if the fran- Queen — have been a part of our lives chise is a good fit. The franchisor will longer than we realize. Today, fran- also evaluate the candidate during chise businesses have expanded their due diligence phase to also beyond restaurants and can be found determine if there is a fit. Once there for almost any product or service, is a match and both parties have including plumbing services. Owning a profitable equity-building business and having the benefits of a franchise signed an agreement, a franchise ter- According to John Sembower, pres- system is a win-win for franchisees. ritory is awarded, training is complet- ident of Mr. Waterheater, joining a ed and the franchise is launched. franchise is like joining a family. “A committed to making our owners suc- are invited to participate in a The largest franchise in the plumbing Mr. Waterheater franchise owner cessful because our success is tied to Discovery Day at Mr. Waterheater sector is Mr. Rooter, part of the Dwyer becomes part of our family. We are their success.” Franchise prospects headquarters in Pittsburgh where they Group of franchises. Mary Kennedy

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Circle 28 on Reader Reply Card Plumbing Franchises Phc News — APRIL 2009

Mr. Waterheater 866/577-1221 Re-Bath LLC Year Founded: 1981 www.rooterman.com 1055 S. Country Club Dr., Year Started Franchising: 2007 Bldg. 2 Franchises: 5 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Mesa, AZ 85210-4613 Franchise Fee: $9,900 Year Founded: 2001 480/844-1575 Territory Fee: .25 per household Year Started Franchising: 2001 Toll Free: 800/426-4573 x156 Royalty: 4% on water heater sales Franchises: 250 www.rebath.com Description: Emergency response specialty Franchise Fee: $35,000 + Thompson is in her third year as presi- plumbing business that can be added to a full ser- Royalty: 5% (of residential service) Luxury Bath dent of Mr. Rooter and has no hesita- vice plumbing or HVAC business. Franchisee’s Description: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Year Founded: 1989 tion about leading a franchise company dominate the residential water heater installa- — “The Punctual Plumber” — is identity engi- Year Started Franchising: 1994 in an industry that has predominantly tion and service in defined territory using TV neering for plumbing contractors. It’s also an Franchises: More than 200 locations male franchise owners. “Since the Mr. commercials, radio spots and other marketing. innovative, ground-floor franchise opportuni- in U.S. & Canada Rooter customer is most often female, I Contact: John Sembower ty for ambitious contractors and business Description: Luxury Bath Systems remod- can relate to them and understand the Mr. Waterheater owners seeking to grow their company and els bathrooms in homes and businesses. The importance of providing great service 1067 Third Ave. dominate their marketplace by delivering to Bensenville, Illinois-based company installs and minimizing disruption in the North Versailles, PA 15137 their customers a trustworthy plumber. tub and wall systems over existing bathtubs home,” said Thompson. As a former 412/823-6000 Contact: Benjamin Franklin Plbg. and tile, allowing franchisees to remodel a franchise owner Thompson under- www.mrwaterheater.com Plaza Five Points bathroom in less than one day. stands the concerns of franchise own- 50 Central Avenue Ste 920 Contact: Joe Cerena ers and has instant credibility with her Mr. Rooter Sarasota, FL 34236 Luxury Bath Inc. franchise owners having owned a fran- Year Founded: 1970 866/362-1291 1958 Brandon Court chise business. Year Started Franchising: 1974 www.thankyoubenjaminfranklin. Glendale Heights, IL 60139 For the franchise business model to Franchises: 300 com/phc 1-800/354-2284 be successful, everybody needs to Franchise Fee: $24,000 www.luxurybath.com win. Consumers win with a consistent Investment: $54,950 to $145,250 Bathfitters product or service. The franchisor Description: Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a sub- Year Founded: 1984 Bathmaster wins through rapid expansion using sidiary of the Dwyer Group, Inc., a worldwide Year Started Franchising: 1990 Year Founded: 1989 the talent and finances of a local franchise holding corporation supporting over Franchises: 200 Franchises: 40 owner. The franchisee wins by own- 1,100 franchisees in the United States and 24 Franchise Fee: $30,000 Franchise Fee: $7,000 ing a profitable equity-building busi- foreign countries. In addition to Mr. Rooter®, Total Investment: $120,000-$175,000 Total Investment: $24,000 ness and having the benefits of a fran- other Dwyer Group subsidiaries include: Aire Royalty: none Description: BathMaster® is a Canadian chise system. “The Mr. Rooter model Serv® Heating and Air Conditioning, Glass Description: Bathfitters is North Franchise, which was founded in 1989, and is to think nationally but act locally. Doctor®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, America’s largest manufacturer of acrylic has expanded operations across Canada. This is our time tested formula for Rainbow International® Restoration and tubs and bath walls. Every year, Bathfitters BathMaster® is Canada’s leader in the franchise success,” stated Thompson. Cleaning, and associate company DreamMaker franchisees transform thousands of worn- reglazing industry specializing in bathtub Franchising relies on the cookie cut- Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide®. out bathrooms in private homes, hotels, reglazing, and installation of bathtub liners, ter approach. Once a successful mold is Contact: Mr. Rooter motels, apartment complexes, school dormi- and tub wall systems. built, then it’s just a matter of replicat- 1010 N. University Parks Dr. tories, military bases and government-subsi- Contact: Trevor D. Dixon, President ing that success in other markets. Waco, Texas 76707 dized housing. BMR BathMaster Reglazing Ltd. Franchising may appeal to the inde- 800/298-6855 Contact: 27 Berard Dr., #2701 4498 Trepanier Road pendent business owner, but is not www.mrrooter.com South Burlington, VT 05403 Peachland, BC V0H 1X3 right for everyone. The initial franchise 450/472-0027 Phone: 877/767-2336 investment can be expensive so it takes Roto-Rooter Toll Free: 877/422-2322 Fax: 250/767-2718 money to make money. Then you have Year Founded: 1935 www.bathfitters.com www.bathmaster.com ongoing royalties that you pay. That’s Franchises: 600 how the franchisor makes their money. Description: Roto-Rooter is North America’s BathCrest DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen A franchise can provide an exit largest provider of plumbing and drain cleaning Year Founded: 1979 Year Founded: 1988 strategy that is financially rewarding. services. Roto Rooter is a subsidiary of Chemed Year Started Franchising: 1985 Franchises: 190 When an owner decides to retire, the Corp., which is publicly traded on the New York Franchises: 78 Description: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen franchise can be sold through a busi- Stock Exchange under the symbol CHE. Limited Description: Since 1979, BathCrest has franchisee network is the premier bath and ness broker or through the franchise franchise availability in the United States. been saving homeowners and property man- kitchen remodeling. DreamMaker Bath & system. According to Thompson, International master franchises are available. agers a lot of time and money on bathroom Kitchen by Worldwide® is linked to a num- owners can be handsomely rewarded Contact: Mike Higgins updating projects. They’ve restored more than ber of other like-minded, home-oriented when they sell their franchise. “How 300 Ashworth Road 1,000,000 bathroom surfaces! companies through its association with the much you get for your franchise is West Des Moines, IA 50265 Contact: Bathcrest Dwyer Group. directly tied to the sales and profits 515/223-1343 5195 West 4700 South Contact: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen you have achieved in your business. www.rotorooter.com Salt Lake City, UT 84118 by Worldwide ® There’s no simple formula, and it’s like 801/957-1400 1010 N. University Parks Dr. selling a home, the price you can get Rooterman Toll Free: 1-800/826-6790 Waco, TX 76707 for selling your franchise depends on Year Founded: 1970 Fax: 801/955-6499 1-800/253.9153 what the buyer is willing to pay. We do Year Started Franchising: 1981 www.bathcrest.com www.dreammaker-remodel.com find that when our franchise owners Franchises: 457 follow the system, have strong EBITA, Franchise Fee: The initial, one-time license Rebath Mend-A-Bath cash flow, and good customer base, fee is based upon the population of the territo- Year Founded: 1979 Year Founded: 1976 then they have a more marketable ry. The population of the territory is multiplied Year Started Franchising: 1979 Year Started Franchising: 1980 business to sell,” said Thompson. by $31.80 and this equals the initial license fee. Franchises: 200 Franchises: 31 Franchising has become an impor- Minimum initial license fee is $3,975 even Franchise Fee: $3,500-$40,000 (8 cents Franchise Investment: $25,000 to tant part of the economy and is not though the population of the territory may be per person) $50,000 going away. Joining a franchise system less than 125,000 Total Investment: $33,900-$200,000 Description: Mend-A-Bath Intl. has estab- is an important business decision that Description: Rooterman offers a fast & Royalty Fee: $25/liner lished a global franchise network covering 25 should begin with a look at your exist- dependable service at reasonable rates. Description: The #1 company in the bath- countries over the past 30 years. Franchisees ing business and an understanding of Rooterman is full-service, local professional room remodeling industry today having over resurface (refinish, reglaze, re-enamel) tens of your goals then finding a franchise that sewer & drain cleaning company with over 25 21 years of experience in the bathtub liner thousands of bathtubs in hotels, resorts and I can help you achieve them. years of service. Rooterman services chain sto- industry. Getting customers through partici- private dwellings. ries, realtors, plumbers, municipalities, condos, pating Home Depot and Ace stores is one of Contact: Mend-A-Bath International Jeff Young has more than 20 years industrial complexes, as well as general public. the many reasons Entrepreneur Magazine 8501 Benjamin Street experience in the franchise industry Contact: Rooterman has ranked us number five on their list of Chalmette, LA, 70043 and former editor of franchisehelp 268 Rangeway Rd. “Top Ten Home Improvement Franchises.” 877/503-7262 online newsletter. Contact franchise North Billerica, MA 01862 Contact: Larry Vivola www.mendabath.com [email protected]. 44 FRANCHISING Phc News — APRIL 2009

