Alabama Contractor, Winter 2015

Associated Plumbing - Heating - Cooling Contractors of Alabama

ALABAMA

Winter 2015

Contractor ALPHCC Annual Trade Show October 2016

Confidence.

Generation after generation.

The best choice 70 years ago is still the right choice today.

www.brasscraft.com

Š2015 BrassCraft Mfg.

2

W AT E R S U P P L I E S

GAS SUPPLIES

W AT E R H E AT E R C O N N E C T O R S

FITTINGS

R E PA I R PA R T S

www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015

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Associated Plumbing - Heating - Cooling Contractors of Alabama

ALABAMA

Contractor

The APHCC of Alabama is dedicated to the promotion, advancement, education and training of the industry, for the protection of our environment, and the health, safety, and comfort of society.

WINTER 2015

Table of Contents 6 7 8 11 17 18 19 20 21 22 23-26

From the Desk of APHCC President, Mike Scanlon Targets For Learning: PHCC of Alabama Apprentice Program Alabama PHCC Annual Trade Show Photos 2016 Alabama PHCC Annual Trade Show Save-the-Date Alabama PHCC Past Presidents PHCC National Names New Executive Vice President, Michael R. Copp A Special Thanks to Alabama PHCC Associate Members PHCC of Alabama HVAC Continuing Education Internet Course Application PHCC of Alabama Backflow Control Internet Certification Course Application The Changing Legal Environment PHCC Apprenticeship Application

www.alabamaphcc.org

Advertiser Directory APHCC of Alabama Officers PRESIDENT: Mike Scanlon Scanlon Plumbing Services 263 Mendel Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 331-279-8989 VICE PRESIDENT: Michael Dean Dean Plumbing Company 3100 Leeman Ferry Road Huntsville, AL 35801 256-883-6130

Metropolitan Industries 13-16 Service Roundtable 3 T&S Brass 11 Taco 9

APHCC of Alabama Board Brad Hinton Brad Hinton Companies 2069 Cherry Ave Hueytown, AL 35023 205-491-7394

Charlie Conklin Sentry Plumbing, Heating & Air 2490 Rocky Ridge Road Birmingham, AL 35243 205-979-9864

Paula Quarles Banks Quarles Plumbing, Heating, Cooling 2501 17th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-758-2627

Jay Wiggins Wiggins Facilities Services PO Box 1507 Montgomery, AL 36102 334-235-8889

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Phil Smitherman AUX Mechanical Inc. 5925 Johns Road Bessemer, AL 35023 205-428-8416

James Cole Cole Sewer & Drain Services 4530 Plummer Court Montgomery, AL 36106 334-279-8919

Fred Williamson Williamson Plumbing 560 Glade Park Loop Montgomery, AL 36109

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Bob Mosca PO Box 36972 Birmingham, AL 35236 205-985-9488

Nick Tatum Conrad Watson Air Conditioning, Inc. 4100 County Road 5 Monroeville, AL 36460 251-282-7741

SECRETARY-TREASURER: Rick Thomason PHC 1634A Montgomery Highway, Suite 162 Hoover, AL 35216 205-822-0597

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Alabama 811 6 Bradford White 27 BrassCraft 2 Kolbi Pipe Marker Co. 22 Liberty Pumps 28

Winter 2015 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

Barry Lee Birmingham Noland Company 500 35th Street North Birmingham, AL 35222 205-323-6322

Senior Editor: Bob Mosca PO Box 36972 Birmingham, AL 35236 (205) 985-9488 alphcc@gmail.com

Alabama Contractor is the official magazine of the Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Alabama and is published four times annually.

APHCC of Alabama does not necessarily endorse any of the companies advertising in this publication or the views of its writers.

Alabama Contractor is designed and published

by Blue Water Publishers, LLC. Articles and information published in this magazine may not be reproduced without written consent of the APHCC of Alabama or Blue Water Publishers, LLC. The publisher cannot assume responsibility for claims made by advertisers and is not responsible for the opinions expressed by contributing authors.

For more information on advertising, contact Jim Aitkins, Blue Water Publishers, LLC, 22727 - 161st Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272 360-805-6474 / fax: 360-805-6475 jima@bluewaterpublishers.com

www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015

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From the Desk of APHCC President 2014-2015 Mike Scanlon

Y

our association is striving to continue to provide services and value return for your dues investment. Our chosen marketplaces are changing rapidly, customer demands and expectations have increased and technological advancements are happening on a daily basis.

