Stop by the RIDGID booth to try out their latest drain cleaning, diagnostic, and pressing solutions ELYRIA, OHIO – February 11, 2025 – RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, announced their participation in the WWETT Show, Feb. 18-20, in Indianapolis. This year’s in-booth experience will include demos of a new game-changing handheld cordless drain Read more
RIDGID
Stop by the RIDGID booth to try out their latest drain cleaning, diagnostic, and pressing solutions
ELYRIA, OHIO – February 11, 2025 – RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, announced their participation in the WWETT Show, Feb. 18-20, in Indianapolis. This year’s in-booth experience will include demos of a new game-changing handheld cordless drain cleaner, along with their latest underground technology and pressing solutions, an exclusive show meetup for industry pros with the chance to win one of three RIDGID tools, and the first chance to enter to win a spot at the 2025 RIDGID Experience.
“WWETT will be the first place to experience our new K-46 Cordless SinkSnake™, a handheld drain cleaner that features an industry-first integrated, multi-position kickstand that alleviates the challenges of working under cramped vanities and in tubs,” said Jeff Albertini, product management director, underground technologies and licensing, RIDGID. “It’s been designed to significantly improve ergonomics when drain cleaning in sinks, tubs, vanities, and showers and our team is excited to be able to share it with those attending WWETT.”
Along with the K-46, RIDGID invites tradespeople to stop by the RIDGID booth (#2605) to experience their other drain cleaning, inspection, pipe rehabilitation, and pressing tools, including these latest solutions:
o NEW SeeSnake® microDRAIN APX CSx Via™ System – This kit features the SeeSnake microDRAIN APX, an inspection camera ideal for small pipes and tight turns with a flexible push cable and compact camera head to navigate small-diameter pipes, p-traps, and narrow bends where other systems struggle. Equipped with TruSense® technology and auto-image rotation, this inspection camera provides bright, clear images with real-time angle and orientation feedback. Paired with the CSx Via, the system offers a flexible, bring-your-own-screen solution to stream, capture, and share inspection images.
o FlexShaft® KM-1004 Milling Machine – This innovative hybrid milling machine provides heavy-duty milling and a wall-to-wall clean on 1 ¼ to 4-inch pipe up to 80 feet with unmatched efficiency. With cordless freedom, plug-in capability, first ever FlexShaft cable counter, and best-in-class durability, the FlexShaft KM-1004 Milling Machine allows users to adapt to tough jobsite conditions and makes in-field serviceability effortless.
o SeeSnake Mini Pro Inspection Camera with TruSense Technology – The first reel of its kind to provide digital self-leveling without mechanical rotation to maximize uptime, the small, yet rugged Mini Pro is designed to inspect up to 200 feet of 1 ½ to 8-inch pipe with its mid-flex push cable that can navigate hard 90-degree bends. Its innovative 25 mm digital self-leveling camera head always keeps the in-pipe image upright and, when paired with a TruSenseenabled monitor, the Mini Pro delivers the industry’s best in-pipe image with superior clarity, detail and fewer blown-out areas and sections of the pipe that are too dark to see.
o K-4310 FXP™ Drum Machine – The K-4310 features an industry-first cable counter that provides real-time, in-pipe cable distance in 3 to 10-inch lines for faster locating and diagnostics. Ideal for residential and commercial plumbing and drain cleaning projects, its powerful brushless DC motor spins at 230 RPM allowing you to tackle tough jobs with less required maintenance. The battery-powered K-4310 is also the newest addition to the FXP Technology Platform, delivering cordless freedom and powerful performance.
Other RIDGID drain cleaning, diagnostic, and press tools will also be available for demo including sectional machines, drum machines, jetters, SeeSnake® camera systems and locators.