have paid off in increased profitability. Plumbing contractors achieve He also points to the brand recognition, buying power, on-line and classroom training, and marketing support pro- double-digit profits despite slow economy vided by Benjamin Franklin. BY TAB HUNTER, highlight key factors that contractors to my accountant and my lawyer. I “BuyMax (Clockwork’s purchasing contributing writer should investigate when analyzing a prayed about it.” consortium) has been wonderful,” franchise opportunity. In August 2008, the Dahlquists Dahlquist said. “We receive discounts usiness bankruptcy filings in the signed on as a Benjamin Franklin and rebates I never would have had on United States were up 54 percent Contractor turns double-digit Plumbing franchisee. After approxi- my own. It’s a tremendous asset that’s Bin 2008, according to govern- profits in rookie year mately seven months of transition — going to add up to thousands of dollars ment sources. How many of those were Dave Dahlquist had been in the busi- plumbing contractors is undetermined, ness from age 15, when he served his but a quick scan of filings in your com- father, a Master Plumber, as a helper. munity will probably reveal at least a Dave entered the trade full time at 19 handful of independent plumbers who years old after deciding that college closed up shop in the past year. was not for him. He started his inde- “A plumber doesn’t lose his business pendent residential service business in because he doesn’t know how to fix 2005 shortly after moving to Florida to plumbing problems; he loses it because be near his parents, who had retired in he doesn’t know how to fix business the Venice area. Dahlquist gained problems,” said Jim Abrams, CEO of some traction in the Venice communi- Clockwork Home Services, the parent ty, but he was struggling with the busi- company of Benjamin Franklin ness operations side. Plumbing, which serves more than 240 “I was a plumber, not a business- territories nationwide with franchises man,” said the 41-year-old, who co- and company-owned locations. “We owns the business with his wife, give contractors the steps to building a Debbie. “I didn’t know how to create profitable business. If they follow the a budget, set prices or analyze prof- steps, they will succeed.” itability. I was really flying blind and That’s the kind of help that plumbing never felt confident that I would still contractors Dave Dahlquist in Venice, be in business the next year.” Dave and Debbie Dahlquist converted their independent residential plumbing service Florida and Bill McDaniel in Arlington, Located within a 30-minute drive of to a Benjamin Franklin franchise in 2008. Texas needed. Dahlquist converted his the Clockwork Home Services head- independent residential plumbing ser- quarters in Sarasota, Dahlquist took learning the systems, wrapping his in savings.” According to Abrams, vice to a Benjamin Franklin franchise the company up on an invitation to trucks in the new brand’s image, order- BuyMax processed more than $1 bil- in 2008. McDaniel is a relative veteran check out the Benjamin Franklin sys- ing uniforms, training employees and lion in purchases in 2008 for of the franchise system, having contem. Dahlquist had worked with communicating with customers — Clockwork’s three franchise brands verted his commercially-based busi- another national franchise brand Dahlquist was preparing for “Image and other affiliated businesses. ness to residential service through before moving to Florida and was not Day,” when Clockwork representatives Another benefit of being part of a Benjamin Franklin in 2004. impressed with the level of support would sign off on the brand conversion. national network of owners who are Today, both contractors are achiev- that company provided to fran- “We already can see a change in our operating under the same brand is the ing double-digit profitability, despite chisees. He was a service technician business numbers,” Dahlquist said. peer counseling that has helped the slow economy, and they credit at a corporate-owned business and “Clockwork has advised us on so Dahlquist learn from others and avoid the franchise system for much of general manager of a franchise. many things. They have the business mistakes. Dahlquist has learned from their success. Their stories illustrate “I spent seven months on due dili- model we follow: labor percentage, Benjamin Franklin franchisees in potential benefits of being part of a gence looking at Benjamin Franklin,” material costs and how we should Tampa, Ft. Myers and other Florida nationally branded franchise and Dahlquist said. “I took the information price. It puts my mind at ease that I’ll communities, and has even sent key be in business next year. Before, I did- employees for training at other, 10 keys to investigating a franchise opportunity n’t know how to adjust and make longer-established locations. changes to my business. Now, we The Dahlquists’ plans are ambi- Clockwork Home Services CEO Jim Abrams and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees send a daily management report to tious. They plan to increase revenues Dave Dahlquist and Bill McDaniel offer the following tips for contractors investigating a franchise Clockwork, and they look at our num- by 10 percent in 2009 and hope to opportunity. bers every day to see where we need add more territories to their franchise 1. Do the support people in the organization have direct experience in the trade? Does the organ- to improve. Maybe a technician needs in the future. Dahlquist is convinced ization have its own locations operating under the brand, and will they disclose their numbers? more training or better communica- that being part of a recognized nation- 2. What kind of business operations support will you receive? Will you have a dedicated con- tion skills. Clockwork can identify al brand will increase the value of his sultant who is accessible, engaged and knowledgeable? those needs from the numbers, and business if he decides to sell at some 3. Investigate the training that will be provided. Are there costs involved? Is it available online we can work with each individual to point. Clockwork also may buy out a to reduce travel costs and increase access by employees and managers? improve. The value in that is huge.” successful franchise to add to its port- 4. What kinds of marketing materials and support are available? Dahlquist particularly likes having a folio of retail locations. 5. What kind of buying power will you have as a franchisee? Does the system offer discounts dedicated Franchise Business Consultant assigned to his company Texas contractor builds $2.4 mil- and rebates on purchases? lion business in four years 6. Talk to other franchisees. Are they making money? Has the organization made good on its by Clockwork. “I want the oversight,” promises of support? he said. “I like the accountability. It Bill McDaniel converted his 7. Does the franchise company offer financing for new franchisees? helps me to focus on the priorities. Arlington, Texas business to a 8. What fees are involved and what are the ongoing financial commitments? There are so many details in this busi- Benjamin Franklin Franchise in 2004. 9. Investigate all the costs to convert to the new brand, such as changing graphics on vehicles, ness; it’s easy to become overwhelmed He had started the company in 1996 to purchasing uniforms, printing new forms, etc. if you don’t have a clear focus.” serve the insurance industry by per- 10. Consider your exit strategy. Is the brand substantial enough to add value when you are The one-on-one consultation is a key forming slab lead inspections and ready to sell? value to Dahlquist, who considers that repairs. When the cost of covering the fees he pays to the franchise system mold issues caused insurance compa- Phc News — APRIL 2009 FIELD REPORT 45

