Exclusively serving plumbing contractors and franchisees | plumbermag.

com February 2017

SHOW
ISSUE

The Seeds of

GROWTH
Adding sewer cleaning services and
retaining dependable employees
benefit plumbing operation through
good times and bad Page 12

On the Road
VANS DECKED OUT AS
AMBULANCES GET
THE ATTENTION
Page 22

First Responders
SAVING LIVES BY CARBON
MONOXIDE DETECTION
Page 34
BOOTH
4125
 BOOTH
1533

MONEY
MACHINE.

What are these guys watching?

Well, for one thing, theyre watching profits
go up. Theyre replacing a home sewer lateral
trenchlessly with a pipebursting system made by
TRIC Tools, Inc., the company that started it all.
For more info visit www.trictools.com or call 888.883.8742
 CONTENTS February 2017
Californias Plumbing Doctor uses Nissan NV service vans
decorated as ambulances to get attention on the road.
8 From the Editor:
Taking Care of the Homeowner
Residential projects should take an extra level
of handling and care.
- By Cory Dellenbach

10 @plumbermag.com
Check out our exclusive online content.

12 Profile:
The Seeds of Growth
Adding sewer cleaning services and retaining
dependable employees benefit plumbing
operation through good times and bad.
- By Marian Bond

18 In the Shop:
Regular Maintenance Vital to Longevity
Plumbers should make regular inspections of drain
cleaning machines and cables after each job.
- By MaryBeth Matzek

26 Smart Business:
Reverse Mentorship Keeps
Long-Term Employees Up to Date
Turn your idea of mentorship upside down and

22
picture experienced workers learning from
the younger generation.
- By Judy Kneiszel

28 Industry Insider:
Working With Fellow Plumbers
Californias Hansens Plumbing & Mechanical
builds relationships with other plumbers
using specialized services.
- By Marian Bond

This Doctor Still 30

n the ROAD

WWETT Spotlight:
Makes House Calls Getting More Power
Inspection camera gets more versatility because
Plumber finds a cure of ineffective of battery
branding with trucks that demand - By Kyle Rogers
customers attention.
By Ken Wysocky 34 First Responders:
Family-Owned Plumbing and
HVAC Company Has Saved Lives
Wisconsins Frasiers Plumbing leaves nothing
to chance to protect technicians from carbon
On the Cover
Exclusively serving plumbing contractors and franchisees | plumbermag.com February 2017

monoxide poisoning.
Ridings Plumbings Trevor Long installs
- By Irwin Rapoport
SHOW
ISSUE new piping in a new home construction
The Seeds of

GROWTH
job. Ridings Plumbing, located in
Springfield, Illinois, offers services in 38 Product Focus:
Residential Plumbing
plumbing, sewer cleaning, jetting,
Adding sewer cleaning services and
retaining dependable employees
benefit plumbing operation through
good times and bad Page 12

CCTV inspection, new construction - By Craig Mandli

and remodeling.
On the Road
VANS DECKED OUT AS
AMBULANCES GET
THE ATTENTION
Page 22

First Responders
SAVING LIVES BY CARBON
MONOXIDE DETECTION
Page 34
Photography by Bradley Leeb
44 Case Studies:
Residential Plumbing
- By Craig Mandli

Coming Next Month

48 Product News:
Product Spotlight: HammerHead HydroGuide
First Responders: Dealing with frozen pipes Winch includes time-saving downrigger
- By Craig Mandli
Plumber Profile: TNG Plumbing Heating & Cooling (Dexter, Minnesota)
On the Road: VW Transporter Service Vans 49 Industry News

4
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 ADVERTISER INDEX
American Jetter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Arctic Blasters, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Arthur Products Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Exclusively serving plumbing contractors and franchisees

Cam Spray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Published monthly by COLE Publishing, Inc.
1720 Maple Lake Dam Rd., PO Box 220
Central Oklahoma Winnelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Three Lakes, WI 54562

Call toll-free 800-257-7222

Duracable Manufacturing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Outside of U.S. or Canada call 715-546-3346
Electric Eel Mfg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Mon.- Fri., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. CST
Enz USA, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Website: www.plumbermag.com
FastEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Email: info@plumbermag.com | Fax: 715-546-3786
Fatboy Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Formadrain, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

General Pipe Cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: A one-year (12-issue) subscription

Guardian Drain-Lock / TNT Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 to Plumber in the United States or Canada is free to qualified
subscribers. A qualified subscriber is any individual or
Hackney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
company in the United States or Canada that is involved in
HammerHead Trenchless Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 the inspection, cleaning, repair and installation of residential
Hot Jet USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 and commercial sewer lines. Non-qualified subscriptions are
I .S .T . Services, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 available at a cost of $60 per year in the United States and
Canada/Mexico. Subscriptions to all other foreign countries
cost $80 per year. To qualify, visit www.plumbermag.com/
MaxLiner USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 order/subscription or call 800-257-7222.

Our subscriber list is occasionally made available to carefully

Nu Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 selected companies whose products or services may be of
interest to you. Your privacy is important to us. If you prefer
not to be a part of these lists, please contact Nicole at
Perma-Liner Industries, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 nicolel@colepublishing.com.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: RATE: No Photo Classified $25 for

Pickup Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 20 words, each additional word $1. All classified advertising
must be PAID IN ADVANCE. DEADLINE: Classifieds must
be received by the first of the month for insertion in the next
Picote Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 months edition. PHONE-IN ADS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. Ads
may be faxed only when charging to MasterCard, VISA,
Amex or Discover. Please supply all credit card information
Pipe Lining Supply, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 with faxed ads. Be sure to include your phone number (with
area code) in your ad. Make checks payable to COLE
Pow-r Mole Sales LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Publishing Inc. and mail with classified ad to the address
above. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING APPEARS NATIONWIDE
AND ON THE INTERNET. Not responsible for errors beyond
first insertion.
PrimeLine Products, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Pulsar 2000, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Contact
RIDGID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 one of our sales staff at 800-
994-7990. Publisher reserves
the right to reject advertising
that in its opinion is misleading,
RODDIE, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 unfair or incompatible with the
RootX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 character of the publication.
Ann Richmond Winnie May

SiBore Drill, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Simple Solutions Distributing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 REPRINTS AND BACK ISSUES: Visit www.plumbermag.com
SkyBoss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 for options and pricing. To order reprints, call Jeff Lane at
800-257-7222 (715-546-3346) or email jeff.lane@
colepublishing.com. To order back issues, call Nicole
Spartan Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 at 800-257-7222 (715-546-3346) or email
Superior Signal Company LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 nicole.labeau@colepublishing.com.
The Home Depot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CIRCULATION: Circulation averages 27,825 copies per month.
This figure includes both U.S. and international distribution.
TRIC Tools, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2017 COLE PUBLISHING INC.
No part may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.
Ultra Shore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Vivax-Metrotech Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 facebook.com/PlumberMag
twitter.com/PlumberMag

Water Cannon, Inc . - MWBE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

youtube.com/PlumberMagazine I
WWETT Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 linkedin.com/company/plumber-magazine

