Incorporating both ambient air and floor temperature sensors can lead to more efficient use of energy and reduced operational costs.
n The Blue Pages
n Radiant controls
n Surge protection
n Small business failures
(PAGE 33) THE BLUE PAGES DIVE INTO
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Canadians need to start being comfortable with being uncomfortable; it’s shifting to become the new normal. I’d like to argue that this is some kind of long-lasting effect from the pandemic, but I think it was almost always inevitable that we were going to end up here. For any superhero fans out there reading this column, we are following a “not-so-happily ever after” subplot within the multiverse.
It would be so much better if we could have some kind of fluidity with how business, politics, and life rolls out. But instead, we’re left with whiplash from all the ups and downs life has been throwing at us lately.
I cannot imagine the frustrations business owners face in today’s world. Supply chain concerns, tariffs being announced and dropped almost daily, and a rising cost of living in Canada — this isn’t exactly the easiest time in human history to be alive. We’ve just reached the Aug. 1 deadline for the latest Donald Trump tariff, which would impose a new 35 per cent duty on Canadian goods.
Apparently, according to recent conversations between the Trump administration and the
Canadian federal government, we are just going to have to be used to tariffs as part of a trade deal. All trade negotiations by Trump have so far included a component of tariffs.
To make this grim column a little darker, the total investment in new building construction has fallen. Losses were seen in both residential and non-residential sectors.
Add onto the fact that Canada’s inflation rate has risen another 1.9 per cent in June, with no opening for a rate cut by the Bank of Canada for the month of July. This was to be expected, according to the consensus forecasts published by CIBC.
Maybe its my young age, or just my simple love for the classics from my childhood, but I cannot help but feel like we’re all in this together. If we stay with that mentality, maybe we can make it through in one piece. Even if we have a few little cracks, I’d say that’s a win.
July/August 2025 Volume 34, Number 9 ISSN 1919-0395
Publisher Mark Vreugdenhil Cell: (416) 996-1031 mark@plumbingandhvac.ca
Editor Leah Den Hartogh Cell: (289) 830-1217 leah@plumbingandhvac.ca
Assistant Editor Francesco Lo Presti Cell: (647) 531-5697 francesco@plumbingandhvac.ca
Contributing Writers Glenn Mellors, Greg Scrivener, Michael Ridler, Ron Coleman
Design and Production Samantha Jackson production@plumbingandhvac.ca All articles and photos by Plumbing & HVAC staff unless noted.
By Leah Den Hartogh
“We need to findbetterwaystoshareknowledge,andweneedtosharethat knowledge with everyone in the industry,” shared Donald G. Fettes, president and CEO of Canature North America Inc, during his speech as the inaugural recipient of the Donald G. Fettes Award, which was named in his honour. This award will be given to current and/or former Canadian Water Quality Association (CWQA) members for their work towards the betterment of the waterqualityindustryinCanada.
TheH20InnovationSummitwasheldattheLivingWaterResort& Spa in Collingwood, Ont, and ran from May 29 to 30. Thisyear’sCWQAannual general meeting focused on networking and education within the water qualityindustry.Atotalof45dealersandtechniciansand35vendorsattended theevent.
Over the three days, attendees were able to engage in conversations with
fellow water treatment experts, listen to manufacturers and other industry partners detail their company or products, attend business sessions, or participate in interactive workshops. In addition, the association held its inauguralgolftournament,withsomefunlittletwists,likeswingingaputteroff theteeorshowcasingtheirbestrenditionoftheHappyGilmoreswing.During the announcement of who won the four-person best ball golf tournament, some of the videos taken were broadcast for the conference to see. The golf tournamentofficiallykickedoffthetwo-dayconference.
Aseriesofpresentationsweregivenbysomeoftheexhibitorsattheevent, including Mike Kirwin, senior vice president of business development for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), Mark Vreugdenhil, publisher of Plumbing & HVAC magazine, Mike Piotrowski, vice president of engineering at Intuitive Water, Kyle Sullivan of Franklin WaterTreatment,Mike
Following the Corro Protec 15-minute elevator presentation on the first day of the conference, the booth was full of people looking to learn more about the company and its products.
Hoyer, regional business development manager at Ecowater, Sam Khoshaba, regional sales manager at Luminor Environmental, Mike Weatherill, AVP corporate accounts and business development at Ecolab, and Mikael Bastiani, account manager at Corro-Protec Fun fact: during these 15-minute elevator pitch presentations, five of the speakers were namedMike.
Attendees were treated to a BBQ lunch by the water on the first day of the conference. During the evening, attendees were able to walk the show floor withadrinkinhand,whileenjoyingappetizers.
The last day of the conference started bright and early with a buffet breakfast. Next, the annual general meeting was officially held, and the gavel was passed from Aaron Biffert, president of EcoWater Systems, onto Brad Vincent, accounts manager of UV Pure. Vincent joked, “Please don’t go too far. Your wisdom and knowledge will surely be missed by the associationandmyself.”
