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  • March 2026

    • March 2026

    Builders Brace for Headwinds; HDPE Fusion Training Targets Workforce Gaps; Taco Honors Kang Ho Lee; 2026 MEP Conference Drives, Celebrates Industry Progress; PHCC Industry Outlook Flags Labor, Tech, Consolidation; AHR Expo Draws 53,000, Q&A with A. O. Smith CEO Stephen Shafer; and much more.

    More content from March 2026

    ABC
    ABC Craft Chamionship collage.
    The 37th annual skilled trades competition showcases plumbing, HVAC, electrical and other craft professionals alongside college teams competing in construction management.
    Feb. 19, 2026
    ID 70086705 © Iprintezis | Dreamstime.com
    An interior view of a new home under construction with exposed wiring and kitchen island
    Economists at the National Association of Home Builders outline cautious growth in single-family starts, declining multifamily production and sustained remodeling demand amid ...
    Feb. 18, 2026
    ID 36045378 © Aprescindere | Dreamstime.com
    Last piece of jigsaw puzzle - blue tone
    What if adopting the latest water heating technologies was easier than expected and could also create new revenue streams by offering additional benefits to customers?
    Feb. 18, 2026
    KBIS
    Crowds walk the hall at the Orlando Convention Center during KBIS 2026.
    The 2026 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show opens in Orlando to big crowds and amazing innovations.
    Feb. 18, 2026
    ID 6657794 © Onepony | Dreamstime.com
    The front of a large older home covered in deep snow.
    With the right approach, energy efficiency can become a natural, value-based selling point.
    Feb. 18, 2026
    ID 158638801 © Andreistanescu | Dreamstime.com
    Exterior view of multifamily residential building; Santa Clara, San Francisco
    Economists at the National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show say tighter financing, rising costs and elevated supply are reshaping development and rental...
    Feb. 17, 2026
    AHR Expo
    Massive crowds line up for the first day of the AHR Expo.
    Standing-room-only panels, product launches and Innovation Awards highlighted the industry’s push toward efficiency, electrification and smarter building systems.
    Feb. 17, 2026
    MEP26
    Attendees gather for one of the conference's general sessions.
    Event offered education and networking opportunites that showcase the future of the Mechanical-Electrical-Plumbing industry.
    Feb. 17, 2026
    Oatey
    Oatey logo
    Strategic leader with international sales and business development experience to oversee global operations and expand Cherne’s footprint in key markets.
    Feb. 16, 2026
    AirMatchPro
    AirMatchPro dashboard.
    Reviews of the AirMatch sales and design platform, the Clearstory change order platform, the Corfix compliance and accident reporting platform, and the Crew Console scheduling...
    Feb. 16, 2026
    General Pipe Cleaners
    General Pipe Cleaners pipe inspection tool
    This week's gallery highlights a drain inspection tool, a smart hybrid heat pump water heater, a boiler trim kit, a cordless ratchet, a cordless and handheld drain cleaner, and...
    Feb. 13, 2026
    ID 229538925 © Sornranison Prakittrakoon | Dreamstime.com
    Construction design, and Estimation concept
    By taking the time to do a good, accurate, material estimate you will have a much greater opportunity to increase your bottom line and make every asset count.
    Feb. 13, 2026
    Rich Romea
    Rich Romea installed a new boiler, additional zones and new piping throughout his 1,600 square foot house in Pittsburgh to create even heat distribution throughout the home.
    Major retrofit brings thermal comfort to multiple levels of Cape Style house.
    Feb. 12, 2026
    Cerro logo
    New logo and website underscore customer-driven improvements, knowledgeable teams and a more responsive contractor experience.
    Feb. 12, 2026
    ID 282399984 © Iryna Drozd | Dreamstime.com
    ESOP written on a wooden cube on the keyboard with chart on grey background
    Bonding capacity ultimately determines the size, scope and number of projects a contracting firm can pursue, making bonding a critical driver of operational capability and long...
    Feb. 12, 2026
    DBIA
    DBIA awards
    National program recognizes top-performing design-build teams demonstrating collaboration, leadership and Design-Build Done Right® delivery.
    Feb. 11, 2026
    GF / Uponor
    Nicole Miller.
    GF-funded project combines helioPEX™ pipe and Fast Trak™ mats with forced-air systems to stabilize temperatures and create healthier homes.
    Feb. 11, 2026
    KOHLER
    Genevive Gorder for Reveal by KOHLER.