6
 Pressure Washers, Replacement Engines,
Pumps, Parts & Accessories

OVED
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weekdays E.S.T. Water Cannon, Un contacto en Espanol: llama al: 1.800.917.9274
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Taking Care of the Homeowner
Residential projects should take an
extra level of handling and care
early every plumber has handled residen-
N tial work, whether remodeling, new con-
struction or emergency repairs.
I recently rode with a plumber for a
story that will be running later this year. It was inter-
esting to see everything this company does for its res-
idential customers and how much communication
there is with homeowners.
We started the day at a remodeling project where the
owner was redoing a bathroom. When we arrived, the
plumber on site was working with the homeowner on the
placement of a tub and fixtures. The challenge was that if
the handles were next to the faucet, they would hit the
decorative wall when turned on. After some discussion, the
parties decided that the best spot for the handles would be
on one end of the tub opposite the faucet.
Later on, another challenge came up: The homeowner
wanted recessed cabinets with mirrors, but water pipes were
running through the preferred location. After looking at
the mirrors, still in their packages, the plumbing company
owner and the homeowner developed a workable alternative.
Its that type of planning and communication that makes
a plumbing contractor successful and respected. Here are
some simple things you can do to develop a solid relationship
with your customer:
Be candid If asked whether doing something a certain
way will cost more, give a straightforward answer. If you
think something should be done differently, suggest it.
Straight talk inspires trust, which is the most important
piece of building a relationship.
Be careful You are working in someones home. Treat
everything as if it were your own. Also, take care in installing
8
FROM THE EDITOR
Cory Dellenbach
You are the professional. The homeowner
hired you for your skill and knowledge. If they
ask you a question, make sure you know the
answer. If you dont, find it and report back.
the products the customer is paying for.
Bring knowledge You are the professional. The
homeowner hired you for your skill and knowledge. If they
ask you a question, make sure you know the answer. If you
dont, find it and report back.
Be helpful Hiccups will occur and changes to the
plan may be required. Help the homeowner through these
changes. Explain the implications of, for example, moving
the sink from one wall to another.
If you follow these four guidelines, homeowners will
likely be pleased with the project. In return, theyll more
than likely contact you for more work and refer you to other
potential customers.
Take a moment and look at how you act with your
residential customers. They are just as important as those
large commercial and industrial jobs.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR IDEAS?
What are some unique ways youve interacted with
customers? Do you send them cards during the holiday
season, or offer them discounts if they continue doing
business with you? Id like to hear your ideas.
You can email me at editor@plumbermag.com or call
me at 800/257-7222.
Enjoy this issue!
BOOTH
4321
plumbermag.com | February 2017 9
 @ plumbermag.com
Visit the site daily for new, exclusive content.
Read our blogs, find resources and get the most out of Plumber Magazine.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Educate Customers on
Hybrid Water Heaters to
Grow Your Business
Youre familiar with hybrid water
heaters and their efficiency ben-
efits, but many homeowners are
unaware of this technology. When
it comes time to replace an aging
water heater, they go the tradi-
tional route and simply get a new
version of what theyve had for
years. Heres a breakdown of what
you can tell customers to educate
them about hybrid systems. You
might gain a customer for life.
plumbermag.com/featured
Join the Discussion
Facebook.com/PlumberMag
Twitter.com/PlumberMag
NEWS & ALERTS
Visit Plumbermag.com and sign up for newsletters and alerts. Get exclusive content delivered
right to your inbox on topics important to you!
ANNUAL REVIEWS
Regular Performance
Reviews Unlock
Employee Potential
The exact process may differ from
business to business, but many plumb-
ing contractors agree annual per-
formance reviews can be the biggest
key to developing employees so that
they are valuable assets to the com-
pany. In this story, three contractors
discuss the review methods they use
to motivate their staff.
plumbermag.com/featured
OVERHEARD ONLINE
Dont be afraid to use the local service clubs as a speaking circuit for the
topics that are important to you and your business. This is a great way of
becoming a voice of authority in the plumbing world and gaining brand
exposure, while delivering an important message. I speak to many of our
service clubs about our apprenticeship program and impress upon them
the excellent opportunities in the trades for young people.
Joining a Service Club: Whats In It For Me?
plumbermag.com/featured
CAMP RESTORATION
Extensive Plumbing Repairs Help
Longtime Summer Camp Return to Life
Camp Gallagher on the shores of Washingtons Case
Inlet in the south Puget Sound served campers for
decades. But after the original owner ceased operations
in 2010, the camp facilities sat vacant and became dilap-
idated. Thanks to a volunteer-led effort, the camp was
restored. Plumbing repairs were especially key, and the
camp was able to welcome back campers this past year. plumbermag.com/featured
BOOTH
1354
The Seeds of

GROWTH
Ridings Plumbing, Springfield, Illinois

OWNER John Ridings

EMPLOYEES 16
SERVICES Plumbing, sewer cleaning, jetting, CCTV inspection,
new construction, remodeling
CUSTOMERS Residential, contractors
WEBSITE www.ridingsplumbing.com
 The staff of Ridings
Plumbing includes (front,
from left) Rick Sherren,
Bob Calhoun, Sheryl
West, Patty Pinkley,
Brody Shoemaker,
Louis French and Jim
Endris. Back: John
Ridings, Randy Boston,
Chris Collins, Brian
Holmes, Trevor Long,
Jimmy Walters, Ed
Hodun, and Shawn
Berroyer.

Adding sewer cleaning services and retaining dependable employees

benefit plumbing operation through good times and bad
By Marian Bond | Photography by Bradley Leeb

hen John Ridings saw one of his competi- ately helped us with cash flow. It also helped us become

w tors closing and wanted to add to his own

companys offerings, it was a clear choice
on what he needed to do. The other com-
pany offered sewer cleaning services, which was some-
thing Ridings Plumbing didnt do at the time.
Not only was the opportunity there for Ridings to take
on that work, but it also provided better cash flow as well.
It generated some quick revenue for us, he says. When
you are focused on new construction and remodeling, your
payment is typically every 30 days. With sewer cleaning
you get the check when you leave the job. This immedi-
the No. 1 sewer cleaning company in the city.
That was in 2001, five years after he started Ridings
Plumbing in Springfield, Illinois. In the early years, the
company focused on basic plumbing repair, and new res-
idential and light commercial construction. Business was
good, but adding sewer cleaning made it better.
We started out with four sewer machines, and soon
bought a small jetter, Ridings says. Then we purchased
a bigger jetter, and word got around town that we had that
and did that work. It continued to grow and now we have
two trailer jetters from Spartan Tool.

plumbermag.com | February 2017 13


IN THE BEGINNING
Prior to starting his business, Ridings spent two decades
working for other companies eight of those years in
management so he had accumulated a lot of knowledge
to bring to his own enterprise.
Ridings aimed for a highly successful startup, purchas-
ing a 5,000-square-foot building and renting out a portion
in order to cover the payments. That allowed him to set
his own funds aside for a healthy investment in trucks,
equipment and all the necessary tools. Ridings started with
a single employee, but thanks to a new-construction surge
14
Louis French jets through a clean-out
using one of the companys many jetters.
Sitting in the truck is an assortment of
plumbing tools.
Shawn Berroyer moves a shoring box
(Ultra Shore) after digging a trench for a
sewer repair using the companys
JCB excavator.
at that time, he was up to six employees less than a year
into the business.
Today, Ridings has 16 employees, and the business isnt
solely reliant on new construction, which makes up only
about one-third of the workload. Remodeling projects
make up another third of the work and the remaining third
comes from residential plumbing repairs and sewer
cleaning.
The companys equipment fleet includes 13 vans
mostly GMC and Chevrolet three of which are set up
for full-time service inspection capabilities with cameras
from UEMSI.The company also has two Spartan trailer
jetters (4,000 psi/18 gpm and 3,000 psi/15 gpm), a John
Deere backhoe, a JCB mini-excavator, and trenchers from
Ditch Witch.
COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
Investing in jetting equipment has been a good
approach for Ridings Plumbing. There are many older
homes in Springfield with concrete tile and clay title sew-
ers, and root growth is a chronic problem.
We charge $400 to bring the jetter out and put it in
the line, and then $200 for the camera, Ridings says. If
the customer has us jet the line and use the camera, we
will give a $100 deduction. That way we can guarantee
the work for a year. We find our customers very receptive
to this pricing. While we have competitors who will offer
to snake a line for $100 to $150, people seem to realize
that this will just poke a hole in the stoppage and not
actually clean the line. Once you jet the line and put in
the camera, you can show the customer how cleaning the
sewer benefits. They are very happy.
Ridings Plumbing also teams up with RootX to provide
We are a support team here, and we take
care of our people by offering medical and
dental, paid vacation and paid holidays,
plus a retirement program.
John Ridings
customers a comprehensive fix to root issues.
Whenever we apply RootX to the customers sewer,
we register them with RootX and a year later they will
notify the customer it is time to have another treatment
scheduled, Ridings says. We have used RootX for about
three years. We have a lot of our customers on the RootX
program for tree roots.
A GOOD TEAM
Ridings team of employees has been another key to
the companys success. His staff is so dependable, in fact,
that Ridings and wife Joyce, a retired school teacher, reg-
ularly take trips in their motor home, leaving the day-to-
day operations entirely on the employees for periods of
plumbermag.com | February 2017 15
 Jimmy Walters adjusts a finish line (Sioux Chief) and floor
drain that is hooked to a sewage ejection pit (Jackel).

time. Ridings says what gives him the most satisfaction is want to leave once they reach
hearing from customers who write a note praising his that four-year mark with the
employees performance, something that occurs often. company.
I get a note like this at least once a week, he says. Ive We are a support team here,
got great people. and we take care of our people
Thats because Ridings has been particular about his by offering medical and dental,
hiring practices. Potential candidates come to him through paid vacation and paid holidays,
a process of referrals. He never places job advertisements. plus a retirement program. Once
If Im looking to hire, I will put out feelers to the whole- we have people working for us
sale people to be on the lookout for someone. Or Ill have we dont see much turnover.
someone mention a good candidate and go from there, When they come to Ridings
Ridings says. Then when I bring in a young person I will they come to stay.
say that if he just wants a job, Im not hiring. If you want a He says he is a boss who
career, Ill teach you a career. The thing I ask in return, after sticks to the philosophy of treat-
I get you through a four-year state apprenticeship and your ing others as you want to be
state license, is that you stay with us for another four years treated.
to pay back the company for what we have trained you. It I dont want to rant and
is a gentlemens agreement. We could write a contract, but scream at somebody, he says.
we dont do that. For the first two years with us we give If there is an issue with a couple
direct supervision, and then for the last two years we give guys, Ill take them into a private meeting and give each
partial supervision. So we do ask for that in return for what five minutes to state their case. We will work things out.
they have attained. Sometimes there are personal crises. We want to be a support
But Ridings also takes steps to ensure employees dont team here at Ridings.

