When he is not performing wildcats on his snowboard or running ollies on his skateboard, Nick Parlet @plumbingsk8r keeps busy with his residential service plumbing company, Tidy Pipes Plumbing, Webster, N.Y. As a third-generation union plumber, Parlet’s dad and his grandfather encouraged him to join and learn the trade, so at the age of 22 Read more
Milwaukee Tool
When he is not performing wildcats on his snowboard or running ollies on his skateboard, Nick Parlet @plumbingsk8r keeps busy with his residential service plumbing company, Tidy Pipes Plumbing, Webster, N.Y.
As a third-generation union plumber, Parlet’s dad and his grandfather encouraged him to join and learn the trade, so at the age of 22, Nick joined the local plumbing union. Nick began doing two years of pre-apprentice work and then started his five-year apprenticeship. After five years of schooling, Nick became a journeyman and worked commercial new build construction. Parlet eventually ended up working in the commercial plumbing service, and after doing that for many years—as well as doing side jobs for family and friends—he decided to open his own residential plumbing company, Tidy Pipes Plumbing.
“To be honest, I didn’t know if there was ever a time that I was certain about going on my own; however, with growing on social media with Plumbingsk8r and meeting a ton of great people in the industry, it was clear that there was more money to be made owning your own. My wife and I—spur of the moment—bought a truck on a random Tuesday, and the rest was history,” says Parlet.
Being on his own with the new company came a new wave of excitement knowing that each call Parlet received would grow his business further. “Interacting with my own customers was really exciting; I felt a greater sense of accomplishment and purpose for each job that I went to,” says Parlet.
Joining the union proved beneficial for Parlet. “There are many benefits as a union member, especially for those going into the trades young. They offer coverage for health and dental insurance, as well as retirement options and pension plans. There is also the perk of having your education and schooling provided for you if you go through the full apprenticeship program. It’s just nice knowing there is a group of people keeping your best interest in mind when you are first coming into the trade,” says Parlet.
For those interested in getting started in the trades, “Go for it!” says Parlet. “Consider the benefits for your future and remember that the trades pay. It is knowledge that will never go out of style. Tradesmen will always be import in the future and AI can’t take your job.”
So how does this translate to how we as an industry getting more people interested in the trades? “If there was more focus on the money to be made, I think there would be a lot more interest. There are always jokes about plumbers, and they have this stigma surrounding them that they are low paying job, but in reality you can make the same amount and in many cases more than someone who is 3-5 years out of college,” says Parlet.
The Balance
Believing in the notion that stress is a killer, Parlet is trying to stay level headed about keeping the right work life balance. First and foremost, Nick loves spending time with his wife and kids, and he knows full well that he does not want to shave a few years off his short time on earth just to make a few extra bucks. “Starting my company has been very challenging for balancing everything because I want to please all of my customers, and that sometimes means working late and working weekends, but I am confident that this is just part of the start-up process,” says Parlet.
Social Connections
As time went on, the confidence grew. And, once Nick started growing on social media and was asked to be part of the Oatey ambassador program, he says he met so many great people, good friends to this day that all became mentors.
Nick (r) with Evan Berns at Oatey
“My buddy Thomas Young, aka TYCustoms, Nick from Cheddars Plumbing Co, Jake from MotherFlushers, and Roger Wakefield all instilled a lot of confidence in me and really made me realize that I was capable of owning my own company as well. I hope to be a role model in showing the younger generation that there are other options besides college and that the trades are always growing and need workers,” says Parlet.
“Huge shout out to everyone at Oatey, by the way! Amanda, Alyssa, Katherine, and Tyler, you guys are awesome! They have really helped to push me further into the spotlight of the plumbing social media community and for that I am very thankful. Because of Oatey I was able to meet some of my best friends today.”
Speaking on the importance of social media, “About a year and a half ago, my good friend Brian was constantly sending me TikTok plumbing videos through text messages,” recalls Parlet. “After a few times of clicking the links, I was locked out of watching the TikTok videos unless I downloaded the app. So, I downloaded the app and without putting any thought into the name so I created @plumbingsk8r.
The Hub’s Tim Ward (l) and John Mesenbrink (r) share a laugh at the RIDGID afterparty during PHCC Connect in Cleveland.
“At that time, I was really only posting on my personal Instagram page. One day I was bored, I posted what I did at work to my Instagram story. I was shocked at the response I got from my friends that were not in the trades. My friends were actually interested in what I did for a living and would often ask me for help with their own plumbing issues. I started putting a little more though into filming my plumbing videos and edits. One night, Brian told me I should post one of my videos to the TikTok and I was a little hesitant at first but I eventually did. The next morning, I woke up at my video had 75,000 views. I was shocked. I posted another one and it didn’t do so good. I posted one more and that one took off as well.
