A part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, RIDGID will select five winners for this year’s trip RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, is once again giving trade professionals a contest to win the trip of a lifetime. The company announced today they have begun accepting entries for the RIDGID Experience contest, being held Read more
Featured
A part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, RIDGID will select five winners for this year’s trip
RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, is once again giving trade professionals a contest to win the trip of a lifetime. The company announced today they have begun accepting entries for the RIDGID Experience contest, being held Aug. 3-5 at RIDGID world headquarters. Five grand prize winners will be selected to receive the event’s signature VIP treatment at the annual, all-expenses-paid trip that continues to grow in popularity.
Entries will be accepted through April 29, 2022. Contest winners will be selected based on their response to questions, trade involvement, enthusiasm for RIDGID tools displayed in submitted picture or video, and originality and uniqueness of entry. To enter, and for additional rules and details, visit the RIDGID Facebook page.
“It is so important to us as a brand to recognize the hard work, commitment and dedication that trade professionals put into their jobs every day. The RIDGID Experience contest gives us the opportunity to reward a select group of individuals with a truly unique event, and it puts a spotlight on the work they do,” said Becky Brotherton, director of engagement marketing, RIDGID for Emerson. “This year marks the fifth RIDGID Experience contest and the excitement it generates is a direct result of the people who join us: their enthusiasm for what they do is evident. Our goal always is to highlight the importance of the skilled trades, and every year we’re thrilled to see that pride within our winners.”
Past contest winner, Bobby Scirica, a plumbing service technician from Arizona described the trip this way, “I’ve been using these tools for years and being here and seeing the machines and people who make the tools, it’s emotional.” And another past winner, Rob Broccolo, owner of Professional Drain Services of Southern New England, said, “RIDGID is a big name in the industry and it felt incredible to be selected for a once in a lifetime opportunity. By far the highlight of my career and time in the trades.”
RIDGID Experience contest winners will receive:
- An all-expenses-paid trip to RIDGID world headquarters
- A VIP RIDGID headquarters tour
- A custom RIDGID pipe wrench
- Hero photoshoot, celebrating winners’ dedication to the skilled trades
- Suite seats to see the Cleveland Guardians
- A trip to Topgolf, a sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game
- And more
Winners will also have the opportunity to shape the future of professional tool development by providing their expert insights with RIDGID leadership including the engineering, marketing, research and product developments. How to enter and full 2022 RIDGID Experience official contest rules can be found here.
Emerson’s professional tools business, which includes RIDGID as well as the Greenlee® and Klauke® brands, provides the industry’s broadest portfolio of advanced, reliable tools and technologies for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades globally. Visit emerson.com/professionaltools for more information.
“Guests with clogged drains deserve prompt service – day and night,” James “Rob” Hoelscher, property manager of Colorado Bear Creek Cabins, declares. Rob is co-owner of the business with his wife Susan. And the Hoelschers never skimp on service standards or speed. Staff react professionally and immediately to every problem. “Our maintenance tools must likewise Read more
“Guests with clogged drains deserve prompt service – day and night,” James “Rob” Hoelscher, property manager of Colorado Bear Creek Cabins, declares.
Rob is co-owner of the business with his wife Susan. And the Hoelschers never skimp on service standards or speed. Staff react professionally and immediately to every problem.
“Our maintenance tools must likewise perform on demand,” Rob continues. “That’s why General’s hand-held Power-Vee anchors our drain cleaning tasks.”
Rapid Response Vital
Located 35 miles west of Denver in scenic Evergreen, Colorado, Colorado Bear Creek Cabins offers a range of “comfortably rustic” lodgings to skiers, nature-lovers, and travelers who simply want to “get away” since 1947.
The business is a family affair. Rob, Susan, and sons Oliver and Samuel live close-by, and work on-site – ensuring peak customer response.
“We never resolve problems over the phone,” Rob insists. “We’re not absentee owners!”
Critical To Everyday Maintenance
“Most of our drain cleaning work is done indoors – under sinks and inside cabinets,” he adds. “And the compact, maneuverable Power-Vee proves perfect for that.”
Ideal for small-line stoppages, the rugged, reliable Power-Vee small-line drain cleaner from General Pipe Cleaners easily unclogs sink, tub, toilet, and laundry lines 1-1/4” to 3” in diameter – and up to 50 ft. long.
Its automatic feed makes clearing small drain lines faster and easier than using manual methods. And General’s simplified feeding system acts like “an extra hand” in tight and awkward work spots.
