Mechanical Business July/August 2023

BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY

“ Flexi-Rooter’s ClogChopper rips open a hole for the chain knocker to work. It’s a great product.”

Flexi-Rooter ®

Flexi-Rooter

® featuring ClogChopper ® Cutters

Flexi-Rooter uses ClogChopper six-bladed cutters along with carbide-tipped chain cutters to break through the toughest clogs, scale and roots. The cutters then grind up the stubborn stoppages and scour the pipe walls clean.

The rotating shaft is 10 times faster than traditional shafts, yet easy to handle. It’s extremely exible for clearing 2" lines, yet strong enough to cut roots in 4" lines up to 75 feet long. Plus, the foot pedal leaves both hands free to guide it into the drain.

To learn more, visit www.drainbrain.com/Flexi-Rooter, or call the Drain Brains ® at 800-245-6200.

Seth Mikulin • SureFlo Sewer & Drain

ClogChopper with carbide tip cutter

General Pipe Cleaners

(left)

40READER PROFILE

Finding a niche in the HVAC market

Andy Jourdain happily found his true calling

Kerry Turner

56 ROAD WARRIOR BRANDON PACHECO: Troubleshooter

Carolyn Cooper

68 JOBSITE JARGON

Test your knowledge of hydronic terminology for a chance to win

78PLUMBING

The art of sink selection

How to choose the most appropriate bathroom sink for the space and use

Parniian Frozan

22 PLUMBING

The glass pipe project

Fred Bretzke

Lab demonstrates the use of vents and traps in a plumbing drainage system.

26 HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC

Selling the benefits of new technology

Gord Cooke

As campaigns get the phones to ring, consider some modest adjustments to your sales process to help your customers avoid the “it’s too complicated, I’ll do it next time” cop-out.

54 HYDRONICS

Trends: Influences, disruptions and the inevitable Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr

While it can be a good move to jump in early with new technology, some will be a flash in the pan, becoming a liability in the future.

70 REFRIGERATION

How to diagnose reciprocating compressor problems and failures − Part II

Phil Boudreau

More on how to evaluate the evidence inside the compressor, an important step to finding the ultimate cause for the issue.

82 MARKETING

Social media in 2023: The Dos and Don’ts

Doug MacMillan

As long as you’re providing value, feeding engagement, and being mindful, your social media game will remain strong, and so will your revenue.

18 BRANCHES AND FOUR LUXURY RETAIL SHOWROOMS

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July/August 2023 Issue

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The bigger picture

The array of plans, programs and policies aimed at electrification is dizzying in Canada but what is happening elsewhere in the world? We are in the middle of a global initiative, which means there are lessons to be learned in terms of the most effective way to continue the momentum. With the power of the fossil fuel industry and a general reluctance to make the switch to electric, governments have started to play hardball.

In Europe, the German cabinet approved a bill to ban new oil and gas heating systems as of 2024 in a move to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and move the country to become climate neutral by 2045. Under the Building Energy Act, almost all newly-installed heating systems in both new and existing buildings should run on 65 per cent renewable energy.

The government is offering homeowners rebates to switch to climate-friendly heating systems. More than 40 per cent of gas consumption in Germany is for heating, with approximately half of Germany’s households using natural gas and 25 per cent using oil.

Closer to home, New York lawmakers passed the nation’s first statewide ban on fossil-fuel use in new construction in May 2023. Starting in 2026, stoves, furnaces or water heaters that burn gas and other fossil fuels will be banned from new buildings under seven storeys. Larger buildings are required to comply starting in 2029. It doesn’t stretch to retrofits, and allows some commercial and industrial exemptions. Buildings account for nearly a third of New York state’s greenhouse gas emissions. How successful the ban will be remains to be seen. In a hotly politicized environment, the law may be challenged. In April 2023, federal appeals court tossed out Berkeley, CA’s leading edge 2019 legislation to ban fossil-gas hookups in new buildings. The lawsuit was funded in part by SoCalGas, the nation’s largest gas utility.

If we look even farther afield, Australia’s Climate Council notes that renewable energy now makes up more than 35 per cent of electricity in the National Electricity Market, while gas generation dropped below five per cent in the first quarter of 2023. Even so, research by the Grattan Institute reveals that tens of thousands of new homes in Australia are still hooked up to fossil fuels yearly, putting the country at risk of breaking its legally binding climate goals. The institute has recommended that “each state and territory government should set a date for the end of gas.”

We can learn some valuable lessons from other countries but what is clear is that a dipping your toe in the water approach isn’t going to cut it. It’s time to dive right in.

AEA offers rebates for energy efficiency improvements

The Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) in the Northwest Territories is supporting businesses, non-profit organizations and community governments with rebates and energy experts. The organization offers rebates of up to $50,000 for energy upgrades, with customers receiving either 50 per cent of the total cost of their project, or a calculation based on the amount of money and greenhouses gases that the project will save, whichever is less. Rebates are offered after the upgrades have been completed, and are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. All projects must be completed by March 10, 2024. aea.nt.ca

Brandi Ferenc recognized with Building Diversity Award

Brandi Ferenc, an HVAC mechanic at Newmarket, ON’s Southlake Regional Health Centre, has won the Nexgen Builders Award – Mentor category in the 3rd Annual Building Diversity Awards. Ferenc was recognized for her work as a mentor for women in skilled trades and HVAC apprentices at Support Ontario Youth, and as an HVAC teacher at Georgian College. The awards are presented by the Toronto Community Benefits Network communitylabour coalition made up of trade unions, trades training centres, workforce development agencies, grassroots groups and community organizations.

buildingdiversity.ca

Clean Home Heating Initiative expands in Ontario

The Clean Home Heating Initiative, a collaboration between Enbridge Gas and the Government of Ontario, has expanded to include homeowners in Ajax, Barrie, Pickering and Whitby, ON. The initiative was successfully rolled out last year in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Catharines, Peterborough, and London, ON. Under the program, homeowners in these municipalities can receive up to $4,500 towards installation of an electric heat pump to create a hybrid heating system when paired with a condensing natural gas furnace.

enbridgegas.com

SBC offers commercial air tightness testing training workshops

Sustainable Buildings Canada (SBC) is offering a free workshop in September for commercial and multifamily new construction buildings air tightness testing on behalf of Enbridge Gas. The session will include classroom training on Code and green standard requirements, testing methodologies and approaches, and how to test large multi-zone buildings, and a half day of hands-on training using blower doors to demonstrate set up and installation, calibration of multiple blower doors, communications, air sealing requirement procedures and potential mitigation strategies. sbcanada.org

Gerry Price receives Order of Manitoba

Gerry Price, chair and CEO of Winnipeg, MB-based Price Industries Ltd., is one of 12 people recognized this year with the Order of Manitoba. The award, which was scheduled to be presented during a formal investiture ceremony on July 20, 2023, honours Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievement that has enriched the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents. Price and his family support charities and capital campaigns, including those for children and families, youth mentorships, education and scholarships, healthcare and other community-led initiatives. Price Industries manufactures commercial HVAC equipment and is one of Manitoba’s largest private employers.

manitobalg.ca/awards/order-of-manitoba

Gerry Price

Brandi Ferenc

Free NECB training courses announced

CSA Group, Natural Resources Canada and the National Research Council of Canada have developed free online National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) training courses for contractors, designers and building managers. The courses are designed to improve the construction community's ability to effectively implement the NECB, and help boost the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. csagroup.org

National Backflow Prevention Day 2023

National Backflow Prevention Day is celebrated annually on August 16 to recognize backflow prevention and cross-connection control and the people who install, maintain and test backflow preventers. The day also educates the public about backflow prevention, which prevents people from consuming water with toxins, chemicals, waste and other contaminants. To celebrate the occasion Watts is hosting a new CEU webinar called New Tech in Backflow Prevention: The Future is Now on August 16 at 12 p.m. EST, and will be livestreaming on social media at 2 p.m. about smart and connected solutions, new innovations in backflow and more. Watts is also offering two Watts Works online learning promotions throughout August. Click here to find out more. watts.com

Plumbing STANDATA updates for Alberta

The Government of Alberta now has several plumbing STANDATA available on its website. As well as the National Plumbing Code of Canada, listed STANDATA includes: Drainage systems with municipal requirements; Requirements for combination heating systems; Expansion and contraction − for drainage, venting and water distribution systems (including water hammer); Single wall heat exchangers; Floor drains and trap seal replenishment; Drainage and venting requirements for floor sinks; Requirements for solar domestic hot water systems; Interceptors; Reclaimed water systems within a single property; Radon/soil gas pipe labelling; Hydronic heating systems; and Drainage of water from elevator pits. alberta.ca

Canadian universities among winners of 2023 Design and Build Challenge

Teams from the University of British Columbia and the University of Waterloo are among the winners of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Solar Decathlon 2023 Build Challenge. The Design Challenge is a one- to two-semester project, while the Build Challenge is a two-year competition. The University of British Columbia – Vancouver was third overall in the Build Challenge, placing first in the Architecture, Occupant Experience and the Embodied Environmental Impact categories, second in the Durability and Resilience category, and third in the Integrated Performance and Comfort and Environmental Quality categories. Teams from other Canadian universities also placed among the winners, including the University of Waterloo (first in the Build Challenge –Engineering category), Concordia University (third in the Design Challenge – New Housing division), the University of British Columbia Okanagan – Kelowna, and Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops (both winning second place in the Design Challenge – Attached Housing division).

solardecathlon.gov/index.html

Five winners announced in First Climate Solutions Festival –Quebec

The inaugural Climate Solutions Festival – Quebec has announced five winners, drawn from 25 finalists, who received $300,000 in prizes. The festival took place in Montreal, QC May 23 and 24, and included more than 800 attendees and participants and over 200 idea submissions from Quebec innovators. Prizes were awarded to ideas with demonstrable potential for real-world impact on climate, which can be developed and used quickly. The event also included keynote speeches and panel discussions, as well as booths from organizations in cleantech, research, business, and environmental stewardship. Partners for the event included JNF Canada, le Gouvernement du Québec, National Bank of Canada, Cycle Momentum, Esplanade Québec, 2 degrés, Mitacs, and Innovobot. climatesolutionsprize.com

IonicBlue receives CIB funding for decarbonization projects

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East Rutherford, NJ-based IonicBlue, a joint venture between Johnson Controls and Apollo Global Management. Inc., is receiving up to $100 million in funding from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) toward decarbonization projects. Under the agreement, CIB will invest funds in public and private decarbonization projects in commercial, industrial, manufacturing and government buildings, as well as airports, hospitals and universities, supported by the IonicBlue Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) offering. IonicBlue’s EaaS features Johnson Control’s energy efficiency performance contracting with its OpenBlue suite of connected smart buildings technology and services, combined with Apollo’s solutions for meeting energy savings and decarbonization objectives. ionicbluellc.com

(L-R): Jeff Hart, Climate Solutions Prize Organization; Philip Raphals and Charles Kiyanda, Breakthrough Research First Prize; Soodeh Abedini, Breakthrough Research Second Prize; Samson Bowen-Bronet, Audience Choice Award; Yee Wei Foong, Quebec Student Entrepreneur Innovation Prize; Galith Levy, Climate Solutions Prize Organization; Patrick Gagné, Cycle Momentum.

Photo: Jason Trott (CNW Group/Climate Solutions Prize)

Ontario HVAC Coalition dissolves

The board of directors of HVAC Coalition Inc. have decided to dissolve the organization as a separate, standalone corporation and pass on its watchdog function to the Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada’s (HRAI) Contractors Division. The HVAC Coalition was an advocate for HVAC/R contractors on utility matters in Ontario for almost 30 years. The organization defended HVAC contractors against inappropriate encroachments by regulated utilities, with the goal of creating a level playing field for all competitors in the sector. The HVAC Coalition struggled in recent years to secure industry support through funding, and according to the organization, eventually decided its mandate would be better pursued through the HRAI’s Contractors Division. The HRAI Contractors Division agreed to take on responsibility for utility matters in Ontario and across Canada at its meeting in late May, and announced it will be establishing a utility action committee of volunteers in the near future. The Contractors Division is asking members interested in taking part in an industry committee to contact Martin Luymes at mluymes@hrai.ca. hrai.ca

Celebrating green building innovators at the CAGBC Awards

The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) announced the 2023 winners of the CAGBC Awards at the Building Lasting Change conference in early June. The annual awards are divided into two categories, Green Building Excellence for buildings and Green Building Leadership for teams and individuals. In addition, the 2023 Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Michael Brooks, CEO of Real Property Association of Canada, for his 25-year career advancing green building. cagbc.org

Michael Brooks

CIPH ABC: Siân Smith recognized for promoting women in the industry

Siân Smith, general manager of Riptide Fulfillment Corporation, is the second woman to receive the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) Women of Distinction Award. Smith joined the CIPH board in 2009 and was the first woman to serve as CIPH chair in 2015/2016. On hand to present the award was president and general manager of Rheem Canada Barbara O’Reilly, the first recipient of the award. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to mentoring, developing and promoting women in the plumbing and heating industry. The CIPH Women of Distinction award was presented at the CIPH Annual Business Conference 2023 in St. John’s, NL.