    Program integrates in-home design, aging-in-place options and exclusive LuxStone® wall systems under Kohler’s Lifetime Limited Warranty.
    Feb. 11, 2026
    ID 946021 © Sculpies | Dreamstime.com
    Construction worker with hammer
    Specialty trade contractors drive employment growth, though heavy and civil slips and industry unemployment sits at 6.9%.
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Informa
    A view from the 2025 WWETT Show floor.
    Business coaches will deliver contractor-focused sessions on plumbing and wastewater trends, middle management development and job-cost-driven decision-making.
    Feb. 10, 2026
    ID 136512263 © Subin Pumsom | Dreamstime.com
    Engineers Meeting for successful project construction
    Construction firms still expect growth despite tightening backlog conditions.
    Feb. 10, 2026
    PPI
    Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich (right) with the president of NWTC, the college hosting the training classes, Dr. Kristen Raney and PPI’s Camille George Rubeiz (left).
    Utility professionals and engineering students gain practical skills for potable and wastewater systems.
    Feb. 10, 2026
    ICC logo
    ICC’s 2026 “Built to Last” campaign highlights how modern building codes and safety professionals protect homes and communities.
    Feb. 10, 2026
    BBTT logo
    New national report warns 1.4 million unfilled trade jobs by 2030 across plumbing, HVAC, construction and related fields.
    Feb. 10, 2026
    Trane logo
    Industry-changing heating innovations from Trane co-founder continue to shape modern HVAC design and performance.
    Feb. 10, 2026
    Hydrosense
    Legionella bacterium.
    Design choices and material selection can create conditions for biofilm growth, despite low-aerosol assumptions.
    Feb. 10, 2026
    ABC logo
    Rankings based on work hours reflect sustained performance and operational strength.
    Feb. 9, 2026
    Chicago Faucets logo
    Milestone reflects long-standing focus on reliability, safety, and solutions for demanding commercial environments.
    Feb. 9, 2026
    Taco
    Taco skid package
    This week's gallery focuses on custom HVAC skid packages, tankless water heater manifold and rack kits, a water pressure boosting system, residential and commercial heat pump ...
    Feb. 6, 2026
    Watts logo
    Watts Works participants earn sweepstakes entries and merchandise for completing training through May 1.
    Feb. 6, 2026
    ASHRAE
    ASHRAE Winter Conference attendees.
    Technical sessions, policy leadership and global collaboration highlight evolving demands on HVAC professionals.
    Feb. 6, 2026
    ID 1686316 © M.e. Mulder | Dreamstime.com
    construction cranes
    BLS data shows steady month-over-month growth and a sharp year-over-year increase in construction hiring demand.
    Feb. 6, 2026
    ID 6000345 © Roman Milert | Dreamstime.com
    Construction worker working with house wooden roof against sunset sky
    National rate falls year over year, but demand headwinds and workforce constraints remain.
    Feb. 6, 2026
    Emerald / KBIS
    Who will win the 2026 Best of KBIS Awards?
    Industry judges narrow hundreds of entries to 50 products shaping the future of kitchen and bath.
    Feb. 5, 2026
    A. O. Smith
    The view from the top of the A. O. Smith booth at AHR Expo 2026.
    We talk about managing uncertainty, the opportunities of 2026, and what the company’s main message is to contractors at the big show.
    Feb. 5, 2026
    AHR Expo
    Expo attendees in the central hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
    The last day of the big show had plenty of innovations in store.
    Feb. 5, 2026
    PHCC
    PHCC Academy Logo
    PHCC Academy adds role-specific, self-paced programs to help contractors build stronger teams and close more work.
    Feb. 4, 2026
    AHR Expo
    AHR Expo crowds by the logo
    More of the best product innovations from the second day at AHR.
    Feb. 4, 2026
    ID 152401574 © Vlad Salikhov | Dreamstime.com
    Underfloor surface heating pipes. Low temperature heating concept.
    Learn how to plan, route, and install hydronic radiant systems in timber-frame structures to deliver quiet, efficient, and visually unobtrusive heating solutions.
    Feb. 3, 2026
    AHR Expo
    Crowds in the West Hall on the first day of AHR Expo 2026.
    There was a lot to see the first day of AHR Expo 2026—here are some of the innovative products that caught our attention.