To kick off the business sessions, Sarkis Harmandayan, partner of operation
www.plumbingandhvac.ca
mergersandacquisitionsatKPMG,gaveapresentationon“IsYour Business ReadyfortheNextStage”
This presentation focused on the way the buying market within the water treatment industry. One good news for those in attendance was that people are more conscious of their water intake, which can help drive demand. In addition, Harmandayan highlighted the importance of reputation within your regional area. “If they are buying a business, they want to be familiar withthis,”hesharedduringhispresentation.
Asatakeaway,hesharedthatthemarketiscurrentlysittinginanexciting time to be in the industry. “Although, you may be facing some global headwinds and cost pressures, the opportunities and conditions are right for youtoeithercontinuetoinvestinyourgrowthorconsideranexit.Thestory youareabletotell,aboutthefutureofyourbusiness,willbekeyinbeingable tomaximizevalue,”sharedHarmandayan.
Duringthequestionportionofthepresentation,hestatedthattheindustry has to get used to this new state of uncertainty as the new normal. “Get comfortablebeinguncomfortable,”hesharedtotheaudience.
In a bit of a shift in topic, Candice Wentling, director of Certified Action, presented on “Building your Business” Starting out by highlighting current market trends within the water quality industry, Wentling highlighted the contaminants of interest for homeowners. This included PFAS, bacteria, microplastics, lead, fluoride levels (with consumersbeingeitherfororagainstit),andaestheticconcerns.
“You have to align with your consumer,” states Wentling. “If they don’t see, smell, or taste a contaminant, they aren’t going to call you. It is our responsibilitythatwhenwehaveinformationthatwehavetoshareit”
For the business owners in the audience, Wentling called upon them to become introspective about what they want out of their business. One individual in the audience stated that they wanted to move more away from the front lines of the business. She challenged him that now that he had an idea of what he wanted, how was he going to achieve his goal? The point of this exercise was to highlight that business owners will always have a lot of big ideas, it’s in the implementation that makes it concrete. “Write it down,” suggests Wentling. “I want you driving the train, not dragged behind it.” She states that starting by writing down some bullet points gets the ball moving. She used the quote “A lack of direction, not a lack of time is the problem. We all have 24-hour days,” by Zig Zaglar, an American author of bookslikeSecretsofClosingtheSale.
“Answers are in the simplicity, but we often make sure problems for ourselvesbymakingitmoredifficult,”sharesWentling.Attheendoftheday, it’s not about simply knowing how to solve the problem, it’s about following through with the solution. She gave the example of losing weight. We all knowthatacaloriedeficitresultsinthelossoffat,butthefollowthroughand disciplineiswherepeoplestruggle.
At the end of the session, attendees appeared to be quite happy with the content and lessons learned, with some yelling out “great presentation” towardsWentling.
Following a short lunch with some delicious tacos and churros, attendees were able to participate in a four-hour long workshop focused on corporate leadership, communication and management, which was led by Laura Koza, facultymemberatGeorgianCollege.
The 2026 CWQA annual general m eeting is anticipated to r un around March24inToronto.Thevenuewillbeannouncedatalaterdate.
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Dual-sensing thermostats are crucial for optimizing the thermodynamic performance of hydronic radiant systems.
By Michael Ridler
Radiant heating and cooling systems offer superior comfort and energy efficiency, but their true benefits can be significantly enhanced by intelligent control strategies. Modern hydronic controls, when utilized properly, can manage heating and cooling efficiently, which leads us into a discussion about exergy.
Incorporating both ambient air and floor temperature sensors can improve system exergy, leading to more efficient energy utilization and reduced operational costs. As Robert Bean explains,
“By minimizing exergy destruction through precise temperature management, these controls elevate radiant systems to a higher standard of sustainable climate control.”
The first law of thermodynamics focuses on energy-in versus energy-out. This can vary. For instance, a pure electric heating system has a 100 per cent efficiency compared to a gas boiler at 95 per cent.
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Incorporating both ambient air and floor temperature sensors can improve system exergy, leading to more efficient energy utilization and reduced operational costs. Photoprovidedby GTAHeat
Continued from page “9”
Energy quantity is crucial, hydronic champions are increasingly focusing on the quality of energy or its exergy. Think of exergy like a rechargeable battery; energy is the total charge in the battery, while exergy is the battery’s useful work potential.
A fully charged battery has high exergy, capable of powering demanding devices, while a nearly depleted one has low exergy, making it only suitable for weak tasks. To make our battery last a lot longer, the tool needs to be as efficient as possible during each use. For example, if I am putting in a small screw, I don’t put the drill on its highest impact settings and burn through the battery. Using the drill efficiently with the right setting means the tool’s internal design efficiency minimizes exergy destruction as it converts the battery’s highquality electrical energy into useful mechanical work, preventing unnecessary waste and maximizing battery life.
In a hydronic heating system, we have more control over efficiency. Our smart radiant controls excel by operating in a low exergy manner. Meaning, radiant systems use lower temperatures than a forced air heating system. This minimizes the destruction of exergy, directly translating to more efficient heating and cooling, maximizing the useful output from every unit of energy consumed, and thus, often using less overall energy.
A dual-sensing thermostat, as opposed to an air-sensing only thermostat, monitors both the ambient room air temperature and the mean radiant surface temperature. A thermostat relying solely on air temperature is prone to calling for heat until the air setpoint is met.