California plumber lauds Fluidmaster Pro Series

ecently, Fluidmaster, a manu- for friends and family. Now, more tomers that sets us apart from the facturer of toilet repair prod- than 35 years later as the founders of competition. For example, we charge Ructs, set out to find a plumbing the largest plumbing repair and HVAC by the job, not by the hour, so we can contractor who embodies the same contractor company in the greater focus on repairing the problem or innovative and professional attributes Sacramento area Mark Bonney and finding a solution that works, while that the PRO Series is built on, and his wife Candace attribute the suc- ensuring that our customers are that Fluidmaster has been recognized cess of Bonney Plumbing, Heating, never surprised by unplanned costs.” ability to efficiently troubleshoot any for in the industry for more than half Air & Rooter Service to staying true to Now servicing an area that spans an plumbing issues and ultimately what a century. Bonney Plumbing, Heating, their core customer — the homeown- 80-square-mile radius and includes products are installed as part of the Air and Rooter Services of er. Insistent that each of their 45 1.5 million customers, no one can solution. Sacramento, Calif., locally owned and employees sport protective booties deny the success that this mentality Thirty-two service trucks deemed operated since 1978, was at the top of over their work boots when entering has afforded them. “Warehouses on Wheels” make up the the list, offering a tireless track record every home on any service call, the Bonney Plumbing, Heating, Air & of exceptional customer service and Bonneys proudly label their business Professionalism personified Rooter Service fleet. Each of the ser- outstanding business practices. practices as “old school,” focusing on In addition to how the business is vice trucks, which display the long- In 1972, while still in high school, honesty, quality and professionalism run, as vice president of plumbing standing graphic of Mark and Candace Mark Bonney began to cultivate his as the foundation of their company. operations, Mark takes pride in every- Bonney’s smiling faces, hosts nearly interest in the plumbing industry by Mark Bonney noted, “We feel it is thing from how the staff of profession- $15,000 of product inventory and tackling small side jobs at home and how we do business and treat our cus- als interacts with customers, to their (Turn to Pro Series, page 46.) nies to curtail coverage, that once McDaniel credited a neighboring lucrative business dried up. McDaniel Benjamin Franklin franchise, owned decided to turn to residential service, by Keresa and J.R. Richardson, for although his company had no brand helping his fledgling franchise get up recognition among homeowners since to speed quickly. The Richardsons it had been focused on serving the were the second franchisees in the insurance industry. system, and observing their operation To learn the ropes of the residential was invaluable, he said. service business, McDaniel joined McDaniel said he is still finding new Plumbers Success International, a pro- value in being part of the franchise sys- fessional development organization tem. Clockwork’s purchasing power also owned by Clockwork Home has achieved lower pricing than Services. Through that group, McDaniel could achieve independently, McDaniel learned about the Benjamin and he doesn’t have to search for ven- Franklin Plumbing franchise and dors for various supplies or services. joined the system in 2004. The BuyMax network has already Within his first two years as a fran- checked out the companies and negoti- chise, McDaniel’s annual revenues ated the best possible pricing, he said. were $600,000. His revenues were This year, McDaniel began using a $1.6 million in 2007 and $2.4 million national call center service provided to in 2008. In 2008, Clockwork awarded Clockwork franchisees for a fee. In the McDaniel as the fastest growing first month using the call center to han- Benjamin Franklin franchise in North dle incoming service calls, rather than America. Despite the recession, an in-house staff, his call closing rate McDaniel reports that his revenues increased from below 60 percent to 80 were up 30 percent this January, percent, and the goal is to achieve an compared to January 2008, and 85 percent closing rate. February revenues were up 20 per- Abrams said the experiences of fran- cent year-over-year. chisees like McDaniel and Dahlquist “There is no way we would have prove the value in “branding together” grown this fast without being part of a under an established national brand. national brand,” said McDaniel, who “Regardless of whether an indepen- has been a plumber for 30 years. “The dent contractor looks at a franchise, he Benjamin Franklin systems and or she should realize there’s strength brand recognition propelled our busi- in numbers,” Abrams said. “At least ness from zero consumer awareness seek out a professional development and no customers to $2.4 million in organization and take advantage of sales and double-digit profitability.” educational and peer counseling “The main reason we joined the opportunities. This economic situation franchise system was for the brand,” is no time to go it alone.” I he said. “In our area, there are more than 1,500 plumbing contractors. You Tab Hunter is president of fran- have to stand out so that people chise operations for Clockwork remember your name. Branding is Home Services. Before joining the key. If the franchise doesn’t brand Clockwork he owned a Benjamin you, then you don’t gain anything out Franklin Plumbing franchise, as of it. We average a call a day from peo- well as a One Hour Heating & Air ple remembering the name from see- Conditioning franchise. Information: ing our trucks on the road.” www.BenjaminFranklinPlumbing.com. Circle 29 on Reader Reply Card FROM THE DESK OF... John Hazen White, Jr. 46 FIELD REPORT Phc News — APRIL 2009 Advance your Business!

JOHN HAZEN WHITE, JR. President & CEO, Taco Inc. Living Water International pumps clean At Taco these days we like to say that we are a systems com- water into poor countries with pipe threader pany. We supply a wide range very day, Americans turn on their faucets started. Constructing new wells was not the fruitful of products that help make up without giving a second thought of what it venture the missionaries thought it would be. The a typical hydronic heating or Ewould be like to live with dirty water or group had a difficult time tapping into water sources cooling system. It’s been a long time since we sold “cast worse yet, no water at all. They take for granted around Kenya and planned to end the trip and head iron by the pound”. In recent years electronic controls that U.S. municipalities constantly maintain and home to Houston. Founder Harry Westmoreland — and equipment components with integrated advanced upgrade drinking water systems. Some parts of the was scheduled to come home but got the day of his electronics within them - have become a big part of our world are not so fortunate. Many third-world coun- departure mixed up, staying longer than he was sup- product mix. tries lack basic sanitation, and if they are lucky posed to. He was drilling, and a national approached Our recent acquisition of the former Innovex Technolo- enough to have drinking wells, most are in poor him and told Harry that he should move the drill to gies, now Taco’s Electronic Control Solutions Division, condition. That’s where Living Water International a nearby tree. He finally hit water, convincing him to really cements our claim to being a true systems provider. (LWI) comes into the picture. continue the missionary’s work. That’s because the newly acquired technology platform LWI is a non-profit organization in Houston, Texas, LWI now employs 34 full-time staff and operates provided by Innovex, which involves automated build- that is dedicated to providing clean water to inhabi- in 24 countries all over the world. Since its incep- ing control products, means that Taco can now provide a tants of third-world countries by drilling wells, tion, LWI has restored or constructed over 4,000 complete, integrated suite of products not only for HVAC, repairing pumps, providing hygiene education and wells for over seven million people. Without this radiant heat and hydronic systems, but for lighting con- constructing bio-sand filters. Founded in 1990, LWI commitment, millions more would suffer from the trol, access control, energy metering and management. started as a missionary project to construct wells in fatal consequences of poor water conditions. The This fully automated controls system from Taco repre- Kenya. However, the organization was almost not organization tends to focus more on repairing wells sents an opportunity for you to advance your business. Here’s why: when upscale homeowners (back in the good with more than 200 million toilets in the United old days) were asked whether they would sooner invest Pro Series helps Calif. plumber States alone, reducing water waste by fixing leaky in a high-end home improvement like a home theater or (Continued from page 44.) toilets is a simple way to go green. indoor spa tub - or a means to control and monitor their never pulls out of the parking lot without being fully “I use the PRO45B faithfully because it is a tat- restocked with Fluidmaster PRO45B fill valves due tle-tale product, meaning that under normal “Our recent acquisition... really cements our to their proven reliability in the field. working conditions, the PRO45B is quick to refill claim to being a true systems provider.” “Our business is only as efficient as the plumb- the tank and functions extremely quietly. ing repair products that we choose to install and However, when a leak has occurred within the this is why we exclusively carry the PRO45B fill tank, most likely from a faulty or corroded flap- heating system, lighting and security, they came down valve from the Fluidmaster PRO Series line,” per, we inform our customers that they will be decisively on the side of the control system. They un- derstood how important a control system can be in safe- states Bonney. “With today’s high cost of labor, a able to clearly hear that the tank is not filling cor- guarding their most important investment and managing plumber can’t afford to go back out to the site to rectly, indicating that there may be a problem, their energy costs. check on and readjust the product. At the same and that they should take action.” time, our customers are juggling hectic work Mark Bonney also notes that he appreciates the The problem in the past has been that automated control schedules and can only offer limited windows of dedication that Fluidmaster has shown the plumb- systems were limited to big buildings and not homes or their time — you need something that is durable ing industry in the fact that the entire PRO Series light commercial properties. Separate controls for heat- and guaranteed to work, and that is what the ing, lighting and security were provided by different man- PRO45B does for us.” ufacturers, and there was no way for these devices to be The PRO45B fill valve is a quiet, high-perfor- linked so they could communicate with one another. But mance fill valve equipped with a brass shank, which advances in microelectronics and sophistication of the In- naturally elevates the value of the repair part. ternet have changed all that. However, synonymous with all the PRO Series Now, intelligent building systems designed specifically products, the PRO45B brass shank fill valves are for homes and light commercial-use buildings are on the also affordable, allowing plumbing professionals to market. Innovex Technologies was a leading developer increase profits while supplying a superior fill valve and provider of integrated control systems linked to the to customers. Made with professional grade materi- Internet, allowing for off-site monitoring and control. als, the PRO45B fill valves are easy to install and This technology allows mechanical contractors, plumbers adjust. In addition, offering plumbing contractors and oilheat service techs to monitor the system locally or the ability to “set it and forget it,” as Mark Bonney Bonney Plumbing, Heating, Air and Rooter Services of remotely over the Internet. Being able to monitor and describes, this reliable fill valve also lessens the Sacramento, Calif., has been locally owned and oper- analyze energy or electrical consumption, make changes chance of a call back, helping the plumbing con- ated since 1978. based on the season or weather conditions, and receive tractor to save both time and manpower. real-time alerts on system functions has many obvious product line is solely available to plumbing profes- benefits to homeowners, property managers, developers Exemplifying green sionals, which means customers can not shop him and contractors. As an industry leader in his community, Bonney around via home centers. The big benefit to you, the contractor, is that this technol- also understands the importance of keeping his “In this business, and especially in this economy, ogy represents a totally new business model. Installing finger on the pulse of environmental issues, and it is refreshing to know that Fluidmaster has made and servicing the Taco automated building control system helping his customers to incorporate water-saving strides to ensure plumbers can still compete for busi- is a perfect way to advance your technical offerings, dif- techniques into their homes. ness and win,” he said. Bonney Plumbing, Heating, ferentiate yourself from the competition, and become a “With California and other states frequently Air & Rooter Service remains optimistic that they true full-service comfort and security provider. experiencing drought conditions, it is our duty, as will continue to make progress during these chal- plumbers, to look forward both locally and global- lenging economic times. Thanks to the dedicated Taco Electronic Control Solutions products will soon be ly to help conserve water,” states Bonney. employees and loyal customer base, coupled with a on your wholesaler’s shelves, and Taco, in conjunction In addition to supplying homeowners with ultra- healthy sense of humor, this plumbing repair busi- with our independent sales force agencies and stocking low flush toilets and water saving showerheads, ness keeps it perspective. “Even though the econo- wholesalers, will be coordinating training opportunities Bonney also encourages his staff of plumbing pro- my is in the tank, the need for professional, reliable for you. I encourage you explore this new business op- fessional to educate homeowners on how to and efficient plumbing contractors still remains portunity from Taco, the “systems made easy” company. deduce if their toilet is leaking. Bonney adds that flush with opportunities,” said Mark Bonney. I Circle 30 on Reader Reply Card Phc News — APRIL 2009 FIELD REPORT 47

