Organization: MCAA

Silicon Valley Mechanical Improves Productivity, Efficiency With PypeServer Enterprise Software

Silicon Valley Mechanical, a full-service mechanical contractor in San Jose, CA, rapidly improved productivity and increased efficiency by putting PypeServer software into place. Here, Jamie Garza, detail manager, and Dean Garza, piping shop general foreman at Silicon Valley Mechanical, describe how they achieved those gains.

What led to your decision to try PypeServer’s workflow software?

We’ve been running PypeServer’s Enterprise software for our Vernon pipe profiler since early 2021 and have been happy with it. Between its O-let handling features, part nesting, and labeling, Enterprise is giving us two to four times the productivity and higher cut quality from our Vernon. At the same time, we’d tried several different workflow software packages from other vendors to get data from our VDC [virtual design and construction] group to the shop, but nothing really worked to our satisfaction. We recently had a connectivity issue between another piece of software and the Vernon—it would just stall out for days with no help from the vendor. That’s what led us to try PypeServer’s Connect and Cloud workflow software, which is included for free with our Enterprise subscription for the Vernon.

Learn more about the software and request a demo here: https://bit.ly/3w2M7Xu

What does your typical workflow look like now, from design through production?

The Detailing team works with engineered drawings in AutoCAD Fabrication CADmep to set them up for prefabrication. Once a model is signed off and ready for build, we spool in Fabrication, select the parts we want to cut using the PypeServer Connect plug-in for AutoCAD, and send the cut lists to the Vernon using the PypeServer Cloud service to transmit the data and monitor progress.

You’re one of the first users of PypeServer’s full suite of workflow products, including the Connect add-ons for Revit and AutoCAD, the Cloud service, and PypeServer Enterprise for your Vernon MPM pipe profiler. Can you describe the implementation process?

Getting everything set up and working was much easier and faster than we expected. We worked with the PypeServer Support team to understand how information gets pushed through the system and how to configure PypeServer Connect and Cloud to send data to our Vernon. Installing the Connect add-on for AutoCAD is a breeze, and it’s simple to add users to our Cloud account. It literally takes only minutes to train someone new on the PypeServer workflow, and they’re pushing data to the shop in under an hour. PypeServer’s support team also helped us set things up on the shop side with Enterprise for the Vernon. The software lets us automatically customize O-let hole sizes, insert root gaps, and make other fabrication-specific design tweaks, as well as printing labels.

Having the PypeServer team available for support has been huge. When we’re up and rolling, we don’t have days to stop if something goes wrong. We need to be back up and running within hours, and PypeServer has delivered. 

How has your workflow changed with PypeServer, and what savings in time, labor, and materials have you seen?

Our VDC group used to spend a lot of time converting feet and inches to decimals on spool sheets for the shop. When you look at the number of spools we build, the time spent on that adds up fast. Now the Vernon pipe profiler gets the information it needs directly from the Connect AutoCAD plug-in, so the process has been streamlined from a page-by-page spool sheet review that could take hours to a quick five minutes to send the data to the cloud, bring it into Enterprise, and double check that everything that needs to be fabricated was sent down to the shop from VDC.

With PypeServer Enterprise and Connect software, Silicon Valley Mechanical links the detailer to the Vernon machine on the shop floor, which results in predictable, weld-ready cuts that speed up the fabrication process.

The nesting feature of Enterprise is also a huge time and material saver. Now we can send all the parts to the machine at the same time, and it will cut them in one operation with minimal waste. This allows the operator to accomplish other tasks, like prepping the ends of the pipe for the welder, organizing the pieces coming off the Vernon, and then loading new material to be cut.

Our workflow is now migrating toward pushing everything to PypeServer Cloud. We used to rely a lot on cut files that we’d put in specific folders on our computer network. Sometimes files would get put in the wrong place and it was possible to accidentally cut things twice. With the Cloud, there are no lost files and the system keeps track of what’s been cut.

PypeServer Enterprise for the Vernon easily paid for itself before we started using Connect and Cloud, but now the efficiencies are extending up to our VDC group, and we don’t have to pay anything extra for those workflow tools.

Do you have any further improvements planned for your fabrication process?

We really like how PypeServer Enterprise has increased the value of our Vernon pipe profiler, and we’re looking at using PypeServer Lyte with our TigerSaw. Many of our projects include fabricating specialty racking systems out of copper. We cut all this on our TigerSaw, and a lot of the pieces can be prefabricated. We’ve already been testing the new workflow, pulling cut lists from AutoCAD and sending them to the TigerStop using Connect and Cloud in exactly the same way we do for the Vernon.

Are there any other benefits that you didn’t expect from the PypeServer software?

We really like how PypeServer Enterprise gives us deep control over how the Vernon works. For example, the Vernon has a big rotating head that gives it a lot of beveling flexibility, but for small holes, it can slow things down and cause overburn. Enterprise lets us turn off head rotation for small holes, which really speeds it up and improves cut quality dramatically. We’re now able to cut holes as small as 3/16”. With the regular Vernon software, we couldn’t do that.

Do you have any advice for other organizations looking to improve their fab shop productivity?