Oliver Hoelscher using Power-Vee® and Uni-Stand™ in a “typical setting of drain clearing” at Colorado Bear Creek Cabins. “Before getting Uni-Stand, it was a two-person job,” his dad Rob Hoelscher notes. “I’d start, exhaust my strength, then Oliver would take a turn.” Sometimes, Rob adds, “several iterations of this procedure were necessary to clear the line. Uni-Stand has transformed this operation to a one-person effort!”
Simplicity Speeds Service
It’s easy-to-use, too.
The Power-Vee holds 50 ft. of 1/4” or 5/16”, or 35 ft. of 3/8” Flexicore® cables. And General’s Quick Change Cable Cartridge system make swapping and switching different cables and diameters quick and simple.
Changing takes less than a minute – and turns potentially messy jobs into quick, clean ones.
Flexicore Advantage
To switch to a different diameter Flexicore cable, just loosen three screws, pull off the front of the drum, and load another cartridge.
Flexicore cables are the industry-leader. They’re manufactured of heavy gauge wire coiled tightly around 49-strand aircraft-type wire rope for unequalled strength and optimal flexibility. Flexicore is so tough it carries a one-year warranty against defect or breakage.
“Flexicore is impressive!” Rob beams. “It exudes exceptional engineering and manufacturing!”
Forget “Popeye Forearms”!
When working in tight spaces, even hand-held, powered drain cleaners can strain muscles.
That’s why the maintenance crew of Colorado Bear Creek Cabins teamed the Power-Vee with the new Uni-Stand™ from General.
“No one in this family wants ‘Popeye forearms’,” Rob chuckles. “It’s a game-changer for how we use our Power-Vee!”
Just slide the Uni-Stand clamp around the motor housing – and lock it into place for safe, solid support. Then change the Uni-Stand adjustable leg length to the desired height – and begin drain cleaning.
Rob calls it the “perfect accessory” for his Power-Vee.
“Uni-Stand is simple, sturdy, perfectly sized, and exceptionally well designed and built,” he maintains. “The strap and adjustment system are amazing, and its ingenious single-leg support provides maximum maneuverability.”
Environmentally Responsible Tool Maintenance
“Our cabins are on a septic system,” Rob resumes, “And since everything eventually flows to Bear Creek, an outdoor water body, we strive to ensure the optimal operation of our septic system, and minimize our impact on this precious water body.”
That’s why Colorado Bear Creek Cabins treats drain cleaning tools with Snake-Oil Plus™ from General.
Snake-Oil Plus features the same rust-inhibiting properties and pleasant lemon scent of original Snake-Oil Classic™. Its non-toxic, eco-friendly, biodegradable formula also creates virtually non-stick surfaces – keeping mud and debris from sticking to cables, drums, and machines, significantly extending drain cleaning equipment life.
“It’s part of our business ethos – and our business identity,” Rob asserts. “Colorado Bear Creek Cabins is literally located on a creek!”
Better than common lubricants, Snake-Oil Plus also features a special rust inhibitor that cuts through moisture, replacing it with a rust-resistant coating. Machine bearings, feeds, and moving parts last longer. And its deodorizer keeps drain cleaning tools smelling fresh and clean.
The Bottom Line
Other “intangibles” also matter to Rob Hoelscher.
“General’s ‘American-made’ products also makes a big difference,” he concludes. “Like us, they’re also a family business. Customer service is superior. And you can see high quality standards in everything they do!”
Just like Colorado Bear Creek Cabins!
To learn more about the Power-Vee and Uni-Stand, visit www.drainbrain.com/pv, or contact the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200.
Oatey’s sponsorship enabled significant HVAC and plumbing repairs for Air Force veteran with disabilities Oatey Co., a leading plumbing manufacturer since 1916, recently partnered with nonprofit organization Miracle Mechanical to make one deserving veteran’s hope a reality through significant HVAC and plumbing repairs. Miracle Mechanical was founded by contractor Brent Ridley with the mission of uplifting families Read more
Oatey’s sponsorship enabled significant HVAC and plumbing repairs for Air Force veteran with disabilities
Oatey Co., a leading plumbing manufacturer since 1916, recently partnered with nonprofit organization Miracle Mechanical to make one deserving veteran’s hope a reality through significant HVAC and plumbing repairs.
Miracle Mechanical was founded by contractor Brent Ridley with the mission of uplifting families and communities through plumbing and HVAC repairs at no cost to recipients.
“The whole premise of Miracle Mechanical is to help veterans with disabilities, elderly people and those in need,” says Ridley. “Generous sponsors like Oatey give us the means to transform people’s everyday quality of life.”
