https://www.phcppros.com/rss en-us Years ago, in my plumbing company’s infancy, I got a call from an unhappy customer. One of my technicians had handled a routine service call differently than I would have. Years ago, in my plumbing company’s infancy, I got a call from an unhappy customer. One of my technicians had handled a routine service call differently than I would have. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24018 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24018-figure-it-out-yourself-training-may-cost-more-than-you-think PHCN0926_plumber examines kitchen sink piping.jpg There is an age-old question that every business owner has to contemplate: Should I grow my business? There is an age-old question that every business owner has to contemplate: Should I grow my business? 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24015 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24015-let-consumers-know-you-exist iStock-2247448308.jpg In 2011, I moved to North Carolina, unaware of the ticking time bomb hidden behind my walls. Like many transplants, I knew very little about the unique quirks of local homes and infrastructure. In 2011, I moved to North Carolina, unaware of the ticking time bomb hidden behind my walls. Like many transplants, I knew very little about the unique quirks of local homes and infrastructure.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24014 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24014-the-questions-your-customers-ask-before-they-call iStock-2226250906.jpg You’re standing at the back of your truck making sure you have everything for the boiler install today. You’re standing at the back of your truck making sure you have everything for the boiler install today.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24013 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24013-right-part-wrong-place PHCN0926_Air Dirt Seps Wrong Location.jpg In October, a contractor walked into a supply branch holding a competitor’s quote. In October, a contractor walked into a supply branch holding a competitor’s quote.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24001 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24001-when-temporary-pricing-stops-being-temporary iStock-1072055834.jpg Terms that I see everywhere today are influencer and thought leader. I do not purport to be one, but in reflecting on my long industry career, I certainly benefited from many of them. Terms that I see everywhere today are influencer and thought leader. I do not purport to be one, but in reflecting on my long industry career, I certainly benefited from many of them.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23998 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23998-the-lessons-that-still-guide-me-today TW0926_business lessons learned.jpg In the trades, most owners learn a simple lesson early: Good work gets rewarded with more work. You start out in the field. You solve problems. Customers trust you. In the trades, most owners learn a simple lesson early: Good work gets rewarded with more work. You start out in the field. You solve problems. Customers trust you.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23976 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23976-more-than-a-paycheck-what-the-next-generation-actually-wants-from-the-trades Upon entering my office at work, you’ll see a placard with the following succinct statements: Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best. Upon entering my office at work, you’ll see a placard with the following succinct statements: Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23975 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23975-the-four-agreements-a-blueprint-for-safety-on-the-jobsite iStock-2199351006_1.jpg Steam built the industrial age, but it doesn’t have to run it any longer. In fact, in many cases, it shouldn’t. Steam built the industrial age, but it doesn’t have to run it any longer. In fact, in many cases, it shouldn’t.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23969 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23969-hot-water-for-process-stop-using-steam-to-make-hot-water PE0926_Armstrong_Main Image.jpg Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in a Delaware medical malpractice action with particularly important ramifications for all professional malpractice actions brought in federal court. Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in a Delaware medical malpractice action with particularly important ramifications for all professional malpractice actions brought in federal court.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23964 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23964-supreme-court-lowers-initial-filing-hurdle-for-suits-against-design-professionals PE0826_professional malpractice.jpg When we consider all that’s changed in the transportation world over the last decade, the electric vehicle (EV) boom takes center stage. When we consider all that’s changed in the transportation world over the last decade, the electric vehicle (EV) boom takes center stage.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23963 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23963-the-fire-hazard-of-the-modern-vehicle PE0926_parking stackers-Manhattan.jpg Water use in laboratories is fundamental, as professionals rely on it while searching for solutions or answers through experimentation and research. Water use in laboratories is fundamental, as professionals rely on it while searching for solutions or answers through experimentation and research. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23878 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:34:57 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23878-why-water-design-matters-in-laboratories PE0726_ASU ISTB-12 Laboratory.jpg Most rep principals can tell you their commission income to the dollar. Far fewer can tell you whether their revenue per employee, collection cycle or operating margin is ahead of the pack or quietly falling behind. Most rep principals can tell you their commission income to the dollar. Far fewer can tell you whether their revenue per employee, collection cycle or operating margin is ahead of the pack or quietly falling behind.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23874 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23874-what-the-numbers-know-that-you-dont-the-case-for-benchmarking TW0826_Business Analytics Data Dashboard.jpg The use of Artificial Intelligence is no longer an option. It isn’t an experimental technology. The use of Artificial Intelligence is no longer an option. It isn’t an experimental technology.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23873 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23873-ai-in-your-business iStock-2233131222.jpg In Disney’s 1951 classic, “Alice in Wonderland,” the White Rabbit famously observed, “I’m late, I’m late for a very important date!” In Disney’s 1951 classic, “Alice in Wonderland,” the White Rabbit famously observed, “I’m late, I’m late for a very important date!”