With your continued support and participation, your association continues to lead in legislative issues, certifications, education, and apprentice training. Alabama is one of the only state associations that offers apprentice training via the Internet, and we are only one of the very few Alabama certified training curriculums available to achieve your mandatory eight-hour HVAC continuing education requirements every two years.

My wish is that everyone will renew their commitment to remain proactive in your association.

As new concerns arise in the areas of ergonomics and mold-related exposures, we will be able to provide our members with valuable information to adapt to these and other issues that effect our industry.

My thanks go to our Executive Director, Bob Mosca, our Board of Directors and our Contractor and Associate Members for their hard work and participation this past year.

Continue to give your support to our new President, Michael Dean, and we will continue to achieve success.

In closing, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the privilege to serve as your President.

I feel confident in saying that your continued participation in Alabama One free, easy call gets your utility PHCC will assure that we can lines marked AND helps protect you contribute to helping protect the health from injury and expense. and safety of our present and future generations.

Always Call 811 Before You Dig.

Safe Digging Is No Accident: Always Call 811 Before You Dig.

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Winter 2015 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

www.al811.com

www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015

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Alabama PHCC Annual Trade Show September 16, 2015

THANK YOU TO OUR EXHIBITORS! Will & Pierce Jones Stephen Carboni Sales Group Coleman Russell Alabama 811 Viega Mid-America Marketing VCM Sales DEC Fire & Water Tim Morales & Associates DMJ Alabama Power The Distribution Point Panasonic Duckless Noland McCain Sales Regan & Associates Jim Benton & Associates Federated Insurance Alabama Plumbing & Gas Fitters Board 8

Winter 2015 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

Continued on page 10

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of HVAC pro’s.

smart circulators that memorize

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www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015

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Winter 2015 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

And we have the extensive product line to prove it.

WE KNOW

PLUMBING.

Whether bidding on future projects or providing solutions for an urgent plumbing issue today, it’s critical to know you have the right resources in place. That’s why T&S offers a vast selection of high-quality products that are easy to install and built to perform for years to come. And with a full assortment of in-stock items ready for same-day shipping, it’s no wonder contractors everywhere rely on T&S when it matters most.

Visit tsbrass.com and learn more about how we’re partnering with contractors just like you.

T&S plumbing products represented in Alabama by: Williams & Associates, Inc. - 205-833-6666 TSB_0592 2015 PHCC Pubs.indd 1

12/18/14 10:41 AM www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015 11

Getting the Word Out About You and Your Company The Board of Directors of the PHCC of Alabama is making available to all members a ten second tag advertisement at no cost to you to air after the current thirty second spot now airing. The commercials will be televised on “The Time of Your Life” TV program on Charter Cable Channel 80 at 5:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Thursday, and also on the web. Go to Alabama Cable Network.com, click on live streaming, (this can be seen anywhere in the world). Also airs on “At Your Service” TV program on WVUA/WUOA at 12:00 Noon on Sundays. You will receive over one hundred airings during the year, a $1,000.00 value.

In order to make this happen, please send to the PHCC office a current commercial (if you have one) or a few pictures and info about your company. HVAC contractors need to include your certification number.

This is truly a return on your membership dues: FREE TV AD’S for JUST BEING A MEMBER. Looking forward to hearing from you soon, Bob Mosca Executive Director

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Winter 2015 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

Forget the worry of a flooded basement with innovative pumping solutions

We’ve always been control freaks Ion Technologies last much longer than traditional float switches

Ion Products digital level control systems utilize the Ion switch; a solid state sensing technology with no moving parts to wear or fail. They are designed to operate for over 2 million cycles.

Our controls warn you if your sump pump motor is starting to fail so you can replace it before the water damage happens.

Our controls warn you if it can't drain the sump pit

because the pipes are frozen, the pump is bad, the impeller is damaged, the cord is unplugged, whatever the reason.

Only if you have the Ion Solution can you really be fully protected. Call your Ion Solution Certified Installer today or find one online at www.ionproducts.net.

Questions?