Brent Ridley founder of Miracle Mechanical. He founded Miracle Mechanical with the mission of uplifting families and communities through plumbing and HVAC repairs at no cost to recipients.
The recent Oatey-sponsored Miracle Mechanical project provided much-needed help to Cindy Koehler, a U.S. Air Force veteran who has battled multiple sclerosis (MS) and debilitating physical challenges for the past three decades. Koehler lacked clean drinking water for several years due to her home’s failing water filtration system. Rust, germs and other dangerous contaminants polluted the household water supply, making it completely unsafe to consume.
Through Oatey’s sponsorship, Ridley’s team was able to purchase and install brand new appliances, including an electric water heater, two ADA-compliant toilets and a state-the-art water filtration system – ensuring Cindy and her family have access to the best quality water.
The recent Oatey-sponsored Miracle Mechanical project provided much-needed help to Cindy Koehler, a U.S. Air Force veteran who has battled multiple sclerosis (MS) and debilitating physical challenges for the past three decades.
“Something as simple as clean running water, being able to flush a toilet and wash dishes brought tears in my eyes and joy to my heart,” says Koehler. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen.”
“Improving lives is a core tenet of our mission here at Oatey,” explains Katherine Lehtinen, Oatey’s Senior Vice President, Brand & Digital Marketing. “When we heard about Cindy’s story, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to help. We’re honored to be a part of such an impactful project and make such a big difference for the U.S. Air Force veteran.”
There’s never a good time for a water-main break. But when it happens in the aftermath of a major hurricane, well, that can certainly throw a wrench into things. In September, just after Hurricane Ida hit the United States, staff at Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay were scrambling. They were preparing for students to Read more
There’s never a good time for a water-main break. But when it happens in the aftermath of a major hurricane, well, that can certainly throw a wrench into things.
In September, just after Hurricane Ida hit the United States, staff at Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay were scrambling. They were preparing for students to arrive on campus the next day, but a water pipe burst in one of the dormitories.
There was no time to waste. The break had to be fixed immediately or the school would need to delay students’ arrival on campus. In the aftermath of Ida, a massive Nor’easter was unleashed in the New England area, adding to the craziness of the day.
Facility staff at MMA keep Viega fittings and tooling onsite for repairs to what is an aging system, but – as Murphy’s Law would have it – they only had tooling for up to 2” and they needed ProPress rings for 2½” tubing. That’s when Andrew Hiller of CGW Associates got a phone call.
“I raced to my facility to see what tooling I had, but the storm was just massive. The rain was incredible,” Hiller said. “I got rerouted because our main route was underwater – about five feet in some areas.”
Hiller discovered he didn’t have the correct-size rings either, so he called Viega District Sales Manager Dan Paine and told him what he needed. Paine could get the rings from a central storage facility, and the two men coordinated to meet soon after so that Hiller could drive the tools over to MMA.
“I drove through the deepest puddle I’ve ever been through,” Hiller said. “It wasn’t a very big section, but it was very deep!”
Once Hiller got the jaws to MMA, they replaced the entire section of pipe, about 25 feet in length. He said it was aging and a bad design, plus it was a difficult area in which to make the repair. But thanks to Viega fittings and the quick actions of Hiller and Paine, the repair was complete and MMA was back online, ready for students.
“When our customers need something, Viega is there to help as quickly as we can,” Paine said. “People trust Viega because they know they’re not just getting a great product, but also the service and support that go along with it. I was glad we could lend a hand to help the school get back up and running quickly, with as little interruption as possible.”
One of the nation’s largest aerospace firms planned to expand and modernize existing capabilities at an occupied research and development facility in southern California. Xcel Mechanical Systems, based in Gardena, CA, was hired to design and build the mechanical, plumbing and process piping elements of the new project. To minimize risk and maximize labor efficiency Read more
One of the nation’s largest aerospace firms planned to expand and modernize existing capabilities at an occupied research and development facility in southern California. Xcel Mechanical Systems, based in Gardena, CA, was hired to design and build the mechanical, plumbing and process piping elements of the new project. To minimize risk and maximize labor efficiency, the Xcel team selected NIBCO® Press fittings and valves as a smart solution for the multi-phase project.
