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  • August 2026

    • August 2026

    Ferguson Invests $100,000 in Heavy Metal Summer Experience; Hybrid Heat Pump Cuts Propane Use at Resort; Deadly Legionnaires' Outbreak on NYC's Upper East Side; Top Trends in Commercial Plumbing Systems; Water Quality Starts with the System; Rocky Mountain Radiant; and much more.

    More content from August 2026

    ID 280153103 © Welcomia | Dreamstime.com
    technician installing radiant underfloor heating
    Demand for energy-efficient heating, new home construction, and heat pump integration continue driving growth in residential hydronic radiant floor heating.
    July 21, 2026
    Jobber logo
    New research shows families are placing greater value on skilled trades careers, citing business ownership, job security and return on investment as demand for skilled workers...
    July 21, 2026
    ID 88490516 © F11photo | Dreamstime.com
    Georgia State Capital in Atlanta.
    SB553 aims to reduce consumer fraud, improve code compliance and ensure only properly licensed contractors advertise regulated skilled trade services.
    July 21, 2026
    Uponor
    Water quality doesn’t end at water treatment; it continues with every decision made during design and installation.
    How design, materials, and installation preserve potable water performance.
    July 21, 2026
    ASHRAE logo
    September conference will feature technical sessions, case studies and policy discussions focused on building retrofits, emissions reduction and high-performance building operations...
    July 21, 2026
    National Skilled Trades Alliance logos
    New coalition aims to expand apprenticeships, workforce training and career awareness as contractors face a growing shortage of skilled labor.
    July 21, 2026
    Ferguson
    The Heavy Metal Summer Experience expects to serve more than 1,000 students during the 2026 camp season.
    Funding will support 62 skilled trades camps across North America, giving thousands of students hands-on exposure to plumbing, piping and other construction careers.
    July 21, 2026
    Sonnhalter logo
    The founder of one of the first agencies dedicated to the construction, industrial and MRO markets helped shape business-to-trades marketing and influenced manufacturers serving...
    July 20, 2026
    Intellihot logo
    The acquisition adds high-efficiency tankless water heating technology to Zurn Elkay’s growing water solutions portfolio.
    July 20, 2026
    IAPMO 100 logo
    Contractors, engineers, inspectors and manufacturers have until Jan. 8, 2027, to submit proposed changes that could shape the next editions of the UPC and UMC.
    July 20, 2026
    ID 139557317 © Anton Estrada | Dreamstime.com
    plumber at work under a sink
    Growing a business to the point it can run without you—that's true freedom.
    July 20, 2026
    McWane Ductile
    McWane coupling
    This week, we highlight gaskets for Tyler Joint pipe, a hand-wash sink, a reciprocating saw nitrus carbide blade, a mix and match faucet collection, a 3-in-1 heat pump and a semi...
    July 17, 2026
    HousecallPro logo
    New software packages combine AI-powered business tools with trade-specific workflows, reporting and pricing features.
    July 16, 2026
    D&D logo
    The transaction brings one of the Permian Basin's established residential plumbing and HVAC contractors into Blue Cardinal's growing home services platform.
    July 16, 2026
    ID 7891695 © Dmitry Kurnyavko | Dreamstime.com
    Reviewing a blueprint. Calculations for house building
    This article focuses on the practical tips that help a mechanical estimator get the cost of a project right and win more mechanical and plumbing construction jobs.
    July 15, 2026
    ID 9267960 © Karl Soehnlein | Dreamstime.com
    The State Capital in Madison, WI.
    The city will use hydraulic modeling to evaluate wastewater system capacity, guide infrastructure investments and support future development.
    July 15, 2026
    ID 23169023 © Joe Sohm | Dreamstime.com
    Oklahoma state flag
    The state will allow contractors and designers to use IAPMO's Water Demand Calculator as an alternative method for sizing water supply piping beginning Sept. 14.
    July 15, 2026
    ID 443285323 © Clare Jackson | Dreamstime.com
    house under construction
    While construction input prices fell in June due to declining energy costs, geopolitical tensions and tariff impacts are expected to sustain upward pressure on materials like ...