We’re here for you. 815-886-9200 or ionproducts.net www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015

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Installing innov solutions has nev

1

2

3

4

Our most depend

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MPPII

1

Our preassembled duplex alternating system that provides 45 GPM at 10' of TDH. This system comes with two primary pumps, Ion Genesis controller and sensors and necessary piping.

2

Our preassembled duplex alternating system that provides 51 GPM at 10' of TDH. This system comes with two primary pumps, Ion Genesis controller and sensors and necessary piping.

3

Entry level preassembled sump pump and backup system that uses a 12 volt standby pump that will run when water level rises above normal levels. This system comes with a primary pump, Ion switch and backup pump with standard switch.

4

2100DC

MPPIII JSPII

Entry level backup protection that uses a 12 volt DC pump that will run when there is a power outage. This system comes with a DC backup pump with standard switch, an 8 amp charger unit with audible alarms and battery box.

Winter 2015 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

vative pumping ver been simpler

5

6

7

dable lineup ever 5 Sumpro

Our most recognizable battery backup power source. Features include easy to read LCD screen for real time monitoring, alarm contact for remote monitoring and notification, solar & wind inputs for battery charging, improved charging circuit and high inrush capability.

6 35 ACi+

Our fully automatic auxiliary power source system that provides 51 GPM at 10' of TDH. This system comes with a ⅓ HP primary pump, Ion+ high water alarm/switch, power inverter with LED screen and battery box.

7 55ACi+

Our fully automatic auxiliary power source system that provides 65 GPM at 10' of TDH. This system comes with a ½ HP primary pump, Ion+ high water alarm/switch, power inverter with LED screen and battery box.

Questions?

We’re here for you. 815-886-9200 or ionproducts.net www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015

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Basement flood protection just got a lot easier

WC33i+

⅓ HP, 115 V, 4 FLA, 60Hz

BA33i+

⅓ HP, 115 V, 4.5 FLA, 60Hz

BA50i+

X-ONEi+

½ HP, 115 V, 5.8 FLA, 60Hz ½ HP, 115 V, 8.2 FLA, 60Hz

SHV40i+

½ HP, 115 V, 8.5 FLA, 60Hz

Introducing the Ion+ pumps 1

Pumps come fully assembled with high water alarm.

2

Proven to pump more water than pumps with similar HP rating.

3

Cast iron and stainless steel construction for increased durability.

4

Low amp draw makes these pumps ideal for battery backup systems.

Econ Sump Package 18" x 24"

Econ Pit Package 18" x 30"

SHV 24" x 24" Package

Install with confidence Our packages come complete with every part needed to ensure a quick and seamless installation.

Questions?

We’re here for you. 815-886-9200 or ionproducts.net

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Winter 2015 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