tures a reversible case, then Mohney needed to remove has this capability, allowing us to do the 115V or 220V uni- the pipe, add an extension to the first job quicker and more professionally.” versal motor and rod because the top rod is fitted for the The addition of the RIDGID Model has the capacity to pump. With the RIDGID Model 600 600 threader complements LWI’s thread 1/8-inch to threader, he can assemble the pipe and efforts to keep up with technology. To 11/4-inch pipe. rod all at once, and if the pipe is longer accurately keep track of where it Weighing only 12.5 than it should be, he simply cuts the repairs wells, LWI uses GPS coordinates pounds, the Model pipe and threads it on the spot. and keeps a detailed report of the 600 is ideal for “Using the RIDGID Model 600 power repair parts used and how many vol- users transporting threader greatly reduces assemble unteers worked on a well. LWI program director Jim Mohney relies on a RIDGID handheld to different well time. It’s a much better system. We For Mohney, he most appreciates power threader for well repair. locations. save about 30 minutes per pump on the tool’s ability to provide clean, qual- When Mohney average,” said Mohney. “Because the ity threads and its ease of use, noting, as it costs about $1,500 to repair a well received the Model 600 threader in RIDGID threader was so effective, I “I can show anyone how to use this; it compared to $5,000 to $10,000 to con- Haiti, he immediately experienced decided to re-thread all the pieces of was easy to learn how to use.” struct a new one. the benefits of it. pipe that I manually threaded before Mulville, too, is appreciative of the “About 40,000 children die a Mohney says that the entire process because it cut closer tolerance threads threader and the impact it has had on month worldwide due to a lack of of cutting and threading the pipe is a making better fitting joints. The manu- the organization and Haitian villages clean water. They get infections and lot quicker because of the Model 600. al threader made less accurate threads, where LWI repairs wells. “With the diarrhea. In the Amazon, nationals Before, Mohney usually had to cut the so the connections weren’t as tight.” help of the RIDGID threader, we’re sav- don’t even give children names for the pipe, so that the pipe and the rod, Mulville added, “We also run into the ing thousands of lives with clean first two years of their lives because which is placed inside the pipe, would issue of different pipe sizes. Some of water and teaching nationals how to the majority of them die from bad fit together with the pump. The rod the piping that we purchase is either in use this clean water for proper health water,” said Tim Mulville, vice presi- needs to stick out of the pipe a certain metric or SAE. The manual threader and hygiene,” said Mulville. “It’s dent of programs, LWI. distance. If it doesn’t, then the rod wasn’t capable of threading different amazing how this one tool has The success of LWI depends on the can’t screw into the pump. If that’s the sized pipe. The RIDGID power threader touched so many lives.” I generosity of donors through financial contributions and varying sponsorship levels. A portion of those donations goes towards the purchase of equipment and materials, such as PVC and pipe threaders. Since the organization operates on a limited budget, it can’t always buy the highest quality equipment that would more effectively and efficiently complete the job. According to Jim Mohney, a program director for LWI, the organization had been struggling to make quality threads on the schedule 80, 11/4-inch PVC that is used in the construction and repairing of wells. He had always used a manual pipe threader on non-threaded plastic pipe. LWI doesn’t use metal pipe because Haitian water is corrosive and will rust the pipe, permitting water to leak through the pipe before it reaches the pump spout. “It was tough to cut threads on the PVC with the manual threader. I later found out that I needed a specific die for the PVC, which I didn’t know about. Using the die improved the threads but it still wasn’t good enough. The threads weren’t consistent around the end of the PVC because I must have been pushing on some spots of the pipe dif- ferently with the threader,” stated Mohney. “Buying a power threader was too expensive because funds needed to go towards more hand tools and basic supplies.” Mulville had the idea of contacting RIDGID® for a donation of a power threader for use on a well repair project in Haiti. RIDGID willingly donated the Model 600 Power Drive hand-held power threader. The hand-held design is perfect for LWI volunteers, who make well repairs on site. The Model 600 fea- Circle 31 on Reader Reply Card 48 K/BIS PRODUCT PREVIEW Phc News — APRIL 2009

