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  • February 2026

    • February 2026

    OSHA Rule Changes 2026: What it Means for Contractors; $46M Wastewater Upgrade Advances; Construction Input Prices Rise in Nov.; The Role of AI in Contracting; Digital Progress - Digital Risk; KBIS 2026 Spotlights Wellness, Personalization and Innovation; and much more.

    More content from February 2026

    ID 217085823 | 3d © Siarhei Yurchanka | Dreamstime.com
    concept art for AI
    Which jobs can AI be trusted with? Which jobs should it not? How to get your teams using it, without abusing it? If 2025 was the year AI arrived, 2026 will be the year mechanical...
    Jan. 22, 2026
    Miller-Motte College logo
    New NCCER-aligned programs launch February 9 to support North Carolina’s growing demand for licensed trade professionals.
    Jan. 21, 2026
    BrassCraft logo
    Former VP of Finance and IT brings operational discipline and market insight to rough plumbing brand.
    Jan. 21, 2026
    AWS
    Speaker and attendees at the 2025 AWS Welding Summit.
    Educational events target inspection, automation, aluminum welding, and qualification standards.
    Jan. 20, 2026
    ID 130233168 © Kevin Key | Dreamstime.com
    The Holy Fire At Lake Elsinore On August 9, 2018
    Survey data underscores need for expanded trades training to support recovery efforts.
    Jan. 20, 2026
    Zekelman industries logo
    Manufacturing finance veteran brings 20+ years of leadership experience as longtime CFO Mike Graham plans retirement.
    Jan. 20, 2026
    Noritz itomic combined logo
    New system targets electrification, decarbonization, and commercial hot water demand.
    Jan. 20, 2026
    ID 41088460 © La Fabrika Pixel S.l. | Dreamstime.com
    dreamstime_s_41088460
    Contractors can plan for the unknown by implementing contracts and controls that provide more certainty and protection for stakeholders at all levels.
    Jan. 20, 2026
    UMC logo
    Five promotions position the contractor to deliver efficiency, collaboration, and complex project execution.
    Jan. 16, 2026
    Pfister Faucets
    Pfister Faucets kitchen faucet
    This week's gallery spotlights more kitchen and bath products: a stainless-steel kitchen sink, pull-down kitchen faucets, a widespread lavatory faucet, a freestanding tub, and...
    Jan. 16, 2026
    ID 41526828 © Weerapat Kiatdumrong | Dreamstime.com
    Security lock symbol on computer circuit board
    As construction companies modernize their technology, experts warn that inconsistent systems and aging infrastructure are leaving firms vulnerable to attack.
    Jan. 16, 2026
    IWSH logo
    From community facility upgrades to workforce development, projects demonstrate how quality plumbing changes lives.
    Jan. 15, 2026
    NFPA logo
    New data shows skilled trade professionals want better training, stronger standards, and clearer alignment from industry leaders.
    Jan. 15, 2026
    Pat Linhardt
    This clogged control is a float-type low water cutoff, a float mounted outside the boiler heat exchanger that senses how much water is in the boiler.
    A troubled system leads the author to a malfunctioning float-type low water cutoff, and illustrates the imporance of basic system maintenance.
    Jan. 15, 2026
    DBIA logo
    New leadership lineup underscores collaboration across public, private and federal design-build markets.
    Jan. 14, 2026
    ID 124739715 © Andrey Popov | Dreamstime.com
    water leak in kitchen
    In this exclusive Q&A, Tim Fagan, President of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE and Matt O’Rourke, President of Z PLUMBERZ give advice for talking about leaks with your clients.
    Jan. 14, 2026
    Bring Back the Trades
    Left to Right: Katie Sullivan, Shana Brunye, Steve Turner, and Patrick Cheetham.
    Hands-on events connect students and families with real-world careers in construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and more—presented by F.W. Webb Company.
    Jan. 14, 2026
    ID 40509213 © Kianlin | Dreamstime.com
    assortment of steel pipes
    Construction input prices in the US increased by 0.6% in November, with a 3.4% rise over the past year, driven by higher costs for metals and energy.
    Jan. 14, 2026
    ID 75509004 © Anamaria Mejia | Dreamstime.com
    Pouring the concrete foundation of a house.
    The tax code is intentionally structured to provide opportunities for those who are ready to take advantage of them.
    Jan. 13, 2026
    Carollo Engineers
    Oxnard, CA Water Resource Recovery Facility.
    Multi-year improvement project modernizes clarifiers and activated sludge tanks to support long-term operational performance.
    Jan. 13, 2026
    Plastic Pipes Conference Association
    Plastic Pipes Conference logo
    Global industry event confirms Texas venue and announces three international spin-off conferences for 2026.
    Jan. 13, 2026
    A. O. Smith logo
    Voltex® MAX and Emerge® X recognized for efficiency-driven design in residential and commercial applications.
    Jan. 13, 2026
    F. W. Webb logo
    Veteran attorney brings more than 20 years of experience to guide legal strategy as the distributor grows its footprint and operations.
    Jan. 13, 2026
    Viega logo
    Former Thermo Fisher Scientific executive brings deep experience in global operations, Lean initiatives and operational excellence.
    Jan. 12, 2026
    ID 63484008 © Kozzi2 | Dreamstime.com
    Construction crew listening to female supervisor
    Are you clear when transmitting your wishes? You should be. Vague and open-ended statements are a sure way to get your wires crossed.
    Jan. 12, 2026
    ASHRAE logo
    Expanded Los Angeles event targets practical leadership skills, technology trends and inclusive workforce growth across HVAC&R.
    Jan. 12, 2026
    Viegener
    Viegener faucet