    July 15, 2026
    Charlotte Pipe 125 Years logo
    The family-owned pipe and fittings manufacturer marks its 125th anniversary by honoring its associates and reaffirming its commitment to domestic manufacturing.
    July 15, 2026
    Ferguson logo
    Acquisition strengthens Ferguson's industrial distribution platform with expanded valve, flow control and MRO capabilities.
    July 15, 2026
    Vicinity Energy
    Vicinity Energy Chief Development Officer Brian Mueller accepts IDEA's Gold Award on behalf of the company at IDEA2026 in Ottawa, Canada.
    The company's expanding thermal energy network continues to support building decarbonization and reliable heating and cooling for major institutional and commercial customers....
    July 15, 2026
    F. W. Webb
    The new warehouse in Whippany, NJ.
    Contractors gain access to thousands of plumbing, HVACR, heating and industrial products at a larger, more convenient location.
    July 14, 2026
    ID 27678903 © Francesco Vaninetti | Dreamstime.com
    PEX tubing in a radiant installation
    The Plastics Pipe Institute advises contractors, distributors and specifiers to verify third-party certification before purchasing PEX tubing.
    July 14, 2026
    Business Development Resources logo
    Business Development Resources appoints a new chief executive while its founder transitions into an executive chairman role to support the company's next phase of growth.
    July 14, 2026
    NTEA logo
    Fleet professionals and upfitters will hear directly from leading chassis manufacturers while exploring vehicle updates, technical education, and industry resources at the October...
    July 14, 2026
    1-800 Plumbing logo on a truck
    The updated site highlights exclusive geographic licensing opportunities and positions the long-established brand for plumbing contractors and expanding home services platforms...
    July 14, 2026
    ID 29815429 © Ihar Balaikin | Dreamstime.com
    construction site
    Construction confidence remains positive with rising sales and staffing levels, though profit margins have dipped, influenced by rising input costs and regional backlog variations...
    July 14, 2026
    Milwaukee Tool logo
    Expanded collaboration supports apprenticeships, industry recruitment and educational resources designed to strengthen the skilled trades pipeline.
    July 13, 2026
    F. W. Webb
    The new 143,000-square-foot store and warehouse in Central Islip, New York.
    The new Central Islip location stocks more than 20,000 products, offers hands-on training, and expands support for plumbing, HVACR, industrial, and fire protection professionals...
    July 13, 2026
    ID 72862968 © Wenling01 | Dreamstime.com
    Texas state flag, with the dome of the State Capital in Austin.
    The updated code takes effect Sept. 1, bringing new requirements for refrigerants, ventilation, indoor air quality, and mechanical system design to Texas contractors.
    July 13, 2026
    Brady Brophy
    Overhead view of the self-storage facility.
    Storage facilities are designed for temperature maintenance rather than comfort conditioning, making them ideal for low-temperature radiant systems.
    July 13, 2026
    ID 80689076 © Kurhan | Dreamstime.com
    positive plumber giving thumbs-up
    Instead of pulling back in a slow market, move ahead and ramp-up your efforts.
    July 13, 2026
    time tracking concept
    Most margin problems do not arrive all at once. They accumulate a few minutes at a time across hundreds of service calls and dozens of technicians.
    July 10, 2026
    IAPMO 100 logo
    The new ANAB accreditation allows IAPMO's Systems Certification Body to certify IT service management systems, expanding support for manufacturers, technology firms and other ...
    July 10, 2026
    RIDGID
    RIDGID PEX expander
    This week the gallery includes a PEX expander, a wall-mounted bottle filler, a line of stainless steel couplings, a single-flush toilet, low NPSH impellers, and a dual action ...
    July 10, 2026
    ID 408563049 © Lacheev | Dreamstime.com
    friendly plumber with satisfied client
    Implementing a straightforward follow-up process, including post-service check-ins and seasonal tips, can significantly enhance client loyalty and business growth.
    July 9, 2026
    Watts logo
    The annual ranking recognizes US companies for workplace culture, financial performance and environmental, social and governance initiatives.