Be patient and have a clear road map for where you want to go. We recommend tackling one piece of equipment at a time and making sure you have a dedicated test team who can stay on top of the process to refine the workflow. Ask your peers what they are doing, where they are finding opportunities for success, and also where they’ve come up short.

In the end, we really like the way PypeServer has removed the middleman between VDC and the shop. We get great visibility on cut lists as they move from the design software to the pipe profiler—giving us more control and better efficiency.

For more information, visit pypeserver.com.

Transformative Executive Education: Develop Yourself and Your Company with the Advanced Leadership Institute

Transform the way you lead – the way you think about leadership – by developing the skills that will take you and your team to the next level. MCAA’s Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI) is now accepting applications for Course 23, which will run October 1-4 (Week I) and November 12-16 (Week II), 2023.

The ALI is a unique leadership education experience designed especially for senior executives from MCAA and MSCA member companies. This prestigious two-week program helps participants develop and practice the practical skills they need to successfully lead their organizations, in an immersive on-campus experience at the UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School in Chapel Hill, NC.

The ALI is designed for individuals who have chief executive responsibilities for their company, or for a significant business unit within the company. The program is one of the top executive leadership experiences provided by any member organization, anywhere; Kenan-Flagler is ranked #2 in the nation for custom executive education, and #9 in the world!

This elite executive education program is limited to 36 participants per year to allow for extensive industry networking alongside its top-tier curriculum. Interest in this year’s program has been unprecedented, and we expect the course to fill quickly. To learn more about the program – including who should apply, and how to download and submit the application – visit the ALI course page.

ALI Webpage

Celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence Each Month of 2023 With a Safety Resource Kit

To celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence, MCAA is offering monthly safety kits to benefit our contractors around the country and the mechanical industry workers they support. Each kit will include videos, webinars, trainings, and additional resources on each monthly topic.

March 2023: Power Tool & Hand Tool Safety

Every contractor and worker use tools to do their job. Injuries from improper use and choosing the wrong tool for the job happen far too often. This month’s kit provides members with information on the most common hand and power tool injuries in the mechanical construction and service trades. The videos highlight the tools most likely to be involved in an injury incident and teach proper use of the tools to help prevent injuries. Also, check out these additional resources from our partner in safety, MILWAUKEE TOOL, for additional information on power and hand tool safety.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Hand & Power Tool Safety

Welding and Cutting Safety

Welding – Electric Arc Welding Safety

MILWAUKEE TOOL Resources

Hand Incident Prevention Training Kits

Safety Training Videos

DOWNLOAD RESOURCE SUMMARY

Find the Latest from Morris Group International and Trane in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Morris Group International
Get hassle free maintenance with the Murdock® Maintenance Advantage Program. These products have features that can help make installation and maintenance faster and easier.

Learn More

Trane
Trane creates sustainable, energy-efficient systems for commercial and residential projects. Contractors can count on our expertise, partnerships as well as tools and resources to get the job done.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Visit Smart Solutions

IAPMO & AWWA Publish Recommended Practices for the Safe Closure & Reopening of Building Water Systems

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) have published the AWWA/IAPMO Manual-2022: Manual of Recommended Practices for the Safe Closure and Reopening of Building Water Systems.

This manual of recommended practice is intended to provide expert guidance on building water system safety. It provides sound and effective risk management practices for preparing water systems when buildings must be shut down or put into low-use modes, “exercising” building water systems during periods of no or low use, and evaluating and prepping water systems for reopening.

“This manual will serve as a practical reference for repeatable and reliable methods to manage building operations through a full range of challenges,” said Rich Benkowski, UA Department of Education Consultant.

Read the full press release and download the new manual below.

PRESS RELEASE
MANUAL

Don’t Miss Out – MCAA’s First Field Leaders Conference Is in April

Conference Dates: April 3-5, 2023 | Scottsdale, AZ

April will be here before we know it, and so will our first Field Leaders Conference of the year. Those who attend will return with the skills they need to be business- and results-oriented managers focused on growing company profits and brand. Grow your field leaders’ skill set while at the same time supporting the Arizona MCA, our host and MCAA’s newest affiliate. Register your team today!

Field Leaders Will Learn

  • To view themselves as professionals
  • The importance of the bottom line
  • Why customer relationships matter
  • How to establish tangible goals
  • What’s the “smarter” way to work
  • Their role as the face of your company
  • What it means to be a great foreman

Staying On-Site Adds Networking Time

When they stay at the conference hotel, your field leaders will have extra time to share experiences and listen to others. They will build new relationships that allow them to exchange advice and support long after they leave.

Financial Assistance Opportunities

Assistance is available in the form of UA International Training Fund (ITF) grants. CPMCA is also offering two $1,500 stipends per company for its members. Contact Jessica Diaz at jessica@cpmca.org for more information on those.

Your lead field personnel cannot afford to miss this conference! Don’t delay – register today! Three additional conference dates are being offered for those who can’t make it to the April conference.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

MCAA23 Make Your Moments at the M/SC Exhibit

Every year the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) join together to form the leading exhibit in the industry at the MCAA Annual Convention. The exhibit at MCAA23 will be no exception.

