ServiceTitan joins the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 by providing safety masks to contractors and Southern California hospitals ServiceTitan will donate 100,000 masks to hospitals and essential trade businesses as part of the global effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The company is donating 30,000 much-needed KN95 masks to hospitals in the Read more
COVID-19
ServiceTitan joins the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 by providing safety masks to contractors and Southern California hospitals
ServiceTitan will donate 100,000 masks to hospitals and essential trade businesses as part of the global effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The company is donating 30,000 much-needed KN95 masks to hospitals in the Los Angeles area, including Glendale Memorial, Glendale Adventist, Mission Community Hospital and Centinela Hospital Medical Center.
ServiceTitan also recently made 70,000 surgical masks available to plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and residential and commercial service professionals who continue to provide essential services to the public during the pandemic.
“This is a major contribution to the local fight against COVID-19,” said mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti. “ServiceTitan’s outreach to both health professionals and workers who are performing other essential services demonstrates their commitment to the community, to the industry they serve and to their public.”
ServiceTitan reached out to their community to find men and women in the trades who are in need of personal protective equipment (PPE) gear, and the masks have already begun shipping out to those in need. With over 70,000 masks the company has been able to help thousands of tradespeople and their communities stay safe.
“We understand that our mission to change lives starts in our own community in Southern California where we’re headquartered,” said Ara Mahdessian, CEO and co-founder of ServiceTitan. “Donating these masks is the most effective way we can do our part in this ongoing effort. We also wanted to address the particular challenges that the trades community is facing in this crisis. Technicians who are entering homes and businesses to provide essential services need assurance that they’re not putting their health, or the health of their customers, at risk. These masks will provide an important level of protection that will empower them and enhance their performance.”
The four hospitals recently received their masks, which have been made available to medical staff who are caring for COVID-19 patients. “The safety of our patients and our health care team is our top priority. Part of keeping everyone safe is ensuring we maintain a sufficient supply of PPE, including masks, gloves and face shields,” said Jill Welton, Glendale Memorial Hospital’s president. “ServiceTitan’s generous contribution to our hospital is appreciated and will help us keep our staff and community safe.”
The company’s mask donation is in line with its #TradesShowUp social media campaign — an effort aimed at highlighting the work home and commercial service professionals continue to do in the face of a public health crisis. Companies and individual professionals are encouraged to use the hashtag while sharing content that features how they’re staying safe and serving customers during COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing commercial buildings such as day care facilities, hotels, schools and health clubs to remain closed for abnormally long periods. When the coast is clear to begin reopening, ensuring safe and sanitary plumbing water will be of utmost importance. Plumbing systems left idle can be susceptible to harmful bacteria such as Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing commercial buildings such as day care facilities, hotels, schools and health clubs to remain closed for abnormally long periods. When the coast is clear to begin reopening, ensuring safe and sanitary plumbing water will be of utmost importance. Plumbing systems left idle can be susceptible to harmful bacteria such as Legionella which can proliferate to dangerous concentrations.
Experienced water maintenance managers know susceptible systems should be flushed before reusing. Important considerations should not be overlooked such as ensuring all service lines are purged and dead legs drained.
Several factors determine if the system equipment requires treatment such as how long a system is left idle, the temperature of the stagnated water and condition of the internal surfaces. This is so bacteria that are resistant to simple purging/draining and have become resident in biofilm can be addressed. Common methods include thermal treatment or treating with chemicals such as chlorine, chlorinated gas and chlorine dioxide.
A significant benefit of thermal treatment is that it’s a proven, cost-effective method for bacteria management on an ongoing basis in the hot side of the plumbing system. The cold side doesn’t typically require ongoing treatment unless water remains stagnated for extended periods within the temperature range that Legionella grows which is 68°F to 122°F.
Thermal treatment requires little additional maintenance compared to chemical treatment. Also, common plumbing equipment such as seals, gaskets and polymer components are not exposed to potentially incompatible life-shortening chemicals.
Residual chemicals in the water can also be a human health concern if acceptable concentration values are exceeded. In contrast, most common plumbing materials can withstand, without effect, thermal shock temperatures such as 160°F.