The responsibility
of ownership
John Ridings has experienced the plumbing business both as
an employee and an owner, and there are some distinct differences
between the two positions.
Ive been doing this for 41 years, 21 in my own business,
he says. Probably the most stressful thing when you are the
owner is doing the work, and dealing with contracts and bills
that are coming in that you want to pay on time while still ensuring
you take care of your employees. My people have never missed
a Friday paycheck.
One thing that has helped, Ridings says, is having a good
bank behind the business to keep the cash flow going, even
during tough times.
In 2009, when the economy tanked, our business dropped
40 percent in one year and because I had a good bank, and lots
Ridings Plumbing
of equity in the things I owned, I was able to get money out and owner John Ridings
keep the business going, he says. The most important thing poses in front of his
for a small business is to have a good credit line and a banker shop and truck in
to work with. Most definitely the most important thing. Springfield, Illinois.
GOING FORWARD
Ridings says he wants to continue expand-
ing his company as the right opportunities
come along. One such opportunity presented
itself about a year ago.
A one-man, 60-year-old plumbing shop
was going out of business, and the owner offered
the firm to me, Ridings says. He had about
1,200 customers and I bought some of his inven-
Brody Shoemaker uses a UEMSI EagleCam to inspect a sewer line.
tory, his truck and tools, and we are averaging
20 to 25 calls a month from his customers. As
they use us we find they are telling friends and
family, and that is a pretty good way to grow a little. That
owner actually approached me and said that he had heard Featured Equipment
good things about our company and hoped we could help
each other out. It worked. It was affordable.
Ditch Witch Spartan Tool
But Ridings decided another recent opportunity wasnt 800/654-6481 800/435-3866
the right move. www.ditchwitch.com www.spartantool.com
There was another opportunity for an acquisition, but Ad on page 5
it was about 100 miles away. A turnkey plumbing and Jackel Inc.
HVAC operation. But that was farther than I wanted to 574/256-5635 UEMSI - HTV
www.jackelinc.com 877/389-9999
go, he says. www.uemsihtv.com
Expansion opportunities aside, Ridings says that after RootX
41 years working in the industry, he still enjoys going to 800/844-4974 Ultra Shore
work every day and is pleased to have such a great staff. www.rootx.com 800/746-7464
Ad on page 39 www.shoring.com
He says his goal is to simply continue running his com-
Ad on page 31
pany and enjoy the fruits of his efforts, and be sure his key Sioux Chief Mfg. Co.
people will be able to carry on the Ridings tradition long 800/821-3944
into the future. www.siouxchief.com

plumbermag.com | February 2017 17

 In the SHOP
Regular Maintenance Vital to Longevity
Plumbers should make regular inspections of drain cleaning
machines and cables after each job By MaryBeth Matzek
I
f plumbers spent 10 minutes every day inspecting and
cleaning drain cleaning machines, they would save
time and money in the long term, according to indus-
try experts.
Dave Dunbar of General Pipe Cleaners says most plumbers
do not take good care of their tools. Contractors tend to
pull a drain cleaning machine from its hiding place in the
back of their truck, ride it hard and put it away wet, he says.
There it sits, forgotten, forlorn, foul-smelling and corroding
until the next time it is needed.
Dunbar says when the plumber needs the machine again
he may find that its rusted, stiff or otherwise damaged.
Jason Robey,Spartan Toolterritory manager, agrees
that clean machines last longer and work more efficiently.
A Spartan Tool 1065 drain cleaning machine sits on a job site.
Drain cleaning machines should be cleaned and inspected at the
end of each day by the contractor.
18
Contractors tend to pull a drain cleaning
machine from its hiding place in the back
of their truck, ride it hard and put it away
wet. There it sits, forgotten, forlorn,
foul-smelling and corroding until
the next time it is needed.
Dave Dunbar
Keeping your machinecleanandwell-lubricatedgoes a
long way in keeping the machine in tip-top shape, he says.
Not only on the outside of the machine, but especially inside
of the drum and power feed.
When it comes to caring for pipe cleaning machines,
Dunbar and Robey share these pieces of advice:
Keep it clean
Its vital to periodically clean out the inside of the drum
by filling it with hot water to remove any grease, sediment
and sewer water, Robey says. Its amazing how much junk
can get built up, mostly because it has nowhere else to go,
he says. Often, homeowners poor acid down the drain
and this acid could have a costly affect on your cable by
weakening it.
Use a little oil
After every job, Dunbar recommends contractors squirt
a cup of oil into the drum and then step on the foot pedal,
allowing the drum to rotate for a minute or two. That action
distributes the oil throughout the drum and cable.
It also prevents rust and will keep your drum from
corroding, and indirectly lubricate your power feed, says
Dunbar, adding that using oil on cables will keep them well-
lubricated and extend their life. Continued
 TH
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21

EASY-TO-INSTALL BRASSCRAFT SURE2CONNECT WATER STOPS.

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 A General JM-3080 drain cleaning machine is being demonstrated
by a General employee. The key to keeping the machines running
with no problems is daily maintenance checks after each job.

operators hands if they over-torque on a tough clog, he

says. This also pertains to safety, as you never want toforcethe
cable or get in a rush while cabling a homeowners or cus-
tomers sewer line.
If replacing the cable, Robey advises using shorter sec-
tions, such as 25 feet or 50 feet, to make up the 100 to 150
feet total. That always puts the newest cable toward the
back of the drum, but replace the anchor cable, especially
if its limp as a noodle, he says. This allows maximum
torque power through the cable by having the strongest and
Check all moving parts stiffest cable push out the entire length of cable whether it
Check and replace, if necessary, the cable clamp and be 100 feet or 200 feet.
anchor cable on a regular basis, Robey says. If an operator
cleans four to six mainlines a day, then figure every six Play it safe
months youll be replacing the clamp and anchor cable, Robey says it is always important to keep safety in mind
he says. when working with a drain cleaning machine. He says to
Dunbar recommends exposing, cleaning and lubricating make sure you have a properly functioning GFI cord and
all of the moving parts on the machine twice a year. He says that all electrical components are correctly connected, and
adding grease to the bushings and bearings will also help no tears are in your power cord.
lengthen the machines life. All it takes is a little
bit of water on an exposed
Look at the power feed
Grease and sediment can get in-between the bearings
of the power feed, causing friction and the slowing down of
wire to cause a bad day,
Robey says. Some homes
that are more than 40 to
During winter,
bearings are
cable feeding, Robey says. 50 years old could have
Often, the operator will crank down the power feed poor wiring, no GFI safety
exposed to cold and
handle, putting intense pressure on the bearings, which can plugs or even a three-way wet environments,
cause them to crack or break.Once this happens, Robey prong outlet. Always use
says it will be difficult to retrieve the cable back into the an electrical tester to check also causing them
machine. your customers outlets.
Using a lubricating spray like PB-Blaster or WD-40 Dunbar suggests con-
to crack. Always
will help keep the bearings clean and allow for much smoother tractors and plumbers fol- keep a secondary
operation, he explains. During winter, bearings are exposed low the practice of those
to cold and wet environments, also causing them to crack. in the tool rental industry set of bearings with
Always keep a secondary set of bearings with you if one if they want their machines you if one does
does break on a job site. to last a long time.
As soon as the unit break on a job site.
Maintain power tools comes home to the rental
Checking for any misaligned moving parts or broken store, the cable is inspected Jason Robey
parts should also be done regularly since they can affect for kinks and breaks, pres-
how the tool operates, Dunbar says. Keeping the tools sharp sure washed and finally
and clean is also important in keeping machines operating sprayed with oil, Dunbar says.
at their best. After that, its returned to the rental floor. By taking
those steps, Dunbar says the stores are able to increase the
Cable care longevity of their tools. Occasionally, we speak to stores
A good strong cable in the machine can effectively cut that have rented snakes to untrained, nonprofessional users
through tree roots and grease, Robey says. Weak cables for 10 years before wearing out a cable, he says. The bot-
think of them being flimsy like a noodle can flip over tom line is that routine maintenance pays for itself many
inside the drum, or worse, possibly wrap around the times over.

