• Home >
  • Back Issues >
  • Contractor >
  • December 2025

    • December 2025

    PHCC Connect: Education, Community and Leadership; GF Supports New Veteran Village; Construction Employment Uptick Amid Tight Labor Market; 'Tis the Season - Contractors Giving Back; The Next Level of Commercial Contracting; ABC Names Thomas 'Murph' Murphy as 2026 National Chair; and much more.

    More content from December 2025

    The author uncovers an early Trane float air vent—offering a look at coal-era steam heating design, failed radiator traps, and what contractors should watch for in aging two-pipe...
    Nov. 24, 2025
    In our Q&A with John Adams, Grizzly MEP CEO, we talk about building a network based on growth, collaboration, back-office support, and financial opportunities.
    Nov. 22, 2025
    This week's gallery spotlights a high-definition pipe inspection system, a series of plate-and-frame heat exchangers, light duty and point-of-use commercial water heaters, a smart...
    Nov. 21, 2025
    Expanded partnership pairs NexTech Academy’s contractor-proven curriculum with SkillCat’s mobile learning platform to create a more accessible, high-capacity training ecosystem...
    Nov. 21, 2025
    ID 267545771 © Anatoliygleb | Dreamstime.com
    Father and son installing plumbing pipe system at home.
    Through hands-on learning, community connection, and storytelling, we can show children the beauty of working with their hands and the dignity of solving problems.
    Nov. 21, 2025
    Through GROHE and its broader training ecosystem, LIXIL advances inclusive, skills-based education for installers across global markets.
    Nov. 20, 2025
    ID 202161649 © Dizain777 | Dreamstime.com
    skilled trades
    Program continues to scale with nationwide partnerships and digital-forward curricula for students entering core residential service careers.
    Nov. 20, 2025
    Contractors explore emerging trends, strengthen networks and celebrate service in Grand Rapids.
    Nov. 20, 2025
    ID 119560912 © Bogdanhoda | Dreamstime.com
    Building construction worker pouring cement
    Nonresidential categories added more than 16,000 positions in September even as overall unemployment edged higher.
    Nov. 20, 2025
    ID 51333586 © Bogdanhoda | Dreamstime.com
    Worker using a drilling power tool
    The latest edition of “Safety is Specific” breaks down best practices for nearly two dozen tool categories, supported by PTI’s newly modernized website.
    Nov. 19, 2025
    Power & Construction Group executive to prioritize workforce development, merit shop advocacy and contractor recognition.
    Nov. 19, 2025
    ID 24550899 © Gregory21 | Dreamstime.com
    Interior view of a data center with equipment
    With billions of gallons needed to cool next-generation processors, experts say water-efficiency retrofits will become essential across commercial buildings.
    Nov. 19, 2025
    ID 49745506 © Albund | Dreamstime.com
    breaking news image
    Let's look back at some of the biggest news stories affecting the plumbing and hydronic heating industry in 2025.
    Nov. 19, 2025
    ID 123404022 © Iratceva | Dreamstime.com
    State flag of Minnesota.
    Walsh’s three-year term expands her influence across climate action, recycling initiatives, and technical committee work in multiple trade organizations.
    Nov. 18, 2025
    Stroud’s leadership at Plumbing Outfitters sets a model for workforce development, customer education, and community-driven service.
    Nov. 18, 2025
    ID 30534407 © Arkadi Bojarsinov | Dreamstime.com
    experience sign
    When the experience is unpredictable, the business is unpredictable. When the experience is consistent, everything else begins to align.
    Nov. 17, 2025
    Acquisition strengthens BDR’s contractor-focused coaching with deeper tools for business growth, leadership and team development.
    Nov. 17, 2025
    Expanded program now blends fuel-tech, telematics, fleet data and emerging commercial-vehicle technologies for contractors and upfitters.
    Nov. 17, 2025
    ID 13886895 © Alexander Potapov | Dreamstime.com
    construction cranes at sunset.
    Nonresidential construction spending contracted for the third time in the past four months and is now down 1.5% year over year.
    Nov. 17, 2025
    Marine Corps veteran and rising plumbing leader earns national recognition for technical skill, leadership, and industry service.
    Nov. 14, 2025
    Tweet Garot Mechanical adds Traverse City–based Temperature Control to strengthen its mechanical service and building automation footprint across Michigan.