“Every day, I would post what I did at work and I started to gain a little following. I reached out to other plumbing content creators and ended up building some good friendships. We would talk a lot about content creating but also about being a business owner. A lot of them sparked the idea of opening my own company at that time. I enjoy everything about plumbing, including meeting other people who are more knowledgeable about the trade than me. Social media has become a tool I’ve been able to use to learn more than I ever thought I could about the plumbing and the business side of things.
“There have been so many times I’m on a job and think to myself. ‘I bet TY would know the answer to why this is doing that.’ So, I call up my buddy that lives on the other side of the country and sure enough he knows exactly what I’m talking about.
“As for the time I put into my videos today, I try to post at least once a day. I try to film jobs that at different such as pouring a lead joint because you do see that very often. The filming process does not take much extra time but the editing and cross posting process can take anywhere from 30 mins to five hours per video. If I don’t feel creatively motivated, I will not edit or post that day. In a sense, social media has become a 2nd job for me but it’s a job that I can do when I feel like it so there is no pressure. I’m just having fun with it and meeting as many people as I can,” says Parlet.
In conclusion, when Nick started his plumbing career in commercial new construction, he felt as if he was not challenged enough. “I learned a lot about installation but not as much about what I was actually installing. In order to be a good service plumber, you need to know how everything works in order to properly diagnose and fix the problem. “Every service call that I go on has its own challenges and when I find the solution to the problem, fix the issue and put a smile on my customers face, that is the rewarding part.”
Oh, and that name @plumbngsk8r? “I have been skateboarding since I was 10 years old and I still really enjoy skating and filming with my friends,” says Parlet.
You’ll see Nick if you attend the 2024 WWETT Show, KBIS in Vegas, “and I was recently picked to attend the RIDGID Experience, which I am extremely excited about, and I’m hoping to get to the ‘holy grail’ of power tools event, the Milwaukee Pipeline.
Trusted Tools
What I keep on me at all times
• Utility knife
• 6-in. 1 screw driver
• High quality pocket flashlight
• Milwaukee marks all marker
Always in the bag hand tools
•Channel Locks / Knipex Plier wrench
• Needle nose Cresent Wrench (Ferguson brand – Raptor)
• 16 ft. tape
Power tools I use almost daily
• Milwaukee auto cutter
• RIDGID Snake (preferably a K-50)
• RIDGID Press tool (RP-115)
Milwaukee is adding eight new shop focused solutions to the PACKOUT™ system, all featuring modularity with the PACKOUT™ Wall Plates. Magnetic Rack—features three magnetic faces, optimized to store hand tools, fasteners, and more for quick access organization Magnetic Bin & Large Magnetic Bin—can be hung on wall plates or stored inside PACKOUT™ organizers, feature a Read more
Milwaukee is adding eight new shop focused solutions to the PACKOUT™ system, all featuring modularity with the PACKOUT™ Wall Plates.
- Magnetic Rack—features three magnetic faces, optimized to store hand tools, fasteners, and more for quick access organization
- Magnetic Bin & Large Magnetic Bin—can be hung on wall plates or stored inside PACKOUT™ organizers, feature a quick access magnetic dish that can be used to organize and store small items like fasteners, power tool accessories, and more. A non-marring magnetic base allows the bins to be stored on metal items without damaging them
- Compact Wall Basket—quick access opening allows for easy retrieval of stored items, 20lb weight capacity perfect for storing gloves, bit cases, and more
- 4” Single Straight Hook & 7-Hook Rack—constructed with metal reinforced hooks to maintain shape when loaded and provide easy placement and removal of stored items
- Belt Clip Rack—constructed with reinforced metal to maintain shape when loaded and optimized to store anything with a belt clip such as knives, tape measures, and more
- Long Handle Tool Holder—optimized to store outdoor power equipment, the quick access tool clamps make it easy to retrieve long-handled tools while the anti-slip rubber grips prevent tools from falling
With the addition of the new PACKOUT™ Shop Storage solutions, the Milwaukee® PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System now has over 75 solutions for users to choose from to fully customize their storage on the jobsite, in transit, and in the shop, making PACKOUT™ the most versatile and durable modular storage system in the industry.
Milwaukee Tool introduces its new M18 FUEL™ Drill and Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™. This expansion of their next-generation drilling and driving solutions, with the new M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill with ONE-KEY™ and M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™, delivers users with the fastest driving speeds, enhanced safety, and advanced customization technology. M18 Read more
Milwaukee Tool introduces its new M18 FUEL™ Drill and Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™. This expansion of their next-generation drilling and driving solutions, with the new M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill with ONE-KEY™ and M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™, delivers users with the fastest driving speeds, enhanced safety, and advanced customization technology.