20
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 n the ROAD

This Doctor Still Makes House Calls

Plumber finds a cure for ineffective branding with trucks
that demand customers attention By Ken Wysocky

W
hen Mike Farias decided to establish Plumb- and drain cleaning, says Farias. Hes also the chairman of
ing Doctor in 1993, he had a specific vision in the board of Plumbing MD, which sells Plumbing Doctor
mind for his service vehicle: A truck that would franchises; currently there are five franchises, located in
mesh with the name of the company as tightly as a vise California, Nevada and Oregon.
grips on a compression fitting.
The answer appeared in the form of a retired 1979 WORKING WITH AMBULANCES
Ford F-450 ambulance, purchased from a local fire depart- To comply with regulations that govern the commer-
ment for a mere $2,500. I knew I had to have a visual along cial use of retired medical-emergency vehicles, Farias had
with the name, and I figured an ambulance or some rea- to disable the flashing emergency-lights system and the
sonable facsimile of an ambulance would do the trick, siren. And hes not allowed to use any red lights on the front
Farias explains. or side of the ambulance, or any blue lights on the entire
The results speak for themselves. Some 24 years later, truck. In addition, he had to modify the interior so it could
the company based in Dixon, California, roughly 20 carry enough inventory to serve as a rolling warehouse,
miles southwest of Sacramento now runs 12 service vehi- which minimized time-wasting and profit-killing trips to
cles and has more than 20 employees. The companys focus supply houses.
is residential and commercial service and repair, plus sewer With approximately 250 cubic feet of space, the ambu-
lance offered plenty of cargo area. As a bonus, the old
ambulances are also equipped with converters that pro-
vided 110-amp electrical service, great for recharging power
Dixon, CA tools on the go. They also have scene lights, which are
great for emergency work at night, he adds. Theyre pretty
cool vehicles.
COMPANY Plumbing Doctor But the real impact came in the form of marketing
muscle. Farias wanted to create instant brand recognition
LOCATION Dixon, California as well as convey to consumers the concept of rapid response
OWNER Mike Farias time to emergencies. The ambulances ticked off both of
those boxes. The plumbing service industry is a demand
VEHICLES Converted Ford F-350 and industry, Farias notes. When a customer wakes up in the
F-450 ambulances
morning and has no hot water or cant use a toilet, its like
BENEFIT Distinctive branding an emergency dental problem you have to get it taken
through highly visible care of and get it taken care of as soon as possible. Then
vehicles
the age-old issue for consumers is who theyre going to
COST Ranging from $8,000 to call. And if they remember your service vehicles, theyll
$12,000 (including vehicle remember you.
and modifications)
And consumers do remember. Farias says company
WEBSITE www.plumbingdoctor.com dispatchers periodically ask people who call for service
where they heard about Plumbing Doctor, and the most-

22
 Plumbing Doctor, of Dixon, California, uses Nissan NVs as
its service vehicles. The vans are decorated with wraps to
make them look like an ambulance. (Photo courtesy of
Plumbing Doctor)
cited factor is the ambulances. Even if potential customers
dont remember the exact name of the company, he
explains, they remember the ambulances, which is enough
for them to connect the dots once they do a Google search
for plumbers and see the companys service vehicles
prominently shown on the home page of the Plumbing
Doctor website.
NEW SERVICE VEHICLES
At one point, Plumbing Doctor owned 10 converted
ambulances; now the company has just three left in its fleet.
Thats because after the company became more firmly estab-
lished, Farias started buying new Nissan NVs for service
vehicles. The ambulance theme is maintained via realis-
tic-looking vinyl wraps made by Signs by Mason.
Why phase out the old ambulances? For starters, most
of them had racked up close to 200,000 miles by the time
Farias bought them, so ongoing maintenance was expen-
sive and breakdowns hurt productivity. Second, the vehi-
cles get poor gas mileage. And third, Plumbing Doctor
could finally afford to invest in new vehicles that could still
be similarly branded, Farias says.
Each truck carries a variety of drain cleaning equip-
ment, including pipeline inspection cameras and locators
made by MyTana Mfg.,portable cable drain machines made
Butplumbing
even if you have the best-looking
truck ever created, its not
worth much if you cant back it up with
an amazing service experience.
Mike Farias
by General Pipe Cleaners (a division of General Wire Spring
Co.), and portable water jetters manufactured by Gorlitz
Sewer & Drain. Technicians typically use RIDGID and
Milwaukee power tools and Channellock hand tools. The
company also owns a trailer-mounted water jetter made
by General Pipe, Farias says.
BACKING UP THE TRUCKS
While the eye-catching trucks are an important part
of Plumbing Doctors operations, they dont count for
much if technicians dont provide service that also makes
a strong impression on customers. Sure, the trucks dif-
ferentiate us from everyone else, Farias says. But even
if you have the best-looking plumbing truck ever created,
its not worth much if you cant back it up with an amaz-
ing service experience. If you cant do that, youll be one
and done with customers.
plumbermag.com | February 2017 23
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24
 Smart On the
BUSINESS ROAD

Judy Kneiszel
Product

Reverse Mentorship Keeps

FOCUS

Long-Term Employees Up to Date

Turn your idea of mentorship upside down and picture experienced
Product
NEWSlearning from the younger generation By Judy Kneiszel
workers

B
ack when the fax machine was cutting-edge
technology, I worked in a busy office where one
of the senior managers would pick up the receiver
and say, Hello, fax machine, if it happened to ring when
he was walking by. He didnt understand how the technology
worked, and that made him appear silly and out of touch.
Case
In other areas of the business, however, this same man was
a wealth ofSTUDIES
valuable knowledge. Both he and I could have
benefitted from mentoring.
TRADITIONAL MENTORSHIP
How does mentoring apply to a plumbing business?
Maybe your experienced workers have serviced the same
customers for 10 years. This makes them an incredible
asset to the company. They know the best, least disruptive
time to reach the owners, the
quickest route from t he
Mentoring has been highway to the home or
business, and what challenges
proven to benefit theyll find once they get there.
new employees, That is all valuable information
a seasoned veteran can impart
the company and to a young new hire to keep
ser vice seamless despite
the mentor. changes in personnel. It is a
classic mentoring scenario,
whether your company has an official mentoring program
or it happens organically as new hires pair up with veterans
to learn the ropes.
Mentoring has been proven to benefit new employees,
the company and the mentor. The newer employee benefits
from the mentors experience and knowledge, learning
from mistakes the mentor made in the past if he or she is
willing to share details. Working alongside a seasoned pro
can also eliminate feelings of uncertainty and isolation.
This benefits the company by shortening the breaking-in
period for new employees. In general, a mentoring program
improves company communication by bringing together
people who may not otherwise gravitate toward each other.
REVERSE YOUR MENTORSHIP
Mentoring doesnt always mean older workers teach-
ing younger workers. Many companies today benefit from
something called reverse mentoring.
If youve had an 8-year-old show you how to do a hard
reset on your iPad or explain to you what an emoji is, youve
been in a reverse mentoring situation. Youve probably
imparted a lot of life lessons to that 8-year-old, but when
it comes to technology, the student becomes the teacher.
There are many benefits to having a formal reverse men-
toring program, but there are also pitfalls to watch out for.
Sometimes old dogs dont like learning new tricks. And
sometimes trying to teach someone something that is sec-
ond nature tries a persons patience.
Implementing successful reverse mentorship relation-
ships takes forethought and planning. Here are some tips
for getting started.
Be specific.Identify a particular skill a senior team
member would benefit from learning, and match that per-
son with a younger team member who not only knows the
skill, but also has teaching ability. Patience is key. Also, be
specific about the length of the mentoring time period. Set
an end date.
Give a reason.Explain why the new skill needs to be
learned. Maybe having another person fluent on the latest
payroll software would be a time-saver. Maybe having more
employees providing input into the companys social media
marketing would broaden its reach.
Be positive.Stress that this reverse mentorship activ-
ity is in no way a test or condition of employment, but rather