A. O. Smith exec elected chair

David Hammond, vice president and general manager, Canada and Export Markets, with A. O. Smith Enterprises Ltd., is the 2023/2024 chair of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating board. In his role with A. O. Smith, Hammond has implemented major transformational changes within the organization. He held previous positions with Reliance Home Comfort and Union Gas. He has served on various codes and standards committees, and in 2020 Hammond was chosen to co-chair the NRCan Water Heater Experts Market Transformation team. In this role he worked with industry, government and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive approach to market transformation. Hammond received the Joseph K. Seidner Award in 2021 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the industry. To see more ABC coverage visit mechanicalbusiness.com. ciph.com

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Movers & Shakers

Emerson’s Climate Technologies rebrands as Copeland

Private equity fund manager

Blackstone Private Equity has completed its acquisition of Emerson’s Climate Technologies business and has rebranded the company as Copeland. The sale of Climate Technologies includes the Copeland compressor division and the entire profile of HVAC/R products and services. The agreement is part of Emerson’s move to become a pure-play global automation company. As a standalone company focused on the global HVAC market, St. Louis, MO-based Copeland’s product portfolio includes compressors, controls, thermostats, valves, software and monitoring solutions for residential, commercial and industrial customers. copeland.com

St. John’s, NL-based Mysa expands thermostat offerings

Mysa has purchased the intellectual property of Costa Mesa, CA-based Zen Ecosystems. Mysa produces smart thermostats for high voltage electric heating and cooling. Zen Ecosystems specializes in smart thermostats for central heating and cooling, and commercial energy management solutions. According to Mysa, the acquisition will allow it to offer smart thermostat solutions to more homes across North America, while expanding into commercial energy management using the ZenHQ platform, a cloud-based service that allows medium-sized businesses to monitor, analyze and optimize energy use across multiple locations.

getmysa.com zenecosystems.com

EMCO unveils plans for New Brunswick facility

EMCO Corporation has announced that EMCO HVAC and EMCO Applied will be relocating to a new build, 30,000 sq.-ft. standalone office and warehouse on Aviation Avenue in Dieppe, NB. The facility is scheduled to open in 2024. EMCO says the new facility will enable EMCO HVAC and EMCO Applied to support the supply and design side of its business in one location. emco.ca

Hargassner’s

new Toronto headquarters

Hargassner invests in its North American operations

Weng, Austria-based Hargassner GesmbH is celebrating its 20th anniversary in North America with a new company and headquarters, and an investment in its local infrastructure. The new company, Hargassner North America Inc., is headquartered in Toronto, ON. The company has also invested in local warehousing and hired local staff, as part of its commitment to customers in Canada and the U.S. Hargassner is a biomass specialist and manufacturer of boilers, with exports to more than 42 countries.

hargassner-northamerica.com

Hisense establishes new Canadian HQ

Hisense Canada Co., Ltd. has moved to new regional headquarters in Mississauga, ON at 2550 Meadowvale Blvd. Hisense entered Canada in 2012, and offers home electronics, appliances, portable and window-mount air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Hisense Canada is a subsidiary of Qingdao, China-based Hisense Group. hisense-canada.com

Visionary Sales to rep Velocity Boiler Works in Ontario

Etobicoke, ON-based Visionary Sales is now representing Philadelphia, PA-based Velocity Boiler Works in Ontario. Velocity Boiler offers residential and commercial condensing boilers, as well as stainless steel indirect water heaters and buffer tanks.

visionarysales.ca

velocityboilerworks.com

Noble launches first AutoStore warehouse in Concord, ON

Noble has opened AutoStore, a fully automated warehouse solution operated by autonomous robots in its Concord, ON location at 7171 Jane St. The AutoStore solution was developed and installed by Dematic, a supplier of integrated automated technology, software and services. The system allows for high-density storage, meaning more products can be stocked in a smaller footprint – in this case the company says it can fit 21,000 SKUs in less than 5,000 sq. ft. Noble says it will introduce its new ecommerce platform later this year, which combined with AutoStore will make picking and fulfillment even more straightforward.

noble.ca

Master opens Sudbury, ON branch

Boucherville, QC-based The Master Group has opened a new branch near Sudbury at 80 National St., Garson, ON. The expansion follows the acquisition of Sudbury-based Gagnon & Associates Inc. in May 2021. The location will carry Master’s residential and refrigeration lines, as well as Gagnon’s industrial and commercial products.

master.ca

DiversiTech Corp. purchases Pro1 Thermostats

DiversiTech Corp. is acquiring Broomfield, CO-based Pro1 Thermostats, a manufacturer of HVAC controls and other indoor air quality products. Based in Atlanta, GA, DiversiTech Corp. was founded in 1971 and offers more than 10 brands for the HVAC/R industry.

diversitech.com pro1iaq.com

IPEX acquires a division of Valencia Pipe Co.

Aliaxis SA, operating under the IPEX brand in North America, has purchased the plastic pipe and fittings manufacturing division of Valencia Pipe Company. Valencia is based in Valencia, CA, and manufactures ABS, PVC and MDPE pipe for use in a variety of applications, including water, gas, drain, waste and vent, and pressure. Oakville, ON-based IPEX says the acquisition will allow the company to expand its reach into the Western U.S.

ipexna.com

valenciapipe.com

Bartle & Gibson to distribute Bradford White products in Western Canada

Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd. has announced a regional partnership to distribute Bradford White’s residential, commercial and industrial products for water heating, space heating, combination heating and storage applications across Western Canada. Edmonton, AB-based Bartle & Gibson distributes plumbing, heating and electrical products, and has 31 locations throughout Western Canada.

bartlegibson.com

bradfordwhite.com

Valencia manufactures ABS, PVC and MDPE pipe for use in water, gas, drain, waste and vent and pressure applications.

Movers & Shakers

Napoleon opens U.S. warehouse

Barrie, ON-based Napoleon has expanded in the U.S. with a new warehouse in Crittenden, KY. The additional warehouse enables greater storage, faster fulfillment and higher levels of customer service for the company’s U.S. clients. The warehouse will also be Napoleon’s hub facility, and marks the beginning of an expansion in the U.S. napoleon.com

HTS acquires Oslin Nation

Toronto, ON-based HTS Eng. Ltd. has announced it is purchasing Arlington, TX-based hydronics and plumbing solutions company Oslin Nation Company. HTS is an independent commercial and industrial HVAC equipment representative. The move will enhance HTS’s HVAC, building automation controls portfolio, pump and plumbing solutions. HTS has roughly 1,500 employees in 24 cities in Ontario and the U.S. Oslin Nation employees will join the HTS Texas team. hts.com onco-tx.com

Bitzer to purchase OJ Electronics Germany’s

The Bitzer Group is acquiring Sønderborg, Denmarkbased OJ Electronics. Bitzer specializes in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump technology, while OJ Electronics manufactures and distributes control solutions for ventilation systems and electric floor heating. The acquisition will allow Bitzer to expand its portfolio of electronic components for the HVAC/R industry. The acquisition is expected to close in 2023 Q3. bitzer.de ojelectronics.com

Nexstar

(L) Rainer Große-Kracht, vice chairman of the board and CTO of Bitzer, and Christian Wehrle (R), CEO of Bitzer, welcome Erik Damsgaard, CEO of OJ Electronics, to the Bitzer family.

Equipco moves head office

Equipco Ltd. has moved its head office in British Columbia from Coquitlam to Maple Ridge, at 20240 Stewart Crescent. The new 15,000-sq. ft. facility includes office and warehouse space designed to maximize pallet positions and efficiencies, for faster order processing and delivery. The company says it will be holding an official grand opening event in the future.

Equipco reps plumbing, heating, HVAC/R, electrical and smart home products.

equipcoltd.com

King Heating Products partners with Immerfin Group

Surrey, BC-based King Heating Products Inc. is partnering with Brescello, Italy’s Immerfin Group, with Immerfin becoming a minority shareholder in King Heating. Immerfin produces residential heating and hot water solutions under the brand Immergas. King Heating’s Eco-King brand of high-efficiency boilers will continue to be made in Canada, and the company will add Immerfin products to its portfolio, including hybrid and electric heat pumps, boilers using hydrogen gas, and solar appliances. King Heating plans on entering the U.S. market with its Eco-King brand and other high-efficiency and sustainable products by 2024.

kingheatingproducts.com immergas.com

(L-R) Alfredo Amadei, Immerfin president, and Chad Euverman, president of King Heating Products.

Thermo

People in the news

Lindsay Barber has been promoted to president of Mississauga, ON-based Masco Canada. Barber has been with Masco Canada for almost 20 years, most recently as vice president, product and innovation.

EMCO Corporation has hired Anton Wolmarans as an HVAC technical specialist. Wolmarans is based in New Brunswick.

Westfield, MA-based Mestek, Inc. has promoted Kevin O’Rourke to vice president of sales –wholesale products. In his new position, O’Rourke will continue to service accounts throughout North America, and will be responsible for the newly acquired Slant/Fin baseboard brand in Canada. O’Rourke was formerly national sales manager, North America, for all Mestek’s Residential Comfort Group products.

Boucherville, QC-based The Master Group has named John Kaul (1) as president. Kaul joined Master as a member of the board of directors in 2022, and was made chief operating officer in October 2022. The company has also promoted Mathias Frielingsdorf (2) to project manager. Frielingsdorf has been with Master for more than two years, most recently as branch representative. He is based in Victoria, BC.

Combustion Control Inc.

(CCI) has hired Mike Veevers as production manager.

Brampton, ON-based Oatey Canada has hired Gurjot Sahni as wholesale territory manager, Eastern Canada.

Rohit Nair has been promoted to technical trainer in Ontario by Saint John, NB-based NTI Boilers Inc. In his new role Nair will provide installation, maintenance and troubleshooting training for NTI’s line of high-efficiency boilers and water heating equipment. He has been with the company since 2020 working on the technical support team.

Gerry Cellucci, principal and vice president of systems solutions at Yorkland Controls Ltd., has been appointed to the board of directors of the Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA).

Surrey, BC-based King Heating Products Inc. has hired Wayne Kucharchuk as regional sales manager for Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Kucharchuk is based in Alberta.

Daikin has hired Jean-Pierre Meloche as regional sales director (RSD) for Quebec. He will be responsible for managing Daikin’s distribution in Quebec

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Vaughan, ON-based NEXT Plumbing and Hydronics Supply has promoted Julian Macchiaroli to inside sales associate. Shahab Sajadi has joined Refrigerative Supply Ltd. as sales support lead.

Bob Pryor has retired as vice president and general manager at Bardon Supplies Ltd. Pryor had been with Bardon since 1997 when his family’s business, The Plumbing Store, was acquired. Shawn Taylor (shown here) has been promoted as vice president and general manager. Taylor has been with Bardon since 1989, most recently as Eastern regional manager and business stream lead for the NOVEX Team responsible for implementing Bardon’s new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

To have your company’s personnel announcements included, free of charge, in an upcoming edition of Mechanical Business, simply send a note and a few details, to kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com.

State-of-the Art Commercial Water Softening

PLUMBING

By Fred Bretzke

THE GLASS PIPE PROJECT

LAB DEMONSTRATES THE USE OF VENTS AND TRAPS IN A

PLUMBING DRAINAGE SYSTEM

WhenI think about glass pipe, I imagine a mad scientist in some laboratory surrounded by glass pipe. Or a glass maker creating some cool glass shape with heated glass. How many times will a plumber install glass pipe? Actually, not very often, but it would be cool to install glass pipe at least once and it is in the National Plumbing Code so we should have at least rudimentary knowledge of the requirements. Consider where it might be necessary to use glass pipe. One prime example is in a laboratory due to the use of chemicals, hot liquids and contaminated or non-contaminated liquids. Let’s look at this example first. You are going to need a pipe that can withstand very hot liquids such as 450⁰F or 232⁰C. A pipe that is tough, even if it is glass, a pipe that is corrosion free, and a pipe that allows you to see what substance is inside it. The pipe must have a low expansion rate; even lower than steel so it has good heat shock resistance, and the pipe can be taken apart easily for repairs and maintenance. Modern glass pipe seems to take care of these issues.

Glass pipe is great at handling corrosive wastes, due to its resistance to acids such as sulphuric, hydrochloric, nitric, acetic, and to other materials including chlorinated hydrocarbons, hydrogen peroxide, bromines and brines.

I could talk on and on about glass pipe and its pros and cons in various industries, but what I will expand on is its use for our plumbing shops and training. In the 2020 plumbing code, it lists the requirements for the use of glass pipe and fittings in these sections:

In Division A Part 1 Compliance

1.1.1.1. Application of the code

1.5.1. Referenced Documents

In Division B Section 2.2 Materials and Equipment General Section 2.3 Piping

2.3.2. – Construction and Use of Joints

2.3.2.6. – Mechanical Joints

1) Mechanical joints shall be made with compounded elastomeric rings that are held in compression by

a) stainless steel or cast-iron clamps, or

b) groove and shoulder type mechanical couplings. There are many code clauses in the 2020 plumbing code for stainless steel pipe, and many similar uses for it in the previously mentioned industries. Stainless steel even has a higher temperature rating of up to 750⁰F. It is also very tough, corrosion free and great for contaminated substances. You could say there is more use for this piping system in dairy systems than the glass pipe that is more prevalent. The only problem is you cannot see through stainless steel. Glass still has some unique uses that stainless steel can’t qualify for. There are even newer forms of plastic pipe used

Fred Bretzke is a full-time pipe trades instructor with Calgary’s SAIT Polytechnic. He was the 20202021 Innovation of The Year Award Winner: SAIT for digitizing the project-based learning approach apprenticeship training is known for. Fred can be reached at fred.bretzke@sait.ca.

We install glass pipe in many different places, such as textile, plating, power plants, pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries.

Lyncar

for acid drains, however glass is obviously more see-through. As I am mentioning acid wastes, the 2020 national code reference for acid waste traps is: 2.2.3.1. 2. The trap seal depth on fixtures draining to an acid waste system shall be a minimum of 50 mm.

TESTING THE CODE

All of this brings me back to the subject of plumbing shops and glass pipe. We really wanted to make a piping lab where we could demonstrate the use of vents and traps in a plumbing drainage system.

After designing a 3D example of a glass piping system, we decided to order glass pipe and build it. This then brought us to our next dilemma, which was the cost of glass piping. We were forced to use some of our existing glass piping and fittings and then purchase new transparent plastic pipe for our new lab. This was also expensive, but still one-sixth of the cost of glass piping.

We were almost finished this lab just before COVID hit us. It’s great for teaching anywhere from second- to fourth-year plumbing apprentices. We’ve been able to prove code debates on the use of symmetrical double wyes for horizontal wet venting from 2.5.2.1. This lab is unique as we have installed shutoff valves on all the vents so that we can illustrate trap seal loss from back pressure or lack of venting.

We use this lab for instructing residential circuit venting and wet venting. In 2.5.3.1. 9 b, it explains that all trap arms, including the fixture outlet pipes, must be 2 in. or 3 in. for a 3-in. circuit vented branch. We decided to test this code, and make the bath tub (tied to the CVB) trap arm 1 ½ in. instead of 2 in. minimum. We ran water through the transparent glass and clear plastic piping and watched the glass P-trap to see if the water seal in the trap would go up or down or even fluctuate. There was a tiny bit of movement but hardly any, so what we can derive from this is that our pipe is really oversized.

