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  • May 2026

    • May 2026

    2026 Book of Giants - The Challenge of the Moment; ABC Members Report Growth in Backlog, Confidence; LG Opens State-of-the-Art Training Facility; Hard Hat Courage Inititative to Expand Mental Health Training; High-Rise Hydronic Retrofit; Passing the Torch; and much more.

    More content from May 2026

    True Blue logo
    Deal brings enhanced training, technology and back-office support while maintaining local brand and leadership.
    April 23, 2026
    A. O. Smith
    (Left to right): A.O. Smith Vice President of Government, Regulatory and Industry Affairs Joshua Greene; A.O. Smith Senior Vice President and President and General Manager of the North America Water Heating business unit Stephen O’ Brien; A.O. Smith CEO Steve Shafer; U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Secretary James Danly; U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty; A. O. Smith Senior Vice President and President of Lochinvar Darrell Schuh; Lochinvar Vice President of Engineering Brian Iske; Lochinvar Director of Operations and Supply Chain Kyle Johnson.
    Visit spotlights contractor-relevant equipment, energy-efficient systems and continued investment in U.S.-based production.
    April 23, 2026
    Andy J. Egan Co.
    An Egan technician in the machine shop.
    In an often turburlent market, we look at how two of the nation's largest mechanical contractors are adapting, succeeding, and delivering for both their customers and employees...
    April 23, 2026
    USGBC logo
    GADCC will establish benchmarks to guide sustainable AI infrastructure development.
    April 22, 2026
    ID 102375605 © Pop Nukoonrat | Dreamstime.com
    clean water concept
    Earth Month initiatives emphasize efficiency, carbon reduction, and jobsite-ready solutions.
    April 22, 2026
    Plumbing Sales Coach logo
    New platform helps contractors improve consistency, train teams, and scale amid labor shortages.
    April 22, 2026
    ServiceForge
    ServiceForge has partnered with verified reforestation organizations to plant more than two million trees.
    Ongoing program tied to customers and employees reflects long-term commitment to environmental impact
    April 22, 2026
    Todd Plitt
    Due to environmental variables found in projects like this New York City rooftop SIM installation, establishing correct performance levels for a SIM system are critical and can be determined using data from PPI’s new Recommendation J.
    Recommendation J outlines performance targets to improve design accuracy and manage installation costs.
    April 21, 2026
    Milwaukee Tool
    Integrated systems that regulate fastening torque can help deliver spec-compliant results.
    Modern construction tools now incorporate sensors and intelligent controls like torque management and auto-shutoff systems, proactively enhancing safety, improving precision, ...
    April 21, 2026
    ASA
    Christy Malone, ASA Woman of the Year
    Decades of leadership, industry involvement, and advocacy for women earn top recognition.
    April 21, 2026
    Watts logo
    Bite-sized online modules and hands-on learning help contractors boost efficiency from rough-in to final install.
    April 20, 2026
    LG
    LG Electronics celebrated the grand opening of its new Air Conditioning Technologies Training Academy in Orange, CA, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Dan Slater (left) and Steve Scarbrough, senior vice president and general manager of LG Air Conditioning Technologies, LG Electronics USA.
    Ribbon-cutting coincides with California Heat Pump Week.
    April 20, 2026
    ID 271169315 © Nanthaphiphat2hcrafts | Dreamstime.com
    Document management, paperless office concept
    Contractors are applying AI to purchasing and accounts payable workflows to reduce manual review and better track orders, updates, and invoices.
    April 17, 2026
    ID 85888284 © Marcel De Grijs | Dreamstime.com
    social media apps
    A post going viral might get thousands of views, but that doesn’t mean it’s reaching the right audience.
    April 17, 2026
    Victaulic
    Victaulic coupling
    This week's gallery highlights a large-diameter rigid coupling, a line of copper fittings for compressed air and natural gas, a dry-mass radiant panel system and an integrated...
    April 17, 2026
    ID 37661580 © Sjors737 | Dreamstime.com
    Worker laying in new sewer pipe.