PAST PRESIDENTS of The APHCC of Alabama 2014-2015

Mike Scanlon, Montgomery

1965-1966

W.H. Bowles, Anniston

2012-2013

Phil Smitherman, Bessemer

1963-1964

Ferrin C. Smith, Florence

2010-2011

Paula Quarles, Tuscaloosa

1961-1962

Doy H. Hammond, Montgomery

2008-2009

Charlie Conklin, Birmingham

1960

Elmer Russell, Florence

2005-2006

Fred Williams, Montgomery

1959

John W. Dill, Tuscaloosa

2002-2005

Rick Thomason, Birmingham

1958

Raymon E. Allison, Anniston

2001

Charles (Buddy) Parkes, Muscle Shoals

1956-1957

Harry L. Eskew, Birmingham

1998-1999

George Brickley, Scottsboro

1954-1955

Alex Pate, Birmingham

1997

Phil Smitherman, Bessemer

1952-1953

James B. Donaghey, Mobile

1996

Rick Hamm, Florence

1951

Fitts Smitherman, Birmingham

1995

Mike Scanlon, Montgomery

1950

Bob L. Murphree, Tuscaloosa

1994

Brad Hinton, Hueytown

1948-1949

Ray W. Stewart, Gadsden

1993

Gary Pettus, Muscle Shoals

1947

Sam K. Bodie, Mobile

1992

Conrad Watson, Monroeville

1945-1946

Stansel A. Brown, Birmingham

1991

Mark Slimer, Birmingham

1943-1944

Jack M. Main, Montgomery

1989-1990

Jim Early, Decatur

1942

Guy Acton, Birmingham

1988

Tom Michael, Birmingham

1940-1941

Lester Ray, Dothan

1987

Wilbur Doonan, Birmingham

1939

J. L. (Buddy) Pope, Montgomery

1986

Walter Parkes, Muscle Shoals

1935

Charles Bailey, Montgomery

1985

Barney Knight, Birmingham

1933-1934

Joseph W. Pate, Birmingham

1984

Billy Guin, Birmingham

1932

George H. Russell, Florence

1983

J. D. Keller, Birmingham

1931

Harmon Williams, Montgomery

1982

Hubert Howard, Birmingham

1930

Charles A. Mandy, Birmingham

1981

Roy Deerman, Birmingham

1929

J.L. (Buddy) Pope, Montgomery

1980

Tommy Shaw, Montgomery

1927-1928

S. E. Scholze, Birmingham

1979

Bill Early, Jr., Birmingham

1924-1926

W. T. Perry, Montgomery

1978

John C. Dill, Tuscaloosa

1922-1923

E. Daniels, Birmingham

1977

Barnett L. Banks, Birmingham

1920-1921

Joseph W. Pate, Birmingham

1976

Hubert Howard, Birmingham

1918-1919

C. W. Spangler, Birmingham

1975

Dave Nuckols, Tuscaloosa

1916-1917

R. P. Reeves, Montgomery

1974

John Jackson, Montgomery

1914-1915

H. Hines, Birmingham

1973

Walter Parkes, Florence

1911-1913

Chris Bailey, Montgomery

1972

Lynoid Vaughn, Montgomery

1910

Charles Barnetz, Birmingham

1971

Bob Quinn, Huntsville

1906-1909

William Wilby, Selma

1970

John Spearman, Birmingham

1898-1905

T. J. Young, Mobile

1969

Tom Neville, Montgomery

1897

D. A. Ferrell, Anniston

1967-1968

Edward Briggs, Florence www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015

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PHCC-National Association Names New Executive Vice President

Michael R. Copp

T

he Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) announced that Michael R. Copp has been selected as its new Executive Vice President. Copp will become PHCC’s chief staff officer on Oct. 5, 2015.

Copp most recently was the Chief Operating Officer of the American Retirement Association.

Prior to that position, he was Senior Vice President of Education at the National Association of Home Builders and Managing Director with the Professional Practice division of The American Institute of Architects.

“Michael’s proven expertise in association management, particularly in guiding strategic growth, is a great fit for our organization,” said PHCC President Kevin Tindall. “We look forward to having him on our team as we continue to build a better future for PHCC and the industry.”

Copp has a strong background with trade associations, as well as experience in the construction industry. Among his accomplishments are leading strategic initiatives for long-term growth and sustainability, overseeing the effective and efficient use of resources and enhancing overall organizational capacity and performance. He earned a graduate degree with a double major in Management and Human Resource Development from Webster University, an undergraduate degree in Industrial Science from Truman State University and an associates degree in General Studies (with an emphasis in drafting and design) from Cochise College. While earning his degrees, Copp was a mechanical and architectural draftsman/designer working with several design/ build and architectural firms. He also served as a construction draftsman in the U.S. Army between 1980 and 1984.

“We’re seeing a great year ahead for PHCC,” said PHCC President-elect Chip Greene. “With Michael on board, we’ll be furthering PHCC’s mission with education, training, workforce development and public awareness initiatives that will help support the needs of our contractor members and the customers they serve. We are especially excited about Michael’s support of a ‘boots on the ground’ program that will help us engage our members and develop programs to meet their needs.”

Copp will replace current PHCC EVP Gerry Kennedy, who will retire on December 31, 2015.

