Articles by Kristen R Bayles

The annual competition highlights the industry's top technicians while inspiring future generations to pursue careers in HVAC. 

As commercial building owners continue to navigate economic uncertainty, labor shortages and changing customer demands, retrofit and renovation work is becoming a key opportunity across the plumbing market. In this article, learn where the commercial market is headed and how manufacturers, wholesalers, and contractors can adapt.

The water heater market is growing steadily as it moves into 2026, with increased demand in commercial and multifamily sectors. Reliability and efficiency are prioritized, influenced by regional policies and regulatory changes that promote informed system selections.

As aging infrastructure and rising costs challenge traditional methods, IoT and smart technologies are paving the way for proactive, data-driven maintenance, enhancing water management and safety like never before.

Emergency preparedness for plumbing systems in healthcare is vital, as they must remain operational and hygienic during regular use and crises. Water availability, pressure, and quality directly affect infection control and patient safety.

Water conservation is no longer just a sustainability initiative or an environmental checkbox; it is a fundamental component of risk management. The plumbing industry is at the heart of this issue: from commercial to residential, water management is one of the most important ways to manage risk in your business.

The resurgence of onshoring and reshoring in the U.S. plumbing and mechanical industry stems from economic, geopolitical, regulatory, and environmental pressures that prompt manufacturers and distributors to reconsider global sourcing. Four key dynamics drive this shift.

Nonresidential construction spending is projected to grow modestly by 2.2% in 2025 and 2.6% in 2026, with commercial construction expected to rise 1.7% this year and 4.6% in 2026, according to the American Institute of Architects.