    City-by-city analysis highlights aging infrastructure, overflow trends and widening investment gaps.
    April 16, 2026
    Rinnai
    RCW750AN floor-standing commercial boilers.
    Cascade system upgrade replaces failed boilers, improving efficiency and simplifying installation in 17-storey tower.
    April 16, 2026
    ID 198190337 © Stevendalewhite | Dreamstime.com
    backflow preventer
    Program recognizes backflow prevention professionals advancing safety, education and best practices.
    April 16, 2026
    ID 320882964 © Yayat Riwayat | Dreamstime.com
    Robot on the job site.
    AI is not a silver bullet for jobsite safety—but it can a force multiplier for safety professionals.
    April 16, 2026
    JJ Engelbert
    Photo 1.
    The author discusses some essentials of boiler service and reflects, in his final column, that for all our technical know-how, some mysteries will always remain.
    April 15, 2026
    AWS
    Mikala Sposito.
    Washtenaw Community College student rises through elite Weld Trials, marking a milestone for women in the trades.
    April 15, 2026
    ID 83544714 © Designer491 | Dreamstime.com
    Life insurance policy
    Policies can support succession planning, workforce retention and deferred compensation.
    April 15, 2026
    WeStand logo
    Document supports ANSI consensus development process for water efficiency and sanitation standards.
    April 14, 2026
    ID 6051818 © Ademdemir | Dreamstime.com
    Roof-mounted solar water heating system.
    Documents support upcoming ANSI consensus development meetings in May.
    April 14, 2026
    BBTT logo
    New initiative equips vocational programs with professional-grade tools for skilled trades training.
    April 14, 2026
    Zekelman logo
    New role focuses on AI, hyperscale and mission-critical infrastructure markets.
    April 14, 2026
    Andy J. Egan Co.
    Chris Weaver.
    Longtime leader steps into role as company continues focus on technology and project delivery.
    April 14, 2026
    Aalberts
    PowerPress products.
    South Carolina investment boosts capacity, lead times and contractor access to press technology.
    April 14, 2026
    ID 114088064 © Feverpitched | Dreamstime.com
    bathroom remodel concept
    Q2 outlook improves even as material costs and labor challenges persist.
    April 14, 2026
    ID 6856247 © Mishoo | Dreamstime.com
    Cranes and construction site at dusk
    March data reveals rising profit margins and staffing levels, with contractors maintaining optimism despite rising oil prices.
    April 14, 2026
    ID 57449093 | Plant © Tomas1111 | Dreamstime.com
    Oil and gas refinery.
    Overall construction input prices are 4.8% higher than one year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 5.4% higher.
    April 14, 2026
    ID 6838505 © Norman Chan | Dreamstime.com
    map of India
    Localized manufacturing expansion supports sustainability goals and faster regional delivery.
    April 13, 2026
    Watts logo
    Training Cup Challenge drives engagement through eLearning, events and hands-on sessions.
    April 13, 2026
    A. O. Smith logo
    Seasonal incentive program supports wholesale partners and drives water heater upgrades.
    April 13, 2026
    ID 196943505 © Designer491 | Dreamstime.com
    private equity concept
    If you’re getting the itch to explore the private equity opportunity, here are seven questions you should answer.
    April 13, 2026
    Intercom AI
    The Fin AI Agent for customer service.
    Reviews of the Fin AI Agent for customer service, Classet hiring/recruitment platform, and FacetTRAK ticketing and task management software.
    April 13, 2026
    ID 8155527 © Marek Uliasz | Dreamstime.com
    sine curve blackboard
    How to mitigate risks associated with unpredictable workloads? Focus on planning, project selection, and understanding market dynamics.
    April 13, 2026
    QTTC logo
    Industry veteran Chris Roth joins Lonny Snowden to align trade training with real contractor demand.
    April 13, 2026
    IAPMO
    UPC and UMC codes
    Volunteers sought from across the plumbing and mechanical industry to review and coordinate 2030 code development.