This year, over 100 members of the Manufacturer/Supplier Council will be participating in the annual exhibit. From tools to software to building and servicing your projects, this exhibit will keep you at the forefront of the most recent industry advances to help your organization excel. 

The exhibit will be held on Tuesday, March 28 in the Grand Saguaro Ballroom at JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. All MCAA23 attendees should plan to stop by, grab some breakfast and plan for the future of your business. 

MCAA would like to recognize and thank the members of the Manufacturer/Supplier Council Governing Board, who make up the sponsors of the MCAA Annual Convention.

Special thanks to the following companies:

Benefactor Sponsors

  • Apollo Valves – Monday Featured Speaker Captain David Marquet
  • CNA – Final Program & Awards of Excellence Co-Sponsor
  • Daikin Group – Wednesday Dinner & Concert Beverages 
  • EVAPCO, Inc. – Sunday Night Souvenir Photos & Education Seminar Handouts
  • Ferguson – Tuesday Brunch Featuring Dana Perino 
  • Johnson Controls – Monday Opening Breakfast 
  • LAARS, a Bradford White Company – Convention Registration Bags 
  • MILWAUKEE TOOL – Wednesday Evening Reception & Awards of Excellence Co-Sponsor 
  • SLOAN – Wednesday Featured Speaker Valerie Burton
  • Uponor – Sunday Night Opening Reception Dinner 
  • Viega – Student Chapter Activities 
  • Watts Water Technologies – Wednesday Night Dinner 
  • Zurn Elkay Water Solutions – Thursday Closing Session Speaker Matt Iseman  

Major Sponsors

  • ASC Engineered Solutions – Annual 5K Fun Run & 1-Mile Walk 
  • Baltimore Aircoil Company – Monday Education Speaker Matt Radicelli 
  • Carrier Corporation – Annual Golf Tournament Co-Sponsor 
  • DeWALT Industrial Tool Company – Hotel Room Key Cards 
  • Morris Group International – Convention Lanyards 
  • Mueller Industries, Inc. – Thursday Closing Breakfast 
  • NIBCO INC. – 46th Annual Tennis Tournament & 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament & Convention App 
  • SIEMENS – Sunday Opening Party Beverages 
  • Victaulic – Annual Golf Tournament Co-Sponsor 
  • Weldbend Corporation – Convention Journals 
  • Winsupply – Sunday Turndown Gift 

Supporter Sponsors

  • AB&I Foundry – Convention Souvenir 
  • Arizona MCA – General Convention Sponsorship 
  • Charlotte Pipe & Foundry – Convention Souvenir 
  • nVent – Convention Souvenir 
  • Parker Hannifin – Convention Refreshment Break 
  • Trane – Convention Refreshment Break 
LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Angie Simon Receives Industry Advocate Award for Her Recruiting Efforts at the 2023 MEP Conference

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average age of a construction worker is 42, and nearly 20% of the workforce is over the age of 55. Finding and recruiting young workers into the trades remains a challenge for contractors. Angie Simon of Western Allied Mechanical, an MCAA member, and the past President of SMACNA decided to do something about it.

At the 2023 MEP Innovation Conference, Simon was recognized by Britton Langdon of MSUITE with the first Industry Advocate Award for her efforts with the Heavy Metal Summer Experience.  What started as small camps developed with two contractors – Western Allied Mechanical in Menlo Park, California, and Hermanson Company in Kent, Washington, has grown into a nationwide program.  “We started with two camps and jumped to 11 camps last summer [2022] and 170 high school aged students,” Simon said. “We are excited for this summer because now we have around 30 camps committed and expect over 425 students,” she added.

This incredible growth is the built around the playbook that Simon and her team put together for the camps. It includes everything needed to run a camp – the forms, permission slips, work permits and safety documents. This playbook also provides contractors with lessons and projects for the camps and suggestions for working with local Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) to get as many into the industry as possible.

The camps get kids working with their hands, learning how to use industry tools, and learning some of the basics of the industry. Each camper receives a set of work boots, T-shirts, a bag of tools and the projects that they make. The costs of these items are covered by charitable donations from industry manufacturers, contractors and associations. According to Britton Langdon, “Through DEWALT, Stanley Black & Decker has sponsored the Heavy Metal Summer Experience across the country with resources, expertise and assistance in the camp. In addition, they have provided more than $200,000 in product donations to the campers.”  The program is also supported with key partnerships from Milwaukee Tool, Procore, Mestek Machinery, SMACNA, and the Makers Grant.

Following the award ceremony, MCAA, NECA and SMACNA announced that they would make a $10,000 donation on behalf of the MEP Innovation Conference. For more information on the Heavy Metal Summer experience, please visit their website.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Listening to Our Customers

A successful mechanical contracting company constantly seeks ways to enhance its business operations by encouraging honest feedback from customers. MCAA’s Listening to Our Customers explores customer types and offers tips and suggested questions to get customers talking. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers how to approach customers, tools for marketability and suggested questions to get customers talking for each of the following customer types:

  • Service
  • Design-Build
  • Industrial
  • Bid/Plan & Spec
DOWNLOAD

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Find the Latest from MILWAUKEE TOOL and Cerro Flow Products LLC in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

MILWAUKEE TOOL
The M12 FUEL™ ProPEX® Expander unlocks a breakthrough in productivity for plumbing installers, delivering the fastest 3/8”-1” expansions. Featuring an auto-rotating head, the expander provides you with uniform expansions for the most consistent installations. In combination with the ProPEX® Expander Heads with RAPID SEAL™, installers will experience up to 65% faster sealing of connections as temperatures decrease, reducing the time before pressure testing.