26
 Mentoring doesnt always mean older workers
a way to grow in the job. Some people are sensitive about
their age and might feel threatened or insulted by the idea teaching younger workers. Many companies
of having a younger mentor. today benefit from something called
Sell it.If individuals seem reluctant to get on board,
remind them that both sides can benefit from reverse men- reverse mentoring.
toring. The mentee learns a valuable new skill, but so does
the mentor. The mentor can now add training to the list
of skills on their resume. Success in business depends on everyone from the CEO
Give fair warning.Dont just spring the idea of reverse on down to the newest hire working toward the same goals.
mentorship on the workers you would like to have involved. With mentoring and reverse mentoring, you can improve
Give them time to consider the idea. Make sure both are communication and close the generation gap, resulting in
willing partners. everyone in the company being on the same page.
Make it convenient.Allow the mentor and mentee to
set the ground rules of when they will meet, how long each
meeting will be, and how many times they will meet. If it Judy Kneiszel has operated her own small business for about 20 years and is
familiar with the many rewards and challenges of ownership. Write to her with
is convenient for both parties, there is less risk of
questions, comments or topic suggestions at thewordhouse@ameritech.net.
resentment.
Check the score at halftime.After a mentor and men-
tee have been meeting for awhile, check in with them indi-
vidually to see how things are progressing. Make sure they
both feel the other person is treating them respectfully.
re
Does the older person think the training is going too fast der Pressu
Well Un
Working
or too slow? Does the mentor feel their colleague was pay-
ing attention, eager to learn and grateful for the new skills,
or resentful of having to learn something new from a whip-
persnapper. If the employees youve paired up just arent
clicking, maybe there are simple changes that can be made
to make the program more successful. As a last resort,
Hot and Cold
reassignment to a new mentor or mentee may be best.
Trailer Models
Wrap-up party.At the end of the reverse mentoring
Up to 7000 psi
period, meet with the mentor and mentee for a final review
Flows up to 40 gpm
on how well the training went, what was achieved, what Powered Reels
was not achieved. If goals were not met, ask what got in Diesel Powered Models
the way so improvements to the program can be made.
Maybe the time period for mentoring needs to be extended.

REVERSE MENTORING: A WIN-WIN Skid and truck

A successful reverse mentoring relationship can be mount models
energizing for the veteran employee and enriching for the up to 7000 psi
less-experienced employee. Once the specified knowledge
is imparted, the two may continue to have a mutually ben- Portable Hot
eficial working relationship. The longtime employee now and Cold Water
has someone they are comfortable consulting when tech- BOOTH
Diesel Powered
nology questions arise. Conversely, the newbie may have 2501 Models
newfound respect for the way things were done in the past
and have a source for historical information about We will custom build to your specifications
the company. www.camspray.com 800-648-5011

plumbermag.com | February 2017 27

 Industry
INSIDER

Smart On the
ROAD
Working
BUSINESS
With Fellow Plumbers
Californias Hansens Plumbing & Mechanical builds relationships
with other plumbers using specialized services By Marian Bond
Product
FOCUS

W
hen Cary Hansen opened his plumbing
business in Ventura, California, in 1987,
he knew he wanted to offer something a
little bit different
Productthan other plumbers in the area.
Hansen,NEWS
owner of Hansens Plumbing & Mechanical,
decided to offer specialized services as well, including
backflow testing, smoke testing and pipe freezing. This
allowed the company to market to other plumbing
firms in the area that didnt offer those services.
The company covers a 15- to 25-mile radius in
Southern California, but the company will also serve
customers in other communities as needed.

Q: You said that

Caseyou offer some of your services to other
plumbers. How do you handle this part of the business?
STUDIES
A: Some of our business colleagues in plumbing are
not offering extended services, such as cameras or the
big jetters, the drain work, or the smoke testing that we do.
We make ourselves available to them as a subcontractor,
or in other cases we go in and work with their customer
directly upon their recommendation. This way we support
other plumbing outfits.
Cory Hansen, owner of Hansens Plumbing & Mechanical, stands in his company
yard in Ventura, California.
Our commercial customer base represents about 15
percent of our business, but as we service these clients we
have been able to develop residential business with their
employees, who see us on the job and know that our work
for them would excel because we take good care of their
workplace.

Q: Do you offer pipe bursting and relining?
A: We have offered those services, but we actually sub out
that work. There are companies that only offer these ser-
vices. We are considering including these technologies here
at Hansens.
Q: What percent of your business is in basic residential
plumbing, and how have you been able to grow that
part of your services?
A: We do about 50 percent in residential plumbing. We have
been able to grow over the years thanks to several reasons,
including the work we have done for some of our commercial
customers.
Q: How many employees do you have on staff?
A: We have 13, including my wife Patti and I. There are six
service technicians.
Q: Do you offer any remodeling to residential customer?
A: In addition to basic plumbing, we do some remodeling,
but we dont really go after that. If a customer wants to do
a redo, or if they have had a flood or a mudslide, they may
need some help. When we do this type of work we are not
doing the finish work. Someone else will take all that respon-
sibility. We just do rough plumbing.
There are local supply houses with great showrooms. If
a customer comes to us we point them in that direction. The

28

supply houses have all of the options and always a good staff
on hand to help the customer with models and brands.
Q: What are some significant changes you have seen in
the plumbing industry?
A: One of the things I see lacking in many industries is cus-
tomer service and courtesy. This has always been import-
ant, but it seems like people are getting away from it. This
is something we pay attention to with our entire staff, and
we talk about the importance of being polite and
respectful.
Q: Explain further how you have been addressing this
with your employees and how you instill these principles.
A: Every workday we take 30 minutes and get together
field staff and office and just go over these things. We
have a little powwow. Nothing major, but we discuss these
things and other issues related to the business. We will addi-
tionally go over various procedures and jobs, some cross-train-
ing and safety videos.
Q: What do you see for your company in the future?
A: I would hopefully see, in three to five years, having our
own facility with bigger office space and bigger yard and
shop. Im thinking of getting a recycler truck or a jet/vac
We make ourselves available to them as
a subcontractor, or in other cases we go
in and work with their customer directly
upon their recommendation. This way
we support other plumbing outfits.
truck. We have no water here in Southern California. Im
researching and talking with people at the municipalities
to see the feasibility. It looks like the demand is ramping up.
There is interest in this.
With the big jet trucks, the newer versions, instead of
using fresh domestic water from the fire hydrant to fill the
tank, we will show up at a job where there is a blockage and
the vacuum will pull the water out and filter it within the
system, and use that water for jetting. This can save up to
20,000 gallons a day per vehicle.
We will lift the manhole, vacuum the water and debris
out of the stoppage and actually be cleaning up and separating
the material. This will be very efficient as we can get up to
three times the amount of lineal footage with this newer
vehicle.
plumbermag.com | February 2017 29
 SPOTLIGHT

Getting More Power

Inspection camera gets more versatility
because of battery By Kyle Rogers

S
ometimes plumbers need to deploy an inspection diameter camera head with sapphire lens, stainless steel
camera at a remote job site. Thats where the Viztrac body and six white LED lights with dimmer; a built-in 512
Max from Amazing Machinery can help. A 20-volt Hz sonde; 100 to 225 feet of 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch push cable;
lithium-ion battery powers the Viztrac Max for up to 10 and a heavy-duty powder-coated storage reel.
hours, eliminating the reliance on another power source. King says Amazing Machinery is targeting customers
The battery pack highlights the upgraded features of the of all sizes with the camera, largely because the reliability of
Viztrac Max, a more enhanced version of the standard model. the system components is combined with affordability.
Amazing Machinery showcased this newest
Viztrac inspection camera at the 2016 Water
& Wastewater Equipment, Treatment &
Transport Show.
Everything about the Viztrac has been
very reliable, and we just carried through
with everything that was working but added
a few new features, says Justin King, vice
president at Amazing Machinery. The
feature that everyone is talking about is the
battery pack, which has one of the longest
lives in the industry.
The standard Viztrac has no battery
pack and must be plugged into an AC/DC
wall jack or other power source such as a
generator. Customer feedback drove the
battery pack upgrade on the Viztrac Max
model.
That was one of the biggest requests
we had from customers, so they could keep
the cameras out in the field without having
to run extension cords or carry a generator, Russell Jones (right) one of the owners of Amazing Machinery, explains the features of
the Viztrac Max inspection camera to a WWETT Show attendee. (Photo by Craig Mandli)
King says. It gives them that ability to be
a little more versatile and do jobs that are
a little more remote with a lot less setup. The Viztrac Max With this camera, were looking at everything from
can also still be powered directly from an AC/DC wall jack, small mom-and-pop plumbing companies to large franchise
so you have two power options. companies with over 100 service vans, King says. Its an
A larger 9-inch monitor on the control unit is the other affordable product that is very reliable, so it makes it a lot
major upgrade on the Viztrac Max compared to the 7-inch easier if you have multiple service vans to outfit them with
screen size on the standard option. Otherwise the features Viztracs. We have features that are very similar to a lot of
are the same, including a built-in digital recorder with remote other cameras. Theyre the features that are demanded by
control that records to a 4GB SD card; a waterproof 1.375-inch- plumbers, that are the absolute must-haves. What sets us