    April 10, 2026
    617MediaGroup
    (L to R) State Senator DiDomenico's Director of Communications & Environmental Policy, Eli Fenichel; Executive Director of Climate Jobs MA, Ryan Murphy; GBPCA Executive Director Andrew DeAngelo; Local 12 Business Agent, Frank Amato; State Rep. Marjorie Decker; Foreman JC Higgins, Chris Mohan; Local 12 Business Agent Chad Carbone; State Rep. Mike Conolly.
    Tour highlights how water reuse can reduce strain on infrastructure and support resilience.
    April 10, 2026
    UMC logo
    Leadership move focuses on process consistency, team alignment and service performance.
    April 10, 2026
    ID 416363679 © Snehitdesign | Dreamstime.com
    Massive Data center in the suburbs of Columbus, OH.
    New G12 guideline aims to reduce permitting delays and improve consistency across projects.
    April 9, 2026
    J. C. Cannistraro
    In the prefabrication shop at J. C. Cannistraro.
    Jake Olsen of Stratus discusses how prefabrication is shifting from a labor-saving tactic to a risk management strategy driven by rising material costs and digital integration...
    April 9, 2026
    T&S Brass
    view of a sink in a commercial kitchen
    Low-flow fixtures were once met with skepticism in high-demand settings; but now efficiency is evaluated at the system and lifecycle level, not just by a fixture’s flow rating...
    April 9, 2026
    Roadrunner Plumbing & Air
    The Roadrunner Plumbing & Air team.
    Deal supports regional growth and operational standardization.
    April 9, 2026
    ID 100760698 © Alexandersikov | Dreamstime.com
    Compliance Rules Law Regulation Policy Business Technology concept.
    Implementing centralized document platforms, proactive renewal alerts, and strict subcontractor vetting can streamline compliance in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
    April 9, 2026
    Truckee Meadows Water Authority
    Conceptual architectural rendering of the Advanced Purified Water Facility.
    $200M project will deliver drought-resistant supply and reduce discharge from Reno-area system.
    April 8, 2026
    Werner / March Madness logo
    Company provides custom ladders across men’s and women’s championship events.
    April 7, 2026
    ID 384944064 © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com
    plumber with satisfied customer
    In this Q&A with Chris Fresh, discover how a shift in focus can increase conversion rates, ticket averages, and repeat business by serving rather than selling.
    April 7, 2026
    Berrnzomatic logo
    Expanded funding helps offset training costs and strengthen workforce pipeline.
    April 7, 2026
    ID 64115889 © Mytree Maita | Dreamstime.com
    removing a splinter
    What it looks like when a trade shop owner finds their first real use for AI, and why it is never the use they expected.
    April 7, 2026
    Veolia logo
    Partnership targets youth recruitment, training pipelines and staffing shortages across water and wastewater systems.
    April 6, 2026
    F.W. Webb
    F.W. Webb's Somerdale location.
    Somerdale facility offers project-ready stock, fast pickup and delivery for plumbing and HVAC professionals.
    April 6, 2026
    Oatey logo
    Leadership move strengthens data-driven decision-making, operational efficiency and customer insights.
    April 6, 2026
    Oatey logo
    Leadership move strengthens IT alignment with operations, distribution and customer support.
    April 6, 2026
    ID 149400002 © Andrey Popov | Dreamstime.com
    plumber explaining invoice
    Customers buy how it feels to do business with you. For service contractors, that translates into three things: response time, professionalism, and follow-up.
    April 6, 2026
    ID 57771832 © Syda Productions | Dreamstime.com
    Builder in hardhat with tablet pc at construction site.
    Contractors increase usage across projects to improve consistency and financial performance.
    April 6, 2026
    DeWalt
    DeWalt grinder
    This week's gallery spotlights a battery-operated extended die grinder, a stainless-steel indirect water heater, wireless mesh sensors for boiler controls, a drainage pipe cutter...