Learn More

Cerro Flow Products LLC
Cerro Flow Products LLC is pleased to announce CerroPress® – the next generation in copper press fittings. Purposely engineered for ease of assembly and backed by a dedicated customer service team.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Visit Smart Solutions

Help Your Field Leaders Understand Their Impact on Profitability at the 2023 Field Leaders Conference

MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference is where field leaders realize their importance and value as professionals and members of the management team. Have your field leaders join us in April, May, August or October to learn the skills they need to be business, and results, oriented managers focused on growing company profits and brand.

SESSION HIGHLIGHT

Help Your Field Leaders Understand Their Impact on Profitability
with Mark Rogers, MCAA Past President & President, West Chester Mechanical Contractors

Many in the field may not realize how their daily job impacts the people they work with and the bottom line. At the MCAA Field Leaders Conference, your field team can benefit from the know-how of someone who has experienced it all in The Foreman’s Impact on Profitability session led by MCAA member Mark Rogers. Rogers began his career as a Steamfitter Apprentice in 1986 with Local 420 in Philadelphia, went on to start his own mechanical contracting company in 1996 and served as MCAA President in 2011. He volunteers around the country presenting his “Real Cost of a Man Hour” and has given the talk over 125 times to over 20,000 UA Members. Rogers is passionate about education for everyone in the industry and tailored his presentation at the Field Leaders Conference specifically so those in the field can better understand and appreciate their overall role and impact on a job.

Mark Rogers is the President of West Chester Mechanical Contractors. He started out as a steamfitter, then started West Chester Mechanical in 1996. The company specializes in private commercial work in the healthcare and educational arenas. An MCAA past president and Chair Emeritus of MCAA’s Education Committee, Mark’s passion is education for everyone involved in our industry. He continues to help develop programs and sessions for the association, including the “Real Cost of a Manhour” presentation, which he has delivered over 125 times in the past eight years.

We have four conferences coming up in Scottsdale, AZ (April 3-5), Chicago, IL (May 17-19), San Francisco, CA (August 2-4) and Des Moines, IA (October 11-13). Register your field personnel today! This is a conference you can’t afford them to miss.

April 3-5, 2023 | Scottsdale, AZ
May 17-19, 2023 | Chicago, IL
August 2-4, 2023 | San Francisco, CA
October 11-13, 2023 | Des Moines, IA

MCAA23 Will Deliver Education for Everyone

MCAA23 is one stop shopping for all your educational needs. From navigating the threat of a recession to ensuring your company is ready and able to handle a cyber-attack, the offerings at MCAA23 are there to educate everyone from the novice to the most seasoned mechanical contractor. 

With a variety of professional speakers plus some of MCAA’s industry expert members, there is guaranteed to be a topic of interest for all attendees. Here are a just a few:

Eric Truskoski, senior director of government and regulatory affairs representing the Bradford White organization, will be providing policy updates that impact our businesses in his seminar The New Normal for the Political Environment.

The Top Ten Best Practices for Your Mechanical Service Business, led by MCAA Executive Committee member and President of Hughes Environment, Brian Hughes, will highlight the key role of service agreements, recruiting in a tight labor market and converting service work from a construction business.

Cyber security experts, Chuck Andrews and Andy Bennett, will lead an interactive seminar focused on the following topics: cyber insurance, case studies and how to stay ahead of the “bad guys” in the session you and your business cannot afford to miss.

Much More Education Available

There are four group of education seminars for members to partake in: Monday, March 27 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Wednesday, March 29 from 9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Each group of seminars offers a featured speaker as well as several in-depth educational offerings. Visit www.mcaaconvention.org to plan your schedule and make the most of these fantastic educational opportunities.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Integrated Project Delivery

Customers are demanding greater value, technology is evolving rapidly, and the resulting need to increase productivity is driving profound changes in how mechanical contractors execute their scope of work. MCAA’s Integrated Project Delivery explores the IPD methodology rooted in the idea of truly integrating all parties in the planning, design, and construction process at the earliest possible moment to help contractors understand the benefits of this approach. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

  • Common traits of integrated project delivery
  • Benefits of IPD
  • Basic principles of this approach
  • Levels of collaboration
DOWNLOAD

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

JPG Increases Efficiency, Builds Business With Zurn SmartPro Monitoring

JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Services’ adoption of new oil and grease interceptor monitoring technology from Zurn has significantly reduced pumping overspend and minimized the risk of backups for JPG’s customers. The increased monitoring is translating into more tank repair and replacement work as customers gain better visibility into their systems. Zurn Elkay Water Solutions is a benefactor of MCAA23.