This information helps us teach the fact that we do want to keep our sizes the same as the tables, which allow for a two foot per second flow. We are usually more concerned with not under sizing the pipe and fittings, but this lab has also taught us not to oversize the pipe.

Another cool thing we have been able to use this glass and transparent piping for is the use of symmetrical double wyes on a horizontal wet vent, just like we use a bungalow fitting or a side outlet tee wye on a vertical wet vent.

We’ve tested this wet venting procedure with gallons of water draining down the lav portion of the wet vent to see if the lower transparent bath tub P-trap would fluctuate or experience some sort of trap loss. Sure enough, the tub trap seal didn’t experience any trap seal loss or even go up

Glass piping proved to be a very expensive venture

or down. This lab has once again proven that a symmetrical double wye installed even on the run of the water closet trap arm works perfectly.

GLASS PIPE & FITTINGS DETAIL

1. Glass pipe comes in many different sizes for DWV (from 1 ¼ in. to 6 in.).

2. Its pressure ranges from 50-75 psi.

3. Its lengths come in 5 to 10 ft.

4. Each length has a glass bead on the end of it.

5. The special MJ couplings come in bead-bead, bead-end, and end-end.

6. The fittings are the same variety as plumbing DWV fittings.

CUTTING AND ASSEMBLY OF GLASS PIPE & FITTINGS

1. Measure the cut.

2. Mark the cut.

3. Score the pipe with special inside cutters.

4. The cutter has a guide that keeps the tool true to the centre

of the pipe and a tensioning handle to lock the cutter at the point at which the cut has to be made.

5. Score it by turning the inside cutter a complete single 360⁰ revolution.

6. Heat the pipe with MAP gas.

7. Tap the score mark and your pipe will separate easily.

8. When assembling the pipe, make sure you use the correct MJ coupling, whether it be bead-bead, end-end or bead-end to match the appropriate pipe.

9. Use only a spray bottle of water to lubricate the neoprene part of the MJ, do not use any jelly as it may harm the neoprene inside of the coupling.

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SELLING THE BENEFITS OF NEW TECHNOLOGY

Ihavebeen promoting new technologies for the building industry generally and in the mechanical realm more specifically throughout my career. New technologies present new benefits to clients and thus new opportunities for all of us. Integrating those benefits into your sales process, however, may require some modest changes.

On occasion, there are circumstances or events that highlight new technologies and opportunities. The pandemic is a prime example, having prompted a surging interest in ventilation, filtration and other indoor air quality options. Heating and cooling companies were encouraged to offer a broader range of indoor environmental control solutions. And now the rapid rollout of heat pump programs along the path to electrification presents a unique opportunity over the next 10 years. This opportunity employs a technology that is two to three time more energy efficient than the fossil fuel fired heating options currently being installed and yet does not always result in immediate energy cost savings for clients. In each of these circumstances traditional sales processes that focused strictly on cost, energy savings and paybacks can be de-emphasized to allow for a broader spectrum of client benefits to be illuminated, benefits that can appeal to the emotional needs of customers and not just the logical financial concerns.

Adjust your sales process

I am already noticing a change in HVAC marketing campaigns featuring available incentives from different levels of government, utilities and manufacturers for heat pumps. As these campaigns get the phones to ring, consider some modest adjustments to your sales process to help your customers avoid the “it’s too complicated, I’ll do it next time” cop-out. From the first contact, engage with your client in a deeper way by asking a few more questions to elicit their experiences with and interest in the new technologies you offer; questions such as “What has prompted your call today?” and “In your research so far, what solutions sound intriguing to you?”

As you prepare for your visit to their home or business, encourage them to prepare as well by bringing out previous energy bills. Giving them an “assignment” prompts a deeper level of interest and commitment while empowering you to have a more timely and comprehensive discussion about energy use patterns and optimization opportunities once you are face to face.

Gord Cooke Gord Cooke is a professional engineer who has spent 35 years helping builders and HVAC contractors implement innovative technologies into high-performance homes. Gord has particular expertise in IAQ and air flow management in houses, and can be contacted at gordc@buildingknowledge.ca.

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When at the client’s home or business and just after a friendly meet and greet, be sure to take gentle control of the balance of the meeting by setting an agenda. Allow for a little more time to understand the client’s needs and more time to demonstrate the new technologies you have.

An agenda can be a statement as simple as, “Thanks for the opportunity to meet today. If it’s OK with you I would like to ask you a few questions about your home. Then I would like to take some measurements and I am sure you will have some questions for me. That should allow us to find a system that meets your needs over the next 45 minutes to an hour. Is that OK with you?” Letting clients know what is going to happen allows them to relax and engage with you more freely.

The agenda allows you to springboard into the deeper understanding of their needs that can be solved by the new technology you are offering, but it requires some homework. The marketing materials for all HVAC equipment outline how each offers high quality, durable, efficient, quiet, comfortable operation. These important marketing phrases are best described as advantages that need to be developed into compelling benefits for individual clients, benefits that solve problems and improve the lives of clients.

It is best to go right back to the basics when introducing a new technology into your sales portfolio. If you were to physically or at least virtually take apart the heat pump or energy recovery ventilator you are introducing you would undoubtedly uncover 30 to 40 specific features within that equipment chosen specifically by the engineering team to address and resolve specific performance requirements or installation challenges. Knowledge of each of these features can be explained as to how they work to reduce noise levels, improve efficiency or extend the service life.

Each of these advantages can then be expanded out to imagine what problem they could solve for a client. For example, the multi-layered rubber acoustical blanket on the heat pump compressor allows your client to enjoy a peaceful evening on their backyard patio. The multi-stage MERV 13 filter on the fresh air supply of the ERV allows for continuous fresh, filtered air to the bedroom of their asthmatic child. Each of those 30 features may offer two or three advantages and each of those advantages can resolve two or three problems your clients’ experience.

The final homework exercise

Design five or six questions that would encourage your clients to talk about the challenges they experience in the home or workplace. The most helpful questions start with phrases such as “Tell me about …,” “What have you heard …,” “What’s been your experience with ... .” Add simple subjects such as “your family,” “plans for your home,” “your business,” to the end of these phrases. Putting together these simple phrases encourages the longest possible conversation with your clients. Within that conversation you are likely to hear them talk about the challenges they face that can be addressed by the features of the equipment and services you offer.

The preparation has the added value of breeding enthusiasm and enthusiasm is infectious within your team and with your clients. That enthusiasm helps them trust both you and the technology such that they can make the right decisions in a timely manner. The switch to a heat pump centric heating and cooling solution needs that preparation and resulting enthusiasm to ensure our clients don’t put off the decision. Commit your entire team to exploring the compelling benefits your clients can experience with all of the technologies you offer.

A helpful partnership

In as much as the heat gain through windows account for 50 to 60 per cent of cooling loads, the next time a homeowner asks you what size air conditioner is needed for a 2,000 sq. ft. home, ask them to measure the size of the windows in their home by orientation as you make the appointment to visit. It sparks interesting conversations while you are at the home about comfort and problem areas in the home and builds a sense of partnership between you and the client.

HVAC/R Products

Contractor tool

The BeckettLink Pro Contractor Tool is designed to work with the Beckett myTechnician mobile app and the GeniSys 7505 120V oil burner primary control to give technicians enhanced diagnostics and quicker access to information. As an optional accessory for the 7505 Primary Control, the unit allows techs to monitor the current status, view burner cycle history, and program purge timings using the mobile app on a smart phone. Data can also be uploaded to the RW Beckett technical support team.

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Energy recovery ventilators

RenewAire has redesigned its HE Series of commercial energy recovery ventilators. The series includes the HE10 to replace the HE1X, while the HE07 is a redesign of the former EV450 ERV. The series features backward curved impellers and EC motors, and offers CFM increases in ranges of 250-1, 150-CFM for the HE10 and 200-700-CFM for the HE07. The HE07 offers greater balancing capabilities due to independent exhaust and supply air blower motors. www.

Tube bender

The NAVAC NTB7L helps HVAC technicians bend large diameter tubes at precise angles. Suitable for tubing sized 1/4 to 7/8 in., the NTB7L works by pressing a single controller switch to bend tubes to any angle. When a bend is completed, the baffle will push the tube out automatically while the tool resets, making removing the tube effortless. The lithium battery can make over 100 bends on each charge, and can be fully charged in 30 minutes. The reverse bending kit NTBRK is available separately.

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Heat pump chiller

The Trailblazer HP from Daikin Applied is an air-cooled scroll chiller using heat pump technology to deliver electricity-powered heating and cooling in commercial and industrial buildings. The air-to-water heat pump chiller can switch between cooling and heating modes based on the temperature requirements of the space, and is up to 300 per cent more efficient at typical operating conditions. The Trailblazer HP is easy to install in new and retrofit applications.

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Industrial fans

The Powerfoil X4 from Big Ass Fans is an industrial overhead HVLS fan designed to provide maximum airflow and safety in the toughest conditions. With a full fan IP56 rating for use in harsh environments, the fan features a redesigned airfoil system, and seven diameter options ranging from 12 to 30 ft. Other features include a double safety cable system, hub safety clips, fire relay, guy wires, aluminum spar hub, and hermetically sealed gearbox.

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Architectural diffusers

EffectiV HVAC Inc. launches a computer fluid dynamics service called Verified that can deliver precise and realistic simulations of airflow, energy consumption, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality in one room of a commercial building. The simulation conditions are set to match the operational conditions of the room. Resulting reports show visual representations of air velocity, air temperature, mean age of air, thermal comfort, and CO2 particles per million everywhere in the room, with views from different angles.

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A FUNCTIONAL FIT:

WORKWEAR AND PPE THAT WORKS AS HARD AS YOU DO

By Carolyn Cooper

In the September/October 2021 issue of Mechanical Business we looked at the challenges women working in the skilled trades face when finding workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) that fit and function the way they should. We’re revisiting the topic to find out what’s changed in the past two years.

WOMEN ON THE JOB

In November 2022 the CSA Group released Canadian Women’s Experiences with Personal Protective Equipment in the Workplace, a report outlining the problems women in the skilled trades have sourcing properly fitting PPE and clothing. Based on expert research plus input from approximately 3,000 women, the report revealed that women continue to be “differentially impacted by workplace hazards” due to poorly designed and fitted PPE and clothing.

According to the report, the three most common problems facing women on the job when it comes to workwear is that “it does not fit properly, it is uncomfortable to wear, and the selection of women-specific PPE is inadequate.” As a result, it found that women “use PPE that is the wrong size at least some of the time, they don’t wear all the required PPE at work because of issues with fit, and they use a workaround to make their PPE fit,” including using rubber bands, safety pins, and duct tape to shorten or secure clothing and gear. Unfortunately the report also found that nearly 40 per cent of respondents reported “an injury or incident that they perceived to be related to their PPE.”

So, with more women entering the trades and highlighting the problem, are things changing? To some extent they are, says Brandi Ferenc, an HVAC mechanic at Newmarket, ON’s Southlake Regional Health Centre. “I have seen many new companies offering women’s workwear, some of which were started by women who worked in the skilled trades and saw the need. Most work gloves now come in sizes to fit a women’s hand, there are fall arrest harnesses designed for a women’s body (cross body fit), and finally I see a variety of quality women’s work boots that are not pink.”

Juno Jones produces steel toe boots in a variety of colours and styles designed for working women. Founder and CEO Emily Soloby, a trained shoe maker and the owner of a heavy equipment and truck safety training firm, created Juno Jones when she couldn’t find safety boots that were both stylish and functional. The company’s newest launch

The Composite Toe Atlantis is part of Juno Jones’ Architecture Collection, and is available in a variety of eco-certified full grain leathers and suedes.

Brandi Ferenc wears a full fire resistant-rated uniform from Carhartt that includes a tapered shirt with shorter shoulder lines and sleeves, and smaller front pockets.

is a composite toe boot that Soloby says customers have been asking for. “The Composite Toe Atlantis is a pull-on Chelsea boot with ASTM certified safety toes, ASTM certified puncture resistant midsole, ASTM certified non-slip lug tread, and removable memory foam comfort insole,” says Soloby, who is also host of Hazard Girls, a podcast covering the issues women face working in traditionally male-dominated industries.

PPE DESIGNED FOR WOMEN

Ferenc says that while uniforms and workwear are becoming more readily available, PPE and specialty wear tailored to women are harder to find. “I would like to see a hard hat that is designed for a smaller head, although the ratchet knob allows the hard hat to be adjusted to a smaller diameter, the hard hat itself still tends to shift and move on a person with a smaller head. Regardless of gender we are all built differently and PPE manufacturers should offer a wider variety of options. And speaking as a woman who works on live electrical circuits for troubleshooting purposes, I would like to see more flame resistant (FR) products for women, specifically undergarments.”

Melanie Adams agrees, which is why she founded Embher, Inc., a new brand of flame-resistant clothing for women. “Embher’s Ensemble is a perfectly curated outfit consisting of three pieces – a long sleeved shirt, pair of pants and a utility vest. The long sleeved shirt is a soft and lightweight aramid FR fabric,” says Adams. “The vest is perfect for spring/summer and provides the right coverage and functional pockets including a gas monitor holster.”

Vancouver, BC-based Dovetail produces a range of work wear for women. It’s latest launch is the Freshley Dropseat Overall, featuring a drop seat for easy bathroom breaks and adjustable straps for a personalized fit. The overalls have 15 pockets, including reinforced front zip pockets, with a crotch gusset and articulated knees to ensure ease of movement ease, tool loops, twine holes, and tough cuff.

Vancouver, BC’s Helga Wear is another company making fire resistant clothing more female friendly. The company’s Eileen Flyaways “are industrial wash grade FR safety coveralls, designed and constructed for women’s morphology using women’s body data, women’s wear grading rules, and field tested with British Columbia tradeswomen,” says founder, president and CEO Jodi Huettner, who experienced the challenges of ill fitting workwear when she worked as an

CLOTHES THAT WORK

Morgan Dawson was also inspired to start her own company, Dawson Workwear, due to the frustration of not being able to find functional work clothing. While Dawson agrees that there seem to be more options available online for women, says she still struggles to find properly fitting gloves and safety vests, as well as fall protection.

Helga Wear produces FR-rated clothing such as coveralls specifically designed for women in 26 size options, with elasticated waist tabs, flyaway inseam washroom zipper, adjustable arm and leg cuffs, high neck snap closure, front zipper with locking slider and 10 trades-friendly pockets (including knee pad pockets).