Thermal treatment consists of periodically circulating elevated water temperature such as 160°F through the entire system for a specific and measured period of time, thereby killing harmful bacteria and restoring the water to a safe and usable condition. During this period it is important to ensure all point-of-use fixtures are either disabled for access or equipped with anti-scald devices. An example is the Caleffi scald-protection valve SinkMixerTM — an innovative, easy to install valve for under-sink applications.
Often the most difficult portions of the hot water side to circulate sufficiently through is the recirculation return risers. This because they are sized and balanced to a relatively low flow rate such as 0.5 GPM. The Caleffi ThermoSetterTM thermal balancing valve automatically responds when it senses high temperature water by fully opening an internal by-pass, thereby allowing a sufficient return riser flushing during treatment. It then automatically returns to standard operation state when water temperature decreases to normal.
If a building is equipped with a Caleffi LEGIOMIX digital mixing valve, it will enjoy highly accurate mixed water temperature 24/7. The LEGIOMIX has industry-unique, calendar- based automatic thermal disinfection programs. For thermal monitoring, it has data logging capabilities and can connect to a building automation system for remote monitoring and access.
LEGIOMIX combined with SinkMixer anti-scald valves and ThermoSetter recirculation balancing valves offer an innovative total thermal solution for control of safe and sanitary domestic hot water.
Ontario, Calif. — In order to help plumbing and mechanical professionals perform their essential duty — protecting the public’s health and safety — without incurring unnecessary financial hardship, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has made some critical standards available free of charge. “Because we know the challenges many in our industry Read more
Ontario, Calif. — In order to help plumbing and mechanical professionals perform their essential duty — protecting the public’s health and safety — without incurring unnecessary financial hardship, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has made some critical standards available free of charge.
“Because we know the challenges many in our industry now face include financial uncertainty, IAPMO is temporarily providing free remote access to the standards most vital in dealing with such viral threats as COVID-19,” said IAPMO CEO GP Russ Chaney. “IAPMO understands we are all working together to combat COVID-19; access to codes and standards should not represent a roadblock in that battle.”
The standards and codes available support the services essential to responding to COVID-19 and include performance and installation requirements for plumbing and mechanical systems. By granting free access, IAPMO hopes to enhance public understanding of how the proper functioning of these systems protects the health of the people they serve.
They are available at: https://www.iapmo.org/code-standard-development/covid-19-resources
Available standards and codes include:
- ASSE 1044, Trap Seal Primer-Drainage Types and Electric Design Types
- ASSE 1072, Barrier Type Floor Drain Trap Seal Protection Devices
- ASSE 6000, Infection Control Risk Assessment for All Building Systems
- ASSE 12000, Infection Control Risk Assessment for All Building Systems
- ASSE 13000, Service Plumber and Residential Mechanical Services Technician
- ASSE 15000, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
- ASSE 16000, Inspector and Plans Examiner
- IGC 127, Combined Hand-Washing Systems
- IGC 156, Wash Fountains and Lavatory Systems with or without Water Closets
- IGC 278, Concealed Type Waterless Urinals
- IGC 289, Portable Sealed Personal Showering Systems
- IGC 305, ABS and PVC Horizontal Backwater Valves with Lifting Devices
- IGC 316, Self-Cleaning Water Closets
- IGC 361, Flexible Corrugated Drain Connectors for Lavatories and Sinks
- Uniform Plumbing Code
- Uniform Mechanical Code
- Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code
The White House and the Department of Homeland Security identified plumbing industry professionals as indispensable in their Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19 Response. IAPMO published a guidance for plumbing professionals working under the threat of COVID-19 authored by Peter DeMarco, Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Research for The IAPMO Group: https://www.iapmo.org/media/23453/coronavirus_guidance_for_plumbers.pdf
For more information on IAPMO and its proactive initiatives in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, direct your web browser to https://www.iapmo.org/ibu/whats-new/coronavirus-resources.