Efficient flushing system Complete bath/kitchen collection Futuristic faucet Flushmate® Pressure Assist Tech - The Rivers Collection offers a com- The Distinctive Series LVH 1200 nology is a flushing system designed plete line of unique stone lavatories, accessory water faucet features futur- vessels, pedestal lavatories, vanity istic lines with systems, bathtubs, kitchen and bar a modern look; makes a design statement in modern kitchens or a stunning accent to eclec- tic ones. Uses twin levers that flank the base of its barrel- Horizontal shower panel tipped spout. Spout features a Raindance Rainfall is a horizontal, generous 6" reach and stands multi-functional shower panel with a 7" above the countertop; torrent spray mode. The flat, rectan- allows for the easy filling of gular panel projects into the stall and for performance and conservation. sinks in a variety of colors. Collection cups, pots and pitchers. offers 3 spray modes. Concentrated The high efficiency model flushes 1.0 has a variety of wrought iron vessel Available in Chrome, Satin Rain Splash torrent spray gushes out gpf. This manufacturer has 25 years stands that allow using the different Nickel and Oil Rubbed Bronze. Lead- of the showerhead like an outdoor of proven reliability, performance and types of materials in sinks from this free faucet has a built-in aerator and deluge; aerated shower’s distance maximum water savings; offers a 10- line and numerous other manufactur- ceramic disc valves to ensure long- from the wall guarantees freedom of year warranty. Sloan Valve Co. ers. This leads to a mix and match term operation. Water, Inc. movement, allowing the effect to be Circle 103 on Reader Reply Card look designed to produce much high- Circle 109 on Reader Reply Card savored. Four rotating whirl-massage er gross profit margins. The Stock sprays swivel forward to massage the Mini tankless Market. Innovative steam therapy body when activated and swing back Series 4 apartment water heater is Circle 106 on Reader Reply Card The ChromaSteam System spa pack- inside the shower’s surface when one of a line of U.S.-made electric tan- age provides enhanced relaxation another function is used. Hansgrohe. Leaf lavs including the mental, physical and Circle 100 on Reader Reply Card The contemporary Leaf Vessels lava- emotional benefits associated with tory offers homeowners a new choice High efficiency toilet The Avalanche 1.28 high efficiency t o i l e t ( HET ) has a 3" f l u s h v a l v e , kless and mini tank water heaters for F l u i d - industrial, commercial and residen- master fill tial applications. Flow capacities valve, unique- range from 0.5 gpm (2.5kw) to 25 ly designed jet gpm (126kw) for 99% energy efficien- for today’s modern bathroom, with a feed, rim struc- cy. Ruggedly constructed; compact unique twist on the typical bowl- ture and trapway and reliable. Eemax. shaped vessels. This vitreous china, Steamtherapy™. Complete with configuration for Circle 104 on Reader Reply Card above-counter lav coordinates with Aroma Steam™, Chroma Steam™ and performance. the company’s existing modern furni- in-shower Musictherapy™ speakers. Large water sur- Shower enclosures ture and fixture offerings to create a Integrates light with steam selection face helps with Preceria shower enclosures feature an stylish and functional bathroom of colors ranging from blue to red via cleaning and mainte- elliptical-shaped header suspended space. Provides simple elegance for a low voltage LED light modules; releas- nance; slimline tank includes a color- above thick glass. Oversized curved grooming station, and creates a real es aromatherapy essences electroni- matched side-mount lever. Offered in focal point in the bathroom. Kohler. cally into the steamroom; speakers comfortable ErgoHeight model. Circle 107 on Reader Reply Card deliver 70 watts peak sound from Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC. most audio sources. Mr. Steam. Circle 101 on Reader Reply Card Direct vent fireplace Circle 110 on Reader Reply Card The RHFE 750 ETR gas modulated fire- Waterless urinal place maintains energy efficiency and Ergonomic showerhead The H2Zero waterless urinal is The ergonomically designed IN2ITION designed for shower delivers an enhanced environments level of com- d e s i r i n g fort, conve- extreme water nience and s a v i n g s . versatility by Utilizes break- combining a through tech- hand-held shower nology to use and a fixed shower head no water for with an extra wide spray. optimum per - pull handle and decorative hardware The 2-in-1 system lets formance and complement overall product design. beauty using a gas flame in a direct consumers use the hand- water conser- Glass-to-glass hinges offer choice of vent fireplace. State-of-the-art digital held shower or shower head v a t i o n . swinging the door panel in and out, electronic controls include dual separately or together for a Vitreous china urinal ad dresses key and of either a curved or straight timers, a thermostat or a manual con- full-body shower experience. challenges including performance, door. Frame finish options include sil- trol option, and a child lock. A fully Available with 4-5 spray func- operation, odor management, dura- ver, brushed nickel or 9 powdered- functional remote control gives the tions, including 3 massage bility and waste build-up. Unique coated finishes. Clear glass showcases consumer total control of the heat options and an aerated cham- technology uses a Bio Fresh block, a tile and emphasizes an open feel; Silk output; 3-speed fan allows even heat pagne spray. The ergonomic, Bio Seal and a cartridge tool to maxi- glass is a beautiful effect offering more distribution, yielding an increased soft grip handle and dial allow for mize performance. Caroma. privacy. Basco. level of comfort. Rinnai. maximum comfort. Alson Showers. Circle 102 on Reader Reply Card Circle 105 on Reader Reply Card Circle 108 on Reader Reply Card Circle 111 on Reader Reply Card Phc News — APRIL 2009 PRODUCT UPDATE 49

# Phc News product of the month #

Handy bracket Therapeutic walk-in baths The Stout Bracket product line has The Passages Collection of acrylic been expanded by introducing the walk-in baths expands the bathing HOLDRITE Stout Bracket #SB3 and #SB4. experience with second generation Ideal for copper, CPVC, and PEX pipe features that provide the ultimate in support at the showerhead, including easy access, safe and sanitary 2-eared and 3-eared 90s. The unique bathing. A wide, walk-in side entry wide design and hole pattern also door with a low threshold eliminates allows a wide variety of clamps to stepping over the sidewall of tradi- mount to the bracket for other appli- tional baths for safe, easy entry and cations including vertical mid-span exit. Collection features a 17" high and fixture stub out support. #SB3 ADA compliant seat; it has dual gaskets expands from 101/4" to 171/2" and the on the door, comes standard with a #SB4 expands from 151/4" to 251/2". built-in assistance bar, and an Hubbard Enterprises/ HOLDRITE. ergonomic door handle that is easy to Circle 118 on Reader Reply Card operate. Clarke. Circle 113 on Reader Reply Card Cleanout & pneumatic test plug Deck-mount lavatory faucets The Test Titan mechanical, cleanout Oil smart water pump controller Ideal for healthcare and public facilities, faucets are designed to meet the & pneumatic test plug has been The “original” and only stand-alone demand for modern electronic faucets with a geometrical design, these elec- pump controller that differentiates tronic lavatory faucets include sensors that detect the user’s hand to activate between hydrocarbons water flow and operate by using either six 1.5V AA batteries or hardwiring. and water. Unlike costly Featuring adjustable maximum run time and sensor range, the DEMD-311 and conductive systems, the DEMD-301 faucets have the ability to offer above-deck integral mixing capabili- capacitive pump control ties. A remote control is also available and provides the installer with a simple requires no control way to change options, flow times and sensor ranges. With its integrated water panel, will operate any mixing capabilities, the DEMD-311 model does not require the installation of a pump by itself up to 1 hp mixing valve for tempering water, therefore significantly reducing installation or 16 amps, and its per- costs. Delta Faucet Co. formance cannot be Circle 112 on Reader Reply Card altered by oil. If a layer of oil attaches itself to the sensors, the switch will Waterproof, tile ready shower base redesigned with larger diameter stem detect a field of water ProBase is a waterproof, sloped show- and redesigned disc for better com- and pump the water er base that is ready to be tiled. There pression and seal; hollow 3/4" male from under the oil. Once is no need for a mortar bed over the hose thread stem allows the system to the long sensor sees no more water base. ProBase is a composite made be filled with water; ergonomically (oil or air), the pump will turn off Hands-off faucet designed nut; non-slip shoulder; 100% immediately. See Water Inc. The touch-free non-corrosive. ABS stem and disc pro- Circle 114 on Reader Reply Card Aerada™ 1200 vides strength and durability; and Series CS goose- chemical resistant PVC gasket for a Overmount stainless sinks neck faucet, com- firm seal, added flexibility and sealing MicroEdge is a sleek overmount sink plements the exist- in cleanout threads. Sioux Chief. that creates the illusion of an expen- ing line of Aerada Circle 119 on Reader Reply Card 1200 Series CS faucets, which uti- Differential pressure by-pass valve lize capacitive This valve is used in systems with a sensing technol- fixed speed circulating ogy to provide pump supplying several optimal zones controlled by two- way zone valves. The valve ensures that the hands-free head pressure of operation. The omni-directional from high strength polypropylene the pump is detection zone of the Aerada 1200 honeycomb with a Noble Sheet proportional to sive flushmount installation. De sign - Series CS faucet ensures activation Membrane laminated to the top. the number of ers and homeowners can now achieve the first time and every time. The ProBase is packaged with everything two-way valves the highly coveted flush look for less capacitive sensing technology creates needed to ensure a watertight instal- being closed. It will time and money as MicroEdge can be an omnidirectional detection zone lation. It can be used with standard bypass the differential installed over virtually any counter that surrounds the entire spout, clamping ring drains, and it allows for pressure created by the material. MicroEdge’s unique ultra- rather than relying on a sensor win- up to 2" of adjustment in drain posi- pump as the zone valves fine (1.25 mm) rim gives this sink its dow commonly used with infrared- tion. ProBase is easy to install: just close, thus eliminating near seamless edge. BLANCO. controlled faucets. Bradley Corp. thin-set to the floor. Noble Company. water hammer noise. Caleffi. Circle 115 on Reader Reply Card Circle 116 on Reader Reply Card Circle 117 on Reader Reply Card Circle 120 on Reader Reply Card 50 PRODUCT UPDATE Phc News — APRIL 2009