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Winter 2015 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

Special Thanks To APHCC of Alabama Associate Members

Mid-America Marketing Clark Williamson 205-879-3469 clark@midameramktg.com

The Distribution Point Cole Conner 866-837-2550 cole@distributionpoint.com

Carboni Sales Group Roger Daniel 423-499-3888 rdaniel@shupecarboni.com

Noland Barry Lee 205-323-6322 bwlee@noland.com

DEC Fire & Water Jay Compton 205-940-9913 jcompton@DECconstruction.com

VCM Sales Inc Dewitt McDonald 205-325-0663 dwehittmcdonald@vcmsales.com

Weathertech Spencer Atkins 205-956-5400 sgatkins@weathertech.net

Ferguson Chris Chiles 256-858-5801 chris.chiles@ferguson.com

DMJ Christine Joiner 205-362-9989 christiner@dmjservices.com Alabama 811 Annette Raburn 811 mlyvers@al811.com

Federated Insurance Garrett Pepper 404-497-8871

Will & Pierce Terry House 251-621-1550 dwalker@willandpierce.com

Sunbelt Marketing Nelson Randolph 205-767-6339 nrandolph@sminc.net

Coleman Russell Ronnie Holmes 205-833-0700 ronnie.homes@colemanrussell.com Viega Russell Olive 205-383-5236 russell.olive@viega.us Southern Marketing Terry Falkner 205-276-9051 tjfalkner@yahoo.com

Jim Benton & Associates Jim Benton 205-664-1221 jim@bentonandassoc.com

Alabama Power Company Michael Gordon 205-226-1039 mgordon@southernco.com

Tim Morales & Associates Tim Morales 251-602-8333 barry@timmorales.com McCain Sales Eric McCain 205-967-4095 eric@mccainsales.com

Alabama Plumbing and Gas Fitters Board David Wilcox 205-945-4857 davidh.wilcox@pgfb.alabama.gov

www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015

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Winter 2015 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015

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The Changing Legal Environment I

ndividuals and businesses which have a personal or professional need or interest in discovering or researching Alabama Law without the formality of hiring an attorney should contact Greater Alabama Legal Research.

Johnston Barton and Haskell Slaughter, among mid-sized (20-40 lawyers) law firms, were two of the most well known firms in the Birmingham legal community during the last 25 years. Times change, and apparently so does the legal community along as both firms are almost extinct.

Many factors play a role in the collapse of a successful law firm (midnight move outs by key partners taking with them valuable clients are common) but it deems that the financial collapse of 2008 ultimately took its toll on many corporate law firms in Alabama. Perhaps the biggest blow of all to local firms was the takeover of nearly all locally owned and operated banks to out-of-state banks. As banking operations went to New York, Dallas and Charlotte, so did the legal work once prized by local mid-sized law firms and a few large ones (such as Burr & Forman which used to enjoy most of the South-Trust Bank work).

Notwithstanding economical fluctuations, the biggest challenge to modern law firms is simple math—there are too many lawyers inundating the legal market and only so much legitimate work for these lawyers. Things are so bad right now that there is a pending class-action suit against several dozen law schools by recent graduates who claim said law schools implicitly promised to find their graduates jobs and failed to deliver.

Immune from the virus that has struck many mediumbodied law firms are your garden variety solo-practitioners and small trial lawyer firms as they thrive on the never ending supply of personal injury, divorce, crime, probate, bankruptcy and disability work.

Unfortunately for the public, many lawyers recently have felt compelled to raise their legal fees in response to the changing legal environment. This fact, combined with skyrocketing court costs, has made it much more difficult to access a court of law. This is the legal system we live in today.

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Winter 2015 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

Anyone seeking answers to legal questions or is just trying to learn Alabama and federal law on a subject can take advantage of services offered by Greater Alabama Legal Research, LLC., www.galrllc.com (205) 322-7050. We charge as little as $50/hour for legal research and legal writing.

www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015

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Winter 2015 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015

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Winter 2015 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

NAECA Compliant 30, 40, and 50-Gallon Residential Gas Water Heaters Available in Pre-NAECA Diameters!

20"

18" 16"

Also Available in Ultra Low NOx Versions!

RG140

RG130

RG150

2015

With no insulation wrap or flue damper required, these NAECA compliant water heaters offer the

NAECA

Compliant

same footprint as our pre-NAECA models. So now, when you’re replacing a water heater in a tight space, you’ll have the right size water heater with no need to relocate or repipe the installation. And don’t forget, these models still offer some of the finest features in the industry including The ICON System™ Intelligent Gas Control, the Hydrojet® Total Performance System, the Defender Safety System®, and our exclusive Vitraglas® tank lining.

Committed to American Manufacturing, Wholesale Distribution, and Professional Installation. www.bradfordwhite.com www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Winter 2015

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Locally Represented by:

Williams & Associates, Inc. 205.833.6666 www.wareps.com