    July 9, 2026
    Ariston Group logo
    Rob Mahoney and Ron Johnson will lead sales efforts in the Northeast and Southeast as Ariston grows its U.S. presence in heat pump and commercial water heating products.
    July 9, 2026
    A. O. Smith
    Cyclone® FLEX™ high-efficiency commercial water heaters.
    Updated Cyclone FLEX™ models add improved serviceability, adaptive gas controls, leak detection and connectivity while maintaining up to 98% thermal efficiency.
    July 9, 2026
    PHCC
    One of the Learning Labs at PHCC CONNECT.
    Contractors will have two days to explore new plumbing and HVACR products, hands-on training, workforce solutions and business strategies during PHCC CONNECT, Oct. 19–22.
    July 9, 2026
    ID 11964175 © Hywit Dimyadi | Dreamstime.com
    stethescope
    Hydronic technicians have always been relying on their ears. Today, AI has brought those ears superhuman abilities, enabling them to detect pump failures weeks in advance and ...
    July 9, 2026
    quickfitting everflow logo
    The acquisition adds SurePress® and Push-to-Connect technologies to Everflow's growing product portfolio while expanding distribution opportunities for wholesale plumbing customers...
    July 8, 2026
    Sloan
    Francisco Barboza Grasa (center), a Spanish designer and engineer and Senior Design Manager – Product & Transportation for Pininfarina of America, discusses flushometers.
    New restroom fixtures, integrated sink systems, hydration solutions, and smart water technologies highlighted the company's latest products.
    July 8, 2026
    ID 50446871 | Company © Alphaspirit | Dreamstime.com
    Construction of a new and collaborative company
    Investors are looking for leadership that replicates the founder's standards without requiring the founder's presence.
    July 8, 2026
    Northern Tool + Equipment
    A group photo of the build team, with one of the converted motorcycles.
    15 high school students worked to convert a 2025 Harley-Davidson Nightster into a flat track racing bike.
    July 7, 2026
    ServiceTitan
    skilled workers posing in a training setting
    Partnership supports the Metallica Scholars Initiative, helping expand access to workforce education and training programs that prepare students for careers in the skilled trades...
    July 7, 2026
    EGIA logo
    New board appointments bring expertise in contractor growth, workforce development and dealer engagement as EGIA expands education and recruitment efforts across the home services...
    July 7, 2026
    ID 130746090 © Andreistanescu | Dreamstime.com
    California State Capitol Building in Sacramento.
    For plumbing subcontractors in particular, the Act provides a meaningful avenue for resolving delay claims that commonly arise on their projects.
    July 6, 2026
    PHCC
    Tony Bertolino, acting Sec. of Labor Keith E. Sonderling and Roger Wakefield.
    PHCC Vice President joined Dept. of Labor panel to highlight apprenticeships, workforce development and the long-term value of the skilled trades.
    July 6, 2026
    Rinnai
    military family reunion
    The manufacturer's partnership has funded 118 scholarships for military families, with priority given to students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
    July 6, 2026
    ASHRAE
    The conference celebrated the accomplishments of ASHRAE members during the Society's annual Honors and Awards program.
    More than 2,200 HVAC/R professionals gathered in Austin as ASHRAE introduced its new president, Vision 2035 strategic framework and educational initiatives.
    July 6, 2026
    Watts logo
    The “Your PDH Pipeline” campaign offers more than 30 on-demand accredited courses covering water safety, leak detection, cooling systems and sustainable design.
    July 3, 2026
    ID 31442006 © Andreykr | Dreamstime.com
    LP Field in Nashville, TN. The stadium is the home field of the Tennessee State University Tigers.
    The Nashville-based home services company expands its community footprint with a multi-year investment in TSU athletics and student opportunities.
    July 3, 2026
    ID 301425695 © Dizain777 | Dreamstime.com
    Skilled trades wordcloud
    How can America sway even more young people to consider skilled trades? The effort starts with changing the narrative.