Along with product demos, RIDGID is hosting a booth meetup on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. where industry pros will have the chance to win a K-46 SinkSnake™, K9-204+ FlexShaft® Drain Cleaning Machine or microDRAIN APX and Via Kit. Additionally, the first day of the show will kick off the RIDGID Experience 2025 and the RIDGID WWETT booth will be the first opportunity for attendees to enter for their chance to win a spot on the eighth annual, all-expenses-paid trip to RIDGID headquarters. Throughout the show, attendees can also scan their badge to enter to win one of three K9-102+ FlexShaft Drain Cleaning Machines.
https://vimeo.com/1051782401 Welcome back to our weekly update. Today is January 31, 2025. Here at Mechanical Hub, we are heading into our busiest travel period of the year with a myriad of industry shows to be conquered. On this update we’ll head back down to Vegas as Eric shows us some cool stuff from the Read more
Welcome back to our weekly update. Today is January 31, 2025. Here at Mechanical Hub, we are heading into our busiest travel period of the year with a myriad of industry shows to be conquered. On this update we’ll head back down to Vegas as Eric shows us some cool stuff from the Milwaukee Tool booth at the World of Concrete. I just got back from RIDGID in Elyria, Ohio, and Eric shows us a new Bosch Heat Pump Water Heater install.
The new production area reduces manufacturing processing time to one day and doubles yearly production capacity RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently completed an advanced manufacturing investment to expand its press jaw production at its world headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 30,000-square-foot workspace was held for its employees Read more
The new production area reduces manufacturing processing time to one day and doubles yearly production capacity
RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently completed an advanced manufacturing investment to expand its press jaw production at its world headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 30,000-square-foot workspace was held for its employees and invited guests.
The new pressing production area incorporates flexible robotic systems, new milling machines and high-capacity part fixtures. Each machine has the capability to run all pressing parts instead of select components for increased efficiency. These new machines, combined with new in-house capabilities, will reduce lead time by 30 days and double the annual production capacity of jaw sets. This enables customers to receive needed jaws faster for quicker job completion.
“This investment in new equipment and an improved workflow means we can quickly produce a press jaw set made in America that keeps us competitive in the marketplace,” said John Ruese, VP of Product Strategy & Development, RIDGID. “What makes this manufacturing space special is how it brings together the best of both worlds. We’ve incorporated state-of-the-art machinery, while maintaining our commitment to quality through hands-on assembly and inspection by our skilled team members. This balance ensures we continue delivering the exceptional quality that RIDGID is known for around the world.”
This is the latest RIDGID investment into their 27-acre campus that includes their world headquarters, as well as a 463,000 square foot manufacturing facility, state-of-the-art technology lab, customer training center, and an authorized service center.
RIDGID celebrated 25 years as the industry leader in pressing in 2024 and markets the only press jaws manufactured in the United States. The brand first introduced press technology to North America in 1999 and has continued to help professional tradespeople utilize the platform to drive jobsite efficiencies. This commitment has led RIDGID to become the most recognizable name in pressing, with a product portfolio of innovative solutions that help tradesmen and women achieve fast, secure, and flame-free connections. Their most recent pressing innovation was introduced last fall, the RP 251 Press Tool, a compact press tool that delivers powerhouse performance with total access.
Pfister® Faucets continues its celebrated docuseries, hosted by country music star and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan, spotlighting real-life stories of plumbers’ successes and the individual approaches that enabled them to achieve their dreams through a career in plumbing. Pfister® Faucets, a trailblazer in the plumbing industry, proudly announces the launch of the fifth season Read more
Pfister® Faucets continues its celebrated docuseries, hosted by country music star and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan, spotlighting real-life stories of plumbers’ successes and the individual approaches that enabled them to achieve their dreams through a career in plumbing.
Pfister® Faucets, a trailblazer in the plumbing industry, proudly announces the launch of the fifth season of their docuseries, American Plumber Stories. Over the past four seasons, this series has captivated audiences nationwide, showcasing the inspiring stories of plumbers who have overcome challenges to pursue their dreams in the plumbing trade.
Season 5 will present perspectives from plumbing experts in Australia, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, and California, shedding light on the common challenges faced by plumbers worldwide. For the first time, the show has ventured outside the United States, creating great excitement about reaching an international audience—especially the next generation of plumbers.
Craig Morgan Returns for Season 5
Country music star and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan will return as the show’s charismatic host. Craig’s authentic passion and profound connection to the stories of tradespeople make him the ideal guide on this journey of discovery and inspiration.
“This year, Pfister’s American Plumber Stories is heading to my second home state of Alaska and beyond, and five seasons in, it remains an honor to share these stories of inspiring men and women on the frontline of the worldwide plumbing trade,” Craig Morgan shared.