Without floor temperature feedback, it risks overshoot, where the radiant slab overheats. This leads to uncomfortable floor temperatures and residual heat that can cause the room to overshoot the setpoint. To quickly overcome air temperature drops (e.g., door opening), the boiler or hydronic heat pump might be asked to provide unnecessarily high-water temperatures, increasing the temperature difference between source and space.
The floor sensor in a dual-sensing system allows an upper limit to be set, preventing damage and discomfort. This preserves exergy by avoiding the input of energy into a space that already has sufficient useful energy (e.g., stored heat in the slab). If the floor is already warm or sufficient heat has been stored, the thermostat can reduce supply temperatures or flow, maintaining a smaller temperature difference between the slab and the room, minimizing exergy destruction and improving overall energy efficiency.
Let me just state for the record that radiant cooling is a good idea, but don’t do it lightly! Radiant cooling presents the challenge of condensation if surface temperatures drop below the dew point. Air-only thermostats cannot detect this risk until it’s too late. Designers often compensate by setting higher cooling surface temperatures or using independent dehumidification.
Dual-sensing thermostats, with real-time floor temperature feedback and integration with humidity sensors, can calculate the local dew point. The control then adjusts the cooling water supply or flow to keep the floor just above the dew point. This enables higher cooling surface temperatures while still achieving comfort and avoiding condensation. The result is reduced temperature gradients and preservation of useful cooling potential, enhancing
An effective hydronic controls setup can save customers money when it comes down to the operational efficiencies of the system. PhotoprovidedbyConsultMechanical
exergy efficiency.
The exergy benefits of dual-sensing thermostats translate into reduced energy consumption and improved second law efficiency, lower operating costs through efficient heat generation/distribution, extended equipment life due to moderate operation conditions, enhanced occupant comfort through precise control, and improved sustainability via reduced carbon footprint.
The first reason is often a lack of awareness. At no time when I was on job sites as a lad growing up in the industry did floor sensors even enter the vocabulary, and no, that is not the fault of the installers.
Education is a top-down flow of information; it is our job to empower our installers with information, not for them to come to us with questions. Even when awareness exists, it’s sometimes a cost discussion. “But this thermostat is $100 more than the one I see at the hardware store!”
Hydronics is not a DIY project, and saving $100 on a thermostat can add
Continued on page “13”
Plumbing | HVAC | Hydronics | PVF
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Hydronic smart radiant controls excel by operating in a low exergy manner. PhotoprovidedbyConsultMechanical
"A thermostat relying solely on air temperature is prone to calling for heat until the air setpoint is met. Without floor temperature feedback, it risks overshoot, where the radiant slab overheats."
Continued from page “11”
thousands of dollars in cost to the operation of the system. More importantly, you will have the unintended consequence of making your customer very uncomfortable. The mean radiant temperature of a space is one of the leading contributors to occupant comfort. While mean radiant temperature is the technical term, the practical takeaway is clear — effectively controlling the radiant surface with a floor sensor significantly enhances comfort while also saving money for the building owners.
The last most common reason was a technology gap. Air-sensing thermostats have had Wi-Fi and remote access for a while, and most homeowners investing in hydronics want that. Good news: that excuse is no longer relevant. You can get a Wi-Fi enabled hydronic thermostat anywhere now.
Dual-sensing thermostats are crucial for optimizing the thermodynamic performance of hydronic radiant systems. By precisely controlling both ambient and surface temperatures, they minimize exergy destruction and elevate the system’s overall efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. As demand for efficient climate control grows, the intelligent control offered by dualsensing thermostats will become an essential standard.
Michael Ridler, is the general manager at Eden Energy Equipment. He started out working for a Ontbased HVAC company and now focuses on providing field support and technical training to contractors, engineers, and builders on heat pumps, boilers, and all things hydronics. He can be reached at michael@ edenenergy.com.
At
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WaterFurnace, Fort Wayne, Indiana, introduces its 5 series 3D residential geothermal system to customers. The new system provides forced air heating, cooling, and hydronic heating for radiant floors and domestic hot water usage. The 5 series 3D features a 27.8 EER and a COP of 4.7 and provides up to 70 per cent reduction in annual costs for heating, cooling, and hot water. It comes standard with Aurora controls, which works with WaterFurnace’s Symphony Contractor Portal, providing contractors with remote system access to troubleshoot their customers’ challenges.
WaterFurnace u www.waterfurnace. com
Jaga Climate Systems, Vancouver, B.C., announces the launch of its Continuo series of wall-mounted hydronic convectors compatible with all low-temperature hydronic systems. Engineered to prevent blocked grills, the new series combines heat output while maximizing energy efficiency. Key features for the series includes up to 16 parallel copper tubes, 55 corrugated aluminum fins per foot, and brass collectors with half-inch NPTF and 1/8-inch NPTF air vent connections. The series features two models — the Continuo, which has a rectangular enclosure, and the Continua, featuring an angled top design.
Jaga u www.jaga-canada.com
Armstrong Fluid Technology, Toronto, Ont., expands its range of vertical in-line fire pumps with the addition of the new 750 gpm 5x4x10PF model. Available with design envelope technology, the new model features connected intelligence, performance tracking, and automated alerts. The 750 gpm 5x4x10PF model also offers a range of flow and pressure output, reduction of PRVs and drain lines, and no pressure spikes on startup.