JPG has deployed more than 70 Zurn Water Solutions SmartPro connected grease, oil, and sediment monitoring units on interceptor tanks at convenience stores, restaurants, big-box businesses, and dairy processing plants. The wireless monitoring lets JPG set alerts for grease, oil, and sludge levels and know what is happening inside the tank without being onsite.

Value Proposition

“The technology has allowed us to offer our customers just-in-time pumping, which reduces their costs and creates peace of mind,” said John Geiling, president and chief visionary at JPG. One convenience store client “discovered that they were getting pumped way too much,” said Geiling. “They should have been pumped every four months, but the authority having jurisdiction, not knowing how much grease was being used, says, ‘Oh no, you have to pump them every month.’ It’s about $450 or $500 every time.”

At $450 per pump and 200 stores, JPG can help that customer save as much as $720,000 per year. Geiling stated, “With wireless monitoring, we’re helping our customers better understand their business needs, and we’re providing greater value to them.”

Inner Tank Insights

It takes JPG about 45 to 60 minutes to install the Zurn SmartPro, including the sensor probe, which can be mounted on the inlet or outlet side of an interceptor tank. SmartPro measures the thickness of the top grease layer, bottom sludge layer, change in liquid level, and wastewater temperature inside the tank. SmartPro is the only grease interceptor monitoring tool that uses ultrasonic monitoring rather than direct contact alarms that are prone to clogging. The ultrasonic feature also provides real-time data and alerts instead of the on-off only alarms available with contact sensor products.

JPG uses Zurn’s SmartPro monitoring system to measure the thickness of the top grease layer, bottom sludge layer, change in liquid level, and wastewater temperature inside the tank—all in real-time and accessible via a mobile app.

Even more important to businesses is staying compliant with local authorities. Geiling shared how one of JPG’s major customers was having quality control issues. “One location found out through this monitoring system that people were illegally dumping into their grease traps. People were pulling the manhole lid and dumping their grease into the manhole. Another location caught the pumping company not actually doing the work they were billing for.”

JPG uses the Zurn SmartPro G3 and G5 models. The G5 transmits real-time data to an internet gateway and dashboard that can be viewed remotely on a mobile app. Users can set up a range of alerts and receive them via text message or email. Alerts include high liquid level, high total top solids, high total bottom solids, high percentage of total solids, and clogs or blockages. With remote interceptor monitoring, JPG can help their customers avoid costly backups and protect local wastewater systems. Customers can also avoid large fines resulting from environmentally hazardous spills.

“If there’s an emergency, such as a backed-up line or a backed-up sewer main or something downstream from the grease trap, the SmartPro will alert to high water levels to respond quicker,” said Geiling. “You can deploy a snaking or jetting contractor sooner to take care of the problem.”

With Zurn SmartPro monitors, JPG can receive automatic text message or email alerts about high levels of liquids or solids, clogs, or blockages.

The SmartPro also helps customers be good stewards by protecting wastewater systems and minimizing resources needed to keep a clean system by eliminating unnecessary pumps.

The Zurn SmartPro’s universal design works for retrofits as well as new builds. The battery-powered, wireless models eliminate the need for external power or a phone line. Battery life is about five years. With the reduction in pumping costs, the payback period for the SmartPro is typically one to two years.

“What we’ve discovered using this technology is that we can improve the quality of every pump because we know actual levels in the tank,” said Geiling. “We’re helping customers stay in compliance and keeping haulers accountable. Often, they’ll pump a tank and then dump what they say is water back into the tank. But sometimes the grease goes back in. Whoever is monitoring the data gets a good look at the tank in terms of quality assurance.”

More Efficiency, More Opportunities

Geiling’s efforts to keep JPG technology-forward is a transformative business strategy. With the switch to the just-in-time model with SmartPro versus time interval-based route work, JPG is pumping customers’ tanks with less frequency and more efficiency, which saves on cost. Geiling believes. “There are limited resources out there to do anything these days, especially labor. We’re able to take on more customers and do a really good job at it.” Geiling also noted that creating a great interceptor experience means “we have more opportunity to market to these customers to do other plumbing and VAC [industrial vacuuming] services.”

Geiling continued, “When these grease traps go bad, it’s a really big problem for these businesses. They’re changing managers and personnel all the time, and there’s always a problem when somebody’s not keeping an eye on it. Our value proposition is that they don’t have to worry about it, because we’re taking care of it. We’ll help them avoid costly backups, protect their wastewater systems, and stay compliant with local regulations.”

For more information, visit www.zurn.com. MCAA thanks Zurn Elkay Water Solutions for being a benefactor of MCAA23.

MCAA’s GreatFutures Program Connects You with Our Industry’s Future Professionals

Curious about the locations of our MCAA student chapters? Check out the GreatFutures Universities page to easily search for schools by state or alphabetically. If you don’t have a chapter in your area (or even if you do), head over to the GreatFutures Job Board to post an entry-level, full-time job or internship to the entire network of nearly 50 student chapters. 

Student chapter members are studying construction management, mechanical engineering, construction engineering, architectural engineering, HVAC, and more. These courses are preparing them for mechanical contracting industry careers, so don’t miss out on this unique talent pool. Post your job on the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board today to easily start the process of finding your next great hire!

