EPA sets new rule for drinking water Targeted Chemicals are Found in People and Animals Around the World The Environmental Protection Agency introduced first-ever rules in April to remove a group of synthetic chemicals from the nation’s drinking water systems. Advocates argue the policy is decades past due and will reduce health risks, but some industry groups say the rules will put too much burden on the people who pay the bills to keep systems operating. The new rules set limits for five individual PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (also known as “GenX Chemicals”). The rule als ..read more

RIDGID hits 25 Years in Pressing The Brand is Recognized as a Leader in Press Tools Toolmaker RIDGID celebrates 25 years as the industry leader in pressing this year. The brand, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, first introduced press technology to North America in 1999. RIDGID says it has become the most recognizable name in pressing, with a product portfolio of innovative solutions that help tradesmen and women achieve fast, secure, and flame-free connections. RIDGID press tools deliver unprecedented versatility on residential, commercial and industrial installations and f ..read more

Are Limiting Beliefs Holding You Down? By Dave Kahle “In your training, do you focus on instilling new skills, or do you try to remove the hindrances to people using their existing skills?” That was one of the best questions I have ever been asked. I recall it clearly. I was having lunch with the CEO of a large non-profit organization, for whom I was training their social workers in sales skills. As a professional speaker/author/trainer, it is a question that I have considered for decades. It really speaks to the heart of the task of helping someone improve and develop. And, while it is ..read more

Take the Southern PHC survey on the Inflation Reduction Act How much do contractors and customers know about the incentives? The 25C Efficiency Tax Credit in the Inflation Reduction Act is only for existing, owner-occupied homes. It’s capped at 30 percent of the qualifying cost for up to $3,200 annually: up to $2,000 for heat pumps and up to $1,200 for insulation, windows/doors, water heating, furnace and other types of efficiency improvements. It gives homeowners incentives to improve efficiency and lower their utility bills, while giving contractors an opening to make a sale. But how many ..read more

Taco expanding plant to boost production Fall River facility will be able to build larger pieces of equipment. The long-awaited expansion to Taco’s Fall River plant in Maryland is underway. The $20 million project greatly expands the manufacturer’s ability to build larger tanks, heat exchangers and a wide range of other products, while also adding capacity and reducing lead times. Taco Comfort Solutions, based in Cranston, Rhode Island, began making plans for the plant expansion more than a decade ago. Groundbreaking began in early September and the project is expected to take about 18 mo ..read more

Rheem wins fourth national award from EPA Company Honored for Commitment to Energy Efficiency and Leadership in Sustainability Rheem earned the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. This marks the fourth consecutive year EPA recognized Rheem as a Partner of the Year. The highest level of EPA recognition a manufacturer can receive, the Energy Star Partner of the Year Award is given to businesses that demonstrate best practices, exhibiting organization-wide energy savings and a steadfast commitment to environ ..read more

KBIS 2024 Video Recap Southern PHC presents this video recap of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and International Builders’ Show (IBS) held in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 25 – 27, 2024. KBIS and IBS 2024 Each year, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), in conjunction with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), is held concurrently with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show (IBS). This year’s show was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 25 – 27, 2024. Southern PHC was there to report on the latest innovations in the industry ..read more

Uponor and WiPP Form Alliance Women in Plumbing & Piping works to help women success in trades Women in Plumbing & Piping (WiPP) announced Uponor as its latest sponsor, forging a partnership to empower women within the plumbing and piping industries. Uponor says the endorsement shows its dedication to innovation and excellence, aligning with WiPP’s core principles of mentorship, education and networking. “Uponor continues to partner with organizations who are leveling up and creating opportunities for women to be included, empowered, and supported in the construction trades,” said A ..read more

A. O. Smith Expands West Coast Presence Impact Water Products acquisition expands North American business A. O. Smith Corporation acquired Impact Water Products, a California-based water treatment company, in March. Impact Water Products joins other  A. O. Smith acquisitions, Water Tec (2023), Atlantic Filter (2022), Master Water Corporation (2021), Water-Right Group (2019), Hague Quality Water (2017), and Aquasana (2016) in the company’s growing North America Water Treatment business. Impact Water Products was established in 2014, and is a manufacturer and dealer of water treatment eq ..read more

Trades representatives head to Washington PHCC Members Will Head to Capitol Hill During Crucial Election Year For plumbing and HVACR contractors eager to make a difference, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) is providing a chance to for plumbing and HVACR contractors to talk to lawmakers during the PHCC Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., in May. As part of the conference from May 11-22, PHCC will set up visits between PHCC members and the offices of their elected representatives. The policy priorities for this year are: Protecting America’s energy ..read more