## Phc News product of the month #

3-function pull-out kitchen faucet Unique in pull-out faucets, the Fairmont’s new kitchen option features enhanced functionality. With the push of a button on the pull-out wand, users can select from three function choices — spray, bubble or RIDGID product catalog pause. The pause function, in particu- The new RIDGID® 234-page color full- lar, is a convenient alternative that ‘WAGS’ (Water and Gas Shut-off) valve line product catalog includes new allows users to direct and control the The WAGS (Water and Gas Shut-off) valve is a simple, inexpensive and reliable products and reader-friendly features water for in-sink and out-of-sink tasks way to guard against disastrous water problems that can arise when water to help guide customers in choosing such as watering a plant, filling a pot heaters develop a leak. Ideal for new or existing water heaters, WAGS is totally products. A visual product index and others. The wand can be pulled mechanical and can be installed with or without an electric harness. Installation divides the catalog into 13 product over 30" from the base. Danze. is easy: The valve rests in a water heater drain pan. The cold water supply runs categories to enhance the overall nav- Circle 122 on Reader Reply Card through the valve before entering the appliance. If a leak occurs, an internal igation of the catalog. RIDGID. water-soluble fiber element dissolves, releasing a powerful, spring-loaded piston Circle 128 on Reader Reply Card Premium bathroom collection that closes flow of water to the tank. With the addition of a wiring harness for Reminiscent of the classic architec- gas-fired appliances, this action will also break a fuse to shut off the water Water-powered back-up system ture of Oxford, the geometric lines of heater’s gas supply. Taco. Home Guard Max is a high capacity, the Oxford Suite evoke a sense of Circle 121 on Reader Reply Card high efficiency water being among England’s ornate towers powered back-up system. With no elec- Bariatric wall-hung water closet tricity or batteries A complete system, including a Z1203- required, the Home XB carrier and Z5690 bariatric toilet, Guard Max takes will withstand loadings of up to 1,000 over seamlessly pounds. Bariatric toilet is provided when the primary with an open front, elongated, anti- sump system fails. microbial polypropylene seat for The unit comes fully enhanced patient comfort. The unit is assembled for fast, fabricated from type 304 stainless steel and is available with an anti-microbial easy and trouble- powder coating. Zurn Industries, LLC. free installation. Circle 125 on Reader Reply Card With superior per- and steeples. Boasting a bold and formance and dis- stately design, the refined, distinct charge capacity, it look of the Oxford Suite is appropriate Pint urinal system Very low-lead faucets & fixtures uses less water and for a range of décor options from tra- Offering more than 87% water savings ECAST line provides a complete offer- costs less to oper- ditional to contemporary. Symmons. over standard urinals, the Washbrook ing of durable, high quality brass ate. Comes with a Circle 123 on Reader Reply Card faucets and fixtures, including deck 2 year warranty. mounted and wall mounted faucets, Zoeller Pump Co. Cleaner for tankless water heaters Circle 129 on Reader Reply Card For residential and commercial tankless water heating units, cleaner is a Commercial products catalog fast, easy way to clean the circulation New Commercial Products Catalog coils in a tankless water introducedes the division’s expansion heating unit. Its unique in the commercial marketplace. The combination of organic, easy-to-use guide gives builders, inorganic and corrosion a r c h i t e c t s inhibiting components and engineers restores water flow and a high-level pressure quickly, with review of the no strong odor. One kitchen and 18oz. dose of Calci- bath products Free, mixed with 2 gal- available to lons of water and circu- metering faucets, stop valves, special- meet their lated through the unit FloWise Pint urinal system delivers ty fittings and bubblers. The line was standards for 20 minutes, does the job. It is recom- advanced efficiency for commercial developed specifically to meet the durability, mended that homeowners with tank- applications. Meets ANSI flush require- AB1953 standard requiring faucets accessibility, less water heaters have this cleaning ments at 0.125 gpf and is powered by intended to dispense water for human safety and conservation. Products are done every 6-12 months by a skilled the high-efficiency Selec tronic consumption must not exceed a total created to address the specific needs technician. It’s fast, easy and can FloWise 0.125 gpf urinal flush valve. weighted average of 0.25% maximum of the building owner and the end- save a lot of money. RectorSeal Corp. American Standard. lead content. Chicago Faucets. user. Moen Commercial. Circle 124 on Reader Reply Card Circle 126 on Reader Reply Card Circle 127 on Reader Reply Card Circle 130 on Reader Reply Card Phc News — APRIL 2009 PRODUCT UPDATE 51

# Phc News product of the month #

Stainless steel sinks The Nouvelle Series of sinks places an Flat plate and vacuum tube increased emphasis on presentation solar thermal collectors and offers a fusion of symmetrical With its new Vitosol 100-F flat plate solar minimalism and modern design. collector, the company has added an Integrated mirrored wall system Modern lines and conventional ele- economy option to its line of flat plate Mirrored wall system for the modern gance make the Nouvelle sink the and vacuum tube solar collectors. The bathroom is technically sophisticated ideal complement to high-end luxury collector features rugged, high-quality but visually simple in design. Boasts a fixtures. Unique 25mm radius gives it aluminum frame construction, programmable mood lighting system good capacity with its deep well and impact-resistant solar glass, excellent and ample interior storage to promote straight walls; affords lots of room for solar energy harvest with a selective- wellness, maximize space and dishes and easy corner cleaning. A ly-coated copper absorber, as well as achieve an innovative architectural rear set drain increases under an outstanding price/performance statement in the bathroom. Duravit. counter storage and provides maxi- ratio. Now OG-100 certified by the Circle 137 on Reader Reply Card mum work space. Scored drain lines Solar Rating and Certification facilitate draining. Houzer Inc. Corpor ation (SRCC), the 100-F col- Disposer aids green building Circle 132 on Reader Reply Card lector qualifies for available U.S. state and feder- Manufacturer has been recognized by al incentive programs. In Canada, the collector will be part of the the National Association of Home Toilet fill valve Government of Canada’s ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat Program for com- Builders for the The PRO45B fill valve is a quiet, high- mercial and industrial installations. Viessmann. positive role dis- performance fill valve equipped with Circle 131 on Reader Reply Card posers play in a brass shank, which environmentally naturally elevates responsible home the value of the waste manage- repair part. However, Urethane foam sealant ment. The instal- synonymous with all A new, two-part polyurethane foam lation of disposers the PRO Series prod- sealant comes in one convenient can will now con- ucts, the PRO45B and features a long dispensing tube, tribute one point brass shank fill towards a building’s achievement of valves are also the organization’s National Green affordable, allowing Building Standard™ certification, the plumbing profes- nation’s first and only American sionals to increase National Standards Institute (ANSI)- profits while supply- approved residential green building ing a superior fill rating system. InSinkErator. valve to customers. Circle 138 on Reader Reply Card Made with professional grade materi- Granite sinks als, the PRO45B fill valves are easy to New mocha colored Gourmet e-gran- install and adjust. Fluidmaster. ite sinks are formed from a granite sil- Circle 133 on Reader Reply Card In-wall carrier systems Family of in-wall carrier systems gives the bathroom a new design dimension by mounting the fix- A better toilet seat installation system tures on the wall Toilet seats in public and commercial which reaches deep inside conduits instead of the floor. restrooms inevitably come loose, and holes. Todol Duo-Fill 400 Two- ica and acrylic resin mix for the per- Allows unique style requiring costly maintenance. But Part Urethane Foam Sealant is fect balance of style and long-lasting while retaining relia- now the STA-TITE® Commercial designed for plugging and sealing durability. Providing a modern twist bility, performance, Fastening System™ eliminates the applications where rapid expansion on old world charm, the Gourmet e- installation flexibili- problem. The fastening system over- and fast curing are required to quick- granite sinks accentuate several ty and maintenance. comes all the factors that cause loose ly stop flowing water. Packaged in a design styles from popular contempo- The new in-wall car- seats. Plus, the system’s simple, easy- “can-inside-a-can” for field use, this rary to transitional. Color is molded rier systems for wall- to-handle parts cut installation time expanding closed-cell foam sealant through the entire sink, creating a hung urinals, bidets, by 33%. A shear nut and other unique mixes directly in the actuator head of vibrant splash that will not fade, even and lavatories join features create higher clamping the rigid 9" L dispensing tube which under heavy use, while sustaining an the existing carrier for wall-hung toi- forces — so the seat stays tight. Bemis permits visual quality control. Todol aesthetically pleasing natural stone lets. Geberit. Manufacturing. Products, Inc. feel and texture. Elkay. Circle 134 on Reader Reply Card Circle 135 on Reader Reply Card Circle 136 on Reader Reply Card Circle 139 on Reader Reply Card 52 SOLAR SOLUTIONS Phc News — APRIL 2009