How it works:

  • Login with an MCAA username and password
  • Click on the job board within the Career Development page
  • Click Manage My Jobs and Add a Job to create your posting
  • Jobs remain active for 1 month to ensure postings stay fresh
  • When the job is set to expire, a reminder will be sent for you to either “mark as filled” or “duplicate” and repost for another month
  • Interested students can view postings and submit their contact information and resume
  • Your office will be notified via email when interested students submit their resume
  • From there, your office is encouraged to continue with your company’s application and interview process
VIEW JOB BOARD

Hired an Intern? Submit an Internship Grant Request

MCAA wants to hear about all of your mechanical contracting interns and has revised the internship grant application process to ensure program success is being rewarded and celebrated.

Part 1: MCAA members with one intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant. Companies with two or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant. One form should be filled out for each intern (even beyond two).  

Part 1 applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis and may be submitted once per calendar year, per intern.

Internship Grant Form – Part 1

Part 2: For companies successfully converting an intern (from their part 1 list) to a full-time new hire, a $500 gift card will be mailed to the company to present to their new hire. These new hire conversions are now unlimited, but the name of the new hire must be included on a part 1 list from an MCAA member company to be eligible. 

Part 2 applications may not be submitted until after their full-time start date.

Internship Grant Form – Part 2

Stand Out by Incorporating Inclusive Restroom Design: Tips From Sloan

Barrier-free, accessible, and inclusive design is an important trend in building. Planning for a commercial restroom with all users in mind, regardless of ability, gender, or age, makes for a safer and more comfortable restroom that is easy for anyone to use. Contractors who embrace the concepts of inclusive design can stand out as partners who put users’ needs first, and Sloan, a benefactor of MCAA23, has innovative products to help. Inclusive design is pivotal for supporting people with disabilities and complying with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. It is also important as society’s awareness of gender identity grows.

The ADA has been evolving ever since it was passed into law in 1990. The U.S. Department of Justice, which enforces the ADA, provides guidance and resources to help people better understand and implement ADA requirements.

Visit the recently revamped ADA website for information and resources: https://www.ada.gov

Mechanical contractors should become familiar with the elements of inclusive design, as they are likely to encounter more of this advanced design approach in commercial restrooms of all types. 

Proximity and Privacy

Proximity, privacy, and cleanliness are three key concerns when designing restrooms for inclusivity. Universally, people want to feel safe and comfortable in the restroom. Single-occupancy toilet rooms or restrooms are ideal, as they maximize privacy and flexibility.

Sloan’s offset adapters allow enough space for an ADA-compliant grab bar without having to relocate the water supply inlet pipe. This simple update avoids the costs and complexities of opening walls or the need for workarounds like split grab bars.

However, when single-occupancy restrooms are not feasible, designers can incorporate privacy measures in multiuser restrooms via ambient noise and floor-to-ceiling stall doors. Be aware that each compartment or stall will need separate ventilation, floor drains, lighting, and fire suppression for safety. Additionally, all signage should read “all inclusive.” For added security, each stall should have a visual lock that shows when the stall is occupied.

The ADA Impact

The ADA has many implications for designing and specifying commercial restroom products. For example, grab bar heights are measured to the top of the gripping surface. When ranges in heights are provided, pay attention to the optimal product for compliance. Plumbing product manufacturers almost always recommend choosing the maximum height limit for placement of a grab bar, which is 36”. This placement makes meeting proximity requirements for other fixtures and accessories easier.

To resolve conflicts between the rear grab bar and the required location of exposed flushometers, the grab bar must be split or shifted to the open side. This configuration is permitted only where applicable codes mandate flush controls in such a location. Offset adapters are an effective alternative that do not require the split grab bar. This unassuming adapter creates enough space for an ADA-compliant grab bar by lowering the total height of the flushometer by 1.5” without having to relocate the water supply inlet pipe. It is a simple update that saves facilities from the costs and complexities of opening walls or using workarounds like split grab bars.

When it comes to lavatories and sinks, floor space directly in front of the fixture must be at least 30” wide and 48” long to accommodate wheelchairs. The clear floor space needed by the sink can go all the way to the wall as long as there is no obstruction. Clear floor space underneath the lavatory must be a minimum of 17” and a maximum of 25”. At least one handwashing station must be placed with 30” of clear space from left to right, although many plumbing codes require 30” between every sink station. Check your local codes to confirm you are within code.

Height and reach are also very important. Manual faucets, soap dispensers, and hand dryers must be activated with a maximum of five pounds of pressure or less, allowing the user to activate them without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting the wrist.

Additionally, the operating components of manual fixtures cannot be higher than 48” from the floor. Sensor-activated fixtures help improve user accessibility and comply with ADA requirements, making them ideal for ADA compliance.

Many sink types are suitable for accessible design, but open-front basin and multilevel sinks stand out as ideal options for accommodating wheelchairs and users of varying heights. When it comes to what is under the sink, the ADA requires exposed water supply and drain pipes under lavatories and sinks to be insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. In addition, there should be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories or sinks. If the retrofitted sink does not have a cover over the plumbing, wrapping the plumbing is a simple step to protect users from potential scalding or other injuries caused by contacting the P-trap under the sink. Incorporating an enclosure or shroud is an alternative to wrapping exposed piping and ensures that pipes are hidden from the user.