M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/ Drill Driver with ONE-KEY™
The new M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/ Drill Driver with ONE-KEY™ is the most powerful solution in its class, maintaining the highest power under load. Delivering 30% more power, it provides users with less bog down when drilling to improve productivity and efficiency on the job. At just 6.9 inches in length, this hammer drill is the shortest in its class. With a compact, ergonomic design, users are provided more access in tight spaces without the need to sacrifice power.
Milwaukee Tool, M18 FUEL Drill and Impact Driver with ONE-KEY, tools, cordless tools, drill driver, hammer drill
Milwaukee’s new hammer drill also features adjustable AutoStop™ technology to deliver the best-reacting bind-up protection. Designed to prevent over-rotation in application, this new machine learning technology offers adjustable Low, Medium, and High sensitivities to best meet the desired performance, offering users the capability to create customizable RPM settings via the app. As a complete problem-solving solution, Milwaukee’s new hammer drill is integrated with ONE-KEY™ technology, allowing users to sync the tool wirelessly with their mobile device or desktop via the free ONE-KEY™ app. Users can upload data and history to create custom reports, identify where and when the tool was last seen, and track the utilization and service intervals of the tool to maximize uptime and maintain inventory.
M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™
The new M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™ is the most powerful in its class, providing users with the fastest driving speeds. Increasing productivity with the ability to drive through a full range of applications, this impact driver delivers 30% more speed than other manufacturers. Featuring a POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, users can complete more applications back-to-back without losing speed or power. The M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™ is designed with ultimate trigger control to improve application control without the need to sacrifice power, while specialized tri-LED lighting provides greater visibility for a brighter workspace. Featuring a machine learning self-tapping screw mode, this impact driver offers custom drive control via in-app customizable RPM settings to deliver ultimate customizable control in application. With integrated ONE-KEY™ technology, Milwaukee’s new impact driver provides users with advanced tool tracking capabilities, allowing customization, tracking, and management via the free ONE-KEY™ app.
Milwaukee is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/Driver with ONE-KEY™ and M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™ are fully compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 250 power tool solutions.
*M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivaled performance, all M18 FUEL™ products feature three Milwaukee®-exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run-time and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class.
**ONE-KEY™ is the first digital platform for tools and equipment. By integrating industry-leading tool electronics with a custom-built cloud-based program, ONE-KEY™ provides a new level of control and access to information that revolutionizes the way work gets done. The ability to customize, track, and manage through ONE-KEY™ fundamentally changes the way users interact with their tools.
Specifications
M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/Drill Driver with ONE-KEY™ (2906-20) – $249.00
- Volts: 18V
- Torque: 1,400 in-lbs
- RPM: 0 – 500 / 0 – 2,100
- BPM: 33,000
- Chuck Type: ½” All-Metal
- Tool Length: 6.9”
- Tool Weight (Without Battery): 3.2 lbs
Includes: 2906-20 M18 FUEL™ w/ ONE-KEY™ 1/2″ Hammer Drill Driver Bare Tool
M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™ (2957-20) – $199.00
- Volts: 18V
- Torque: 2,000 in-lbs
- Speed: 4-Mode Drive Control
- RPM: 0 – 3,900
- IPM: 0 – 4,400
- Single Hand Bit Insertion: Yes
- Light: Tri-LED
- Tool Length: 4.47”
- Tool Weight (Without Battery): 2.3 lbs
Includes: 2957-20 M18 FUEL 1/2″ w/ ONE-KEY™ Impact Driver Bare Tool
M18 FUEL™ with ONE-KEY™ Two Tool Combo Kit (3696-22) – $449.00
Kit Includes: (1) 2906-20 M18 FUEL™ w/One-Key™ Hammer Drill Driver Bare Tool, (1) 2957-20 M18 Fuel™ w/One-Key ™ Impact Driver Bare Tool, (2) M18™ Redlithium™ XC 5.0AH Battery (48-11-1850), (1) M12™ & M18™ Multi-Voltage Battery Charger (48-59-1812) (1) Drill Side Handle
M18 FUEL™ ½” Drill/Drill Driver with ONE-KEY™ (2905-20) – $239.00
- Volts: 18V
- Torque: 1,400 in-lbs
- RPM: 0 – 500 / 0 – 2,100
- Chuck Type: ½” All-Metal
- Tool Length: 6.9”
- Tool Weight (Without Battery): 3.1 lbs
Includes: 2905-20 M18 FUEL™ w/ ONE-KEY™ 1/2″ Drill Driver Bare Tool
Milwaukee Tool is driving innovation by offering the ability to clear clogs in more drain lines at larger capacity with the new M18™ FUEL™ High Speed Chain Snake for 1-½” – 4” Pipes. Featuring a user driven design to provide a portable solution with the power to complete multiple jobs on one charge, the chain Read more
M18 FUEL™ High Speed Chain Snake for 1-1/2” – 4” Pipes
Milwaukee Tool is driving innovation by offering the ability to clear clogs in more drain lines at larger capacity with the new M18™ FUEL™ High Speed Chain Snake for 1-½” – 4” Pipes. Featuring a user driven design to provide a portable solution with the power to complete multiple jobs on one charge, the chain snake leverages high speed and chain knocker heads, which are optimized to efficiently clear grease and descale pipes. This tool is the ideal solution for tackling blockages in kitchen sinks, floor drains, toilets and main lines.