tors I found listed in Efficiency’s the thing the January 2009 Directory; a flat plate glazed, a flat plate (Continued from page 22.) The SRCC publications provide col- unglazed and a glass three values, which can be combined lector test results in publications 1 vacuum tube collec- as follows: and 2, which include the slope and the tor. The intercept is (Ti - Ta)/I [a.k.a. (P)/I, as seen on intercept data for each collector test- the point found on the the SRCC ratings pages], where: ed. The slope and the intercept allow vertical axis and the Ti is inlet fluid temperature, you to draw a straight line on a graph slope is the (negative) Ta is ambient temperature, and that defines the collector efficiency Rise over Run of the I is solar radiation at the collector for any conditions of (Ti - Ta)/I. I have line as it runs down- surface. [I stands for solar Insolation.] done this in Figure 1 for three collec- hill to the right. Please note that this only describes Figure 1. For most of the common solar heating categories, the the collector thermal flat plate glazed collector performs better than the glass vacu- efficiency, which is um tube collector, with a higher collector efficiency. the solar collector by itself. This is not to be confused with more system efficiency issues in the the system thermal efficiency, which future. is complicated by pump and control “parasitic” energy consumption, Making sense of heat loss from piping, heat exchang- SRCC collector ratings er efficiencies, heat storage losses, The SRCC requires each solar collec- Figure 2. A collector that can produce heat under all standard test conditions will etc., etc. This article is limited to the tor to be tested using a standard have 15 heat output ratings from which to choose. solar collector. We hope to cover series of procedures known as the OG100 test. (Not to be confused with the OG300 test for solar water heat ers systems.) This includes a torture test that proves that the collector can

® stand up to high temperature solar Stand Tall with SloanStone! If the price of the vacuum Installation and service collector is much higher than the flat plate, the extra expense may not be worth it...

stagnation and other harsh conditions. The final results include not only the slope and intercept of the Collector Efficiency graph but also the heat output of the collector under five different standard temperatures and three different solar Insolation conditions. These ratings represent solar heating jobs that range from very easy to very difficult and are presented as categories A, B, C, D and E, respectively. Category A: Pool Heating (warm cli- 24 volt Shut-off valve mate) Ti-Ta = (-9) F Solenoid valve Control module Lid latch Category B: Pool Heating (cool cli- Installation, under-the-lid adjustments and maintenance mate) Ti-Ta = 9 F Optional can be done while standing. SloanStone’s one-piece soap tray Category C: Water Heating (warm frame and pre-plumbed components make it the fastest climate) Ti-Ta = 36 F installed solid-surface sink on the market to maximize Category D: Water Heating (cool cli- your profit. mate) Ti-Ta = 90 F Optical aerator For further information on SloanStone sensor-operated assembly Category E: Very Hot Water (cold solid-surface sink’s exclusive features like a 3-year climate) Ti-Ta = 144 F warranty, visit www.sloanvalve.com. Value Alliance Club Results from each category are pre- points are available. sented for standard solar conditions known as: Clear Day — 2,000 Btu per square foot per day 866-663-2289 Mildly Cloudy — 1,500 Btu per www.sloanvalve.com square foot per day Cloudy Day — 1,000 Btu per square foot per day Circle 32 on Reader Reply Card A collector that is capable of pro- Phc News — APRIL 2009 SOLAR SOLUTIONS 53

ducing heat under all of these stan- present an interesting result. For of the vacuum collector is much high- Bristol Stickney, partner and dard test conditions will have 15 heat most of the common solar heating er than the flat plate, the extra technical director at Cedar Moun - output ratings from which to choose. categories, the flat plate glazed collec- expense may not be worth it, unless tain Solar Systems in Santa Fe, A sample is shown in Figure 2. These tor performs better than the glass vac- you are to the right side of Category D N.M., has been designing, manu- results appear in the SRCC Directory uum tube collector, with a higher col- or in the Category E area. The SRCC facturing, engineering, repair ing (publication 2) as two tables; one lector efficiency for these models. publications include some descrip- and installing solar hydronic heat- metric and one in Btu. In summary (Both of these collectors are from the tions of how to use the data to make ing systems for more than 30 years. information (publication 1 above), same manufacturer.) So, if the price other useful comparisons. I only the Clear Day Category C results are shown for comparison. On Figure 1, you will notice that I have drawn rectangular boxes on the Whether you use the SRCC Data Tables or Plot the CONVENTION Efficiency Graph, you can see & Trade Show that this data allows a useful OUR 56TH HERSHEY, PA • MAY 17-21, 2009 comparison between collectors. TRADE SHOW DAYS ARE TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY graph that represent where the different solar/temperature categories are. The SRCC lists the solar availability in more than 50 major U.S. cities, and it is interesting to note that they all fit within each of the gray boxes. For example, if you have a Category C heating job, the collectors seen in this figure will perform to the left side of the Category C box in Albuquerque or Los Angeles and to the right side of the box in Seattle or Boston. Collector comparison Whether you use the SRCC Data Tables or Plot the Efficiency Graph, you can see that this data allows a useful comparison between collectors. Keep in mind that while the graph data is normalized per square foot of collector, the table data is not. The tables show the heat output of each whole collector, and some collectors are bigger than others. So, you can divide by the net aperture area to make a comparison per square foot. The examples shown in Figure 1

In this series of articles, I have been making the case that the key ingredients for solar/hydronic design and installation can be FREE divided into six categories, listed TO ALL TRADES. below, roughly in order of their SPECIAL TRAINING FOR importance: HVAC & PLUMBING TECHS. 1. RELIABILITY 2. EFFECTIVENESS • EDUCATION, TRAINING and DISPLAYS to provide the knowledge, 3. COMPATIBILITY technology and products that will lead us into a BRIGHT FUTURE. 4. ELEGANCE • Always the industry’s GREATEST NETWORKING opportunity. 5. SERVICEABILITY 6. EFFICIENCY • When the work and learning are done, IMAGINE THE FUN. The success of any solar hydronic home heating installation depends on the often-conflicting FOR COMPLETE DETAILS, EVENT SCHEDULE AND LODGING INFORMATION, VISIT balance between any of these six principles. Finding the balance www.naohsm.org • 888.552.0900 between them defines the art of solar heating design. — Bristol Circle 33 on Reader Reply Card 54 PLUMBING BUSINESS Phc News — APRIL 2009

already been done by the other con- integrity is at risk. Keep it honest! tractor and you quote a phone price If no contractor has yet done the without all the right information, you work and you quote a phone price will have, in essence, now become the sight unseen, you must understand (Continued from page 26.) phone price has the potential of being aforementioned Type 3 Ignorant and that there is the probability that your to the task you could threaten your based on erroneous assumptions, Machiavellian Competitor that helps phone price is too low to properly ful- own integrity. which are not germane to the actual the consumer to complain about a per- fill the consumer’s request. In such a If the consumer is comparing your circumstances surrounding the ser- fectly executed contract between that case, you again threaten your integrity. phone price to that of another con- vice request. consumer and the contractor who If you try to raise the price after seeing tractor who has seen the job, your On the other hand, if the job has really did the job. Once again, your the circumstances that you must con- front to perform the task in an excellent manner, the consumer will see you as a person without integrity. Years ago, I sat in a seminar con- Consumers know very little if anything about building codes, proper equipment to use, and caveats regarding materials. They might call for a 40 or 50 gallon gas water heater but not know the difference between a standard height water heater and a low-boy.

ducted by a sales rep for a water heater manufacturer. The seminar was intended to show contractors the best way to conduct water heater replacement sales. He had a video on the process to use. In it a consumer was speaking with a contractor over the phone about a water heater replacement. The video instructed the contractor to agree upon the water heater model and price before going to the consumer’s home. I always have been a bit outspoken. When I heard this statement, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I raised my hand during the video and insisted that the facilitator address my concerns about that statement. It took some time for me to convince him that I was not going to be quiet until he addressed my questions. I told him that the advice he was giving to the contractors in the room was wrong and that I could prove it if he allowed me. Since I wasn’t going to let this travesty be presented to these contractors, he was forced to let me speak. I told him that there were several reasons he was wrong and why contractors should not quote prices over the phone without having first seen the circumstances regarding any service request. Reason 1: Consumers know very little if anything about building codes, proper equipment to use and caveats regarding materials. They might call for a 40- or 50-gallon gas water heater but not know the difference between a standard height water heater and a low-boy. If the consumer doesn’t tell the contractor that the heater is in an area that requires the installation of a low-boy for proper combustion clear- Circle 34 on Reader Reply Card ance, the contractor might quote the Phc News — APRIL 2009 PLUMBING BUSINESS 55