30
 What sets us apart is the price.
Were trying to maintain an affordable
product thats well-built in the U.S.
out of quality components.
Justin King
NEW
apart is the price. Were trying to maintain an affordable
product thats well-built in the U.S. out of quality components.
The 2016 WWETT Show marked about a year that the
Viztrac Max has been on the market. Amazing Machinery
brought two cameras to display in its booth and both were
sold at the show. Additional units were ordered by attendees.
Thats the benefit of coming to the show, says King people
can see products like the Viztrac Max firsthand.
The show has always been good for us because its
hands-on, and we have so many customers who like the
hands-on. They want to know what theyre buying, King
says. 800/504-7435; www.amazingmachinery.com.

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 First
RESPONDERS

Family-Owned Plumbing and

HVAC CompanyIndustry
Has Saved Lives
INSIDER
Wisconsins Frasiers Plumbing leaves nothing to chance to
protect technicians from carbon monoxide poisoning By Irwin Rapoport

O
n Jan. 7, 2015, Frasiers Plumbing, Heating &
Cooling in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, received an
urgent call that caught their attention immediately.
Hello this is James were having problems with our
heater. Uh, its making really moaning sounds ... um
the house is really dropping in temperature, and both my
wife and myself have extreme, bad headaches. Were think-
ing we may have a carbon monoxide leak. Thank you for
calling me back as soon as possible. If there is no response,
just send help. Thank you.

If the CO levels are extremely high, the

technician immediately calls 911 and opens any
doors or windows that they can from outside,
and tells occupants to get outside to
keep themselves safe.
Jared Fraiser

Carbon monoxide (CO) leaks usually occur between

November and March, but Jared Frasier, director of
marketing and recruiting for the family-owned company,
says they can happen year-round from improperly installed
boilers or those that have malfunctioned due to exceeding
the life span and a lack of maintenance.
Three days before this call, the couples regular
heating-service company had done work on the boiler,
but left without finishing, Frasier says. Though it was
freezing outside, the company would not return their
calls during those three days. When the Frasiers heating
technician arrived, he found the wife, nearly unconscious,
on the bedroom floor. The husband was already delirious
from poisoning.
Kyle Leighton, operations and service manager at Frasiers
Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Rhinelander, Wisconsin,
demonstrates a combustion analyzer (TPI) in the companys
training room. Each of Frasiers technicians carry an analyzer in
the event of a carbon monoxide leak. (Photograph by Cory
Dellenbach)
The technician immediately contacted 911 for help
and got them out of the house. The wife, in critical
condition, was saved after being placed in a hyperbolic
chamber at the hospital until her blood oxygen levels

34
normalized. A local television station picked up the story, The combustion analysis for CO can be done in a few
and Frasiers received calls from homeowners concerned moments, but if they dont and the concentrations of CO
about their old boilers. are high enough, a technician could pass out by the time
they reach the system.
CLEAR RULES
While this was an extreme case, Frasiers rules are SIMPLE MAINTENANCE
clear the lives of its customers and crews take first pri- We deal with CO leaks every year, either from a CO
ority. Before technicians enter a home, they zero-out alarm going off or while checking on a malfunctioning
their low-level CO analyzer outside the home in fresh
air. Then, they test inside the home.
If the CO levels are extremely high, the technician
immediately calls 911 and opens any doors or windows Rhinelander, WI
that they can from outside, and tells occupants to get
outside to keep themselves safe, says Frasier. If CO lev-
els are low, the technician opens doors and windows, and
steps outside with the occupants. Once at safe levels, they COMPANY Frasiers Plumbing,
Heating & Cooling
quickly turn off the system leaking the CO.
Technicians conduct the CO analysis using UEianalyzers. OWNERS Phil and Joanna Frasier
Only after it is deemed safe to work in does the technician
go inside to conduct the inspection and repair work. LOCATION Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Every Frasiers technician is trained to use analyzers FOUNDED 1918
to check for CO, with training for new and experienced
employees refreshed annually. SERVICE AREA Servicing a large service
area throughout
You hear stories every year of technicians going into Northern Wisconsin
a home and becoming victims, especially in northern
parts of the U.S. and Canada, says Frasier. A combus- SERVICES Plumbing, heating and
cooling
tion analysis is part of the assessment. Were part of the
best practices group Nexstar Network and we provide WEBSITE frasiers.com
our technicians with the National Comfort Institutes
Carbon Monoxide training. Within those programs are
a set of standardized procedures that technicians are
The end of the combustion analyzer is inserted into the piping of the
expected to do when going into a home. furnace to get a read on the carbon monoxide levels.
 First
RESPONDERS

system, says Frasier. Because of our winters, its very
common. Weve had to evacuate homes way too frequently.
Were proud to save lives, but it concerns us that leaks usu-
ally come from lack of maintenance or poor installation.
People tend to not give water boilers as much attention as
you would a furnace or water heater. Even though they
Industry
expect to get decades of use from them, a majority do not
have them maintained annually. INSIDER
Annual maintenance helps ensure there are no exhaust
leaks from cracks in the pipes or unit components. CO
leaks due to an improperly installed boiler can typically
be made safe by fixing the exhaust. However, older boil-
ers with critical cracks and other life span issues are usu-
ally replaced.
After Frasiers completes repairs or installs a new boiler,
customers are offered membership in its service partner
program, which provides an annual inspection, tuning
and system testing to make sure that everything is run-
ning properly. This helps to extend the life of the boiler.
We strongly suggest maintenance plans and install-
ing low-level detectors for peace of mind, says Frasier,
So then somebody is accountable for the status of the
equipment.
Being a fifth-generation family business, founded in
1918, the dangers of CO leaks are well known. When the
technology to determine CO levels became available, Fra-
siers secured it.
Back in the 1950s and 1960s the sniffing technology
did not really exist and it was a dangerous time, says
Frasier. Particularly because of our rather remote loca-
tion in Northern Wisconsin. Ive got pictures of my grand-
father working on old boilers from back then. They didnt
have the technology we have, but they had safety proce-
dures built on common sense. It was and still is a ques-
tion of protecting family and your friends and neighbors.
In a small community like ours, customers and employ-
ees are often people that you went to school with and
grew up with.
Additional training opportunities for technicians are
provided as Frasiers has units set up in its shop that
technicians can work on and practice mock combustion
analyzing. CO analyzers are upgraded regularly.