“Leveraging press technology mitigates the inherent risks of working with open flame within an occupied space,” said Jason Gordon, Xcel Mechanical’s vice president of operations. “We chose NIBCO Press for this job for multiple reasons, including safety, time and labor savings, and aesthetics,” said Gordon, whose firm has been a preferred design-build mechanical contractor on the sprawling campus for more than two decades. “NIBCO is a proven brand name in our industry. That’s important to us because the products we select are a reflection on our company.”
After four carefully planned construction phases, three and a half years of steady and precise work, the $8 million HVAC, plumbing and piping elements of the estimated $50 million laboratory modernization project are nearing completion.
The total renovation project included remodeling existing labs located on the ground floor of a three-story, 1960s-era research and manufacturing facility; labs which must be constantly redesigned and reconfigured to meet the specific requirements of each new contract award. The owner’s primary goal was to convert the subdivided lab space into a large open floor plan, creating the opportunity to build-out a modern, flexible and scalable “factory of the future” that would maximize the total available 160,000-square feet of lab and manufacturing space and 57,000-square feet of office space.
The building was stripped down to concrete on all four sides, exposing what was left: columns, high ceilings, and slabs. The original building design included old stanchion supports with piping and electrical systems running up from the floor. To free up valuable floor space, the new design features steel overhead utility racks that now run 500-600’ feet across the exposed ceiling for a nice clean application. Major mechanical and plumbing systems were removed and redesigned to align with the new design.
Project team members, from left: Wes Whittle (Piping and Plumbing Superintendent); Foreman Shawn Gibson (Pipefitter, Welder); Jason Gordon (VP of Operations); Foreman Ray Adams (Plumber, Pipefitter); Tim Brown (Service Technician); Steve Prisk, CSHO, ASH (Safety Director).
The Safety Factor
In this facility, the mains on the overhead utility distribution racks are sized 2” down to ¾”. Separately, the HVAC system has chilled water and heating hot water lines measuring up to 4” in diameter. Some of those lines drop down from a chilled water system located on the roof that serves a newly installed air handler.
“Typically, we would use steel for those 4” lines,” Gordon said. “But since the piping ran down an existing shaft, there were safety concerns around welding or grooving the 4” steel. And then there was the weight factor and what would be required to run steel pipe down that shaft versus copper,” he said.
“For these reasons, my foremen advocated for the additional material spend on copper. Obviously, the material cost is considerably more but we felt the safety benefits and labor savings would offset it,” Gordon said. “We are a strong believer in getting perspective from our foremen. If they support the plan, believe in the products they are installing, and it makes sense financially, then it’s a win-win.”
Gordon said using NIBCO Press on the project also meant not having to go through the facility’s Hot Work permitting process which typically adds time to any project. “The customer liked that the NIBCO product removed a certain level of risk, and also the smell of soldering and flux from an operational lab environment,” he said. “So, in the end, our customer was happy. Our safety team was happy. And our field personnel were happy.”
Labor Savings is Big
NIBCO Press is easy to install which helps reduce labor costs while keeping projects on schedule. “Material is material, but labor is what makes or breaks a job,” Gordon said. The project’s process piping system consists of three copper lines, one each for compressed air, nitrogen, and industrial vacuum systems. Each run is 400-500’ long and includes multiple connection points. Gordon said the press product made working in smaller areas and also making multiple connections overhead much easier from both a safety and labor efficiency perspective. “We fabricated a fair amount of material used in this job, but with a multitude of small overhead connection points located 6-12’ apart along these lengthy runs, the copper press solution was key. We saved a minimum of 30-40% on labor on some parts of this job, and significantly more on other parts,” he said.
Minimizing System Downtime
Through the life of the project, the ongoing challenge was to build safely around the 100-200 employees who were working in the lab areas. The project’s four-phase approach called for temporarily relocating employee teams into other parts of the facility while completing construction one section at a time. “Using NIBCO Press not only reduced labor time, but it shortened shutdown periods, allowing us to get the building back online sooner.”
Looking Good
Although functionality and flexibility played an important role in modernizing this facility, creating a visually appealing space was also a consideration, Gordon said. “Aesthetically the NIBCO Press product is a good-looking product and a clean application overall,” he said. “For nitrogen systems, we would typically purge and braze, and afterward the copper is oxidized. When we install press, the copper looks brand new. It’s a good look.”
Smart Solution
As the project nears completion, Xcel Mechanical will continue to use NIBCO Press systems to ensure their reputation for high quality and good workmanship is maintained. Press is easy to install and the labor cost savings generated cannot be understated. The proven performance of Press makes it a smart solution for every job.
For more information, visit www.NIBCO.com or contact Sally Boyer, manager of marketing communications, at boyers@nibco.com.