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On a daily basis there are a handful of items that we as technicians use to make our jobs just a bit easier. Generally, they are a not much more than an everyday 6-in-1 screwdriver. Ask around as to whether or not there is a preference to which multi-bit screwdriver is the best, I’m sure you’ll get more opinions than you bargained for.

Surprisingly, a device which could be labeled as a simple tool, can be a very complex device in the same package. Models varying in features from LED lights to retractable magnets to ratcheting handles with on board storage, with costs ranging from $15 to nearly $100 for a high end models. In the last 20 years my tool box has carried it’s fair share of individual blades and multi-bit super drivers. Here are a couple notable models:

One of my favorites over the years has been the Klein 10 in 1 model 32505. It has a compact length at 7-3/4” and featured the most commonly used bits and drivers needed for daily plumbing/HVAC service needs. When this driver is brand new, it is probably one of the most comfortable in my hand. That said, it is not my daily go to for a couple of reasons. The bit holder/bushing that the bits fit into become worn when used as intended. After frequent nut driver use the bits will become loose and most likely lost, turning a great tool into a door stop. All in all this model has been popular and works well.

Recently, I have been carrying a Milwaukee 48-22-2302 ratcheting multi-driver. I like the stowed length at 6”, as it fits comfortably in a pocket without having a protruding bit to tear holes in the truck seat. The ratcheting feature is nice, but could use a bit of work to prevent the direction from being changed during use. The 3-1/2” long bits along the user to reach recessed fasteners easily. One of the features I most like is the magnetic bit retainer. I use this with the common 1/4”, 5/16” and 3/8” power nut driver bits, which I find are in my pockets anyway along with a t-20 and t-25. The combination seems to really work well.

One of the issues I have had with this model is the bits are retained in the handle with an O-ring to provide a friction fit. With use this o-ring becomes dry and dirty making removing the bits difficult. Any self-respecting plumber or HVAC tech should have a few drops oil or stem grease on the truck, lightly wipe the bits and you’re back in the game!

Lesson to take away today is: Even though what you have seems to be working, don’t be afraid to give the new model a whirl, besides the manufacturers have spent a pile trying to make it better anyway!

Good luck and may the Profits Be With You!

Andy Mickelson is owner of Mickelson Plumbing & Heating, Missoula, Mont. Andy has built a solid foundation for his business through hard work and perseverance. His performance on high profile jobs in the Missoula, Montana area have placed him at the top of the list for area customers seeking a knowledgeable contractor in the plumbing, hydronic and HVAC field. Andy has served as a United Association Instructor at the Missoula Joint Apprentice Training Center for the Local 459. His passion for industry education, advancement and professionalism make him a well-respected local businessman.

Daigle Plumbing and Heating of Derry New Hampshire recently installed this Kohler toilet for one of their clients. The toilet was purchased locally and sent to an artist in Canada to be professionally decorated. What do you think? Have you ever installed one like it?

“Service, service, service” is the official motto at Randal’s Plumbing Inc., in Palm Desert, CA. The owner, Randal Williams, started the 10-person company in 1994.

As their motto suggests, service is key, along with a healthy dose of remodel work. The majority of that business comes from high-end residential customers. Randal’s Plumbing lives on referral, spending not a single dollar on advertising beyond truck wraps and cycle graphics.

You read that correctly; Randal’s uses a “Service Cycle.” It’s a Yamaha 650 outfitted with a special sidecar for jobsite visits and running parts. Southern California’s climate is conducive to year-‘round cycle riding.

Unfortunately, it’s also conducive to drought. While the lack of rain has been a real concern for California in the past few years, it’s ushered in a lot of calls from homeowners looking to conserve water.

Randal’s Yamaha 650 is outfitted with a special sidecar for jobsite visits and running parts.

“The EPA has specified 1.28 gallons per flush as the standard for all new toilets being installed,” said Randal, “and a lot of folks are looking to do even better. We started offering Toto’s 1 GPF models, and have since put them in our showroom.”