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36
 Product
FOCUS
Residential
Product Plumbing | By Craig Mandli
NEWS
Boiler
Bosch Thermotechnology
Buderus SSB Series
The Buderus SSB Series boi ler
fromBosch Thermotechnology is made for
Case
small residential through large commercial
STUDIES
applications. The single-platform design
makes installation and commissioning easy,
regardless of the output required. Units
achieve consistent combustion throughout the length of the
laser-perforated burner tube. The boiler offers 96 percent
efficiency, a 5:1 turndown ratio and onboard controls that
include weather compensation. In addition to Modbus
connectivity, a two-wire cascades link, push terminal wiring
and various venting options, the boilers are CSD1 compliant,
featuring built-in low-water cutoff and adjustable manual
reset high limit. Available in eight models in four separate
cabinet sizes, the boilers have inputs from 85 up to 1,024
mBh.800/283-3787; www.boschheatingandcooling.com.
Fittings
BrassCraft Speedi Plumb
Plus Push Connect Water
Heater Connectors
The braided polymer
fibers of the BrassCraft Speedi Plumb Plus Push Connect
Water Heater Connectors bend freely without kinking,
crimping or flattening, making installation easier, especially
in cramped quarters. The braided jacket is designed to resist
corrosion from most harsh household chemicals that can
corrode and deteriorate stainless steel braiding. Polymer
fibers are resistant to higher temperatures, which makes
them ideal for water heater connections. They have superior
corrosion resistance inside and out, and no dielectric union
is needed, as it is integrated into the connector, eliminating
the need to install a separate dielectric union. A pre-inserted
tube stiffener self-aligns with the tubing, creating an
installation-ready water connector that creates a durable,
watertight seal. It is compatible with copper, PEX and CPVC,
38
and no soldering or glue is required for installation. 877/272-
7755; www.brasscraft.com.
Fixtures
Mansfield Plumbing Aegean
The one-piece Aegean toilet from
Mansfield Plumbing has a molded base
and tank for easier cleaning and
installation, elongated front bowl, and
color-match SmartClose seat. Model
705NS offers 1.6 gpf, while the ADA
Model 708 delivers 1.28 gpf and has a
16 5/8-inch SmartHeight bowl. Both models include high-
performance MagnaFlush technology, 2-inch glazed trapway,
3-inch flush valve and pilot-operated anti-siphon fill valve.
Colors include white, biscuit and bone.877/850-3060;
www.mansfieldplumbing.com.
Sump Pumps
Franklin Electric Little Giant
6EC/10EC Series
Little Giant 6EC and 10EC
Series pumps from Franklin
Electric provide lower current
draw, higher energy efficiency,
and improved performance in sump, dewatering, water
transfer and light effluent applications. They have cast iron
covers and a polypropylene base that includes the stainless
steel plate. Additional models are available with a durable
cast iron base, providing increased intake area, reducing
intake velocities and clogging potential. The 1/3 hp 6EC
Series consumes 5 amps while producing 53 gpm at 5 feet
of head and reaching a maximum shut-off of 28 feet. The
1/2 hp 10EC Series has a full-load rating of 6.5 amps and
produces 67 gpm at 5 feet of head with a maximum shut-
off of 36 feet. They are designed for continuous duty, with
permanent split-capacitor motors with thermal overload
protection, and handle solids up to 1/2 inch in diameter.
260/824-2900; www.littlegiant.com. Continued
Roo
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 Product
FOCUS
Webtrol Pumps V-Series
The .33 hp V-Series sump/eff luent
pump with automatic operation from
Webtrol Pumps Product
has a recessed vortex
NEWS
impeller, reducing the load on the bearing
and helping prevent clogging, extending
the life of the pump. The motor is air filled
and offers a continuous-duty rating. To protect the motor
from water, it comes standard with a potted epoxy cord seal
as well as a carbon-ceramic mechanical seal. Constructed
from stainless steel, cast iron and glass-filled polymers, it
can be used for both residential or light commercial
applications. 800/769-7867; www.webtrol.com.
Case
STUDIES
Tools/Controls
Bell & Gossett, a Xylem brand
TECHNOLOGIC VFD
The TECHNOLOGIC VFD
from Bell & Gossett, a Xylem
brand, is an intelligent pump
controller with two advanced
controller functions including a
Start-Up Genie and electrically controlled bypass, engineered
to reduce on-site setup and configuration time by 50 percent
for a range of hydronic HVAC system applications. The
Start-Up Genie guides users through quick and easy
commissioning, with 10 preconfigured applications, preset
pump protections and input/output options. A bypass option
is available with electronic control to ensure uninterrupted
operation of the HVAC system by keeping the rotating
equipment running. It also has the ability to alter hydraulic
performance to maintain constant system pressure. The
pump package is compatible with a variety of products to
better match system demands. Its setup time is approximately
15 minutes. 847/966-3700; www.bellgossett.com.
Grundfos Pumps UPZC Series
The expandableUPZC Seriesof
zone controls from Grundfos
Pumps is designed to manage
circulator and boiler control in
residential hydronic heating systems. The non-networked
devices control up to six heating zones, and can be coupled
together in various configurations to accommodate any
application. The zone relay control connects to standard
thermostats using either two or three wires. The optional
third wire provides 24-volts AC to thermostats that require
40
external power. The UPZC operates in a cold-start
configuration with a call for heat from a thermostat.800/921-
7867;us.grundfos.com.
Oatey Universal Drain Guide
The Universal Drain Guide
from Oatey turns a two-person
bath waste installation into a one-
person job. The durable plastic
guide securely mounts in place under the tub with adhesive
strips. This allows the installer to secure the bath waste and
overf low from the inside of the tub and complete the
installation in half the time it would take two people to
complete. 800/321-9532; www.oatey.com.
RIDGID Telescoping Basin Wrench
The RIDGID Telescoping
Basin Wrench incorporates a
built-in, water-resistant LED
light to illuminate dark, tight
spaces and make under-sink applications easier to complete.
Its telescoping design, with easy push-button activation and
spring-loaded jaws of forged alloy steel, allows for fast, one-
handed ratcheting. The tension plug holds heads in any
position up to a 90-degree angle. It has a large-diameter
rotating swivel T-handle for comfortable gripping and easier
access to tight spaces. The T-handle is also removable and
includes a 3/8-inch square drive connection to integrate
with other drivers. 800/769-7743; www.ridgid.com.
See Water WS Series
WS Series simplex control panels
from See Water are ideal for sewage
pump chambers, grinder pumps, sump
pump basins and lift stations. The
system has a clear-front NEMA-4X
heavy-duty polycarbonate enclosure,
an IEC contactor, a motor protective
switch, individual float status indicator, and dry contacts
for high liquid, pump run and pump fault. The panels are
UL listed. 888/733-9283; www.seewaterinc.com.
SJE-Rhombus MySpy WiFi Messenger
The MySpy WiFi Messenger indoor
alarm system from SJE-Rhombus monitors
and reports any residential alarm condition
(contact closure), including sump high
water level or over/under temperature
alarms.When the contact closes, the alarm
notifies the user both locally (audible and
Continued
 visual alarms) and remotely via SMS text messages and/or
emails alarms)
visual to a smartphone, tabletvia
and remotely or computer
SMS text using the existing
messages and/or
Dont Work Harder Wi-Fi network
emails
contacts
Wi-Fi
or Ethernet.The
to a smartphone,
(two email,
network
tablet or alarm
two text contacts)
or Ethernet.The
willusing
computer notifythe
for notify
alarm will
upexisting
alerts, up
to four
including
to four

Work Smarter
alarm, power
contacts lost, power
(two email, restored,
two text lowfor
contacts) battery
alerts,and alarm
including
offline.The
alarm, poweralarm
lost,does
powernotrestored,
rely on cellular service,
low battery andsoalarm
there

with VanCrane!
are no contracts
offline.The alarmto sign
doesor monthly
not rely onfees to pay.It
cellular has aso
service, NEMA
there
1-rated
are enclosure
no contracts to for
signindoor use, automatic
or monthly alarm
fees to pay.It has arest
NEMAand
9-volts DC
1-rated batteryfor
enclosure backup
indoorwith low-battery
use, automaticchirp.The
alarm resttouch
and
Make one of the pad includes
9-volts
LEDincludes
test and
DC battery
indicators
silence
backup
forand
alarm
buttons
with
(red),
for thechirp.The
low-battery
power on
alarm horn and
touch
pad test silence buttons for(green)
the alarmandhorn
network
and
hardest parts statusindicators
LED for alarm (red),www.mywifialarm.com.
(blue).888/342-5753; power on (green) and network
of your job the easiest. status (blue).888/342-5753; www.mywifialarm.com.