Armstrong Fluid Technology u www.armstrongfluidtechnology.com
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The Royalmount shopping center began planning back in 2017 and officially opened its doors as of September 2024.
A ground-source heat pump was chosen as the primary heating source, with electric boilers installed as backups.
The ground-source heat pump thermal loop system provides a high enough temperature to meet most of the snow melting demand for the project.
By Leah Den Hartogh
Another heat wave has just been declared in Canada. It may be hard to believe, but we aren’t getting too far away from what Canadians know best — our winter season. We may not have had the types of winters that we were used to as children. But with climate change, anything is possible, and we must be prepared.
At the Royalmount shopping centre in Montréal, Qué, the safety of its customers was top of mind when designing and installing its geothermal heating system. One of the more interesting elements of this project is its snowmelt design.
“In the heart of Montréal, Royalmount is redefining urban living, but with its harsh winters ensuring year-round comfort and accessibility was a challenge,”
shares Sébastien Pion, senior technical sales representative for GF Building Flow Solutions. “This technology melts snow and ice, preventing falls and keeping pathways clear. It also supports Royalmount’s commitment to sustainability by removingtheneedforharmfulde-icingchemicals.”
Formally opened in September 2024, the shopping centre currently holds 170storesand60restaurants.TheprojectisaimingforLEEDGoldandLEEDneighbourhood development certifications.Itisreportedthatitwillbea 100 per cent carbon-neutral development. LEED Gold is the second-highest level ofLEEDcertificationabuildingcanachieve.Theprojectmustearnbetween60
Continued on page "19"
Continued from page "17"
and79pointswithintheLEEDratingsystem.
Utilizing 253 loops of 3/4-inch helioPEX by Uponor, the entire outdoor walkway,stairs,andterraceareheatedtomeltanysnow.Inaddition,theproject utilizes 37 commercial stainless-steel manifolds and 74 10-ft. lengths of 1-1/2 inchWirsbohePEXpiping.
Thedeveloperoftheproject,Carbonleo,designedthepedestrian-oriented space that prioritizes mobility. Thepipeisembeddedintheconcreteofthe sidewalksandstaircasesandcirculatesamixtureofwaterandglycol.
Theprojectbeganplanningbackin2017,withtheinstallationofthesnowmelt systembeginninginMarch2024andfinishinginlateAugust2024,justintime fortheformalopening.Asofthebeginningof2025,thesnowmeltsystemwas still in its commissioning phase, as the engineer fine-tunesthetemperature controloperationforthecirculatingfluid,a50percentglycolmixture.
OneofthemajorapplicationchallengeswiththeRoyalmountshoppingcentre was due to the fact that the plaza was on two levels. Beneath the main level is a parking lot. Theroofoftheparkinglotfeaturesa concreteslab,designed like a sandwich structure with a bottom and top slab. Thetoplayeris where the Uponor PEX piping is located, while the electrical conduit and other componentsarefoundinthebottomlayer.
Additionally, the plant life posed an issue for design due to the required drainageandwaterneededforthelandscapeaesthetic.
Theglasswallsaroundtheprojectalsoposedissuesforthemanifoldstations, makingitimpossibletohidethem.Inaddition,somemanifoldswereoriginally supposed to go in the garage space. Thiswouldhaverequiredmultipleslab penetrationsfortheradiantloops,whichisnotideal.
“That saved lots of install time, considerably limited the risk of water infiltration,andmadethemanifoldseasieraccessforfutureservice,”shared Pion. “Our knowledge and experience anticipated potential challenges before we had to face them. For example, we requested the structural joints plans
to help us plan with gbi the placement of the PEX loops in the snow melt system to minimize the number of transitions through joints, which is not recommended”Themechanicalbuildingengineeronthesitewasgbi.
A snowmelt system was chosen for this project to make it easier to remove snow, as no vehicles are permitted to enter the plaza. Thisisalsoanticipated to boost the life expectancy and lessen the maintenance of the concrete and pavers.Inaddition,itallowstheshoppingcentretoreduceitsneedforde-icing chemicals.
As the source of heat for the project, a ground-source heat pump was installed, which incorporates around 90 pipe loops that are buried approximately300ft.intheground.Theloopswerefabricatedoff-siteandwere requiredtobebroughtin,whichmadethingsabittrickyduetothesheersize oftheloops.Thethermalloopsystemprovidesahighenoughtemperatureto meetmostofthesnowmeltingdemand.
Acascadingheatsourcewasalsochosenfortheproject.Farmingheatfrom the ground through the heat pump’s piping is only the second priority for warming the thermal loop. Theloop’spriorityistocaptureheatfromvarious sections of the mall that need to be cooled. If that is not sufficientenough, the thermal loop taps the heat pump system, while the third source is several electricboilers.Morethanonemechanicalroomwasrequiredandwashidden withintheparkinglotstructure.
Around 90 geothermal loops were required for the Royalmount shopping center project in Mount Royal, Qué.