But according to Randal, they’ve gone beyond low-flow fixtures. The company has installed hot water recirculation systems for more than a decade, but today it’s a main focus. Demand for hot water recirculation is way up, and today’s products are easier to install and offer more functionality.

“When people hear that they can save as much as 12,000 gallons each year, the only question is, ‘When can you do it?’” said Randal. “Of course we’ll save you water, but we’ll also save you time. I can buy more water, I can’t buy more time; it’s really our most precious commodity. Waiting on hot water for five minutes each day adds up to 30 hours per year.”

Return without a return line

For years, Randal’s has installed a Taco 006 domestic hot water recirculation pump in homes with a dedicated return line. Today, the volume of calls means that they’re running into a number of different applications, with and without dedicated return lines.
“Over the years, we’ve found Taco’s recirc pumps to be extremely durable, so when we went shopping for flexible solutions, we looked at Taco’s line of recirc systems,” said Randal. We discovered two different options for homes that don’t have dedicated return lines: the TacoGenie and the Hot-Link system.”

Both systems operate by sending cool water back to the water heater via the cold water line instead of letting it go down the drain. Genie is activated by a button or a motion detector mounted in the room. The Hot-Link circulator, which is installed at the water heater, is equipped with a 24-hour timer so that the homeowner can set the time of day when hot water is used most often.

Replacement work

“Many of the big homes in this area had dedicated recirculation lines installed during construction,” said Randal. “Whether their pump fails or they need a new water heater, we often find ourselves replacing the existing pump.”

It’s a regular occurrence; the call comes in saying there’s no hot water. Randal runs out to the job on his motorcycle to check the water heater. The Service Cycle has its limitations though, so if the water heater is shot, he goes back to the shop to load a new Bradford White tank and a recirculation pump on a truck.

“I’ve always preferred Bradford White electric tanks,” said Randal. “In addition to being readily available, we’ve found them to be very reliable. I also like that it’s an American-made product.”

In addition to plenty of water heaters, Randal’s Plumbing stocks the Taco SmartPlus recirculation system as a drop-in replacement for existing recirculation pumps. It monitors the home’s water use for seven days, creating a pattern which it repeats. It also has a pulse mode. Either mode reduces electric consumption when compared to a conventional recirculation system that runs non-stop.

Taco also makes the SmartPlug – a plug-in smart controller that works with any recirculation pump. Its integral circuit board allows a standard circulator to act as a SmartPlus would, conserving energy as well as water.

Hero on two wheels

“My sister-in-law comes for a long visit every year,” said Randal. “After waiting for hot water to arrive at the shower, she’d ask my wife, ‘Isn’t your husband a plumber?’ Well, it’s like the cobbler and his shoes…”

Last year, just before his sister-in-law arrived, Randal installed a hot water recirculation system at his own home. From what he says, it made him a hero. It’s not the first time he’s blended his profession and his personal life for the benefit of both.

The idea for the Service Cycle took hold as he was searching for a way to fit in a little more riding time. After having a friend custom build the big sidecar to haul tools, wax rings and recirculation pumps, he realized he’d stumbled into a great publicity stunt.

“I really just wanted to have fun with the Service Cycle, but now everyone around town knows me,” said Randal. “People wave and take pictures, and every once in a while, a new customer will say they called because they saw the bike.” According to Randal, the bike is a throwback to the early 19th century.

“The sidecar was in broad use in the US before Henry Ford introduced the Model T,” he explained. “Once average folks could afford four wheels, they moved away from three. But until then, the sidecar was used as a delivery vehicle, tradesman’s transportation, and later, even had some tactical applications in the big wars.”

Whether throwing back to days of old on the Service Cycle or looking forward with water and time conservation, Randal’s Plumbing is on the move.

This story also can be found in Plumbing Perspective magazine.