Hydronic Piping Systems

Designing With Hydraulic Separators

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Proper hydraulic separation is essential for modern, high-efficiency hydronic systems, but achieving peak performance depends on mastering flow-based sizing and avoiding common piping pitfalls.

Nominate a Woman In PHCP for Our Annual Feature!

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:52:31 -0500

Across age groups, job titles, locations and more, we want to showcase "Women In PHCP."

Cross-Linked Polyethylene: The First 40 Years in North America

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Launched alongside cultural icons like The Terminator and Purple Rain, ASTM F876 quietly marked the beginning of PEX tubing’s four-decade transformation from a European innovation to the dominant piping material across North America.

The Case for Sealed Combustion

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A catastrophic boiler failure during a brutal cold snap serves as a chilling reminder of why sealed combustion and modern condensing boilers are vastly superior to outdated atmospheric systems.

Tracking Trends of Success

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

What separates thriving mechanical contractors from those barely getting by? Tom Soukup breaks down six key traits that define long-term success in the HVAC industry—from innovation and training to passion and people.

Switching Lanes

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Dan Scher, a contractor based in New York, successfully navigated the complexities of converting an aging 18-unit apartment building in Norwalk, Connecticut, from oil to gas heating.

Understanding Hydraulic Separation

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hydraulic separation is a crucial concept in hydronic systems, allowing multiple circulators to operate independently without conflict.

A Leaky Ceiling, Huh?

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In his column, Tom Soukup of Patriot Water Works Co. recounts a challenging boiler installation at a century-old farmhouse.

The Big Picture

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Dual NTI boilers provide radiant heat and snowmelt for New York mansion.

New Mexico’s Radiant Renaissance

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This is a tale of two radiant heating professionals in New Mexico: the first a radiant pioneer, and the second a radiant perfectionist.

High-End Homeowner Solves Heating Hiccups

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Dillon Fraioli faced a tall order in a recent installation in one of New York City’s most exclusive suburbs.

Getting Technical: Antifreeze in Hydronic Systems

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

When designing a long-lasting antifreeze system for a customer’s hydronic system, you must consider that propylene glycol has a lower BTU carry capacity and is more viscous, than water. Also, regular maintenance is critical for optimal performance of the antifreeze.

Defeating Snow, Ice and No Parking

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Hydronic snow and ice melting systems using PEX tubing are ideal for projects with demanding winter requirements. Read on to discover how an NYC car dealership turned its roof into a vehicle storage area.

Livin’ On a Prayer

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Tom Soukup explains the importance of carefully reviewing contracts before signing and pushing back on unfair terms; stand firm on your prices and prioritize your bottom line.

Designing Hydronic Snow and Ice Melting Systems

Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

These hydronic systems keep outdoor residential and commercial surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways and stairs clear of snow and ice, a safety and liability issue. Lance MacNevin from the Plastics Pipe Institute explains how they also can reduce energy costs, thus lowering the operational costs of a building.

Uponor Joins Contractor Rewards Program

Thu, 02 May 2024 11:20:00 -0400

The newly formed partnership underscores Uponor’s commitment to delivering value to its customers and developing deeper customer relationships.

Uponor Wins Two Supplier Awards

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 11:13:00 -0400

Uponor North America has been named the 2024 Plumbing – Rough-In Vendor of the Year by Winsupply, and the 2023 Mechanical Supplier of the Year by DSG.

Two Uponor Campuses Earn Back-to-Back Governor Safety Awards

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:19:00 -0400

Uponor North America has again been honored with two Governor’s Safety Awards by the Minnesota Safety Council.

Civil War Museum Upgrades Heating System

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

New heating installation also ensures the right humidity levels to protect one of the largest collections of American Civil War artifacts.

Discoverables and Destructive Analysis

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Communicating effectively, highlighting potential issues and providing options demonstrates your expertise to your customers and sets you apart from the lowest bidder. And when unforeseen circumstances arise, you’ll not bear the financial burden.

Think Big Picture

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 09:45:00 -0500

Keep an open mind when approaching potential boiler replacement projects. You do your customers a disservice when you don’t offer the premium option, only the low-cost one. Not every customer is willing or able to invest in the absolute best solution, but none will if you don’t offer it.

Go West, Young Tradespeople!

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The number of remote, full-time workers in the U.S. has grown from pre-pandemic levels of 17 percent to 44 percent today.

Let’s Get Serious About Air Separation

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

As hydronic designers and technicians, our priorities are increasing customer comfort and system efficiency — and air elimination should be at the top of our lists. If we implement best practices, our customers will have trouble-free and efficient hydronic systems.

How Wet Will the Future Be?

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The versatility of hydronic systems is well-known by hydronic contractors, but how about building owners or homeowners? The industry must do a better job of educating the public on the comfort and efficiency that hydronic heating and cooling systems provide.

Platsky Reps Aquatherm in NYC Metro Market

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:10:00 -0500

Aquatherm is pleased to announce that it is now represented in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan areas by Platsky Co.

Uponor Celebrates Grand Opening of New Experience Center

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:01:37 -0400

Boasting 4,500 square feet of hands-on displays, full-scale residential and commercial training areas, and cutting-edge innovation showcases, the new Uponor Experience Center is a flexible education and discovery space designed to advance the technical skills of current and potential customers.

Viega Appoints Sarah Simpson New Chief Financial Officer

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 11:32:00 -0400

Simpson joins the Viega executive team with experience in complex, global business, having worked previously at Baker Hughes, General Electric, and most recently as chief financial officer of Nexus Controls.

Weil-McLain Presents 'School of Better Heating' Personalized Training Programs for Residential Heating Contractors

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:26:00 -0400

Residential heating contractors can hone their boiler technology and hydronic skills and knowledge by participating in a Weil-McLain 2023 School of Better Heating training program this fall.

Viega Announces North American Expansion

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 12:53:00 -0400

Viega plans to invest over $70 million in the next two years as part of its long-term strategy to expand U.S. manufacturing and support the needs of its North American customers.

Fine Arts Hydronics for a Fine Arts Home

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

At Willow Oaks, their mastery over form and function achieved exactly that.