A FUNCTIONAL FIT

“I would love to see companies provide these options for their women onsite. I have struggled with poorly fitting safety vests/ harnesses and other PPE since entering the construction industry, and had to have properly fitting PPE special ordered, which took forever. With the increasing numbers of women in construction, companies need to have this PPE readily available for their female employees. As a 5’2” woman onsite, the M safety vest that was provided to me hung to mid-thigh length. When I was loaded up with tools in my vest, I had to unload everything to be able to move around properly,” says Dawson.

Crafted for the female body from heavyweight 10-oz. cotton canvas, the Classic Work Pant from Dawson Workwear features reinforced stress points, triplestitched seams, and doublelayered knees and heels for durability and longevity.

Other companies are getting the message that PPE needs to be inclusive. EllisDon, for example, recently launched a construction safety vest for women and gendernonconforming individuals who may not fit traditional safety vests. “Traditional safety vests are not built to fit women or gender-nonconforming persons, and we wanted to change that,” says Jennifer Khan, vice president of inclusive diversity. The company partnered with Toronto-based custom clothing maker Md/Safety Bespoke to produce the vests. “It is so important to feel like you belong in a workplace, and I know from personal experience what that can do mentally to you when you feel like you do not belong,” says Safety BeSpoke COO Tess Durrant.

This year EllisDon introduced safety vests for women made by Toronto’s Md/Safety Bespoke.

For Covergalls founder and CEO Alicia Woods, being fully inclusive means creating workwear that can be adjusted to changes in women’s lives. It’s the reason the Lively, ON-based company launched a maternity workwear collection.

“I’m really excited for this new addition to our collection,” says Woods. “So many women have had to create makeshift solutions due to lack of options and inaccessibility to proper PPE, myself being one. Creating maternity workwear that companies and suppliers can provide to their employees is a step in the right direction towards greater workplace equality.”

Ferenc agrees: “First and foremost I look for quality workwear, I don’t show up to work to look pretty, I do the same job as my male counterparts and I expect my clothes to work just as hard as I

Covergall’s new maternity workwear collection is made of a flame-resistant polycotton/polyester blend and includes a work shirt with longer front and a tab hem with snaps, and cargo pant with a rib knit front panel and high waist.

Morgan Dawson on the jobsite.

Cont’d from pg. 35

By Kerry Turner

Colonel Hansen joined the Canadian Forces at the age of 18, completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Royal Military College of Canada, and then started military pilot training. He was selected to complete CF-18 fighter jet training at 410 Squadron. Colonel Hansen then completed two tours with 441 and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadrons.

Jeremy Hansen:

A man on a mission

InMarch 2008, for the third time in Canada’s space history, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) began a search for the next generation of astronauts. After a grueling, year-long selection process, Colonel Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques were selected from a pool of 5,350 hopefuls. On April 3, 2023, 12 years after he graduated from astronaut candidate training, it was announced that Hansen would be one of a crew of four on NASA’s Artemis II mission. Hansen, a selfdescribed shy farm boy from Ailsa Craig, ON, will be the first CSA astronaut to fly around the moon.

“When I was young, I wanted to be a farmer or an astronaut,” recounts Hansen. “Those can seem really far apart but they’re not really.

I find a lot of similarities between the jack of all trades skill sets required to be a farmer and to be an astronaut, and a lot of the practical skills that are really helpful for an astronaut and the duties we perform. I actually see a lot of similarities, including the expectation of hard work.”

The hard work started early. His interest in aviation was piqued when he attended an airshow in London, ON as a boy. Hansen went on to earn his glider pilot wings at 16, and his private pilot licence and wings at 17. Hansen graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) in Kingston with a bachelor of science in space science (first class honours) and a master of science in physics.

Managing real risks

As an astronaut Hansen has been through many training programs with several space agencies, one of which involved spending six days in caves in Italy. “It’s probably one of the riskiest things I’ve ever done. It’s just a really challenging environment. And it’s an environment where you have to be completely switched on with all of you firing together as a team to make sure nobody gets injured and you make good decisions. That’s really what it provides for us − a truly operational environment,” notes Hansen.

Hansen would later be selected to lead a NASA astronaut class. “It was just a great opportunity and a really, really enriching experience for me, spending all that time with that class, going through all of those challenges with them. We hire a group at the same time and kind of bunch them together. Then we create a syllabus for getting them through astronaut candidate training, which is sort of like a rite of passage, if you will. When people show up here in Houston, they have to have certain skill sets and they have to meet certain expectations that they’ll be able to perform. “It takes about two years to put them through all that training. We ask a lot of them and push them pretty hard. We’re trying to get them through and get them all the training they need during that time period. At the end of that two years, they are considered assignable to a space mission,” says Hansen. He emphasizes that you can train anyone in a simulator but “it is when their decisions actually determine whether they live or die that they develop operational skills.” Hansen already had significant operational skills honed in the military when he entered astronaut candidate training. “The main skillset I have as an astronaut is the ability to make decisions when it’s not crystal clear to me what the right answer is based on a limited set of data. You have to be able to filter; you slow down and gather more data in those situations when you need to make a quick decision; no decision means certain death or a certain failure. You need the ability to just make a decision. The astronaut corps has continued to refine that skill. It’s critical to have confidence that in a moment of dire need, you will either succeed or you’ll die while trying.”

Getting things done

As he prepares for his first trip into space, Hansen is particularly proud of Canada’s role and is hopeful it will showcase Canada on the international stage. In terms of his own achievement, Hansen says “It’s a tremendous opportunity and super exciting for me. I’m still kind of easing into it. There is lots of training ahead. It does feel like there’s a lot to do between now and launch but it’s a development mission so as we find things along the way, we can delay the launch if we need to.”

Shown here (L to R), mission specialist Hansen, pilot Victor Glover, commander Reid Wiseman and mission specialist Christina Hammock Koch, will lift off after November 2024 on the approximately 10-day mission from Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Over the course of about two days, they will check out Orion’s systems and perform a targeting demonstration test relatively close to Earth before beginning the trek toward the moon.

Opportunities in space exploration

When Hansen was aspiring to be an astronaut there were limited opportunities but he always had the support of his parents. “They were definitely very encouraging. I remember thinking I need to pick something more realistic. My parents knew that probably was not likely for me given the statistics of how many people of my generation get to have this opportunity. That’s important to highlight because it is changing. The commercializing of space will really enable the younger generation to have many more opportunities with respect to space exploration and working in leveraging space for the benefit of humanity, which is where there are many more opportunities right now.

“My parents let people know I had that interest and those people guided me and helped me find a path that eventually ended up here. It’s never a straight path, but a lot of people helped me along the way,” says Hansen.

“I have been on both sides of selection. I will tell you this, if Canada needed a thousand astronauts, we could find a thousand astronauts. There are a thousand people capable of doing that. No problem. You need a fair methodology to basically eliminate unqualified people, but also to eliminate a bunch of qualified people.”

The 10-day mission from Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida will lift off some time after November 2024.

Photo NASA/James Blair

Finding a niche in the HVAC market

Andy

Jourdain happily found his true calling within the HVAC industry. After years of working different jobs, ranging from pizza delivery to factory work, and even glass work, he finally found his way to the field of refrigeration. In 1998 he attended refrigeration school at DalbeViau trade school in Lachine, QC. It was there, studying with professor Eric Faguay, that Jourdain discovered his passion for the HVAC industry. “Entering the workforce, I rapidly gained experience in different fields, ranging from commercial jobs to refrigerators in supermarkets and shopping malls. Although, I quickly realized that almost all companies I worked for competed for the same jobs, so as a HVAC technician I journeyed out to find my own calling,” says Jourdain. “I tried working in really specific niches such as fixing soft serve ice cream machines and repairing vending machines, and I finally went into pool heat pump repair.”

Despite the initial challenges that came with this decision, he persevered with the support of Sonia, his wife of 28 years. Jourdain was able to start his own company, Les Enterprises AS (A for Andy and S for Sonia). He says their two children have been a source of inspiration and motivation.

“The journey was not easy, but it was worth it,” notes Jourdain. “I have switched professions and tried out different areas within the industry before finally coming to the conclusion that I am specifically drawn to pool heat pumps. There is something about this niche that excites me and drives me to do my best every day. Today we are proud to say that we work with seven major manufacturers in the pool heat pump industry with after sale repair.”

It is not just the technical aspect of pool heat pumps that he finds interesting, but also the opportunity to help people. “I take pride in knowing the services we provide help individuals and families enjoy their swimming pools to the fullest extent possible. It is a gratifying feeling to know our work contributes to the pleasure and relaxation of others.”

Name: Andy Jourdain Position: Co-owner, refrigeration technician Company: Les Enterprises AS Location: Sainte-Marthesur-le-Lac, QC

The journey to finding his niche within the HVAC industry took a bit of time, but Andy Jourdain found his calling in pool heat pump repair.

JOB SECURITY AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

As technology advances and the importance of energy efficiency increases, HVAC professionals are even more in demand. “This is reassuring for me, as I see myself growing and advancing within this industry for years to come,” says Jourdain. “Working in the HVAC industry is not without its challenges, but with my wife’s support, we have been able to navigate them successfully. The HVAC industry is constantly evolving, and I am excited to be a part of it. I am grateful for the opportunity to have found my true calling within the community and am honoured to have Sonia by my side as we continue to grow and thrive.”

He sees the shortage of skilled trades people as an opportunity for those who are willing to learn and work in this field. “With advancements of new technologies within the industry, young professionals can bring new perspectives and fresh ideas to the industry. Additionally, there is a high demand for HVAC technicians, ensuring a promising career path with job security and potential for growth,” notes Jourdain.

The journey to finding his niche within the HVAC industry took a bit of time, but luckily, Jourdain has been able to discover his true passion. “I am excited for future technicians to find this passion as well. The industry is surely in demand and there are many areas to explore. Les Entreprises A.S. remains a family company but we are excited about the future generation joining us,” says Jourdain.

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MANAGEMENT: THINKING OF ADDING HYDRONICS TO YOUR REPERTOIRE? 5 STEPS TO GET YOU CLOSER TO YOUR GOAL

If you want to get into the hydronic business, there is a lot to consider. It’s not as simple as putting up an open for business sign and waiting for the customers to break down your door.

Matthew Reid

OTHER FEATURES

54TRENDS

Influences, disruptions and the inevitable Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr

64ELECTRICAL

How to navigate wiring a boiler

Kevin Goertzen

BOILERS & WATER HEATERS

BUCKLE UP: THE WILD RIDE OF TIGHTENING EFFICIENCY REGULATIONS

It’s no exaggeration to say that the changes coming to space and water heating in Canada are foundational.

Tom Heckbert

DEPARTMENTS

58,59,62PRODUCTS

A showcase of hydronic technology.

68JOBSITE JARGON

ROAD WARRIOR: TROUBLESHOOTER

Carolyn Cooper 56

Brandon Pacheco, project manager for Guest Plumbing & HVAC, says troubleshooting challenges is one of his favourite parts of the job.

Match the correct definition or meaning to the terminology you hear in the field and enter for your chance to win a Kane dual display clamp meter.

Cover Photo: Josh Wagstaff, Wagstaff Media

MANAGEMENT

By Matthew Reid

Thinking of adding hydronics to your repertoire?

Matthew Reid is a certified BCIN hydronic designer. Reid ran a hydronic design firm in the Greater Toronto Area before joining the Equipco team where he leads training sessions throughout Ontario, and assists with contractor and engineer-led projects. He can be reached at mreid@equipcoltd.com.

5 steps to get you closer to your goal

Have you ever thought about incorporating hydronics into your business? If you want to get into the hydronic business, remember there is a lot to consider. It’s not as simple as putting up an open for business sign and waiting for the customers to break down your door. The following steps should help you on your way to being successful in the business of hydronics.

Never forget that you are not alone in any of this. Everyone wants to see you succeed because success breeds success. The more people who get involved and see the benefits of hydronic heat the more the industry grows, the more knowledge is shared and the better we all get collectively. Go get ’em. I’m rooting for you.

STEP 1

Suss out the neighbourhood

Hydronics isn’t a huge part of the residential market. It is a large part of commercial but hydronics only represents about 10 per cent of the residential market. It’s unlikely to find hydronics in tract house new home construction and even if hydronics is part of a custom home build, it doesn’t mean it is the primary source of heat.

Area research should be your first step in deciding whether to invest the time, money and energy into creating a hydronic side to your business. Areas such as downtown city cores are usually prime areas for hydronics, the suburbs not so much. Rural areas and agricultural facilities do often have hydronic heating, so you need to be aware of your trading geography and whether the return on investment makes sense for you.

You should also do some leg work and see what the competition is doing in your area. Are there other hydronic contractors around where you work? What services are they selling? How much are they charging? What sort of services are being provided?

In certain areas snow and ice melt may be huge. In other areas radiant heating in the basement only may be a big thing. Outdoor wood boilers in rural areas could be popular where you are. You should be aware of what the market already looks like, so you know how to plan your leap into the world of hot water heating. Finally, for market research you need to know basic population demographics. Hydronics is currently more a niche type of heating catering to custom homes and a more affluent population. It’s like this for a number of reasons that I push back against every day, but this article isn’t trying to revolutionize an industry. Its purpose is to educate and share knowledge with those who can see value and potential in this market segment.

STEP 2

Develop a strategy

Once you know your area it’s time to plan out your strategy to break into the market. Simple questions such as what your service area will be, how far you will travel, and what circumstances are you willing/licensed to work under. Hydronics is a multi-trade application needing

experience in both plumbing, and gas (currently). Do you want to offer 24-hour emergency services or standard business hours? You need to know exactly what you want to do because there are a lot of different directions to go in.

STEP 3

The sticker price

How much is all of this going to cost? There are two ways to move forward after you have worked out the basics. Is this venture going to be an extension of your current business or do you want it to run independently of your existing business? Regardless of which direction you take there are going to be two large expenses right from the start. Number one is going to be staffing. Either you go out there, find an experienced technician and pay top dollar for them to join your team or you find someone from the existing team with an aptitude for hydronics and send them to every training opportunity you can find. There are a ton of fantastic hydronics trainings put on by manufacturers, wholesalers, representatives, and industry specialists. There are industry magazines, and books to read and review from the pros. Read and understand CSA B214:21 Installation Code for Hydronic Heating Systems. Don’t hesitate to work with industry associations. They are there to help you.