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Cancer demands a united front. That’s why we’re rallying every donor, every player, and every company team to join us at Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer, fuelled by Longo’s.
Every winning team needs a captain, and we’re excited to have Michael Storfer, CEO of Next Plumbing & Hydronics Supply, leading the charge as our Honorary Chair this year. And to the entire Next Supply team, your support has been unmatched, raising over $2.25 million since 2018 for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. With over 25 teams hitting the pavement last year, this is the kind of teamwork that fuels crucial research, groundbreaking discoveries, and treatment at one of the world’s leading cancer centres, helping us change lives.
Now, it’s your turn to make a difference. Assemble your company team, challenge your rivals, and bring your best. Every dollar raised will support early detection, innovative treatments, and comprehensive support so that we can create a world free from the fear of cancer. Together, we’ll show cancer the power of our spirit and passion. Thank you for helping us Carry The Fire.
Join NEXT in the world’s largest road hockey fundraiser. Email roadhockey@thepmcf.ca
Make sure to encourage customers to schedule regular electrical inspections to verify the status of the wiring system.
Protecting HVAC systems from electrical surges is about protecting comfort, safety, and long-term value and it starts with understanding the right tools for the job.
By Glenn Mellors
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are among the most expensive and critical pieces of equipment in a residential or commercial property. Designed to maintain indoor comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency, these systems rely on sensitive electronic components and integrated circuits. Despite their robust mechanical nature, HVAC systems are surprisingly vulnerable to one major threat: power surges. Without proper protection, a single electrical spike can cause catastrophic damage, leading to costly repairs or full system replacements.
In today’s age of increasing reliance on electronics and unpredictable weather patterns, surge protection is not just a luxury — it is a necessity. Let us explore why surge protection is essential for HVAC systems and explain the crucial differences between whole-home surge protectors and single-source surge protectors.
Power surges are sudden increases in voltage that can travel through electrical systems and damage connected appliances. These surges can originate from various sources, including lightning strikes, utility grid switching, highpowered appliances, downed power lines, or electrical faults.
HVAC systems are particularly sensitive to such surges because they contain advanced circuit boards, sensors, variable speed motors, thermostats, and Wi-Fienabled control systems. A voltage spike can damage or destroy these components, disrupting the operation and shortening the lifespan of the entire system.
In commercial applications, where HVAC failures can compromise productivity, storage conditions, and customer satisfaction, the consequences can be even more significant. Therefore,
Continued on page “25”
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Continued from page “23”
protecting these systems from electrical threats is critical. Important to note, many manufacturers will not warrant circuit boards without the proof of surge protection.
The financial implications of surge damage to HVAC equipment can be substantial. A surge can destroy a compressor, which is often the most expensive component to replace, costing thousands of dollars. In addition to the direct replacement cost, there are indirect expenses, like service call fees, diagnostic labour charges, system downtime and discomfort, potential property damage, and premature system replacement.
In fear of duplication, I repeat that many HVAC warranties don’t cover surge damage, especially if the system is found to be unprotected or if proper surge protection measures were not in place at the time of the incident. Insurance companies may also refuse claims if negligence in electrical protection is demonstrated.
Surge protection devices (SPDs) act like gatekeepers for electrical systems. They are designed to detect voltage spikes and divert the excess electricity safely to the ground before it can reach sensitive electronics. Installing SPDs helps reduce the risk of electrical fires, prevent equipment failure, and extend the life of appliances, including HVAC units.
There are two main types of surge protectors used in residential and light commercial settings: whole-home surge protectors and single-source (or point-of-use) surge protectors. Understanding their differences and roles is key to building an effective defense strategy.
Whole-home surge protectors are installed directly into the electrical panel, offering protection to all circuits and devices connected to the home’s power system. They act as the first line of defense, intercepting surges that originate from outside sources such as lightning strikes or grid anomalies.
Its main benefits come from its broad protection capabilities, durability, compliance and insurance, and cost-efficiency.
However, while whole-home SPDs are effective against large, external surges, they may not protect against smaller, internally generated surges, especially those that originate from appliances sharing the same circuit. For this reason, whole-home protection is often complemented by additional, localized protection.
Single-source, or point-of-use, surge protectors are installed directly at the appliance or outlet level. In the case of HVAC systems, this could involve surge protection units fitted at the outdoor condenser unit, furnace, or air handler.
Key features and benefits of point-of-use surge protectors are its targeted protection, supplemental layer, and affordability.
However, these protectors are limited to only the equipment it is connected to and don’t defend against surges travelling through other pathways, such as telephone lines, cable lines, or connected smart thermostats.
To achieve optimal protection, HVAC professionals and homeowners should consider a layered surge protection strategy with a whole-home surge protector at the main electrical panel to stop surges at the entry point, and point-of-use surge protectors installed at critical HVAC components, including outdoor condenser units, furnaces, air handlers, and smart thermostats.
In addition, installing a surge protector can ensure proper grounding and
HVAC systems can be sensitive to electrical surges because they contain components such as sensors, variable speed motors, and thermostats.
bonding of the entire electrical system to allow SPDs to work effectively, and protect communication and control lines, especially for smart HVAC systems that connect via Ethernet, phone lines, or Wi-Fi.