wrong price and bring the wrong My point was made and the sales rep integrity. Your technical staff is often have the opportunity to earn the heater. continued his presentation never again the only people in contact with your reward they deserve. That’s the value Reason 2: returning to that part of the subject. clientele. It is imperative that your of integrity. I Seeing the job first gives the con- Just because someone puts a topic technicians possess integrity, loyalty, tractor the ability to present all the before you in an organized manner, mechanical aptitude, great mental As always, I wish you well. Call me at options the consumer might have with don’t buy into it unless it passes the attitude, self-motivation, the desire 845/639-5050 to find out how my busi- regard to which water heater is best smell test. If you do, you may be to deliver excellence and the propen- ness theories and methods can help suited for the consumer’s needs. If the putting your integrity in jeopardy. sity to follow legal and ethical orders. your business. consumer decides to purchase a 40- Additionally, you could be utilizing a [For help regarding technicians, call gallon gas water heater with a 40,000 bad business technique that will for information on my “Star Tech” Btu input, and doesn’t tell the contrac- hurt your chances of success. workshops.] tor that he has a large whirlpool tub, Manufacturers and sales reps don’t Protocol 5: Converse with your the hot water created by the water care if you succeed. Their only con- competition. Initiate a conversation heater would soon be tepid at best the cern is to sell their product to you. that politely and intelligently shows first time the consumer tried to use the Protocol 3: Avoid consumers with- them the detriment to one’s integrity whirlpool tub. out integrity. Develop a phone per- and financial well being when anyone Reason 3: sona and set of procedures that will libels and/or slanders the reputation of The use of inadequate information help you sift through those who call another for a malicious and/or self- to arrive at a selling price is a bad you so you can differentiate good conserving purpose. [For help on educat- business practice. Prices that are sumers from potential troublemakers ing your competition, call me.] based on flawed information are — whom you will never be able to sat- As each individual contractor wrong prices. Flawed selling prices isfy. [For help on phone protocols, decides to do the right thing, the can hinder the ability of the contrac- give me a call about my workshops on industry as a whole starts a trend of tor to deliver excellence while earning “Addressing Consumers Questions” higher standards where integrity leads the reward he/she deserves for the and “Logical Procedures.” the way; the delivery of excellence delivery. Protocol 4: Hire employees with becomes the norm; and contractors

Circle 35 on Reader Reply Card 56 INDUSTRY NEWS Phc News — APRIL 2009

through. EnviroKingUV™ offers a Cascade Faucets names sales director, rep agencies cost-effective solution for photobiore- CASCADE FAUCETS, and their La Torre (New England); Gotham Sales (N.Y, Manufacturer Reps (Ill., Wis.); Pac actor tubing and other outdoor appli- brand, have ap poin ted An drew Schor N.J.); Klein & Associates (Fla.); J.D. West Sales (Pacific NW); Attersall cations exposed to sunlight where sales dir ec tor for the U.S. and Sales (Texas, Okla., Ark., La.); Pahl & Marketing (Calgary & Ontario, transparency is required, such as bio- Canadian re gions. Associates (So. Calif.); Ron Heil (Las Canada); and JSA Sales (British fuel processing, carbon recycling, Schor brings 23 Vegas); RKH Sales (Ohio); One Source Columbia, Canada). process R, filtration, and sight glass. years experience The piping is produced from a rigid, in faucet manu- New clear PVC pipe from Harvel blocks UV light transparent PVC compound with a Cell facturing, plumb- Classification of 11553 per ASTM D1784. ing, and in the DPH EASTON, PA. — Harvel® Plastics, Inc., unique blocking technology reduces This material, which shows a slight industry. The fol- recently launched EnviroKingUV™, a harmful ultraviolet light wavelengths blue tint, has been specifically formu- lowing territory clear PVC piping that is suitable for from penetrating the plastic while lated to block damaging UV light. manufacturer rep exposure to sunlight. The pipe’s allowing beneficial wavelengths EnviroKingUV™ is patent pending. agencies have been ap pointed: Andrew Schor Levitt Associates CCLASSIFIEDLASSIFIED AADSDS Industry Calendar Sponsored by MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS

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BY JOHN MESENBRINK, Letter to the editor editor Dairy State home. From Kohler to Bradley Corp. to Bemis John, all me crazy, Manufacturing, Wisconsin likes to reward their own first, I read your article (Jan. ’09) on the “green movement,” and but every time I if possible. So here’s my point: I have to admit, I’m on the other side of the argument. Center a com- The current state of the economy has started me think- First of all, and most importantly, is that science doesn’t sup- mercial restroom, I am ing of the global economy vs. U.S. economy crux. American port the green movement. I’ve listened to all the government intrigued by the design manufacturers are feeling this recession’s mighty grip. hearings on the issue. It’s apparent that for every scientist that of the space, plumbing Thousands of hard-working Americans have lost their jobs. says the planet is warming there are three that say it isn’t. fixtures, technology, manufacturer’s footprint, etc., and I Work has been outsourced overseas. And, the U.S. auto- I think before this country commits billions of dollars, the make a mental note of it. I guess it’s part of the job. motive industry teeters on the edge of bankruptcy. science should, at the very least, be conclusive. Remember, Recently, the good people from Viega, an innovative glob- As consumers and specifiers of plumbing and heating since the turn of the century, the average temp has not al leader in plumbing and heating technology, invited me to products, what is the thought process that goes into pur- changed up or down more then 3ºF. join a great group of contractors, wholesalers and engineers chasing a particular product? Price? Reliability? It seems every decade or so our country goes through this cli- on a trip to Germany to tour the Viega manufacturing facil- Efficiency? Support? American pride? I realize contrac- mate change phase. I remember seeing an old Time magazine ities and visit ISH-Frankfurt. The Viega facilities — which tors need to base their decision on what is best for the claiming the planet’s temperature was actually getting colder. It manufacture the highly-touted ProPress fittings — are state client and application, but have you ever thought about was a cover article. Try finding the magazine. of the art. The size and scale of Viega’s production capabil- the person on the assembly line making that product? All of the alternative energy sources have a huge downside: ities and the amount of production automation is impres- That perhaps your support of the company may keep solar, wind, fuel cells. Remember the push for solar back in sive. Quality control is imperative, insomuch that every fit- him/her job-secure? The U.S. economy has never needed the day? ting is hand inspected. The logistics facility — the mecha- consumer help more than right now. I think we should concentrate more on energy efficiency nisms employed for storing product and picking orders for Supporting a global economy can be advantageous if it then anything else, which is something that no matter what shipping — also was impressive. supports the local economy, and in this case, the U.S. econ- administration is in office is always a good idea. As the Viega tour took us to Frankfurt, Weimar, omy. Case in point: In the past, I have purchased Honda We want to be energy independent right? Well, that idea is Attendorn, Cologne and Heidelberg, one thing became automobiles and I would take flack for not purchasing not even practical; we just don’t produce enough energy domes- apparent to me: every commercial restroom I attended — American-made cars. Well, my automobile was manufac- tically to achieve that goal — although we are the Saudi Arabia whether it was in a truck stop, restaurant or trade show — tured in Ohio, which employs thousands of workers. I felt of coal, which, of course, is politically incorrect. had a sense of “country pride.” German manufacturing was OK knowing that good Ohioans worked on my car. In the economic time we’re in — pushing capital and trade apparent in every bathroom. From Viega and Grohe plumb- Viega plans to open a manufacturing and distribution based on voodoo science is irresponsible. Asking Americans to ing fixtures to Geberit toilets, it would seem that the center later this month in McPherson, Kansas, America’s foot that bill as rate payers and end users will really push us German plumbing manufacturing sector is doing just fine, heartland. Supporting Viega products and services allows over the cliff. How will America compete when China will keep in my opinion. the company to grow here in the States, establishing doing things the old way. If these mandates are put into law, we Here at home I tend to notice similar “regional pride.” great jobs. will be cutting our own throat for the sake of a possible myth. For instance, the next time you are in Wisconsin, take a The next time you review a product for purchase, think Sincerely, look at the commercial restrooms and, more often than of the person on that line, and the effect you could have Len Siciliano not, you will find industry manufacturers that call the on the local economy. I Midlantic Plumbing, Heating & Cooling LLC

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AB1953

Of course not. Years ago no one knew the AB1953 Legislation was coming. But we’ve always been in compliance, by keeping lead out of virtually all of our plumbing products Can your fittings supplier say the same?

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ASTM F 877 Website: www.johnguest.com IAPMO UNIFORM CSA B137.5 NSF 14 PLUMBING CODE ASSE 1061 NSF 61 For a complete listing of our lead-free products contact us toll free at 1-800 94-JG USA or via email at [email protected]. Circle 33 on Reader Reply Card Adjustable Speed Dryers

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