Indianapolis—Williams Comfort Air, a leading provider of heating, cooling and plumbing services, is providing free delivery of grocery pick up orders to healthcare professionals working with COVID-19 patients and people considered to be at high risk for severe illness from the coronavirus. The company, which operates Williams Comfort Air and Mr. Plumber in Indiana, Thomas Read more
Indianapolis—Williams Comfort Air, a leading provider of heating, cooling and plumbing services, is providing free delivery of grocery pick up orders to healthcare professionals working with COVID-19 patients and people considered to be at high risk for severe illness from the coronavirus. The company, which operates Williams Comfort Air and Mr. Plumber in Indiana, Thomas Galbraith Heating, Cooling and Plumbing in Ohio, and Jarboe’s Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in Kentucky, is converting its preventative maintenance teams into grocery delivery drivers – picking up and dropping off online grocery orders made through Kroger, Meijer, Walmart, Target and Market District.
“Our services are considered to be essential, and many of them – like HVAC and plumbing repairs and replacements – absolutely are,” said Jacob Huck, president of Williams Comfort Air. “But we don’t need to be completing preventive maintenance work right now. Still, we wanted our field teams to be getting 35-40 hours of work per week, so we came up with a meaningful, new way to serve the people in our community. We’re proud to offer free delivery of grocery pick up orders to those who need it right now, while still keeping employee and client safety top-of-mind.”
Free delivery of grocery pick-up orders is available now. Company leaders say they’ll continue to provide deliveries throughout the stay-at-home orders.
“As a company, we talked about how thankful we were for people on the front-lines of the pandemic, and discussed how we could help in an authentic, human way,” said Matt Tyner, Williams Comfort Air director of marketing. “Offering free grocery delivery was a way we could give thanks to people treating those who have the virus, help protect those most vulnerable to the virus and prioritize the health and livelihood of our own employees at the same time.”
To receive a grocery delivery from Williams Comfort Air, qualified individuals can place online orders scheduled for pickup between 8 – 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, then call the client care team in their area to confirm the delivery.
- Williams Comfort Air (Indiana) customers can call 317-663-9125.
- Thomas Galbraith Heating, Cooling and Plumbing (Ohio) customers can call 513-342-0460
- Jarboe’s Plumbing, Heating and Cooling (Kentucky) customers can call 502-442-7500.
For more information about Williams Comfort Air, visit https://williamscomfortair.com/.
Phoenix—CEO Ken Goodrich of Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing, a leading provider of HVAC and plumbing services in the Southwest United States, announced he is spending $1.5 million to install Ultra Violet (UV) germicidal lights in the homes of more than 600 employees. Deemed an essential business during an unprecedented time in our nation, Goettl’s Read more
Phoenix—CEO Ken Goodrich of Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing, a leading provider of HVAC and plumbing services in the Southwest United States, announced he is spending $1.5 million to install Ultra Violet (UV) germicidal lights in the homes of more than 600 employees.
Deemed an essential business during an unprecedented time in our nation, Goettl’s HVAC and plumbing technicians have continued to work tirelessly to ensure their community is receiving essential life systems and services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To show appreciation for their hard work and dedication, Goodrich is giving each Goettl employee a new UV germicidal light that will be installed into their personal HVAC system.
“Our technicians are putting their own well-being and safety second to serve their communities,” said Goodrich. “I want them to know how much we appreciate their unwavering dedication and bravery by giving them a product that will hopefully provide their own families with invaluable peace of mind during these uncertain times.”
The UV germicidal light, which mimics natural sunlight, uses ultraviolet radiation to drastically decrease indoor germs such as mold, fungi and bacteria. Additionally, the UV radiation destroys the nuclei of each contaminant preventing it from reproducing. Proven to kill viruses of many strains, this type of UV light is also used in hospitals and food processing plants nationwide.
The safety and well-being of Goettl employees is top priority for Goodrich and his executive team. As technicians are a critical resource for essential home services, Goodrich is committed to doing as much as possible to help ensure they stay safe and healthy during this public health crisis.
“At Goettl, we believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way and what’s right is keeping our employees safe and as healthy as possible so that they may continue to serve their beloved communities,” Goodrich continued.