Another best practice to remember is to encourage homeowners to schedule regular electrical inspections to verify the integrity of protection devices and wiring systems.
HVAC professionals play a vital role in educating customers about surge protection. Including SPDs as part of a standard HVAC installation or as an upsell cannot only protect the equipment they install but also reduce future service calls, warranty disputes, and dissatisfied customers.
Surge protection devices can also be a value-added service during system maintenance visits. Technicians can test existing protection, offer upgrades, or recommend replacements for worn-out or outdated units.
Surge protection is an often overlooked but critically important safeguard for HVAC systems. With electronics playing an increasingly central role in system control, efficiency, and connectivity, even a minor electrical event
Continued on page “27”
From boilers to pumps, radiant to tanks—find what you need, check stock, and order anytime at master.ca. Trusted brands. Real-time inventory. Backed by our
Continued from page “25”
can lead to major damage. The financial, operational, and comfort-related consequences of surge damage make protection not just a good idea, but an essential component of a well-maintained HVAC system.
Whole-home surge protectors provide comprehensive baseline defense against external power surges and single-source protectors add focused protection where it is needed most. When used together in a layered strategy, these devices can offer peace of mind, prevent costly failures, and extend the life of HVAC investments.
Ultimately, protecting HVAC systems from electrical surges is about protecting comfort, safety, and long-term value, and it starts with understanding the right tools for the job.
Power surges can originate from a variety of sources, including lightning strikes, utility grid switching, and high-powered appliances.
Glenn Mellors was born into a plumbing family and started in the industry in 1973. He entered the HVAC side of the business in the 80s, working in wholesale, and then joined Lennox in 1992. In 2008 he joined the ClimateCare Co-operative Corporation, an Ontario contractor group, where he is director of training and implementation. Glenn can be reached at gmellors@climatecare.com.
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debuts its latest range of fittings. Featuring a copper tube joining method, the PressACR fittings are UL-recognized to 700 PSI and are approved for use with a wide range of refrigerants and lubricants. The PressACR one and 3/8 inches OD jaw is compatible with Ridgid, Milwaukee Tool 32kN, and Nibco’s PC-280 tools. The fittings are available in multiple sizes. Nibco u www.nibco.com
Milwaukee Tool, Mississauga, Ont., introduces its new M18 Fuel steel pipe cutter to customers. Optimized for cutting 1/2-inch and one-inch steel pipe, the cutter has a max RPM of 3,500 and features tungsten carbide teeth, which can make up to 200 cuts per blade. The M18 Fuel 1/2-inch and one-inch steel pipe cutter is fully compatible with the entire M18 line and offers more than 275 solutions.
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General Pipe Cleaners, McKee Rocks, Pennsylvania, announces its new JM-1000 X mini-jet, featuring a more efficient motor and a new balanced design. The mini-jet weighs 23 pounds, provides 1,500 psi of power, and can clear one-and-a-half-inch to threeinch lines up to 50 ft. long. The mini-jet also features a Super-Flex high-pressure hose, a four-piece nozzle set, and a water supply hose.
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25_007003_Plumbing_and_Hvac_Jul_AUG_CN Mod: June 13, 2025 12:56 PM Print: 06/26/25 page 1 v2.5
Laars-Stor® Indirect Water Heaters
Microbial contamination, from bacteria like Legionella, is an exponentially growing concern in modern buildings.
n Diagnosing and servicing water softeners
n Water treatment for health concerns
n UV disinfection
n The future of water treatment
A service call should begin with a conversation with the customer regarding water usage habits; an effective troubleshooting call starts with the water analysis.
By Wayne Lamers
View the full presentation on “Water Softener Repair and Service” here:
Water softeners are a foundational component of many residential and commercial plumbing systems, yet diagnosing their faults can be deceptively complex. Service technicians are frequently called to investigate issues such as inconsistent softening, irregular regeneration, or excess water in the brine tank. Effective troubleshooting requires not only mechanical understanding but a step-by-step approach to field diagnosis.
A comprehensive service call should begin with a conversation with the homeowner or facility manager to understand their water usage habits and the nature of the complaint. However, effective troubleshooting starts with a water analysis. Water chemistry can vary dramatically over time, even in the same household, and across neighbourhoods, especially in regions with blended municipal sources or seasonal well variations. Technicians should never assume that a previous test result is still valid.
To properly assess system performance and determine potential causes of malfunction, technicians should perform water testing for water hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), iron, and chlorine and chloramine.
This is the most critical parameter when servicing a water softener is the hardness of the water. Testing both the untreated source water and the treated output allows the technician to assess whether the softener is effectively
removing hardness. Any detectable hardness in the treated water could indicate bypass, exhausted resin, incorrect programming, or a mechanical failure.
TDS testing provides a quick snapshot of overall water quality by measuring all dissolved ionic content in parts per million (ppm). Although softeners don’t directly reduce TDS, measuring it can help verify changes in water chemistry and identify cross-contamination between treated and untreated lines. A sudden increase in TDS may suggest an incorrect regeneration caused by improper rinsing, or excess brine being used. Iron is a common nuisance contaminant, particularly in private well systems. Even at low concentrations (above 0.3 mg/L), iron can foul resin, stain fixtures, and reduce the effectiveness of softeners. When troubleshooting complaints about poor water aesthetics (staining, odour, discolouration), iron testing is essential. If iron is present in the treated water, existing pre-filtration has failed, or an iron filter may be required to protect the softener.