    April 3, 2026
    ID 3974983 © Jerryb8 | Dreamstime.com
    construction worker on a building
    Construction employment increased by 26,000 jobs in March 2026, with nonresidential sectors leading the growth, this despite headwinds like rising oil and diesel prices.
    April 3, 2026
    ID 366985511 © Cherdchai Chawienghong | Dreamstime.com
    tablet and hard hat
    Smart PPE is about information access and, in some systems, the ability to track equipment location through management software.
    April 3, 2026
    Wikimedia / Creative Commons
    Nitinol (Nickel-Titanium) filaments.
    As regulations squeeze out HFCs, a new generation of "Solid-State" heat pumps is emerging. They don’t use gas; they use physics. And they are about to turn "Air Conditioning" ...
    April 3, 2026
    ID 22407755 | Abstract © Mikhail Olykaynen | Dreamstime.com
    Water supply pipes in a trench.
    Investigation highlights critical failures in trench safety, exit access and protective systems.
    April 2, 2026
    UMC logo
    Promotions align development and project execution to meet growing demand for hospital modernization and efficiency.
    April 1, 2026
    ID 4072384 © Viorel Dudau | Dreamstime.com
    row of hard hats
    AFSP, NABTU and CPWR align on jobsite mental health standards and suicide prevention training.
    April 1, 2026
    IAPMO logo
    Proclamations and events across the US emphasize resilience, efficiency and public health protection.
    April 1, 2026
    Rinnai logo
    Move aligns legal, government affairs and workforce development to support long-term growth in water heating and home comfort.
    April 1, 2026
    ID 44066343 © Luchschen | Dreamstime.com
    Water quality testing.
    How water qualities like hardness and pH impact plumbing systems, emphasizing the importance of routine maintenance, water testing, and filtration to prevent damage and extend...
    March 31, 2026
    ID 17217181 © Vladimir Zhuravlev | Dreamstime.com
    The silhouettes of construction workers, construction equipment and elements of a building
    Construction employment data reveals a decline of 28,000 job openings in February, with contractors hesitant to hire and employees reluctant to leave.
    March 31, 2026
    REHAU logo
    New role targets expanded builder partnerships, contractor alignment and market growth in water technologies.
    March 31, 2026
    Infinity Drain
    Top row (left to right): Dean Camastro, Director of Commercial Sales (East); Jurek Gudel, Technical Sales (NY Metro); Harry Ramoutar, Dealer Sales Manager (NY Metro). Bottom row (left to right): John Flaa, Commercial Sales Director (West); Mike Rizzuto, Technical Sales (West); Kerry Rudd, Vice President of Sales.
    New regional roles strengthen contractor support, specification efforts and agency partner alignment.
    March 31, 2026
    Armstrong logo
    HVAC industry veteran brings global leadership experience and focus on system-level performance, sustainability and digital integration.
    March 30, 2026
    ID 366985391 © Cherdchai Chawienghong | Dreamstime.com
    An engineer working on site with icon of work safety tools on concept of workplace safety.
    ServiceTitan study highlights rising adoption, cost pressures and growing demand for integrated platforms.
    March 30, 2026
    Bender Plumbing Supply logo
    Fourth-generation distributor strengthens contractor access to plumbing and HVAC inventory, service and local expertise.
    March 30, 2026
    Jay's Heating Plumbing & Air
    At the grand opening of the new Altitude Academy in Woodlawn, VA.
    New apprenticeship program combines field experience, technical instruction and career path development.
    March 30, 2026
    Watts
    Watts mixing valve
    This week's product gallery features a mixing valve with visual diagnostics, PE-RT plastic tubing, van racking and shelving, a commercial tankless water heater, carbide-tipped...
    March 27, 2026
    ID 137521681 | Background © Chernetskaya | Dreamstime.com
    couple with leaking ceiling
    Synchrony study shows gap between expected and actual home care expenses is driving delays—and bigger problems down the line.
    March 27, 2026
    Fluid Solutions logo
    Expanded footprint in Irondale positions contractor-focused provider for larger, more complex infrastructure projects.
    March 26, 2026