You need to know a little bit about a lot of things. Boilers and hydronics have changed dramatically over the last 100 years. The design element is another moving piece that needs to be understood both for troubleshooting and for new installs. If you don’t know what you are looking at, how can you repair or replace it and be certain it’s going to work?

The other large expense is going to be tools. As mentioned hydronics is a good mixture of plumbing and gas. We have the water side that is going to require some tools not usually incorporated into plumbing such as refractometers, water sample test kits to determine pH, TDS (total dissolved solids), GPG hardness and molybdate content. All these factors are required to be known and tested to ensure installs are warranty compliant. On the gas side, if you are not already using combustion analyzers and manometers, you are going to start. Boilers are not simple machines. They are the Ferrari of heating and need tuning to perform at the optimal level they are designed for.

STEP 4

Get the word out

Finally, you are ready to start marketing. Again, hydronics isn’t a huge market segment. You will need to let people know that you are in the hydronics game. Websites and social selling are going to be key to bringing in customers. Lay out what you do, make it easy to contact you, and utilize pay per click online advertising.

Once you get them on your page it’s all about the pictures. People want to buy from people that either sell what they are looking for or from someone who has dealt with a similar situation to what they are in. Pictures speak volumes about your work. To this point, you had better be doing the absolute best work that you can for a few reasons. You want your jobs to look both beautiful and professional, and you want them to work. Rest assured if you install something incorrectly the rest of the industry is all too happy to chime in and tell you all about it. Training and experience will be key here.

Your business is set, you’re marketing to your demographic and you’re finally at the kitchen table ready to sell your first project. Selling hydronics is not done on price. It is not the cheapest. Hydronics is sold on a promise of both comfort and adaptability. There is nothing that we cannot accomplish with boilers and pipes. Want to heat that basement? Done. Want to melt that snow? Done. Want to heat your greenhouse to grow roses year-round? Done. Using your company’s design and installation skills, the hydronic system will deliver whatever it is the homeowner wants.

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Tom Heckbert is national sales manager – hydronics & commercial WH at Rheem Canada Ltd. He can be reached at thomas.heckbert@rheem.com.

Buckle up: The wild ride of tightening efficiency regulations

It’s no exaggeration to say that the changes coming to space and water heating in Canada are foundational. Nor will it stop there. A series of Amendments to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations will tighten minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) substantially enough to take thousands of household and commercial appliance models off the market entirely, even entire categories of equipment. When will these changes start to take effect? They already have.

Don’t feel bad if you didn’t notice, however, the timing wasn’t great.

The Energy Efficiency Act itself, which gives authority to the Regulations that are being amended, is now over 30 years old, originally passing in 1992. The original Regulations were enacted in 1995 and changed several times since, but the most recent repeal and update came in 2016, when a new regulatory framework was imposed following Canada’s commitment to the 2015 Paris Climate Accord.

The update changed all manner of outdated language and technological references. Starting in 2017 Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) began the process of drafting specific amendments to the MEPS contained in the regulations. It wasn’t until June of 2019 that what is now called Amendment 15 was finally enacted.

Losing focus

Enforcement of MEPS is based on date of equipment manufacture, but some of those dates came into play as early as January 1, 2020, such as the MEPS for household instantaneous water heaters, which were raised to 0.87 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). Others were seen as having greater technological, logistical and practical challenges to overcome when implementing increased stringency on their MEPS.

As a result, these were slated for later dates of implementation to allow time for manufacturers, distributors, contractors, designers, engineers, inspectors and homeowners to have a chance to prepare. An example is that commercial instantaneous units were given until July 1, 2023 before they would have to meet the new MEPS of 94 per cent thermal efficiency, to allow for the much longer commercial design and construction cycle to complete existing projects without significant disruption. The market, it was thought, would start planning to use higher efficiency equipment as required, based on an expectation of when equipment would be ordered.

And then something came up. It’s easy to understand how by March 2020 we all might have taken our focus off changes to efficiency regulations that weren’t being implemented for another few years. To put it mildly, we had other things to worry about.

levels.

Commercial gas storage-type water heaters, when used for new construction, must now have condensing performance

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Massive changes in effect

But now they’re here. In July, massive changes took effect in the equipment that can be supplied for Canadian homes and commercial spaces. In addition to the commercial instantaneous regulation mentioned above, household boilers must have a MEPS of 90 per cent Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), up from 82 per cent. This means that residential noncondensing gas boilers are no longer sold in Canada.

And commercial gas storage-type water heaters, when used for new construction, must have condensing performance levels. This gets a bit confusing because of the way household and commercial equipment use different efficiency ratings, but smaller units are required to have a 0.81 UEF, and larger sizes a MEPS of 90 per cent thermal efficiency. Interestingly, NRCan chose to allow a carve out in this specific category for reduced MEPS when the equipment is being used in a retrofit application rather than new construction, reducing the “replacement” units MEPS to 0.66 UEF and 80 per cent TE respectively. No other category seems to have been cut a break like this.

Other more stringent MEPS will follow in short order. Household gas furnaces will see their MEPS increase to 90 per cent or 95 per cent AFUE, depending on the exact application, come January 1, 2024. And, very significantly, commercial gas-fired hydronic boilers will be restricted to a MEPS of 90 per cent efficiency as of January 1, 2025. That means that 16-months from now, only high-efficiency, condensing commercial gas boilers will be permissible for sale in Canada, and in this case NRCan did not allow any special exemption for retrofits or replacement applications.

Amendment 15 online for four years

If all of this seems far fetched, read the Canada Gazette, Part II, published June 12, 2019. This is where NRCan publishes its regulatory updates such as Amendment 15 and initiates the period of enforcement. It’s been published online for the last four years. The industry has just been too busy focusing on other things to give this the attention it probably deserves.

That may be unfortunate for more reasons than you think. Had we all been scrutinizing the Amendment as thoroughly as necessary, it might not have taken until now for us all to realize the wording seems to leave out a significant portion of the commercial product market, what’s typically called a domestic hot water boiler or a volume water heater (VWH).

The issue is that the wording is quite specific. Amendment 15 refers to instantaneous water heaters as being “flow-activated,”

but typically VWH use a sensor in a tank to determine when to activate, not flow. It describes commercial gas boilers as those “intended for application” in a “central heating system,” but VWH are not intended for this purpose. And it describes commercial gas water heaters as “storage” products, which VWH are not.

So, did NRCan intend to leave VWH alone? When we asked them, they said they did not.

Instead, they indicated they would regulate them according to the “nominal storage volume” of the unit. Because the instantaneous regulation refers to units as having equal to or less than 10 gallons of water, and the storage heater regulation refers to a volume of not less than 20 gallons capacity, NRCan has said VWH will be regulated according to their nominal storage capacity using these definitions.

In other words, if your VWH has more than 20 gallons of water inside, it will be regulated like a storage type heater and have a MEPS of 90 per cent thermal efficiency, with an exception for retrofits. If it is between 10 and 20 gallons, it is entirely unregulated. And if it has less than 10 gallons of water inside, as of July 1 it is regulated like an instantaneous unit with a MEPS of 94 per cent thermal efficiency.

Practically speaking, very few commercial VWH have more than 10 gallons nominal volume. And since the instantaneous regulation made no exceptions for retrofits, large capacity commercial VWH that need replacement starting July 2023 probably have to be replaced with condensing equipment. Installers will have to cope with whatever installation and venting challenges that will present. Facility owners and operators likely have not had time to prepare.

To date NRCan has not published clarifying language around this interpretation of how VWH product fits into Amendment 15. In the meantime, Amendments 16 and 17 have already both been passed, and Amendments 18 and 19 are nearly finished.

Foundational changes are coming. Are you ready?

More stringent MEPS are coming to residential and commercial equipment.

TRENDS By Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr

Influences, disruptions and the inevitable

What’s happening these days in the mechanical industry?

Let’s look at some trends and consider how many of the changes mentioned here we will see in five years from now. We live in interesting and fast-moving times. While it can be a good move to jump in early with new technology, some will be a flash in the pan, becoming a liability in the future.

Farming below the arrays

I see a renewed focus on solar photovoltaics (PV). The concept is to turn many roofs into localized power generation stations. We can remove the line loss factor by generating power close to the buildings requiring it. Another smart idea: PV covered storage units. As more and more people are renting homes and storing their belongings these days, storage units are popping up all over. Improved battery technology will allow for some storage when the sun goes down. AgroSolar is another concept that is getting renewed focus. We can generate electricity while farming below the arrays. This follows along with the wind farms installed in farm and grazing land.

Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr has been a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor and installer for 30+ years. A long-time columnist, Bob is involved with training and education at Caleffi North America. You can reach him at bob.rohr@caleffi.com.

Nuclear – a wrench in the works

Can we pull energy from other sources around us? Recently I’ve learned that you can get geothermal exchange from sewer piping in cities. There are some additional pilot projects researching waste-water thermal energy extraction heat pumps.

Small, fast assembly nuclear power plants got a thumbs up in my area from legislators and utility operators. Many small electric utilities signed on to purchase power and make it a viable project, financially speaking. A wrench in the works currently is the enriched uranium these plants require comes mainly from Russia. Some of the projected buyers are backing out of the deal, looking for other options. Water to cool even these small reactors is always a hot button in the arid southwest states. But don’t count out new ways to create nuclear power as a trend to follow.

EV market revs up

What tradesperson doesn’t enjoy truck shopping, or the quest for the perfect setup? Small diesel-powered vehicles make up most of the European transportation market and we see more and more of those vanstyle vehicles on the roads. Clever trade-specific bodies are always present at the industry shows for many of these van type chassis. Aftermarket bodies and interior packages allow you to fine tune a truck to your specific trade needs.

I’ve noticed the large product movers using electric vehicles (EV). Does that make sense for the service person with a small area to cover in a day? In some areas, EVs enjoy special parking spots. That can make a difference in a congested city when running multiple service calls. Plugging your EV into your home allows some battery backup for the home, also. You can regenerate when rates are low and the demand on the grid is low.

We want it yesterday

Getting product to market is trending to more and more online shopping options for our industry. Contractors love the ability to shop online at any hour of the day. Keeping the crew on the jobsite and not chasing parts helps productivity. Online plumbing and HVAC warehouses are being strategically located to allow overnight or one-day shipping in many cases.

Wholesalers are getting creative. Over five years ago, I visited a progressive wholesaler in the Chicago area. Early on they discovered that using Uber to deliver parts made more sense than tying a box truck up in traffic for hours to deliver a $50-part. Being able to track location allowed the contractor to be standing on the curb as the part arrived. This is a smart use of a trending transportation service. This wholesaler also had a 24-hour counter for evening parts availability. In busy buildings, service work is often done in the evening hours when the building is empty. You may need parts. An Uber parts delivery at midnight could be a big plus for service providers.

Ongoing issues to follow

The electrification movement shows no sign of letting up. As a result, we see a constant stream of products to wean us off fossil fuels. Heat pumps are getting a lot of attention and development. Also, we are seeing lots of new electric resistance type boiler offerings. Electrification is an industry onto itself. It is fast moving and controversial, because it is disruptive to the fossil fuel industry.

• Everyday piping products continue to evolve. More press fitting options, as well as tools are gaining traction. Press and push fittings, even for high pressure refrigeration installations, are showing up everywhere. So, the trend continues away from old school, labour intensive and less reliable pipe connections.

• Consolidation of contracting companies is ongoing. Larger fish swallowing smaller fish. We see this in the wholesale and even manufacturing businesses, also. Is this a positive for the trades and eventually the customer? Will a small handful of mega corporations control all the distribution, manufacturing and contracting at some point? Who handles tech support for these mega consolidators? Certainly, their marketing spend can outshine hundreds of smaller players.

• How is workforce development trending? Where will next generation trades folk come from? Every blue-collar employer is looking for help. Trade schools I have visited are trying everything to attract young people to our industry. High tech training, such as virtual headsets, has some value in getting gamers off the couch and into a truck. We need to find the motivational buttons for the younger generation, and offer them the training and money to enter the trades.

• Getting into a customer’s home and getting a repeat visit has always been interesting. Service plans, scheduled maintenance programs, assisted by email and social media drip campaigns, are ways to attract and keep your customers. Marketing to your existing and new customer base is worth looking at from the consumers’ point of view.

• Should we expect major HVAC, hydronic and plumbing components to have a 10-year life expectancy? 15 years? The days of 30- to 50-year boiler life expectancy are behind us. Trying to find repair parts for even 10-year-old boilers can be frustrating, or very expensive when you find that specific motherboard. Would you install systems differently knowing in 10 years or so a complete replacement may be required?

• Water conservation in my part of the world is still trending, despite record snowfalls this winter. As one example, local utilities have numerous programs to conserve water used for landscape irrigation. Converting your landscape to xeriscaping − removing all or most of your thirsty lawn − can result in a tax rebate or cash payment. Though, oddly, at recent trade shows water wasting body spray displays were in many of the fixture manufacturers’ booths.

ROAD WARRIOR

Brandon Pacheco

Name: Brandon Pacheco

Nickname: Chex

Company: Guest Plumbing & HVAC

Job title: Project manager

Born in: Hamilton, ON

Lives in: Hamilton, ON

Age: 30

Spouse: Cynthia

Children: Mya, 14 months old

Brandon Pacheco:

Troubleshooter

Noteveryone is a fan of solving problems, but Brandon Pacheco, project manager for Hamilton, ON’s Guest Plumbing & HVAC, says troubleshooting challenges is one of his favourite parts of the job. “I love giving our team new opportunities, helping them through challenges, whether it’s personal or work related, I always try to be there for everyone to make sure they know they have backing here. And I really enjoy customer relations and building relationships, working along with my team day in and day out. Learning what their goals are, where they want to be, and being a part of getting them there is always very rewarding.”

As project manager for Guest’s plumbing and heating division, Pacheco supports the company’s 17 plumbers and ongoing projects, and visits several work sites each day. Guest now has 35 employees in total, and is currently opening a second location in Etobicoke, ON with up to 12 employees to serve the Greater Toronto Area.

