Plumbing and HVACR apprentice contests in Birmingham are set to showcase top talent this year. Falls Church, Va. — A strong line-up of top apprentices will have their opportunity to shine at the PHCC Educational Foundation’s National Plumbing and HVACR apprentice contests. This two-day competition will take place during CONNECT 2024, October 7-10, at the Read more
Plumbing
Plumbing and HVACR apprentice contests in Birmingham are set to showcase top talent this year.
Falls Church, Va. — A strong line-up of top apprentices will have their opportunity to shine at the PHCC Educational Foundation’s National Plumbing and HVACR apprentice contests. This two-day competition will take place during CONNECT 2024, October 7-10, at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center, Birmingham, Alabama.
These contests — always a popular attraction on the trade show floor — will highlight the skills and expertise of the nation’s top apprentices in the plumbing and HVACR industries and allow attendees to watch the contestants’ progress.

Apprentices from across the country will come together to showcase their expertise and compete for the title of the nation’s top apprentice. This event offers apprentices not only a chance to demonstrate their skills but also an opportunity to network with fellow apprentices and industry professionals.
Plumbing apprentices must rough-in a bathroom – including the drain, waste and vent lines, a toilet, a sink and shower. HVACR apprentices must demonstrate their knowledge with a written test, plus their hands-on skills with brazing, pressure testing, refrigerant recovery and diagnosing and repairing a package unit system.
The evening of Tuesday, October 8, will kick off with a pep rally on the tradeshow floor to energize and support the contestants. University of Alabama sportscaster Chris Stewart will emcee the event. After the contest concludes on Wednesday, October 9, participants and attendees are invited to celebrate at the awards breakfast on Thursday, October 10. This event will honor the top performers and offer a final chance to honor the hard work and dedication of the next generation of industry leaders.

“We are very proud to sponsor these contests each year,” says Kevin Tindall, PHCC Educational Foundation chair. “Not only do they provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for star apprentices to demonstrate their skills on a national stage, but the contests also support the Foundation’s mission by helping to generate awareness for local apprentice programs, boosting interest in the fields of plumbing and HVAC and attracting new recruits to the industry.”
For more details, visit phccweb.org/CONNECT. This site offers information on education sessions, speakers, exhibitors, registration and hotel reservations, as well as the many attractions of Birmingham, Alabama, known as “The Country’s Best Kept Secret.” Register for CONNECT 2024 here.

With plenty of raw power for long, tough jobs, field-proven Speedrooter 92® from General Pipe Cleaners clears tree roots and other stubborn stoppages in 3” to 10” lines up to 100 feet long. Plumbing, drain cleaning, and maintenance experts agree: General’s durable design offers rugged reliability with optimal control, ease-of-use, and maneuverability. Power Cable Feed drives Read more
With plenty of raw power for long, tough jobs, field-proven Speedrooter 92® from General Pipe Cleaners clears tree roots and other stubborn stoppages in 3” to 10” lines up to 100 feet long.
Plumbing, drain cleaning, and maintenance experts agree: General’s durable design offers rugged reliability with optimal control, ease-of-use, and maneuverability.
Power Cable Feed drives and retracts cables up to 20 feet per minute – making clog clearing fast and easy. And a guide tube boosts cable efficiency and operator safety by reducing tangling, whipping, and drag.

Adjusting Speedrooter 92 to different cable sizes is simple. Just turn the knob atop the feed – no screwdriver or special tool required.
It transports and handles easily, too. General’s muscular machine rides on 10” ball bearing tires. The adjustable height, swept-back handle provides maximum maneuvering leverage. And one worker can easily load it onto a truck.
Speedrooter 92 features a braced frame at key stress points, heavy-duty 1/2 hp motor, tool box, and 100 ft. of 3/4” or 5/8” Flexicore® cable.
Flexicore cable offers superior kinking resistance and unequalled strength with the right amount of flexibility. General’s tough, industry-leading design carries a one-year warranty against breakage – the industry’s best.
For details, contact the Drain Brains® at General Pipe Cleaners at 800-245-6200 or 412-771-6300, or visit https://drainbrain.com/en/products/speedrooter-92/

Designed as an above-ground lift station, the Sanicubic series is ideal for environments where gravity drainage is not an option, providing an efficient and reliable way to pump wastewater to the main sewage line. The Sanicubic range from Saniflo is a robust and versatile solution for handling wastewater in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The Read more
Designed as an above-ground lift station, the Sanicubic series is ideal for environments where gravity drainage is not an option, providing an efficient and reliable way to pump wastewater to the main sewage line. The Sanicubic range from Saniflo is a robust and versatile solution for handling wastewater in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The whole range is under limited warranty for 4 years and UPC and CSA approved for nationwide compliance.