Optional but recommended in municipal systems, chlorine or chloramine is often added as a disinfectant. These oxidizers can degrade softener resins and rubber components over time, especially in systems without carbon
Technicians should never assume that a previous test result is still valid.
filtration. Testing for free chlorine and total chlorine can help determine if pretreatment is needed to extend the service life of the softener.
Water should be sampled from multiple points for comparison, including the sourced water before treatment equipment (ideally from a bypass or dedicated test port), cold treated water (such as from a kitchen or basement tap to determine current system performance), and hot water (especially from tank heaters, to reveal whether hard water was present in recent days).
This combination of testing not only provides a clear understanding of current water conditions but can also provide a window into the past.
After establishing the water profile, it’s essential to test the softener’s operational cycles. This involves advancing the unit manually (in mechanical models) or initiating a regeneration sequence (in digital versions), and observing each stage — backwash, brine draw, rinse, and brine refill. Each stage must be assessed for proper timing and water flow.
In electronically metered systems, monitoring the flow indicator is a quick verification step. A blinking symbol typically signals active flow recognition. If no blinking is present, a magnet can be passed over the sensor to simulate flow and confirm signal reception by the controller. If this succeeds, the fault likely lies with the paddle or turbine, not the electronics.
The brine tank is a common source of regeneration failure. Loose or misaligned fittings on the brine line can create small air leaks, preventing the softener from drawing brine properly. Even without visible leaks, improper tightening can allow air to enter the system, leading to excess water accumulation and regeneration failure.
Technicians should confirm brine line fittings are securely assembled and fully engaged, salt level is maintained between half and two-thirds full, salt is clean and free of debris, and that the tank is not overfilled (this can cause compaction at the base, creating a sludge that restricts brine movement).
When brine is not drawn effectively, the system may appear operational but deliver hard water. Excess water in the tank and a drop in softening performance are tell-tale signs of this condition.
Meters must be installed on the outlet side of the softener to prevent raw water fouling. A reversed orientation may still register flow but will expose sensitive components to untreated water, leading to premature failure.
Electronic controllers must also be correctly programmed to match the type and size of the meter. For instance, programming a paddle-style meter as a turbine will result in undercounting, causing the softener to regenerate too infrequently or not at all. Conversely, programming a turbine as a paddle may lead to excessive regeneration and salt consumption.
Injectors create the vacuum necessary to draw brine into the system. These components, along with brine line flow controls and drain line flow controls, require regular inspection for buildup and obstructions.
Clogged injector screens or mismatched components can prevent proper brine draw and refill. Flow controls must be installed in the correct orientation, usually indicated by a bevel, and matched according to flow rate ratings specific to the system model.
When preliminary checks fail to resolve the issue, disassembling the valve body becomes necessary. A standard softener valve includes a piston assembly, a stack of seals and spacers, and
Continued on page “37”
The EB25 Plus delivers all the performance and pressure reducing ability of costly multi-valve (series and parallel) installations and and automatic control valves with a single, compact, cartridge-based design.
With a 10:1 pressure reduction capacity, the EB25 Plus can regulate from no flow to maximum flow with a single valve. The EB25 Plus can also withstand temperatures between 33°F and 149°F.
Set-up takes less than five minutes with no pilot valve needed.
Wayne Lamers, technical sales representative at Summit Water Group, and Jesse Schenck, territory manager at Summit Water Group, led an hour-long session during the Water Treatment Technical Training Day on water softener repair and service.
Continued from page “35”
various control gears.
Signs that indicate internal component degradation include cracked, stiff, or worn seals, scoring or pitting on the piston and/or on the piston rod, evidence of water leaking from the valve cap, or difficulty advancing or resetting the valve during cycles.
All worn components must be replaced with manufacturer-approved kits. Lubrication of seals and threads using a non-petroleum, NSF-certified product is recommended to ensure smooth operation and longevity. Technicians should avoid applying lubricant excessively, as residue can attract debris and cause early failure.
Upon reassembly, the technician should verify that metering and injectors are correctly oriented and reconnected, programming settings align with the installed components, and that water flow and regeneration cycles are functional and unobstructed.
The softener should be pressurized while in backwash mode to purge air from the system, then manually advanced through a full regeneration cycle to confirm proper operation. If the softener has been delivering hard water prior to service, additional regenerations may be recommended to fully restore resin performance.
Residential systems are often serviced reactively. In contrast, commercial systems typically benefit from scheduled maintenance every 24 to 36 months, particularly in high-usage environments or where oxidizers, like chlorine or chloramine, are present.
A preventative approach may include routine inspection and replacement of seals and spacers, periodic cleaning or replacement of injectors and flow controls, and monitoring resin condition through flow testing and hardness output.
Resin degradation occurs either through capacity attrition over time or chemical damage from oxidizers. Symptoms of degraded resin include premature loss of softening capability during normal use, pressure loss in service mode with normal pressure in bypass, and resin discharge from the tank during valve removal.