Sensor-Operated Accessibility

Sensor-operated innovation is another emerging trend and can enhance hand hygiene. It also supports ADA goals and promotes inclusivity.

Sensor ranges can now be adjusted to multiple distances, which is important for those in wheelchairs. Sensor range is measured in units from one to five, with one being closest to the faucet and five being farthest. The factory default sensor range is three but should be easy to change following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Automatic entryways and stall doors are at the forefront of smart, accessible design. Automatic stall doors save space, are accessible, and increase privacy because there is no gap between stall partitions. Designers no longer have to provide the space for doors to swing open, creating more usable room for occupants and easier accessibility for wheelchair users. The added space is also beneficial for contractors working in the restroom.

When retrofitting existing restrooms for ADA compliance and inclusive design, simple fixes can make a huge difference in a barrier-free commercial restroom’s safety and overall compliance.

For more information, visit www.sloan.com. MCAA thanks Sloan for being a benefactor of MCAA23.

ServiceTrade Helps B&W Mechanical Put Customers First, Building Long-Term Loyalty

B&W Mechanical, one of the largest mechanical contractors in the Southeast, chose ServiceTrade software to help them make the move from paper to digital, shortening the time it takes to provide quotes for repairs. Swift, detailed, clear communication is one way that B&W builds trust that leads to long-lasting customer relationships.

Telling the Story

The measure of B&W’s success has always been the quality of their work—whether their customers’ systems are operational and facility needs are met. But before implementing ServiceTrade, even while their priority was exceptional service, they found that communicating their top-notch work to customers was not always easy.

“Not knowing what the technician was up against or what was required—sometimes it’s difficult to justify what that invoice may be,” said Brad Boggs, vice president of B&W. With ServiceTrade, B&W customers now receive a chronological record that tells the full service and repair story.

“ServiceTrade helps us communicate clearly and accurately with our customers as well as transparently. They know everything that we know, and there are no surprises. When the invoice comes, there’s a clear, rich record of what was involved and what the customer is paying for,” said Boggs.

Decades-Long Relationships

B&W customers have come to expect that the right work will be done, and quickly. That kind of service nurtures customer relationships and grows businesses.

Using the ServiceTrade mobile app, B&W technicians document equipment issues during routine maintenance calls with rich media, such as images and audio files. When repairs are needed, those data are available instantly to the office, which uses the information to estimate the costs of repairs rapidly. Boggs pointed out, “The technician is able to gather a lot of the data in the field, and that allows us to get a quote back to the customer a lot of times on the same day.”

And those rich media records, delivered to customer via a one-click link, help paint the whole picture. “Our customers really love the fact that they’re getting data in the form of visuals and narrative,” Boggs said.

“This customer experience gives us the opportunity to create relationships that last for decades, where we’re a trusted partner who gets the right things done quickly,” Boggs noted.

B&W also appreciates that ServiceTrade software caters to commercial service contractors. “If we wanted to be the best we could be as a mechanical contractor to our customers, we had to also know that the software company we used was specialized in their field,” said Boggs. “Since onboarding ServiceTrade, we’ve found that it’s differentiated us from our competition pretty significantly.” 

For more information, visit servicetrade.com.

Engineered Water Heater Solutions Versus Field-Devised Methods: Advice From Reliance Worldwide Corporation

Confidence in your installation and its reliability are important to any contractor, but labor shortages and economic constraints can often make you feel like you have to choose between speed, cost, and quality. Balancing all three can be a challenge, especially when it comes to water heater installations. Water heater supports, in particular, often get cobbled together using leftover jobsite materials or other makeshift methods in hopes that they will keep the unit stable in the long run. While this may be the cheapest solution in the moment, it is not the best choice for your budget or your reputation.

Here, we break down the shortcomings of makeshift water heater supports and share the different reasons you should be using manufactured, tested solutions instead.

Problems With Makeshift Water Heater Accessories

Field-devised water heater stands and platforms offer no engineering data on the stability or longevity of the support and are not designed with code requirements in mind. This can lead to several issues if the manual method fails:

  • Project delays and wasted time if the installation fails inspection
  • Injury, leaks, or even an explosion hazard if natural gas is involved
  • Extra liability to the installer if the method fails during a natural disaster
  • Voided warranty if the untested accessories damage the water heater itself

Four Benefits of Manufactured Water Heater Supports

Instead of rigging together a stand, restraint, or platform for a water heater, using engineered solutions can pay off quickly, despite the higher upfront costs.

  1. They provide reliable support.

When you use a manufactured solution, you can have peace of mind that jobs will last long after installation. Engineered water heater products are more reliable because they are made of strong materials, such as heavy-gauge galvanized steel. They come with explicit weight limits, so you can sure they will support the water heater. They may also combine water heater accessories to minimize potential failure points.

  1. They satisfy code requirements.

Using an unapproved product or method could result in a failed inspection, which slows you down and eats up cash. When searching for engineered water heater supports, check the manufacturer’s information to see which specific certifications and code requirements the product satisfies.