Pacheco recalls always wanting to be a plumber, and from high school joined Tomel Mechanical where he completed his apprenticeship. From there he joined Guest, which does service, retrofits and new installations

in residential and commercial buildings, including largescale custom homes. The company recently completed a heating project for a 10,000-sq. ft. house that included installing hydronic heating in the main floor and basement, as well as a boiler for the pool. “So, as far as scale perspective it was 20,000 sq. ft. of in-floor tubing, with about four different boilers doing each zone in the house. It was quite the project.”

While Pacheco says interest in hydronic heating “is always there,” customers can be cost averse when it comes to comparing the cost of hydronic systems to forced air. “We try to educate our customers to have them understand the cost difference and the benefits of it, but in this day and age cost is a big item. So, it’s usually for our specialty customers,” he says. “But it is less invasive, it’s even keel heat and you don’t get the dryness, and it’s more efficient. And most important for me is you don’t have ductwork going through your house.

“I did my first hydronic project as an apprentice working with my journeyman, and I thought this was something that was a ton of fun, and something I wanted to learn,” he says. “It’s definitely a lot more intricate to work on.

Photo Josh Wagstaff, Wagstarr Media

It can be a very delicate system, it needs to be properly balanced and managed, and it can get very in-depth and involved. Doing a project that has so many components in it, and really putting your heart into it, is always enjoyable.”

Because Guest does a lot of copper work, Pacheco says the use of pro press fittings have been a game changer. “It makes for a nice clean install, it’s drastically quicker, it looks cleaner, and it makes the installs more artistic. We can get pretty intricate with some of these mechanical rooms that we’re working in, so it’s always nice to be able to leave the job nice, neat and tidy.”

Pacheco adds that building community and maintaining strong customer and contractor relations are core values for Guest, whether that means participating in local events and charities, or addressing on-the-job problems. “Nine times out of 10 if I’m getting a call from a customer or one of our plumbers it’s about an issue, so having a solutions-based mindset and focusing on the solution rather than the problem, and getting an answer for them is really important. When the job gets done properly and in a timely manner everyone’s happy.”

In the mechanical industry since: 2010

Best advice you’ve ever received: Hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, put the work in because one day it will pay off.

Advice for young people considering entering the trades: Do your research and pick a trade that you really love, it will make the learning process so much more rewarding.

The current work ride: Ford F150

Service area: Greater Hamilton and Toronto area.

Favourite part of the job? Interactions with my team. Without them my job wouldn’t be enjoyable.

Favourite car of all time: Audi R8

The most useful tool in your toolbox: Cell phone

Your favourite tool in your toolbox: iPad

Favourite TV show: Suits

By Carolyn Cooper

Favourite book: Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

Favourite movie: The Wolf of Wall Street

Favourite season: Spring

Favourite restaurant or local lunch hang out? CIMA Enoteca

Favourite outdoor activity: Golf

Favourite sport: Hockey

Favourite place to be: Anywhere with my wife and daughter.

Hobbies: Golf, hockey

Last book you read: Atomic Habits

by James Clear

Biggest pet peeves: Excuses

One place in the world you would like to visit: Dubai

One word or phrase that describes you: Motivated

If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?

Michael Jordan

Are you part of a sports team? Yes, a hockey team named Forecheck. I play right wing.

Finish these sentences:

My rule of thumb is … problems are an opportunity to succeed.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a … professional hockey player.

If I had a super power, it would be … reading minds.

HYDRONIC PRODUCTS

Floor standing boiler

Triangle Tube’s floor standing Instinct solo (sizes are available in 110, 155, 199 MBH) and combi boilers (sizes are available in 155 and 199 MBH) offer Tsync wifi connectivity for troubleshooting, a stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger, and up to a five-plus GPM DHW output in the combi units. The floor standing boiler also includes a Caleffi 548 LLH with built-in air eliminator, and 120-volt receptacle, and offers left- or right-side boiler, gas and condensate connection options.

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Stainless steel manifold

Ontor introduces Legend Hydronic’s M-8330P stainless steel manifold. The manifold is available with two to 12 circuits, and comes pre-assembled. It features built-in visual flow gauges, thermometers and automatic air vent, and return headers. Legend manifolds include fill and purge assemblies on the supply and return headers.

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Balancing valve

The Caleffi QuickSetter valve is used to set the flow rate of heating and cooling transfer fluid supplied to branches and terminal units, or used to determine flow rate when troubleshooting existing systems. The valve’s built-in visual flow meter simplifies balancing by contractors who can adjust flow while viewing flow rate directly on the valve eliminating the need for differential pressure instruments.

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Air to water heat pump

The Solstice Inverter Extreme is SpacePak’s latest addition to its inverter series line of Solstice air-to-water heat pumps. The Solstice Inverter Extreme (ILAHP) is an inverterdriven cold climate air-to-water heat pump that provides hydronic heating, cooling, and DHW. Features include an inverter-driven compressor, inverter-driven fans, and fan motors, and enhanced vapour injection technology, which allow for high-performance heating operation in outdoor temperatures as low as -22°F (-30°C), while delivering reliable water temperatures as high as 130°F (54°). The unit comes equipped with an advanced flexible control platform. www.

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Press ball valves

HeatLink has added 1/2- to 2-in. PEX ball valves for F1807 press connection systems. Made of no lead brass, these ball valves are approved for use in potable and hydronic systems. Other features include full port for maximum flow, no lead brass for potable water compliance, and resistance to de-zincification. The valves also offer corrosion resistance to chemicals found in water and gas and high-strength brass for long-term reliability. F1807 PEX connections are for use with the HeatLink press system. www. heatlink.com

Radiant heating

REHAU RAUPANEL is a lightweight and easy-to-install radiant system suited for retrofit and new construction applications. Consisting of aluminum panels, wood return bends and 3/8--in. RAUPEX O2 barrier crosslinked polyethylene (PEXa) pipe, the system’s relatively low thermal mass results in quicker heating response times. The system provides an effective method of installing radiant heating over concrete slabs and new or existing subfloors. The system’s low 5/8-in. profile has minimal impact on overall floor height and flexible pipe spacing (6 or 8 in. on-centre), making it suitable for a variety of installations.

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Air and dirt separators

Calefactio’s Cal-X-Tract air and dirt separators line now has products with an air separator, dirt separator, and air and dirt separator with magnet combined in one unit. Designed to maintain the system’s optimal performance and efficiency, the solution increases component life while reducing maintenance. The products include stainless steel bristles and coalescing media to catch micro-bubbles, and air and dirt particles without affecting flow. The line is offered in NPT, sweat or press connections of 3/4 to 2 in., with a maximum temperature of 120⁰C (250⁰F) and a maximum pressure of 150 psi.

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calefactio.com

WiFi enabled boiler

NTI Boilers’ TFTN features a touchscreen design and control designed for improved precision and efficiency. Suited to residential and light commercial hydronic applications, the boiler offers easy set up and maintenance, combined with a seven-in. colour touchscreen with onboard WiFi capability. The boilers have top or bottom supply and return connections, direct vent options or use with indoor combustion air, and an integrated three zone controller, as well as stainless steel heat exchanger, two- to three-in. venting options, low water cutoff and a 120V convenience outlet. The TFTN is available in sizes ranging from 85 to 850 MBH.

www.

ntiboilers.com

Towel warmer

Fondital's Cool Towel Radiator line from Ironworks Radiators warm towels and garments while maintaining a safe surface temperature. Available in a range of sizes (depth 26 mm; height 858, 1,152 and 1,488 mm; length 628, 528 and 628 mm) gloss black, and silver-grey finishes, the rads have a maximum working pressure of 1,600 kpa (16 bar) and a maximum working temperature of 120°C.

www.

ironworksradiators.ca

HYDRONIC PRODUCTS THE BEST KNIGHT EVER

To learn more visit Lochinvar.com

Lochinvar

Partners

Onits 14th anniversary, King Heating Products Inc. with its trademark brand name Eco-King, has announced a partnership with Immerfin group. Immerfin has become a minority shareholder in King Heating and Chad Euverman remains as president.

The Immerfin group of Brescello, Italy is an Italianowned multinational controlled by the Amadei and Carra families. Immerfin ranks among the world’s leading players for domestic heating and hot water with its brand Immergas.

The heating and hot water industry is shifting away from gas fired products to products using renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions. Eco-King high-efficient boilers will remain Made in Canada, but the product range will be strengthened by the partnership with Immerfin. New products this partnership intends to bring to market include hybrid and all electric heat pumps, boilers using hydrogen gas, and solar appliances.

Given Eco-King’s excellent reputation in Canada, the company will continue to market and promote the brand. King Heating Products plans to enter the United States by 2024 with a broad platform of high-efficient and sustainable products.

King Heating Product’s management and staff are very excited about the partnership and the part they will play in helping you to deliver optimum efficiency for your clients.

New products this partnership intends to bring to market include hybrid and all electric heat pumps, boilers using hydrogen gas, and solar appliances.

in efficiency: Eco-King signs agreement with Immerfin Group, Italy

Alfredo Amadei (left), Immerfin President, and Chad Euverman, President of King Heating Products

From left, Alessandro Bianchi, Immerfin Business Development, Romano Amadei, Immerfin founder, and Chad Euverman, President of King Heating Products.

HYDRONIC PRODUCTS

Residential combi boiler

Lochinvar’s EPIC combi boilers are suited to apartments and homes. The boiler’s next-generation fire tube design provides hot water and space heating fast and efficiently. Available in both wall- and floor-mounted models, the boilers are offered in four models from 80,000 to 199,999 BTUH. They feature direct venting up to 100 ft., 95 per cent AFUE, smart control operating control with words, not codes and advanced Neg/Reg technology.

www. lochinvar.com

Boiler vent valve

The patent-pending boiler vent valve from Webstone, a brand of NIBCO, is a space-saving valve that expands the utility of a boiler’s existing 3/4-in. pressure relief valve (PRV) port, capitalizing on its location at the top of the unit as the ideal placement for an air vent and other accessories. Its automatic air vent can be isolated for service, allowing the PRV, included with the boiler or sold separately, to operate unobstructed. Plugged FIP ports also accommodate the installation of a low-water cut-off device and/or pressure gauge. www.

webstonevalves.com/propal

Boiler control

tekmar Smart Boiler Control 294 controls boilers through instant alerts via phone, text or email. It provides a single solution for boiler monitoring across different properties, allowing clients to control up to 16 boilers regardless of brand as part of a new system or a retrofit. Boiler settings and real-time boiler operations can be adjusted remotely with mirrored controls via Watts OnSite web or mobile app. The 294 operates both condensing and non-condensing boilers that are either modulating, single, two, three or four stage to provide a hybrid boiler plant solution. www. watts.com/tekmar

Condensing boiler

AERCO Benchmark high-efficiency condensing boilers offer innovative technology including AERtrim patented O2 trim technology, dual returns and onAER predictive maintenance. The boilers deliver up to nine per cent additional efficiency and are also designed with the Edge Controller that enables full unit setup and control as well as enhanced diagnostics and configuration capabilities. An enclosure allows the Benchmark high-efficiency condensing boilers to be installed outdoors. www. aerco.com

Switching relays

Taco’s Enhanced Switching Relays offer advanced timer and boiler functions, external diagnostic lights, switchable priority, and contractor friendly PC board layouts. Combined with the time proven reliability of the 00 family of circulators and thermostats, total system integration is achieved. Additional relay features include builtin priority protection, premium sealed relays, compact design, fuse protected, isolated end switch, and universal thermostat compatibility. www.

tacocomfortsolutions.com

By Kevin Goertzen

How to navigate wiring a boiler

ELECTROMECHANICAL CONTACTOR DE-ENERGIZED

On a recent service call I was replacing an instantaneous water heater with a combi-boiler. The boiler has low voltage terminals to engage the call for heat, and high voltage terminals to engage system pumps. But the manufacturer requires that the installer use field-installed “dry contacts” to engage those terminals when energizing the heating cycle. Dry contacts have a power source going through them that is independent of the control circuit. It’s like a contactor or relay. You have control voltage that controls when the contactor or relay coil is energized, and you have the dry contacts that close because of the action of the coil.

When the coil closes the dry contacts a load voltage runs through those dry contacts to energize a motor, valve, compressor, or other components. Again,

ELECTROMECHANICAL CONTACTOR ENERGIZED

the control voltage that energizes the coil on the relay is independent or separate of the load voltage that actually energizes the equipment.

For example, a contactor in an A/C condenser has a 24v coil and a set of dry contacts. When the coil is energized from the furnace or air handler (as indicated by the control signal in Figure 1) it closes the contacts, which are wired independent of the 24v that energized the coil. Now one of the screw terminals on the dry contacts will have the line voltage (as indicated in Figure 1, right), which in this case is 120v. When the coil closes the dry contacts, the voltage is carried through to the other terminal, which is the load terminal shown in Figure 1), and energizes the compressor. It’s a switch that turns on equipment, but the switch is controlled by a different voltage source.

Figure I Contactor de-energized and energized

Kevin Goertzen has 35 years experience in the HVAC world and enjoys being an educator for the industry. He operates Worth Training and HVAC Services (www.worthtraining.ca) in Saskatchewan.

Think Small

for your next big high efficiency commercial heating application

Navien NFB-C compact commercial fire tube boilers

Cascade up to 32 units and common vent up to 4 units for a wide range of heating outputs.

Patented Navien designed and built ASME-Certified “H” stamped stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger.

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Navien

Another example is found in Figure 2 showing a relay that powers a blower.

has the voltage supplied from the circuit board run through field installed dry contacts for both the low voltage (for thermostats and such) and for high voltage contacts (for pumps and motors and such).

Figure 3 shows how I wired the system. On this job there was an existing fan centre relay (FCR) that energizes the system pumps and provides the 24 volts for the thermostat circuit. The relay in the fan centre has a normally closed contact and a normally open contact. The normally open contact is the dry contact that I used for the 120v pumps. So, one side of the contact is fed 120v, and when it closes it travels through the terminals to energize the pumps. That contact closes when the “G” terminal is energized.

I left the pump circuit wired through the FCR and added a single-pole single-throw (SPST) 24v relay for the low voltage (thermostat) call for heat circuit. I used terminals 2 and 4 on the relay as the dry contacts the manufacturer requires to energize the call for heat.

The FCR becomes the dry contacts to energize the system pump, and the new SPST relay I installed becomes the dry contacts for the low voltage call for heat circuit.

