The text of section 314.1 of the Uniform Plumbing Code has been updated. What Changed 314.1 Trenches. Trenches deeper than the footing of a building or structure, and paralleling the same, shall be located not less than 45 degrees (0.79 rad) there from from the bottom exterior edge of the footing, or as approved in accordance with Section 301.0 of this code. Why It Changed The text in this section was not clear and was commonly misunderstood. This led to many installers and [...]

A new study from CommScope has revealed that millennials are so accustomed to constantly being connected that they would rather give up plumbing and heating before giving up connectivity and electricity needed to power their mobile devices. The millennial generation will place a large burden on global network operators who will have to plan for continued capacity growth, greater flexibility, a larger array of services as well as corresponding billing models if they hope to meet the demand of those [...]

Rheem Manufacturing Company has issued a voluntary recall on certain electric water heaters, due to a potential fire risk. This recall involves Rheem branded Performance Platinum electric water heaters in 40, 50 and 80 gallon capacities, and they were sold exclusively at The Home Depot stores nationwide and online from January 2014 through April 2016. For more information: https://electric-water-heater-recall.com/ Rheem has recently learned that the thermostat control panel on certain Performance Platinum Water Heaters can overheat under certain circumstances. Accordingly, Rheem [...]

NIBCO announced it has acquired the valve assets of Webstone Co. The transaction was finalized on May 23, 2016. The new business unit will be named, “Webstone, a brand of NIBCO.” “The acquisition will complement and enhance existing efforts NIBCO has put in place for superior design, innovation, and stability in residential, commercial, and industrial valves, while continuing to focus on patented engineered technology that meets high industry standards,” explained NIBCO Chairman and CEO Rex Martin. “We are confident that this acquisition will reinforce [...]