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plumbermag.com | February 2017 43
 Case
STUDIES
Residential Plumbing
By Craig Mandli
Plumber installs macerator pump in
own basement bathroom
Problem: Plumbing contractor Don Frederick Sr. needed
to add a bathroom to serve his Amsterdam, New York,
homes basement, out of which he ran his business.He had
just one problem the walk-out basement was below the
homes drainline, making it impossible to install a conven-
tional bathroom.
Solution: Fredericks first instinct was to take the conven-
tional route of installing a sewage ejection pump. However,
he recalled various problems he had encountered while
using this method in the past.Instead, he chose to installthe
Saniaccess3 above-floor plumbing macerator from Sani-
flo, which comes with two easy-to-open panels atop the
unit, providing ready access to the internal components
for servicing.The maceratorgrinds waste into a slurry
before pumping it horizontally or vertically to a homes or
buildings drainline.
Result: By choosing above-floor plumbing over a sewage
ejection pump, Frederick estimatessavings of roughly $1,500
and more than a days worth of labor. 800/571-8191;
www.saniflo.com.
44
User-friendly boiler installed
in tight footprint
Problem: Chris McLaughlin, lead installation tech at
Coppersmith Plumbing Company in Grand Junction, Colorado,
was recently called to replace a boiler in a home where
Coppersmith had installed the original boiler years ago. I
wanted to try out a new firetube boiler, says McLaughlin.
Ive installed a few firetubes from two or three different
manufacturers over the years, but we install mostly Burnham-
brand equipment.
Solution: When I learned that U.S. Boiler Co. had intro-
duced a new K2 Firetube, I decided to use it on this appli-
cation, says McLaughlin. The old natural gas system was
under a flight of steps in the garage, feeding three zones of
fin-tube baseboard. McLaughlin found that space con-
straints werent an issue for the 85 mBh K2 Firetube. The
ability to pipe the supply and return out of either the top or
bottom of the boiler was an advantage. The unit has a dim-
pled, stainless steel vertical firetube heat exchanger and is
available in six sizes from 85 to 270 mBh. A 155 mBh com-
bination version is also available.
Result: Everything installed smoothly except for the out-
door reset, says McLaughlin. The layout of these houses
makes it tough to fish the wire where I want it. Ill be order-
ing the wireless ODR kit next time were called to this neigh-
borhood. The boiler proved to be easier to install than he
had expected. 717/397-4701; www.usboiler.net.
 BOOTH
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and references of satisfied customers.
We have been using the Pulsar 2000 along with the XL2 fluid detector
and Geophones since January 1989 in our leak locating business. Our
leak locates are accurate 95% of the time, but I can honestly say, the
line we trace is always there. Our equipment is user-friendly and requires
very little training, as you will see on the video. Purchase the Pulsar 2000
line tracer, XL2 fluid detector and Geophones, and start locating leaks
immediately.
Its a jumble out there.
www.Pulsar2000.com
DISTRIBUTORS WANTED

COLE Publishing Inc., PO Box 220, Three Lakes, WI 54562 Online: gomcmag.com Phone: 800.257.7222 Fax: 715.546.3786
plumbermag.com | February 2017 47
 Product
NEWS
Product Spotlight
HammerHead HydroGuide winch
includes Case
time-saving downrigger
STUDIES
ByCraig Mandli
N
ow more than ever, time is money. Thats why
t he Hyd ro Gu ide HG12 0 0 w i nc h f rom
HammerHead Trenchless Equipment makes
sense for companies that handle pipe bursting, sliplining
and slitting applications. The unit is optimally designed
to be efficient and easy to use, and includes a self-deploying
hydraulic downrigger, improved performance and additional
safety features.
The HG1200 is probably our most versatile winch unit,
says Josh Hood, HammerHead product line manager. Its
going to be a great fit for anyone performing industrial pipe
rehab or commercial work.
The HG1200 makes setup easy with its hydraulic down-
rigger. With the touch of a button, the technician is able to
automatically deploy the boom downhole and can fine-tune
the depth up to 18 feet without having to jack up the machine.
With the hydraulic boom, setup and teardown take just
minutes, which saves valuable time on a job site.
The deployable boom is great because it keeps the tech-
nician from having to go down the manhole, saving time,
says Hood. We looked at how much time is typically wasted
on the job site, and added features to eliminate that.
The units precision controls allow users to adjust the
boom to any depth, and also have total control of the line
Water Cannon
undercarriage cleaner
Steel Eagle undercarriage clean-
ers from Water Cannon are designed
to simplify pressure-washing vehi-
cle undersides. A 13-inch wheel
assembly has two 0-degree nozzles
and two 15-degree nozzles, providing 24 inches of cleaning
area. The unit handles pressures up to 4,300 psi and tem-
peratures up to 250 degrees. The handle adjusts from 33.5
to 60 inches of reach and the unit can be used for vehicles
with 14.5 inches of ground clearance. 800/333-9274;
www.watercannon.com.
48
speed and pressure. Pull force can be set anywhere between
0.5 to 12 tons, and the line speed can be set anywhere between
0 to 111 feet per minute.
Each job is different, so we created a machine that
can be adjusted to fit each individual job, says Hood. We
worked to create a winch with the necessary power and
agility for a wide range of situations to ensure customer
success.
The unit is powered by the Kubota D1105, a vertical,
water-cooled, four-cycle diesel engine that complies with
Tier 4 emission regulations. Optional tracks allow it to
reach difficult areas on the job site that the standard, wheel-
mounted unit cannot, such as backyards and crowded
urban areas. The unit is the predecessor to the HG12 winch,
Hammerheads stalwart on the winch market for 14 years.
The HG12 is still popular, but the needs have changed,
so we needed something that offered more versatility,
says Hood. The key to a successful job is getting in, get-
ting the job done quickly and efficiently, and getting out.
We believe this winch will help them do that. 800/331-
6653; www.hammerheadtrenchless.com.
Isuzu Class 6 medium-duty truck
The 2018 Isuzu FTR is designed
for high efficiency in the medium-duty
truck market. The Class 6 truck has a
25,950-pound GVWR and Dana axles
with capacities of 12,000 pounds in
front and 19,000 pounds in the rear.
The FTR will offer wheelbase lengths from 152 to 248 inches,
accommodating bodies from 14 to 30 feet long. The turbo-
charged Isuzu 5.2L engine provides 215 hp and 520 ft-lbs
of torque, and the Allison six-speed automatic transmis-
sion features power take-off capability. 877/478-9828;
www.isuzucv.com.
 INDUSTRY NEWS
General Pipe Cleaners drain Hydra-Flex honored on fastest-growing
snake Quick Fix private companies list
Quick Fix from General Pipe
Hydra-Flex, manufacturer of Ripsaw and Switchblade
Cleaners is designed to repair bro-
hydroexcavation nozzles, was named 25 on the Minneap-
ken drain cleaning snakes in the field. A spring with pre-
olis/St. Paul Business Journals Fast 50 list. The Fast 50 is
welded female connector is threaded over the broken snake
a list of the regions fastest-growing private companies.
after the damaged end is cut off, allowing a broken snake

to be fixed with vice grips or pliers. They are available in
Apex Tool appoints
1/2-, 9/16-, 5/8- and 3/4-inch sizes with female or male con-
Ross Porter Jr. as senior
nectors for General Flexicore cables. 800/245-6200;
vice president and president
www.drainbrain.com.
Apex Tool Group has appointed
Ross Porter Jr. to its executive lead-
Zoeller Pump Companys Shark Series ership team as senior vice president
The new 1 hp Model 818 and 1.5 hp
and president of its Global Power
Model 819 grinder pumps from Zoeller
Tools business unit. Prior to join-
Pump Company feature an improved dual-
ing Apex, Porter held senior exec-
blade, angled cutter that shreds wastewater
utive roles at both Newell Brands
materials down to a 1/8-inch particle size.
and Chamberlain Industries.
The cutter system delivers more torque per

blade, lowering current draw during grind-
Christopher Drew appointed chairman of AHRI
ing cycles. Both pumps are available in either automatic or
The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Insti-
non-automatic models. 800/928-7867; www.zoeller.com.
tute (AHRI) appointed Christopher Drew, executive vice
president of Burnham Holdings, as its 2017 chairman of
Watts Water Technologies the board.
press connection options
The new press connection options
Saniflo names PEPCO Sales new agent in Texas
for select water-pressure-reducing
Saniflo has appointed PEPCO Sales as its new sales
valves from Watts are an alternative
representative in Texas. In business since 1965, PEPCO
to sweat/solder joining in both new construction and ren-
Sales serves the plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, water-
ovation projects. The press technology joins copper tubing
works, fire protection and irrigation industries and will
to brass and bronze valves more efficiently than soldering.
carry the full line of Saniflo products.
Press connections also create a watertight seal that is strong,
consistent and reliable, and avoids soldering issues such as
fire and smoke. 978/688-1811; www.watts.com.

Send us your plumbing product news: Email new plumbing product news, photos,
www.plumbermag.com
and videos to editor@plumbermag.com.

Its your magazine. Tell your story.

At Plumber, were looking for plumbing companies with

an interesting story to tell. If youd like to share your

story, send us a note to news@plumbermag.com.

plumbermag.com | February 2017 49

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