Some brands, such as HoldRite, go the extra mile. They might conduct third-party laboratory tests to ensure their solutions exceed code requirements. Or they may even set a higher standard by using a double safety factor when establishing their products’ weight ratings.

  1. They save you time.

Manual methods may seem more economical because you can use what you have on hand to piece together a water heater support, but doing so takes more time than installing a prefabricated, tested solution. And all those extra minutes increase your total labor costs.

Engineered supports come ready to install and may also combine different water heater accessories to make the overall assembly even faster. HoldRite Quick Stand platforms, for example, are preassembled, watertight, and eliminate the need to buy and install a separate drain pan.

  1. They can free up space.

In a small mechanical room, you may find that you need to elevate the water heater to free up extra space. Engineered water heater platforms safely support tank units in these scenarios, as they are specifically designed to accommodate different load capacities. When you are suspending a tank, you want a reliable platform, such as HoldRite’s Quick Stand platform, which is the only engineered and tested water heater platform on the market. You can find options that are compatible with concrete or framed walls and work with different drain fittings.

You can also install water heaters outside to create more space. Water heater sheds are designed to safely protect the unit from the elements while freeing up room inside the building. Sheds often feature front panels for easy service, streamline installation with basic tool assembly, and provide a professional appearance.

For more information, visit www.rwc.com.

Raken Outlines Five Ways to Manage Generational Gaps on the Jobsite

From apprentices to expert craftsmen, the construction industry employs a workforce that spans multiple generations. While an age-diverse workforce brings well-rounded skills and experiences to the table, it is not always easy to manage efficiently. Employee expectations and preferred communication styles vary greatly from generation to generation. With today’s labor shortages and low employee retention rates, if mechanical contractors want to attract and keep top talent, they need to explore strategies to help their age-diverse crews work together effectively.

  1. Automate Communications

Clear, consistent communication is vital on a construction project but is one of the most difficult challenges of managing a multigenerational workforce. Each age group is accustomed to sharing and consuming information differently and has unique preferences regarding channels, content, and frequency.

The best way to accommodate a variety of preferences is to use technology to automate communications. For example, daily reporting software that provides report templates, checklists, photo capabilities, automatic notifications—and other features that simplify the way data are collected and shared—helps mechanical contractors reduce errors and misunderstandings.

Traditional methods of communicating in the field, such as handwritten reports or Excel spreadsheets, are time-consuming and leave plenty of room for error. Standardized digital reports remove doubt and help employees of all ages share information in a consistent manner. Field contractors can use templates to capture the right data without guesswork, attaching photos and videos for added clarity. They can also share standardized digital reports instantly, so there is no need to scan documents or compose separate emails, and reports can be collected and combined for managers automatically.

  1. Use the Right Technology

Not all technology is created equal. And, just as they have unique communication preferences, older and younger generations prefer to use technology in different ways. When looking for software to improve communications and daily reporting, prioritize ease-of-use to appeal to varying experience and comfort levels. Focusing on solutions that offer intuitive interfaces and simple, easy-to-understand workflows encourages high adoption rates.

Complex software that requires significant training to use may overcomplicate communications instead of streamlining them. Conduct thorough research before investing, and make sure to choose a solution that accomplishes your goals without convoluting simple processes with unnecessary features.

  1. Create a Formal Mentorship Program

Younger and older employees will naturally exchange tips and techniques while working together. Creating a formal mentorship program encourages this behavior and gives employees the opportunity to learn on the job, something that is valued by workers of all ages.

Establish official guidelines for mentorship that include approved schedules and subjects to cover. Determine criteria for both program eligibility and completion, and, if possible, provide incentives for both mentors and mentees to participate.

Your program does not need to stick to the traditional structure of older, more experienced workers taking on the mentor role. Young employees may have skills they can share with older workers. Having a formal program promotes employee retention by demonstrating the company’s commitment to its workers’ professional growth.

  1. Schedule Diversity Training

Providing diversity training helps employees better relate to and communicate with workers from other generations. It promotes empathy and understanding. Many diversity education programs are available in person and online. Some programs focus specifically on age diversity. You may even be able to devote several toolbox talks to this topic.

Training can also teach interpersonal skills that workers can use to identify and resolve conflicts related to age differences. These soft skills help current managers mitigate age gaps in the workforce and help younger employees grow into management positions.

  1. Seek Feedback

Don’t overlook one of the simplest ways to better manage age-diverse employee groups: ask your employees for feedback. While different generations tend to share preferences among themselves, not every member of a given age group feels exactly the same. You may be surprised by some of your employees’ preferences and pain points.

Choose a method—or methods—for gathering employee feedback and invite employees to provide honest opinions about the company’s processes and procedures. Review the information you receive to identify areas for improvement. Address common concerns, and if concerns cannot be resolved, explain why. Employees of all ages appreciate being heard and feeling recognized by their employer.

Read Raken’s blog post for more insights on how communication improves productivity in construction. https://www.rakenapp.com/blog/how-communication-improves-productivity-in-construction

To learn more about field-first reporting that is easy for all generations to use, visit www.rakenapp.com.