    Feb. 3, 2026
    Taco Comfort Systems
    John Hazen White (center) presenting the Dan Holohan Award to Kang Ho Lee (left), Chairman of Taejin Fluid Technology.
    Award recognizes lifetime contributions to hydronic education, innovation, and people-centered leadership.
    Feb. 2, 2026
    Hurley Engineering logo
    Longtime Tacoma firm adds deep mechanical room and system-level expertise across the Pacific Northwest.
    Feb. 2, 2026
    ID 1743798 © Lucian Coman | Dreamstime.com
    Construction workers climbed on scaffolding.
    Construction input prices decreased by 0.6% in December, with nonresidential costs falling 0.7%, though overall prices are still 2.8% higher than last year.
    Jan. 30, 2026
    PHCC
    A group photo from the 2025 Legislative Conference.
    Contractors gain direct access to federal policymakers on energy, workforce, and industry priorities.
    Jan. 30, 2026
    Victaulic
    Piping system design in Revit.
    Although most of today's contractors have BIM tools that make fabrication possible, many haven't fully adapted their design processes to leverage these capabilities.
    Jan. 30, 2026
    ID 23709433 © Italianestro | Dreamstime.com
    Leaf ribs and veins
    For a century, we’ve fought friction with horsepower. New "biomimetic" research suggests that to break the efficiency wall, we must abandon the 90-degree elbow and start plumbing...
    Jan. 30, 2026
    Sloan
    Sloan’s Optima EBF-650 Faucets provide Radnor with a streamlined, touch-free desig.
    The school’s renovation includes water-efficient Sloan products like flushometers and faucets, reducing water usage and maintenance costs while maintaining a sleek, hygienic appearance...
    Jan. 29, 2026
    House of Rohl logo
    Senior sales, marketing, and strategy appointments align with continued expansion following Emtek and Schaub acquisition.
    Jan. 29, 2026
    Chicago Faucets
    Touchless faucets paired with monitoring phone apps give contractors and facility teams tools that did not exist a decade ago.
    How contractors can select and implement faucets that balance water conservation with performance, supporting long-term project success amid rising water prices and shortages....
    Jan. 29, 2026
    Flow Symposium logo
    Hands-on education and system-level insights target housing, data centers, infrastructure, and industrial applications.
    Jan. 28, 2026
    PPI
    Steve Sandstrum expresses his thanks for receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award to the PPI membership during the association’s October 2025 meeting as PPI President David Fink looks on.
    Steve Sandstrum and Dean Jenne recognized for long-term technical contributions, standards leadership, and service to the plastic pipe industry.
    Jan. 28, 2026
    ID 203390952 © Pornchai Sriprang | Dreamstime.com
    Workplace safety training.
    Plumbing company owners and their technicians need to consistently adopt a proactive approach to safety training programs.
    Jan. 28, 2026
    PHCC-EF logo
    75 awards totaling $180,000 aim to reduce training costs for apprentices and students entering the trades.
    Jan. 28, 2026
    ID 95361415 © Mast3r | Dreamstime.com
    Construction company at work
    Prairie Capital Advisors’ latest survey shows stable backlogs, rising tech adoption, and workforce depth as the defining challenge for employee-owned contractors.
    Jan. 27, 2026
    PHCC logo
    New Environmental Scan outlines what plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors should expect as demand, workforce pressures, and AI adoption evolve.
    Jan. 27, 2026
    ID 211512418 © Andrey Popov | Dreamstime.com
    Woman With Emergency Plumbing Leak Problem
    Referrals get you in the conversation. Research decides who gets the call.
    Jan. 27, 2026
    Dan Beard Council
    The Dever Family Foundation Skilled Trades Education Center.
    The Dan Beard Council opened a 10,000-square-foot Skilled Trades Education Center at Camp Friedlander, fostering youth development in construction, engineering, and technical ...
    Jan. 27, 2026
    Simpro
    simpro delight combined logo
    AI-driven customer engagement tools help field service businesses turn completed jobs into ongoing service and long-term customer value.
    Jan. 26, 2026
    ID 130883714 © Pattanaphong Khuankaew | Dreamstime.com
    Handshake business deal contractor's office
    For MEPs that are planning to strategically grow or are starting to plan for an exit, the following drivers consistently separate good outcomes from great ones.
    Jan. 26, 2026
    ASSE logo
    Working group members needed to help shape ASSE 19000 requirements for hydronic heating, cooling, and solar water heating professionals.
    Jan. 23, 2026