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23872 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23872-its-about-time TW0826_rabbit is running late.jpg The construction industry is experiencing a pivotal moment, where rising costs and labor shortages demand a smarter, more integrated approach to building. The construction industry is experiencing a pivotal moment, where rising costs and labor shortages demand a smarter, more integrated approach to building.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23857 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23857-beyond-prefab-how-to-make-industrialized-construction-work PHCN0826_IC battery plant construction.jpg My house has a living room with a vaulted ceiling and a loft area above it. That means in summer, the temperatures can get a little uneve So out of curiosity, I asked ChatGPT a simple question My house has a living room with a vaulted ceiling and a loft area above it. That means in summer, the temperatures can get a little uneve So out of curiosity, I asked ChatGPT a simple question

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23854 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23854-why-some-contractors-show-up-in-ai-answers-and-others-dont iStock-2220668576.jpg Most of the plumbing contractors I know got into the business because they love the trade itself. They enjoy working with their hands. They are passionate about problem-solving. They like making a difference in the lives of their customers. Most of the plumbing contractors I know got into the business because they love the trade itself. They enjoy working with their hands. They are passionate about problem-solving. They like making a difference in the lives of their customers.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23852 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23852-how-standard-operating-procedures-save-time-and-avoid-costly-mistakes iStock-2243016790.jpg One of the issues I often write about is the necessity for you, the contractor, to properly identify and calculate the true operational business costs you incur to run your business — in total and as those costs pertain proportionately to any given task. One of the issues I often write about is the necessity for you, the contractor, to properly identify and calculate the true operational business costs you incur to run your business — in total and as those costs pertain proportionately to any given task.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23850 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23850-proper-profitable-selling-prices-require-common-sense-and-mathematical-prowess PHCN0826_real assumptions about business.jpg One of the biggest challenges for professional engineers, distributors and contractors is low or non-existent water pressure in busy spaces. One of the biggest challenges for professional engineers, distributors and contractors is low or non-existent water pressure in busy spaces.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23824 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23824-designing-for-demand-how-to-right-size-pressure-boosting-systems PE0826_Main Image_Best Practices 1.jpg As technology evolves in buildings, more systems are generating data about their own performance, and our knowledge of how to operate buildings more safely and sustainably continues to grow with it. As technology evolves in buildings, more systems are generating data about their own performance, and our knowledge of how to operate buildings more safely and sustainably continues to grow with it.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23822 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23822-what-is-a-bms-and-why-plumbing-systems-cant-be-left-out PE0726_BMS main image.jpg Nobody said 2026 would be easy. The refrigerant transition that reshaped purchasing patterns last year did not simply resolve itself when the calendar turned. Nobody said 2026 would be easy.  The refrigerant transition that reshaped purchasing patterns last year did not simply resolve itself when the calendar turned.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23821 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23821-holding-the-line PE0826_mSupply Main Pic.jpg In the HVAC industry, it’s easy to feel like everything is becoming more advanced and more complicated. Building automation systems (BASs) are more capable. In the HVAC industry, it’s easy to feel like everything is becoming more advanced and more complicated. Building automation systems (BASs) are more capable.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23820 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23820-back-to-basics-why-fundamentals-win PE0826_Hydronics Garfield Main Image.jpg If you’ve spent any time around fire pump submittals or fire pump rooms, chances are you’ve probably run into this scenario. If you’ve spent any time around fire pump submittals or fire pump rooms, chances are you’ve probably run into this scenario. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23817 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23817-pressure-regulation-starts-with-placement PE0826_Indoor water pump for fire protection.jpg At the time of this writing, we are about one month removed from the 2026 Fab Forum hosted by The Hill Group in Franklin Park, Illinois. Hill is a full-service mechanical contractor that includes fire protection, testing/adjusting/balancing and an architectural group. At the time of this writing, we are about one month removed from the 2026 Fab Forum hosted by The Hill Group in Franklin Park, Illinois. Hill is a full-service mechanical contractor that includes fire protection, testing/adjusting/balancing and an architectural group.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23704 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23704-the-small-contractor-advantage iStock-991837218.jpg Every plumbing contractor knows what it’s like to have a technician who stands out from the crowd on day one, immediately demonstrating immense talent and limitless potential. Every plumbing contractor knows what it’s like to have a technician who stands out from the crowd on day one, immediately demonstrating immense talent and limitless potential. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23700 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23700-why-your-best-technicians-dont-want-to-become-managers PHCN0726_leadership career path.jpg If you search the Internet for the definition of the word “business,” you’ll find a version of this idea: “Business is an organization that provides goods and services to the community in exchange for money, with the goal of becoming profitable.” If you search the Internet for the definition of the word “business,” you’ll find a version of this idea: “Business is an organization that provides goods and services to the community in exchange for money, with the goal of becoming profitable.”

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23699 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23699-the-spirit-of-business iStock-2273427890.jpg Ask any facility manager or plumber, and they’ll tell you that identifying and fixing crossflow issues is one of the challenges that costs them significant time and effort on the job. Ask any facility manager or plumber, and they’ll tell you that identifying and fixing crossflow issues is one of the challenges that costs them significant time and effort on the job.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23688 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23688-a-faster-way-to-find-crossflow-problems LFUSG-CS - Spec Sheet Rendering 4 - With Sleeve.jpg Some existing systems were never hydraulically calculated. Some were designed around pipe schedules. Some have little or no remaining safety margin. Add a backflow preventer without understanding the available water supply, system demand and device pressure loss, and a system that once appeared adequate may fail to deliver. Some existing systems were never hydraulically calculated. Some were designed around pipe schedules. Some have little or no remaining safety margin. Add a backflow preventer without understanding the available water supply, system demand and device pressure loss, and a system that once appeared adequate may fail to deliver.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23687 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23687-retrofitting-backflow-preventers-without-undercutting-sprinkler-performance iStock-96646591.jpg In hospitals and outpatient facilities, the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) is the standard basis for patient care and staff safety requirements for engineering and architectural firms to follow In hospitals and outpatient facilities, the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) is the standard basis for patient care and staff safety requirements for engineering and architectural firms to follow

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23684 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23684-the-latest-fgi-guidelines-and-sink-mounted-eyewash-station-changes PE0726_Flowing eye wash station.jpg