    July 3, 2026
    House of Rohl
    House of Rohl kitchen sink
    This week the gallery includes a workstation sink, a self-retracting lifeline, fittings for flexible gas piping, a trim plate for shower retrofits, a series of inline flow meters...
    July 2, 2026
    ID 2317337 © Dwight Smith | Dreamstime.com
    ironworkers on the job site
    June data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights momentum in the construction sector, adding 11,000 jobs and maintaining growth across various subcategories.
    July 2, 2026
    ID 331291564 © William Perry | Dreamstime.com
    West side of the US Capitol Building, Washington, DC
    Comprehensive bill includes provisions for streamlining environmental reviews, supporting aging housing stock, and strengthening community banks.
    July 1, 2026
    Department of Labor logo
    OSHA’s annual Susan Harwood grants support nonprofit-led training programs aimed at reducing injuries, illnesses and fatalities on the job.
    July 1, 2026
    ID 1865491 © Himiko2023909 | Dreamstime.com
    construction workers on the job site.
    Data centers remain a bright spot with longer project backlogs, contrasting with sharp declines in warehouse and general office construction.
    July 1, 2026
    A. O. Smith logo
    The limited-time program is designed to support contractors and strengthen wholesale channel partnerships during peak season.
    July 1, 2026
    ID 219822662 © Yurii Kibalnik | Dreamstime.com
    surety bond concept image
    Growing your bonding capacity isn’t about how many bonds you can chase - you have to build the underlying business that makes bonds possible in the first place.
    July 1, 2026
    Lync
    The restort wanted to reduce propane dependence while maintaining reliable hot water service for 350 guest rooms, laundry operations and a high-volume commercial kitchen.
    A Lync-designed domestic hot water system helped a 350-room resort reduce propane dependence while maintaining full backup redundancy.
    July 1, 2026
    Test of Time Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical
    Paul and Sarah Ehrlich, Co-Owners of Test of Time Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical.
    Marking its 50th anniversary, the Massachusetts contractor unveils a new identity that reflects its growth into plumbing, HVAC and electrical services.
    June 30, 2026
    IAPMO 100 logo
    The move adds international consulting expertise to IAPMO’s testing, certification and standards portfolio.
    June 30, 2026
    Rheem
    (Left to right) David Brousell Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council; Alan Machuga, Executive Vice President, Technology at Rheem Manufacturing; and Lisa McEvoy, Associate Vice President of Digital Manufacturing at Merck.
    The manufacturer was recognized for advancing AI, cloud architecture and connected business systems aimed at improving operations and customer engagement.
    June 30, 2026
    ID 8772597 © Mashe | Dreamstime.com
    Construction cranes on a job site.
    Construction job openings increased by 32,000 in May, reflecting strong demand for certain occupations, but overall labor demand appears to be weakening.
    June 30, 2026
    Everflow logo
    The deal adds one of the industry’s longest-standing fixture brands to Everflow’s growing portfolio of plumbing and water delivery products.
    June 29, 2026
    ID 104863971 © Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com
    Plumber fixing burst pipe
    A dispatch playbook is the written, repeatable system that decides how after-hours and emergency calls get triaged, routed and closed.
    June 29, 2026
    BBTT logo
    Bring Back the Trades is expanding its national labor research to better define where the biggest workforce shortages will hit.
    June 29, 2026
    Xylem/Goulds
    Tom Stephan describes the features of Goulds Water Technology's AquaCase, an advanced all-in-one pressure boosting system, in a training video.
    Understanding the most common causes of leaks and service callbacks can help installers reduce risk and deliver a better customer experience.
    June 29, 2026
    Scale logo
    New coaching platform targets HVAC, plumbing and electrical contractors with leadership, operations and financial strategies designed to drive growth.
    June 29, 2026
    Reins - ProfitWorks logos
    New partnership aims to help independent business owners improve retention, reward top performers and strengthen succession planning without giving up ownership.
    June 29, 2026
    Cerro Flow
    Cerro Flow copper tube payoff system
    This week's gallery spotlights a lead service line replacement system, sanitary valves built from 316L stainless steel, a constant pressure boosting system, coil hookups for press...
    June 26, 2026