    This week's gallery features bath and kitchen sinks, faucets and showerheads to be displayed at the 2026 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, Feb. 17-19, in Orlando, FL.
    Jan. 9, 2026
    Armstrong Fluid Technology logo
    New global role will guide lifecycle planning and innovation across five major product lines, strengthening Armstrong’s whole-building mechanical solutions portfolio.
    Jan. 9, 2026
    ID 14394974 © James Group Studios, Inc. | Dreamstime.com
    View of a construction crane from above looking down onto a metropolitain city scape
    Industry sheds 11,000 jobs on net during the month, while total construction employment remains slightly higher than a year ago.
    Jan. 9, 2026
    Jobber logo
    Marc Randolph and 1-800-GOT-JUNK?’s Brian Scudamore headline a one-day virtual event focused on systems, marketing, and profitability.
    Jan. 8, 2026
    AHR Expo
    Crowds at the entrance to the exhibit hall at AHR Expo 2025 in Orlando, FL.
    Multiple brands, live product displays and new technology previews planned for Booth C5735 in Las Vegas.
    Jan. 7, 2026
    ID 70286780 © Yiyansight | Dreamstime.com
    Workers on a construction site.
    Job openings increased by 90,000 positions during the month, signaling a sharp rise in hiring demand as contractors worked to staff ongoing and upcoming projects.
    Jan. 7, 2026
    Leonard Valve logo
    Deal strengthens A. O. Smith’s position in water management, digital mixing systems, and institutional hydronic applications.
    Jan. 6, 2026
    ID 82916306 © Kasto80 | Dreamstime.com
    Industrial worker welding in metal factory.
    New Decatur location expands hands-on skilled-trade training to meet Southeast labor demand.
    Jan. 6, 2026
    ID 70355334 © Jarun011 | Dreamstime.com
    Colonies of bacteria in culture medium plate
    As energy codes cause water usage to go down, "Water Age" is going up. For the mechanical contractor, the unintended impact of conservation is a new battleground in the fight ...
    Jan. 5, 2026
    ASSE logo
    Proposed ASSE 18000 standard would define minimum competency requirements for professionals installing and repairing fuel gas systems.
    Jan. 5, 2026
    ID 195866288 © K G | Dreamstime.com
    woman with respirator
    Rule changes in 2026, include heat illness prevention and silica exposure; early preparation can mitigate operational disruptions and reduce long-term liabilities.
    Jan. 5, 2026
    RectorSeal
    mini split mini pumps from RectorSeal
    This gallery includes a new series of mini-split condensate pumps, a series of hopper pumps, a series of process valves, a ladder stabilizer, a boiler treatment, and protective...
    Jan. 2, 2026
    ID 125784848 © Melpomenem | Dreamstime.com
    AI with businessman on blurred abstract background
    Some of the biggest time savings come from tasks you probably don't think about automating: writing scope letters, drafting client emails, and even improving your Google rankings...
    Jan. 2, 2026
    Taco
    The Taco Hydroflo Lubbock facility.
    Global quality standard reinforces consistency, reliability, and continuous improvement.
    Dec. 30, 2025
    ID 348250050 © Wirestock | Dreamstime.com
    An aerial View of the Qts Data Center in Central Phoenix Under Construction
    Contractors are shifting toward connected construction workflows—digital processes that link design, fabrication, layout, field installation, and quality assurance in a shared...
    Dec. 30, 2025
    ID 30189058 © Nexusplexus | Dreamstime.com
    Engineering automation building designing.
    Reality Intelligence is an AI-powered workflow that analyzes field data and delivers actionable progress insights, guiding teams to resolve issues before they grow.
    Dec. 29, 2025
    PPI 75th Anniversary Logo
    The Plastics Pipe Institute highlights its role in performance testing, codes, and modern piping adoption.
    Dec. 29, 2025
    AHR Expo
    Crowds entering the Expo hall during the 2025 AHR Expo in Orlando.
    We preview some of the new plumbing products that will be on display at the 2026 AHR Expo in Las Vegas.
    Dec. 26, 2025
    ID 48998365 © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com
    Orlando, Florida, USA downtown city skyline on Eola Lake.
    Platinum and gold sponsors preview kitchen and bath products focused on health, customization, and real-world performance.
    Dec. 26, 2025
    ID 255670084 © Forkosmos | Dreamstime.com
    modern SCADA system which showing AI and machine learning.
    New BuiltWorlds research finds nearly all contractors see smarter, faster decision-making as AI’s primary value.
    Dec. 23, 2025
    QSC logo
    QSC’s annual conference heads to Oklahoma City with hands-on workshops, peer networking, and a keynote from former NFL coach Matthew Smiley.
    Dec. 23, 2025
    STRAUSS
    STRAUSS CEO Henning Strauss (center), Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther (right), and Columbus Partnership CEO Jason Hall (left).
    European workwear brand brings jobs, training and a North American hub for high-performance trade apparel.
    Dec. 23, 2025
    Lemonseed Marketing logo
    New offering supports capacity-based marketing, stronger branding and sustainable growth for trades businesses nationwide.
    Dec. 23, 2025
    Hiller Plumbing
    Jimmy Hiller finishes loading toys into a Hiller truck to be delivered to Toys for Tots.
    Six-year partnership with Toys for Tots channels November–December sales into meaningful local giving.
    Dec. 23, 2025
    Housecall Pro logo
    More than 1,000 U.S. homeowners say booking ease, transparency, and professionalism influence who gets the job.
    Dec. 22, 2025
    Bradford White
    Bradford White recently made a donation of $15,000 to Philabundance, the Philadelphia region’s largest hunger-relief organization.
    Manufacturer backs hunger relief, community health initiatives and workforce development.
    Dec. 22, 2025