IS THERE SUCH A THING AS “WET CONTACTS?”

There is such a thing as wet contacts, but they aren’t normally referred to as being wet. Wet just means that the contacts indicated on that equipment have power. Wet contacts are typically powered by the boiler (or other unit) to energize field installed controls and equipment such as thermostats, motors and pumps.. Wet contacts can be hot all the time, or energized by the unit when required. Most high limit controls, most fan limit controls and most pressure switches have control voltage running to them and then through them. Thermostats are wet contacts. They get their power from the circuit board and it directly influences the activity of the circuit, from the R terminal on the board, up to the R terminal on the thermostat, to the W terminal on the thermostat, and back to the board to call for heat. Wet contacts are powered contacts that directly power the equipment.

NOT ALL MANUFACTURERS WIRE THE SAME

The manufacturer for the boiler on this particular job uses wet contacts, but they don’t want us to use their low voltage and high voltage wet contacts to directly energize the thermostat circuit or the relay circuit for the system pumps. They fear the additional field wiring will be too taxing on their circuit board. The manufacturer

As you can see by Figure 3, I made sure the thermostat circuit energized both the “G” terminal on the FCR as well as the coil on the SPST relay I mounted on the wall. The dry contacts on the SPST relay complete the circuit in the boiler to call for heat and the dry contacts in the FCR energize the system pump. The dry contacts, in essence, become the thermostat for the boiler.

Figure 2 Control relay

Figure 3 Wiring for floor heating system with a combi-boiler

OTHER ALTERNATIVES

Remember, wet contacts mean the equipment supplies the power. A possible application for wet contacts in a boiler might be a set of terminals to run a circulator pump for the DHW storage tank. The boiler control will energize that terminal when the aquastat calls for heat. If there are two terminals in that circuit, one will be the hot, and the other may be the neutral for the pump. Either way, the manufacturer runs the low voltage load (thermostats, aquastats), and/or the high voltage load (pumps, motors) right from the boiler. That is what wet contacts typically do. Alternatively, some manufacturers use dry contacts in their terminal strips. Again, the manufacturer does not provide power to dry contacts, you have to provide the power to the terminals for your load. An example is when there is a low voltage signal for space heat, the circuit board on a boiler might close a set of dry contacts on the terminal strip that will be rated for 3 amps at 120v. So, you apply 120v to one terminal and you can wire the other terminal to the pump. Be sure the neutral side of the pump is wired to the boiler as well. When the call for heat is terminated, the circuit board will open the contacts shutting down the pump.

When you find yourself navigating a boiler wiring project, you need to read the instructions carefully to identify which terminals are dry and which terminals are wet, and how the manufacturer wants them wired.

A multimeter is an essential part of the tool kit for any wiring job.

JOBSITE JARGON

Match the terminology you hear in the field to the correct definition or function by September 8, 2023 and enter for your chance to win a Kane589 600A True RMS dual display clamp meter. This contest is open to Mechanical Business subscribers in Canada. Send your answers to kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com or enter online at mechanicalbusiness.com.

JOBSITE JARGON

A) A temporary condition in which water is rapidly added to the hydronic system to fill it and purge it of air

B) A way of sizing fin-tube baseboard based on the average water temperature in the circuit

C) A type of valve designed for flow regulation purposes

D) Refers to large pipes in a hydronic system that carry flow to several circuits

E) A control process in which the temperature of the water leaving a heat source is adjusted based on changes in the outdoor temperature

F) A small copper device designed to support a tube or pipe a small distance away from a surface

G) A process where metal is removed from the inside surfaces of piping or piping components due to excessively high flow velocity

H) A type of check valve used on the submerged inlet pipe for a pump drawing water from a well or other body of water

I) The inability of a circulator to dislodge a large air pocket at a high point in a piping system

J) The volume of fluid that can enter a closed expansion tank without the pressure of the air in the tank exceeding a set limit

K) The interconnected geometry formed by a specific arrangement of piping, fittings, valves and other components

1) Mains

2) Heat source reset

3) Piping topology

4) Acceptance volume

5) Air binding

6) Globe valve

7) Foot valve

8) IBR method

9) Bell Hanger

10) Erosion corrosion

EXAMPLE:

5) Air binding I) The inability of a circulator to dislodge a large air pocket at a high point in a piping system.

 Answer 5,I

Congratulations Joel Wipf of Springside Plumbing & Heating, the winner of the May/June contest.

SPIROTRAP® MAGNET

The Ultimate Dirt Separator

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HOW TO DIAGNOSE

RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR PROBLEMS AND FAILURES – PART II

Inthe May/June issue of Mechanical Business, we finished off with some discussion of valve plates. We will continue with this topic. It is very important that all reed valves sit flat against the valve plate. Some will argue that if there is only a tiny gap between the discharge reed valves and the valve plate the discharge pressure will push the reeds closed. However, if there is any gap at all, the efficiency of the compressor will be reduced and the valve plate should be replaced.

Broken discharge reeds tend to shut down lubrication supply to the connecting rod bearings that are inline with the same cylinder as the leaking valves. The reason for this is the discharge pressure is constantly pushing the bearing clearances closed. Normally, the clearance between the bearing surfaces will open when the piston travels towards the crankshaft. However, if one or more discharge valves are broken or missing no oil will enter the clearance. This will result in accelerated wear and ultimately, compressor failure.

It is possible to find that the valves are all seating correctly, even though the compressor is leaking internally. Be sure to take a close look at the valve plate and cylinder head gaskets for signs of a blow-out. When the compression ratio is too high, the compressor is slugging liquid or the cylinder head is not tightened to manufacturer’s specified torque, a gasket can fail. The point of failure will always be between the high-pressure and low-pressure areas.

Cylinder condition

While the valve plates and cylinder heads are removed, ensure cross-hatching is still present on the cylinder walls. The purpose of the cross hatching is to create tiny micro-grooves to hold oil as the piston rings slide up and down within the cylinders. If the cross-hatching has worn away, then the compressor should be replaced as it will be just a matter of time before it fails.

When compressors fail, there is often metal debris present in the oil. Once the new compressor is installed and the system has run for a short period of time, it is recommended to change the oil. Additionally, follow up checks should be made. This can be done by sending an oil sample off to a testing lab and

Phil Boudreau Phil Boudreau is responsible for special projects, training and technical support for BITZER Canada Inc. He can be contacted at pboudreau@bitzer.ca.

Valves must be tight against the plate

Blown valve plate gasket

Copper plating

Piston and connecting rod damage due to broken discharge reeds

Cross-hatching on cylinder walls

then comparing the results of the test to a virgin sample of the same oil.

Even if the cross-hatching is still present, vertical scoring may be seen. Vertical scoring can get to the point where the pressurized refrigerant above the piston leaks down into the crankcase area and this will lead to other issues such as crankcase foaming, no flow of oil from low pressure reservoir to the crankcase via the oil level regulator, low oil pressure due to a reduction in oil viscosity, and so on.

Also look for signs of overheating, particularly, the section of the cylinder that is adjacent to the discharge gallery. Discolouration of the cylinder walls due to overheating is typically due to operating at high compression ratios, operating the compressor without auxiliary cooling, or unloading the compressor too much.

Oil failure trips

Oil failure trips are a very common problem. There are several reasons why these trips occur.

Of course, a crankcase oil level that is too low will result in a trip. In most cases, the compressor can only be restarted by resetting the control. Look for any signs of oil leakage from the system. Where there is a leak, there will be oil, even on systems equipped with an oil separator. If a system leak is found, it will be necessary to repair the leak and add oil to the system. The crankcase oil level should be monitored for some time after the repair to ensure the oil level is within the compressor manufacturer’s specified limits.

Incorrect pipe sizing, and/or piping methods are often to blame for the lack of oil return to the compressor. If this occurs, check for correct pipe sizing and piping methods. Correct piping

methods include the sloping of horizontal lines downward in the direction of flow, the use of p-traps at the base of vertical vapour risers, the use of inverted traps at the top of vertical risers where oil can drain into them, and the use of double risers.

When evaluating pipe sizing and piping methods, be sure to consider the effect of capacity regulation devices such as unloaders or variable speed drives. It is very important that oil returns to the compressor during both full and part load conditions.

Incorrect pipe sizing, and/or piping methods are often to blame for the lack of oil return to the compressor. If this occurs, check for correct pipe sizing and piping methods.

Be careful when condemning an oil pump. If the oil pump is producing any oil pressure at all, then it is turning. If the oil pump is not producing any oil pressure, then it is likely the oil pump drive key has sheared off due to the ingress of metal debris into the oil pump. In theory, this should never happen. However, if it does, remove the magnetic oil drain plug and check to see if the spring is present. The purpose of the magnetic oil drain spring is to force the lip of the strainer tight towards the compressor body. If the technician did not replace this spring during a previous service, and there is any debris present in the crankcase, then it is likely that the pump sucked in this debris and locked up. As another possibility, the strainer may be damaged (torn or separated from the sealing lip). In this case, the strainer will need to be replaced in addition to the oil pump.

When the oil pump locks up, the drive key, being an intentional weak link, will break. This prevents more serious and irreversible damage from occurring.

Aside from a low oil level, low oil viscosity may also be the reason for the oil trips. In this case, it is quite likely that the superheat of the suction gas is too low. Low suction superheats result in low oil viscosity, particularly in higher temperature systems. When this occurs, the discharge superheat will be lower than the minimum allowed value.

In Part III, we continue the discussion by talking about the purity level.

Broken oil pump key

Oil pumps

STUFF YOU NEED

Safety helmet

STUDSON’s SHK-1 Full-Brim ANSI Type II safety helmet is designed to prevent traumatic brain injuries using technology that absorbs impacts from fall-related injuries on jobsites. It complies with ANSI Z89 Type I and II safety standards, meaning it will reduce impact to the front, sides, back and top of the head. The helmet features Koroyd welded tube polymer for absorbing impact, while improving heat dissipation and venting to help combat heat stress. Embedded technology digitally integrates the wearer’s health data in the helmet, so that data is available via a smart phone NFC chip reader in the event of an emergency.

www.

studson.com

Rolling bag

The ToughBuilt XL Rolling Massive Mouth Bag has a wide zipper top for increased accessibility. The bag features a waterproof base, hard body construction to protect the insides and keep its shape, structured outside pockets to hold tools in place, pouches that clip on and off, and rugged wheels. A ClipTech hub and steel ClipTech bar holds ToughBuilt pouches, which can be purchased separately.

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toughbuilt.com

Traffic cone

The Telescopik traffic cone TLK-30 goes from 5 to 70 cm (2 to 28 in.) in just two seconds, making it compact and easy to fit into vehicles. The 7.5-lb cone comes with two high-visibility reflective bands, and features a heavy-duty rubber base that is more than 80 per cent of its weight for added stability. The whole body of the cone lights up in a steady or flashing mode from an internal LED light powered by two AAA batteries for up to 300 hours, for use during low visibility conditions.

www.

telescopik.com

LED flashlight

Milwaukee expands its Redlithium USB Flashlight lineup with the Redlithium USB 2,000 Lumen Slide Focus. The slide-focusing design allows the unit to quickly slide the head of the light from flood mode into spot mode, offering users a solution for inspecting work. The USB-C rechargeable flashlight has a multi-functional rear power button showing battery indication and mode selection, a beam distance of 656 ft. and four output modes: low (100 lumens), medium (800 lumens), high (1,300 lumens) and boost mode (2,000 lumens). The flashlight is designed to withstand a 13-ft. drop.

www.

milwaukeetool.ca

Tracking app

Digital Alert

Nastro Technologies has launched BitRip, a free app that tracks any physical asset using pre-printed BR Code labels. BitRip integrates with existing software workflows, and each code stores data and tracks every scanned location, unlocking field-level visibility. The user-friendly app provides visibility of building materials, tools, and other assets on a jobsite. It also facilitates access to warranty or installation information, links to videos, schematics, and other types of data.

bitrip.com

Inverter technology means comfort.

Goodman’s® high-efficiency GSXV9 air conditioner and GSZV9 heat pump, with inverter technology, provide premium solutions with efficiencies of up to 22.5 SEER2 and 8.2 HSPF2. Goodman inverter systems provide an ideal solution for customers who demand more for less. Ask your Goodman sales professional about exclusive training and finance programs.

• High-efficiency, smart savings

• Consistent indoor comfort

• Enhanced indoor air quality

• Proven reliability

• Works with any 24V thermostat

For more information, see product details:

Additional Information:

Before purchasing this appliance, read important information about its estimated annual energy consumption, yearly operating cost, or energy efficiency rating that is available from your retailer.

Goodman

PLUMBING Products

Reliance Worldwide Corporation introduces the SharkBite Max, the next generation of the company’s brass push-to-connect fittings. The Max fittings have a reinforced stainless-steel collar that allows it to handle up to double the burst pressure of the original fitting, and is easier to install, making emergency repairs in wet lines faster to complete. The new fittings no longer require a tube liner for PEX connections, and are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and HDPE pipe. They are available in sizes from 1/2 to one in.

www.

sharkbite.com

Shower pan drain

HYDROSTATIC TEST PUMPS

SupplyDrainageSupportSpecialties

Smart faucet

Moen’s Tenon kitchen faucet combines Scandinavian simplified design with Japanese textures and natural elements to create a modern flair. The faucet comes with a teak wood handle and features clean lines that suit any design. The Tenon line is available as a pulldown faucet, a smart faucet with motion control, and a pulldown bar faucet, and comes in chrome, spot resist stainless steel, matte black and Lifeshine brushed gold. Other features include an integrated wand, Moen’s Power Boost technology and Reflex System, and spray functions such as aerated stream, boosted rinse, boosted stream, and powerful rinse for heavy-duty cleaning.

www.

moen.ca

Versatile cleaner

EHTP500

and

The Root 66 from General Pipe Cleaners can clear 1 -1/4 to four-in. drain lines inside or on a rooftop, using 5/8 or 7/8 in. sectional cables interchangeably without the need for special adaptors or tools to switch from one cable size to the other. It also clears sinks and other small drain lines with the optional drum with 1/4, 5/16 or 3/8 in. continuous Flexicore cables, and works in hard-to-access areas with General’s 5 ft. x 7/8 in. Force Multiplier sectional cables. It comes with a ground fault circuit interrupter, double palm leather gloves, rear guide hose, and offers additional accessories such as cable carriers and a toolbox.

www.

drainbrain.com

PLUMBING Products

Floor drains

Watts’ FD-1100-A-LR and FD-1100-M-LR ligature-resistant floor drains are made with an epoxy-coated cast iron drain body or cast stainless-steel and anchor flange. They are also available in fabricated stainless-steel ligatureresistant strainers with vandal-proof screws. These strainers can also easily be retrofitted to existing Watts FD-Series drains. Ligature-resistant strainers are available in round or square models in five, six and eight-in. sizes.

www.

watts.ca

Collaring machine

T-DRILL offers a solution for replacing the use of T-pieces, and provides tube end forming and chipless cutting. The T-DRILL T-65 SS is a portable solution for making tee joints of 3/4 to two in. in main run tubes up to four in. The T-65 SS increases efficiency by eliminating cutting of the pipe, two of the three welded joints and the fitting cost. The machine has two handles, one for drilling through and the other for pilot hold side movement to make the collaring process easier.