Delivering full power at max distance, the M18™ FUEL™ High Speed Chain Snake can descale up to 75-feet out for the easiest, most controlled wall-to-wall clean. The chain snake’s user driven design features a variable speed dial and durable electronic foot pedal for more control in the line, along with a mechanical clutch to protect the cable in the application. The partially enclosed drum allows for mess containment and easy access for cable cleaning and field repair. The telescoping handle paired with the durable wheel base gives users the portability needed for easy transportation on and off the jobsite. With the power to complete multiple jobs on one charge, the high speed chain snake can clear up to 150-feet of scale build-up when paired with the included M18™ REDLITHIUM™ HIGH OUTPUT™ HD 12.0 battery packs.
In addition to the high speed chain snake, Milwaukee is launching 1-½”, 2”, 3”, and 4” Standard Chain Knockers, as well as 1-½”, 2”, 3”, and 4” Carbide Chain Knockers, both for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable. The standard chain knockers are optimized to clear grease and soft blockages and are best used in PVC, clay, or fragile pipes. The carbide chain knockers can tackle scale build-up, hard deposits, grease, and tough blockages and are best used in cast iron and other hard-walled pipes. All the new chain knockers have a rust-guard coating and feature stainless steel set screws for corrosion resistance.
Milwaukee Tool is committed to providing drain cleaning professionals with the most portable and versatile sewer and drain maintenance solutions. The company is dedicated to continuing investment in technology to build solutions from the ground-up that provide drain cleaning professionals an easier way to get on and off the job with less hassle, so they can service more calls. Milwaukee offers the only complete lineup of cordless drain cleaning tools and pipe inspection solutions for fixtures to sewer lateral lines. This high speed chain snake is part of the M18™ System, now offering more than 250 power tool solutions.
*M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivaled performance, all M18 FUEL™ products feature three Milwaukee®-exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run-time, and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class.
LAUNCH DATE
May 2023
MSRP
$2,499.99
Specifications
M18™ FUEL™ High Speed Chain Snake for 1-1/2” – 4” Pipes (2819-22)
- Pipe Capacity: 1-½” – 4”
- Length: 24.5”
- Height: 28”
- Weight w/o Battery: 63 lbs
- Tool Warranty: 5 year
Kit Includes: (1) M18™ FUEL™ High Speed Chain Snake for 1-1/2” – 4” Pipes (2819-22), (2) M18™ REDLITHIUM™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 12.0 Battery Packs (48-11-1812), (1) M18™ & M12™ Rapid Charger (48-59-1808), (1) 5/16” x 75’ Cable (48-53-2819), (1) 1-½” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable (48-53-3020), (1) 2” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable (48-53-2021), (1) 3” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable (48-53-3022), (1) 4” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable (48-53-3023), (1) 250ml Oil Bottle, (20) Stainless Set Screws (2) Cable Replacement Pins (1) Hex Key (1) Extra Sheath Segment
Accessories and Cables
5/16” x 75’ Chain Snake Cable 48-53-2819
1-½” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable 48-53-3020
2” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable 48-53-2021
3” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable 48-53-3022
4” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable 48-53-3023
1-½” Carbide Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable 48-53-3024
2” Carbide Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable 48-53-3025
3” Carbide Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable 48-53-3026
4” Carbide Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable 48-53-3027
Grease Penetrating Head for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable 48-53-3028
https://youtu.be/Nj31KASiW7w Standard anode rods are sacrificial devices meant to protect tank water heaters from corrosion and failure. Annual maintenance on tanks is typically not carried out resulting in the depletion of the anode rod and corrosion buildup in the tank. Either replacing an old anode rod with new or replacing with a power anode rod Read more
Standard anode rods are sacrificial devices meant to protect tank water heaters from corrosion and failure. Annual maintenance on tanks is typically not carried out resulting in the depletion of the anode rod and corrosion buildup in the tank.
Either replacing an old anode rod with new or replacing with a power anode rod is a great step in doing what you can to prolong the life of a tank water heater.
Master plumber Eric Aune talks about what an anode rod is, how it works and what are some of the options for replacement.
Tools and products used in this video:
Power Anode Rod Shown: https://amzn.to/3QzdykS
Milwaukee M12 Stubby Impact Wrench 1/2″ https://amzn.to/3irIdUU
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Mid-Torque 1/2″ Impact https://amzn.to/3GXDPX2