Sanicubic 1VX – (IP68) Simplex Vortex lift station – 220-240V – 1.5h – For multiple plumbing fixtures Handles 2″ Solids (Residential / Commercial / Industrial).
Performance and Models
The Sanicubic range includes two primary models, each tailored to different needs. The Sanicubic 1 is a single-motor unit, perfect for residential applications or smaller commercial spaces. It is capable of pumping waste 36 feet up (including solids up to 2”) from multiple fixtures, including toilets, sinks, showers, and washing machines. The pump can handle up to 137 GPM (VX model), making it a powerful yet compact solution for homes and small businesses.
For larger or more demanding applications, the Sanicubic 2 is an excellent choice. This model features a dual-motor system that ensures continuous operation, even if one motor fails. The Sanicubic 2 can pump up to 250 GPM (VX model) and is suitable for commercial properties such as restaurants, hotels, and public buildings where high-volume wastewater (including solids up to 2”) management is crucial.

Sanicubic 2VX – (IP68) Duplex Vortex lift station – 220-240V – 2×1.5hp – or multiple plumbing fixtures Handles 2″ Solids (Residential / Commercial / Industrial).
Application and Integration
Each model in the Sanicubic range is engineered as an above-ground lift station, making installation straightforward and minimizing disruption to the property. This feature is particularly beneficial in basements or areas where traditional gravity-fed below ground systems would be impractical or impossible. The compact design allows the unit to be installed discreetly, and the robust construction ensures long-term durability even in the most challenging environments. The maintenance is also very easy with quick access to the main components, coupled to an external control panel and an alarm to ensure reliable operation.
The Sanicubic range offers a reliable, high-performance solution for wastewater management, with each model providing the necessary power and capacity to meet specific needs. As an above-ground lift station, it stands out as a versatile and essential tool for all applications.

https://vimeo.com/1006933600 Welcome to our exclusive weekly update where every Friday we bring you the lates industry news, products and what’s trending on social media Read more
Welcome to our exclusive weekly update where every Friday we bring you the lates industry news, products and what’s trending on social media.
Taco has announced the launch of its innovative Manager Development Program (MDP), a transformative global initiative designed to cultivate leadership and foster professional growth. Developed in partnership with DDI and DiSC, the program reflects Taco’s dedication to investing in the development and success of its people. “At Taco, our employees are at the heart of Read more
Taco has announced the launch of its innovative Manager Development Program (MDP), a transformative global initiative designed to cultivate leadership and foster professional growth. Developed in partnership with DDI and DiSC, the program reflects Taco’s dedication to investing in the development and success of its people.
“At Taco, our employees are at the heart of everything we do,” said Cheryl Merchant, CEO of Taco Family of Companies. “By nurturing our team’s talents and equipping them with essential tools, we not only unlock their full potential but also drive our collective success and growth as a global organization.”
The MDP is designed to meet the unique needs of managers while aligning with Taco’s strategic vision. With a focus on clarity and effective communication, the program ensures that content is accessible and actionable, thereby enhancing overall interactions and interpersonal skills.
“Taco is committed to advancing global employee development through cutting-edge programs and key alliances,” said Victoria McCoy, EVP of Global Human Resources at Taco. “Our collaboration with DDI and DiSC marks a significant shift from traditional learning and development practices to a more strategic approach that aligns with our organizational goals. Together, we’ve crafted a program that embodies Taco’s values, culture, and objectives, ensuring a unified leadership strategy worldwide,” concluded McCoy.
In essence, the MDP integrates modules that aim towards developing self, managing others and leading the organization. By providing a cohesive leadership framework across all regions, the program helps Taco forge meaningful connections and empowers its employees to reach new heights.
For additional information about the MDP or to explore career opportunities at Taco, please visit the Careers page at www.tacocomfort.com/careers.