Strong Alliance Partners and New Partnerships
Three new partners joined forces with American Plumber Stories for Season 5. The International Code Council, NIBCO and AprilAire will help expand the reach of the series to their sizable audiences in the US and around the world. They are joining the ranks of industry leaders RIDGID, Cintas, Oatey, and the PHCC in this important mission.
“NIBCO partnering with American Plumber Stories was a natural fit, as we are committed to supporting and elevating the plumbing industry,” said Ashley Martin, president and COO, NIBCO. “The U.S. is in critical need of the next generation of plumbers. This show is helping to engage young men and women in an authentic way to help change the perception and inspire successful and fulfilling careers in the plumbing trades.”
Beyond the Boundaries
Season 5 tracks down some interesting plumbers around the world.
- Maui–Arecently retired plumber lost his house and everything he owned in the Lahaina fire disaster. The set-back motivates his son Raymond to recruit the next generation of plumbers to help build Lahaina back.
- Australia– Martin is the “Crocodile Dundee” of the plumbing industry in Tasmania. He specializes in servicing remote locations that he reaches by helicopter and small “bush” planes.
- Alaska– In this episode we explore the beauty of Alaska and what it’s like for Bill to work as a plumber in an extreme climate.
- Vancouver Island, B.C.– This episode tells the inspirational story of Mary Anne who employs an all-female team of plumbers. Her 100K+ social media followers know her as @the_ladyplumber. Discover why she is a role model to tradeswomen.
- Salinas, CA– Plumber Instructor Jorge helps rehabilitate inmates by teaching them the plumbing trade in the Soledad State Prison. We have an open discussion with the warden on why this approach works so well.
- Victorville, CA– Meet the Motherflushers. They are young and passionate about plumbing and have changed the perception via social media– well beyond the borders of the United States.
For more information and to watch the new episodes of American Plumber Stories, please visit www.americanplumberstories.com.
Interested plumbers who would like to share their own story can do so here: www.americanplumberstories.com/pages/i-am-an-american-plumber.
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Save $500 during the RLS Summer Tool Promo If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to start using RLS press fittings – or to upgrade your RLS tool or jaw set – now is the time. RLS is offering $500 discounts on several of their tool and jaw sets. With RLS fittings – the Read more
Save $500 during the RLS Summer Tool Promo
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to start using RLS press fittings – or to upgrade your RLS tool or jaw set – now is the time. RLS is offering $500 discounts on several of their tool and jaw sets.
With RLS fittings – the original HVAC/R press fittings – you get reliable flame-free joints in seconds. The company’s proven track record, with more than 20 million fittings installed since 2015, is unmatched in the industry. The RLS double circular press results in two 360˚ metal-to-metal connections, creating a permanent mechanical joint every time. Plus, with RLS press fittings, there’s no flame, no fire hazards, no brazing materials, no burn permits, no fire spotters and no nitrogen purging.
Visit your local RLS distributor/wholesaler to take advantage of $500 discounts on the following tool and jaw sets:
Klauke 19kN Tool and 5-Jaw Set
Includes the Klauke 19kN press tool, 2 lithium-ion batteries, a battery charger, 5 Jaws (3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 7/8″, 1-1/8″) and the accessory kit (depth gauge, press gauge, tube cutter, deburring tool, abrasive pad, wire brush and permanent marker) in a hard plastic carrying case.
Klauke 19kN 8-Jaw Set
Includes 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1-1/8″ and 1-3/8″ jaws in a hard plastic carrying case.
Klauke 32kN 8-Jaw Set
Includes 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1-1/8″ and 1-3/8″ jaws in a hard plastic carrying case, plus a depth gauge, press gauge, abrasive pad, wire brush and permanent marker.
RIDGID 24kN 8-Jaw Set
Includes 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1-1/8″ and 1-3/8″ jaws in a hard plastic carrying case, plus the accessory kit (depth gauge, press gauge, tube cutter, deburring tool, abrasive pad, wire brush and permanent marker).
The jaw sets listed above can be used with most popular press tools, including RIDGID, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Rothenberger and many others. To see the full RLS Tool & Jaw Compatibility Matrix, click here.
Discounts are available on purchases made through 7/31/2024 at participating authorized RLS wholesalers in North America. Get complete details here.