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t-drill.com

Shower head

The Rainshower 310 SmartActive extra large shower head from Grohe offers two different spray types, one of which is relaxing and the other invigorating. DreamSpray technology ensures an even flow of water from every nozzle. The shower head comes in two different forms - round and square. SpeedClean technology lets users sweep away limescale from the nozzles with a soft cloth.

www.

grohe.ca

The only CANADIAN water heater manufacturer

HOT WATER OUTSIDE!

Year-round hot water outdoors to wash a dog, a car, a window or even yourself. And no matter how cold it gets, the Woodford Model 22 will never burst, even if a hose is left attached.* Homeowners love it. So do dirty dogs.

Model 22 Horizontal configuration

Model V22 Vertical configuration

An essential fixture that’s often overlooked, the bathroom sink can make a statement when it’s best suited to the space. From size, to shape, to mounting type, these key features can make for a functional yet eye catching ceramic piece. Read on to learn how to choose the best bathroom sink for your client and what characteristics to keep in mind when specifying a new one.

SIZE

1

Whether you are replacing an existing sink or installing a new one, start the search for the perfect sink with a measuring tape. If replacing a sink, measure the length, width, and depth of the existing basin to know the appropriate dimensions. If starting from scratch, measure the available space for the vanity, floating sink, or console, while also assessing traffic flow and access to a water supply, to understand size and location limitations. When looking at different sink sizes, it’s also important to consider the bathroom dimensions − a luxuriously large basin in a small bathroom could create a disproportionate and unbalanced design.

The art of sink selection

How to choose the most appropriate bathroom sink for the space and use

MOUNTING TYPE

Once you have an idea of size, it’s time to look at the different mounting types offered for bathroom sinks. With so many options available, this is a breakdown of the more popular sink types and their benefits.

• Undermount: These sinks sit under the countertop for a seamless, fresh aesthetic. One of the more popular and common sinks, this mounting style is ideal for busy families as it’s easy to clean. When looking at undermount sinks, it’s essential to assess the countertop material as undermount sinks require a solid surface countertop (like stone) so it can be sealed against moisture.

2• Above-counter or vessel sink: These sinks sit atop the counter to create drama and a focal point in the bathroom. Suitable with most countertop materials, these sinks are versatile and easy to install for a more cost-efficient option. Most above-counter sinks can also be used as a wall-mounted sink for variety and flexibility. However, because these sinks add substantial height, they require homeowners to be mindful of the vanity and console height for comfortable use.

• Wall mount: Just as the name suggests, these sinks are mounted directly on to the wall without the need of a vanity or console to support it. By eliminating heavy furniture, these floating

PLUMBING Cont’d from pg. 78

sinks help to save space and make the room appear larger with more floor real estate, while also allowing for wheelchair-friendly configurations. However, this open concept provides less storage and counter space, and also requires plumbing to be arranged behind the wall or concealed by a wall hung shroud for a cleaner look.

• Pedestal: A more traditional sink-type, pedestal sinks are another

option for smaller bathrooms that are limited in space. Their column-like design conceals pipework for an uncluttered aesthetic and optimizes floor space for efficiency. However, the unique design requires the plumbing’s waste pipe go through the floor, and the limited counter space is more susceptible to water spillage.

● Includes heavy-duty snapon grid—20% thicker than competitive grids.

● Easy to install and tighten. Includes squared-off ribs on bottom receptor.

● Polycarbonate green cover protects grid finish during construction.

DESIGN STYLE

AND SHAPE

As home decor styles have evolved, so have the forms and shapes of a bathroom sink. Just like a bathroom faucet or vanity, a sink can help exude a particular design style using certain shapes and features to help create a cohesive look. For example, a round or oval sink with organic curves offers a more contemporary design, while square and geometric sinks appear more modern. For a classic and traditional bathroom, look for faceted edges and rims to add ornate details throughout the space.

FAUCET CONFIGURATION

A bathroom faucet and sink not only have to look good together, but they have to function in tandem. When shopping for a bathroom sink, keep in mind the current or future faucet so the sink’s pre-drilled holes can match the faucet configuration. There are three sink options based on faucet types: single-hole for single-handle faucets, 8 in. with three-holes for widespread faucets, and 4 in. with threeholes for centre set faucets. Oftentimes, a single-handle faucet can also be installed on a three-hole sink using an escutcheon or cover plate to conceal the unused holes. Vessel sinks and undermount sinks likely don’t require predrilled holes if the faucet is mounted on the countertop, but they still have their own faucet needs. Vessel sinks for instance are often paired with a high spout faucet, and shallower undermount sinks may need a low-spout faucet to avoid over splash.

MATERIAL Today’s bathroom sinks are now offered in a variety of materials that can make a grand statement in the bathroom, but depending on lifestyle and plans for the space, certain materials may be better suited for the bathroom than others. Porcelain is a popular option for bathroom sinks as it is durable and often glazed with a protective coating for quality appearance and easy maintenance. Metal, cast iron, stone, and glass can all be moulded into a basin of varying sizes and shapes, but are more vulnerable and need a higher level of care. Copper sinks for example require a special cleaner and wax, while glass is delicate and easy to crack. If looking at unique material options for the sink, check the installation and maintenance requirements to ensure it’s the best fit.

● Multiple grid finishes including Chrome, Matte Black, Brushed Nickel and Oil-Rubbed Bronze.

9300-PVC-CP

Parniian Frozan is a senior brand manager with Lixil Water Technologies Canada.

WHENEVER PIPING IS INVOLVED

Social media in 2023: The Dos and Don’ts

Socialmedia is no longer optional in today’s marketing climate. A company without even a Facebook page sends a signal to the market that you’re not current, never mind the lost opportunity to reach a wide audience of potential customers. But the constant evolution of social media can make it difficult to stay on top of best practices for those platforms, especially if you’re in a business that’s more hands-on than on-theweb.

Each social media platform has various nuances that act as sort of unwritten rules. When you’re not frequently adhering to these rules you run the risk of looking unprofessional, leaving a negative impression on your audience, or not reaping the sales rewards of your effort. Ultimately your social media presence and frequency of content will vary based on your line of work, as well as how your audience tends to engage with your content. But overall, as long as you’re providing value, feeding engagement, and being mindful, your social media game will remain strong, and so will your revenue. Here are some 2023 best practices to help ensure you’re making the right impression on your current and potential clientele.

DO: Complete your social profiles

First impressions are important and lasting. Think of your social media accounts as your digital first impression. Social media pages that are only partially completed (or nonexistent) automatically make the business appear less professional and even fly-bynight. Take a few minutes to thoughtfully fill out all your profile information, including contact information, and use good quality profile and cover photos.

TIP: Make sure any use of your logo or branding assets are high resolution.

DO: Recognize and properly approach the differences between platforms

engage with others. Visuals are preferred as opposed to plain text posts. It also tends to appeal to an older crowd.

LinkedIn’s focus is on business professionals, and the content shared there tends to reflect that. Used effectively, it’s a great recruitment platform. Text posts are often well received and it’s a perfect place for polls and questions.

Twitter is all about rapid-fire thoughts between both businesses and individuals. It’s a great place for conversation and interaction, but the 280-character limit means it’s best for shorter posts.

DO: Recognize and properly approach the differences between platforms

Each social media site has its own intended purpose and audience. Understanding this and matching your content and tone to the proper social media outlet is important for efficacy.

Facebook is casual and focused on connections and sub-communities. Don’t be afraid to join relevant groups and

Instagram is the perfect place to share something visual, such as a real estate agent’s house listing or an HVAC technician’s installation. Think of it like a portfolio, so avoid mixing business and personal posts.

TikTok isn’t just for kids and crafters. It’s an ideal platform for quick, informal how-to videos, answers to customers’ questions and short animations you can build yourself using Canva.

Doug MacMillan is president of The Letter M Marketing in Guelph, ON. To reach him, email doug@letterm.ca.

DO: Watch your spelling and grammar –don’t develop content on the fly

The occasional grammar or spelling error isn’t the end of the world, but don’t let it become a pattern. It’s best to prepare posts in advance to help avoid mistakes.

TIP: Prep your social media updates in a document or spreadsheet with spell check. You can also ask a colleague to proofread.

DON’T: Use fonts that aren’t accessible

Welcome to my page is not accessible. It cannot be deciphered by many reading aids used by those with visual or hearing impairments. Moreover, it looks tacky. You can spice up your caption with an emoji or two but stay away from text variations that take away from your overall message and ultimately end up becoming a distraction.

DON’T: #misuse and #abuse #hashtags

Adding appropriate hashtags connects your post to all other posts on that topic using that hashtag. It’s a

convenient way to categorize and search content on social media platforms. It’s not #punctuation. Don’t turn every word (or a full sentence) into a hashtag, or hashtag words unrelated to your post. When used correctly, hashtags will increase your online visibility and followers. When used in excess, the post looks #spammy and becomes #ineffective, and likely no one will read it.

DON’T: Worry about the numbers

It’s important to remember that brand awareness and growing your network isn’t a sprint, but a marathon. We know it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers game, worrying that your follower count is low, or your posts aren’t getting enough likes. But while having lots of followers can be good, when it comes to engagement, it’s truly quality over quantity. If you have 1,000 Twitter followers and half of them are bots, your tweets are being delivered to an audience that doesn’t actually exist. Stress less about your follower count and concentrate on providing engaging content for real people.

REMEMBER THIS?

Who you gonna call?

By Kerry Turner

On a recent business trip, I was surprised to see that the hotel room’s bathroom amenities still included a wall phone, right next to the toilet. Is it just me or do others agree that this was never a good idea? It is particularly perplexing in an era when virtually everyone has cell phones and sanitizing things we touch has become the norm. So, why do we have these legacy phones in upscale hotels? Well, up until 2018, bathroom telephones were a requirement for a 4-Diamond or 5-Diamond rating from the AAA Five Diamond Award, an independent hotel appraisal system rewarded by the AAA (American Automobile Association) to hotels in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the

Caribbean. Aside from that, there could be some argument people travelling alone might appreciate having a means to reach out for help if they fell or became incapacitated in the bathroom. But even that assertion is weak considering most falls occur when getting out of the tub and and it could be a long crawl to the phone, if one could even reach up to it.

So, why is the phone most often next to the toilet? And why are they still there when they might only be useful if the toilet paper roll was empty (a quick call to housekeeping and the problem would be solved). It doesn’t bear thinking about, doing business while doing your business.

If you tote your own cell into the loo, consider shelving it.

www.tacocomfortsolutions.com

2023 CALENDAR OF EVENT S

National Backflow Prevention Day

August 16 Online watts.com/backflow-prevention-day

NADCA Fall Technical Conference

Sept. 7 – 9 Grapevine, TX nadca.com

ASHRAE Building Performance Analysis Conference

September 11 – 13 Austin, TX ashrae.org/conferences

RE+ 2023

September 11 - 14

Las Vegas, NV re-plus.com

AIM/R Annual Conference

September 12 – 15

Miramar Beach, FL aimr.net

CHES National Conference

September 17 – 19

Winnipeg, MB ches.org

HRAI Annual Conference

September 17 – 19 Montreal, QC hrai.ca

CIPHEX West October 18-19 Calgary, AB ciphexwest.ca

ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND

Number of crew members on Apollo 11, the first spacecraft to land on the moon 54 years ago on July 20, 1969.

650 million

Estimated number of viewers watching the historic landing on TV.

238,855

Distance in miles between the Earth and the moon.

16,000

Honeywell parts that made up the stabilization and control systems on the Apollo 11 mission.

SALARY DECLINE DUE TO COVID

50,080

Median annual salary in dollars of journeypersons who were newly certified in 2020, according to Statistics Canada, a 5.2per cent drop from 2019.

66,540

Median annual salary of new journeypersons in the territories in 2020, the highest of all regions of Canada that year.

-16.3

Percentage decline of new journeypersons in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2020, the largest drop from 2019 of any region.

-8.2

Median percentage decline of all journeypeople certified in 2020, compared to 2019.

SUN PROTECTION

1992

Year the UV Index was launched by three Environment and Climate Change Canada scientists. It measures the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

0 to 11+

The UV Index range in Canada, with 11+ indicating extremely high UV rays. Although 11 is rare in Canada, with most occurrences happening in Southern Ontario, tropical locations can reach a UV Index of 14 and higher.

30

BETTER HOME HEATING

53

Percentage of annual energy savings that can be achieved by switching from a mid-efficiency electric furnace to central heat pump in a single-family home, according to FortisBC.

52

Percentage of annual energy savings FortisBC says can be achieved by switching from an electric baseboard to mini split heat pump.

7,000 – 12,000

Cost in dollars of replacing a gas furnace with a central heat pump, according to FortisBC.

7.6

SPF (sun protection factor) recommended by Environment and Climate Change Canada when the UV Index is three or higher.

TECH TRENDS FROM THE UK

44

Percentage of UK construction firms which will introduce construction management platforms into their business over the next year, according to the Procure report “How We Build Now: Technology and Industry Trends Shaping UK and Irish Construction in 2023.”

62

Per cent of companies polled for the study which are planning to manage and track carbon emissions within the next two years.

Degrees in Celsius of the average annual temperature in Victoria, BC, Canada’s warmest major city. The average annual temperature in Osoyoos, BC is 10.7°C, making it Canada’s warmest town overall.