    Nov. 14, 2025
    Brass Knuckle
    Brass Knuckle PPE
    This week's product gallery highlights safety glasses with an anti-fog layer and UV 6 protection, a hybrid electric heat pump water heater, a compact water pressure boosting system...
    Nov. 14, 2025
    PHCC Educational Foundation names Sheldon Shapiro to its Board of Governors, honoring a legacy of workforce development and industry giving.
    Nov. 14, 2025
    See the top plumbing and hydronic products of the past year as chosen by our readers.
    Nov. 14, 2025
    Reviews of the Inflow inventory solution, ZyraTalk customer service software, and Praxedo field service management software,
    Nov. 13, 2025
    ID 11918998 © Walter Arce | Dreamstime.com
    Mike Rowe of the hit show, Dirty Jobs,
    Free online event offers trade professionals practical strategies to boost revenue, stay competitive, and thrive through seasonal slowdowns.
    Nov. 13, 2025
    Nice North America
    Veterans in front of a flag.
    Total Home Creations and Nice North America deliver accessible automation systems that bring comfort, control, and connection to those who’ve served.
    Nov. 13, 2025
    ID 55516369 © Goodluz | Dreamstime.com
    Plumbing students with instructor.
    Hands-on mastery and system-level understanding once defined trade excellence—now, many fear that “tech-only” training is eroding those fundamentals.
    Nov. 12, 2025
    While contractors may leverage many different tactics to mitigate the ongoing whiplash of tariffs, the most important strategy remains communication and collaboration between ...
    Nov. 12, 2025
    Acquisition expands A. O. Smith’s presence in the mechanical room with leading mixing valve and control technologies.
    Nov. 12, 2025
    Hockey meets hydronics as NTI and the Sea Dogs celebrate teamwork, talent, and local pride.
    Nov. 12, 2025
    ID 112409500 © Bumbleedee | Dreamstime.com
    American Soldiers Saluting US Flag.
    With high paying jobs and plenty of employment opportunity, it’s no surprise that many military members are exploring skill trades as a post-service option.
    Nov. 12, 2025
    Midwestern Mechanical’s Cody Schroeder recognized for advancing apprenticeship training, modernizing instruction, and inspiring the next generation of plumbing professionals.
    Nov. 11, 2025
    Working under space and shutdown constraints, Rasmussen Mechanical engineered a precise 300HP boiler installation—complete with new combustion controls, heat recovery, and feedwater...
    Nov. 11, 2025
    Two-day event at Grundfos’ Brookshire, Texas headquarters to unite engineers, designers, and sustainability leaders.
    Nov. 11, 2025
    ABC’s latest survey shows weakening sentiment despite continued strength in manufacturing and data center construction.
    Nov. 11, 2025
    Partnership brings together Egan’s century of mechanical expertise with Sylvan’s multi-trade, technology-enabled platform.
    Nov. 10, 2025
    Acquisition unites three long-standing US foundries under one family-owned group.
    Nov. 10, 2025
    ID 105565415 © Wanida Prapan | Dreamstime.com
    golf club
    Contractors who complete Watts training can now win premium jobsite gear through the company’s latest education-driven rewards program.
    Nov. 10, 2025
    GF donates Uponor PEX systems for 22-unit housing community providing stable homes for veterans and their families.
    Nov. 10, 2025
    This week's product gallery features a commercial in-wall lav carrier, commercial reverse osmosis water quality systems, a low-flow wall-hung toilet, an anti-corrosive additive...
    Nov. 7, 2025
    Masco and Delta’s Bob Neff to serve as president; members celebrate collaboration, innovation, and shared progress at PMI25 in Chicago.
    Nov. 6, 2025
    Ariston Canada
    Ariston Canada HQ.
    NTI Boilers adopts Ariston’s legal name while maintaining its trusted NTI identity and dealer relationships.
    Nov. 6, 2025
    Longtime North Carolina leader credited with driving licensing reform, mentoring apprentices, and championing contractor interests nationwide.
    Nov. 5, 2025
    Dever Family Foundation Skilled Trades Education Center marks construction milestone with topping out ceremony.
    Nov. 5, 2025
    Landmark report identifies IAPMO’s tool as an essential strategy for cutting US water use up to 60% through right-sized plumbing design.
    Nov. 5, 2025
    After 20 years driving growth and innovation in the US plumbing market, Saragosti embraces a new chapter as a full-time artist.
    Nov. 4, 2025
    Trade associations join forces to highlight data-backed advantages in performance, resilience, and lifecycle cost.
    Nov. 4, 2025
    IoT monitoring, advanced dispenser design, and pressure-assist systems give maintenance teams real-time insights to prevent problems, save water, and streamline service.
    Nov. 4, 2025
    When the cooling system fails due to corrosion—often a silent and progressive issue—a routine maintenance concern instantly escalates into catastrophic downtime.
    Nov. 4, 2025
    ID 20234501 © Fotosenmeer | Dreamstime.com
    old plumber young plumber
    Build a talent strategy optimized to keep your younger workers retained and engaged.
    Nov. 4, 2025
    The move strengthens DSG’s presence in the state’s pump, sewer, and water well markets while welcoming the Quality Pumps team as new employee owners.
    Nov. 3, 2025
    Scorecards, guides, and crosswalks empower the industry to deliver healthier, more resilient, high-performance buildings.
    Nov. 3, 2025
    Donation helps fund financial relief, service dog training, and education programs for veterans and their families.
    Nov. 3, 2025
    Three days of competition highlighted the craftsmanship and teamwork driving the next generation of plumbing professionals.
    Nov. 3, 2025
    New 45,000-square-foot facility expands production of high-efficiency heating products and reinforces US Boiler’s commitment to American manufacturing.
    Oct. 31, 2025
    Funding advances monitoring programs that safeguard aquifers and strengthen water security across the Columbia Basin and Alberta.
    Oct. 31, 2025
    Contractors can explore labor-saving systems, including BLÜCHER® Push-Fit stainless-steel drainage, through online and hands-on learning.
    Oct. 31, 2025
    ID 32896169 © Kashamalasha | Dreamstime.com
    Canadian flag.
    Launch strengthens Bradford White’s commitment to offering durable, high-efficiency water heating solutions tailored to Canadian needs.
    Oct. 31, 2025
    New multi-year partnership combines Trimble’s technology leadership with LFC’s world-class legacy of performance and innovation.
    Oct. 31, 2025
    Strategic partnership strengthens Rocket Group’s HVAC network in Northeast Oklahoma and enhances service capabilities nationwide.
    Oct. 31, 2025
    This week's gallery spotlights a commercial integrated sink system for touchless handwashing, a wafer check valve with a compact and lightweight design, an indirect-fired water...
    Oct. 31, 2025
    New VP continues company’s push for smarter, more connected customer experiences across every channel.
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Company’s new Oklahoma metals facility enhances operational efficiency and reinforces commitment to sustainable growth.
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Backed by national survey data, Metabo HPT’s new campaign champions hands-on education and trade career readiness through its partnership with the Shop Class Foundation.
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Weil-McLain’s latest Advantage® promotion rewards high-efficiency boiler installs with bonus points, premium prizes, and a free Simplicity™ combi boiler for top performers.
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Contractor honored at Service World Expo 2025 for strong values, customer focus and community-driven mission.
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Ten breakthrough technologies recognized for advancing efficiency, performance and design across the industry.
    Oct. 28, 2025
    New Industry Forward® grant will expand Explore The Trades’ poster kit program, connecting nearly a million students to plumbing, HVAC and electrical career opportunities.
    Oct. 27, 2025
    HomeServe North America recently celebrated a decade of partnership and excellence at its 10th Annual Contractor Conference Awards.
    Oct. 27, 2025
    Manufacturer’s contribution supports research and patient programs providing transportation, lodging, and 24/7 assistance for those in treatment.
    Oct. 24, 2025
    ID 113024056 © Photovs | Dreamstime.com
    bathroom remodel in progress
    The risks of backflow and cross-contamination won’t shock anyone, but they can jump in frequency whenever older systems are retrofitted or new technology is introduced.
    Oct. 24, 2025
    Resideo
    Resideo
    This week's product gallery highlights a residential smart thermostat, a line of ligature-resistant floor drains, a commercial/industrial booster pump, an all-in-one handwashing...
    Oct. 24, 2025
    Voss to drive North American growth and strengthen Rinnai’s market position in high-efficiency tankless and hydronic solutions.
    Oct. 23, 2025