If water usage is consistent but the system delivers fewer gallons of soft water between regenerations than expected, and all mechanical components function normally, resin replacement is often the next step. Failing to replace compromised resin can lead to persistent underperformance despite other repairs.
Diagnosing and repairing water softeners requires more than replacing parts. It involves a disciplined approach grounded in observation, verification, and testing. By combining structured diagnostics with proper maintenance practices and client education, technicians can resolve issues faster and reduce repeat service calls.
The key to successful field service lies not only in technical skill, but in process-driven problem-solving — ensuring long-term performance and customer satisfaction.
Wayne Lamers worked in the water treatment industry since 1989. Lamers began as a service and installation technician and eventually managed a full technical service department. In addition to his role at Summit Water, Lamers operates his own business, The Water Genie, where he offers personalized water treatment services. He can be reached at wayne@ summitwater.ca.
Understanding the types of contaminants in the water is the first step towards creating an efficient water treatment system that meets your customers’ needs.
By David Taft and Mike Barone
View the full presentation on “Water Treatment Solutions for Health Concerns” here:
Many Canadians are generally uninformed, unaware, and sometimes complacent on any failings by suppliers to safeguard their health. It is important to understand how the environment can affect our water supply.
Scientifically, it is determined via the hydrological cycle. It is generally understood that water evaporates and forms into the fluffy clouds we see up in the sky, then the water falls down in the form of precipitation – either in rain, sleet, ice, snow, or some combination. As it enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it collects components, such as air pollution, smog, and smoke. When it enters the ground strata, it picks up things like nitrates, toxic waste, hard minerals, calcium, and magnesium. This is also when chemical spills, like PFAS, start making their way into our water supply. Water is known as a universal solvent, which means it absorbs and retains parts of everything it comes in contact with.
In many of these cases, the laws necessary to prohibit these contaminants from being produced in the first place are a concerning issue. There are many people who feel that they shouldn’t be exposed to harmful substances and that it is the political representatives’ job to safeguard Canadians.
Typically, the source of household water falls into two categories — municipallysourced and well water. From there, it tends to be broken into working water
and drinking water. Chemicals can find their way into the water in the form of pesticides, asbestos, radiation, and air and water pollution. These can result in environmental diseases and just a few of the human-made hazards that are believed to contribute to human illness.
In Canada, there are safeguards put in place to make our air and water safer to consume. However, when manufacturing facilities move out of the country, where regulations are less stringent, these chemicals find their way back into Canadian soil and water.
There are many municipalities that do a great job of creating access to safe water for the masses. In fact, they take the water through several steps before returning it to the end consumer. The process includes collection, screening, straining, chemical additions, coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation and clarification filtration, disinfection, storage, and distribution. This makes the water microbiologically safe for the consumer. Without this process, municipal water systems use chlorine to kill harmful microorganisms, ensuring safe drinking water for millions. Yet, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks of its use. Chlorine’s main advantage is its ability to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and parasites that cause serious illnesses like hepatitis and salmonella.
Municipal water must meet minimum standards; it is too expensive for municipalities to treat water to optimal standards. Optimal water would be free of hardness, iron, tannins, chlorine and chloramine, and other contaminants. Drinking water should be of the highest quality, but the quality of the working water has major implications for the plumbing trade. It is easy and affordable to treat both drinking water and working water at the point-of-entry and pointof-use.
Surface water has its own problems that arise from warm blooded creatures.
Understanding what types of bacteria is in the water can help the technician determine which types of technology would be needed to improve the water quality.
For instance, Canadian geese, which impart bacteria such as cryptosporidium, giardia, and also Legionella can be found in municipal water and are not easily killed using chlorine or chloramines. The only way they can be taken out would be with ultra filtration, reverse osmosis, or ultraviolet light.
They can cause the average person a 48-hour so-called bug, which could be diarrhea, vomiting, and so on. But, for people with an immune deficiency, it’s another story. They would have a very tough time fighting these creatures off and can be quite debilitating for somebody with an immune deficiency.
The forever chemical
PFAS is commonly referred to as the forever chemical in the water quality industry. It is widely used in industry and everyday products.
Products like stain repellents, water repellent coatings for boots, rainwear, carpeting, detergents, cleaning products, makeup, lipstick, dental floss, fast food containers, and paper straws all contain these forever chemicals. In fact, PFAS is found in the blood of over 97 per cent of North Americans. Our skin is a pretty good barrier but the number of products that are taken in through our food supply and drinking supply is overwhelming.
For many years, reusing plastic has led us all to believe that recycling would
There are so many ways that our drinking water can be contaminated before it flows through our taps.
The way that the environment can affect our water supply can be understood via the hydrological cycle.
Continued on page “41”
Continued from page “39”
fix the plastic issue. Now with more research, we find that it is not the case. A very small amount of plastic is being recycled, even though we are sorting it into our homes. Only seven per cent of plastic actually gets recycled; in reality, it ends up in lakes, rivers, and oceans, with 580,000 pieces of plastic per sq. km found in the Atlantic Ocean.
There are many health risks associated with asbestos. Drinking it, above the safe limit, may increase the risk of benign intestinal polyps. Health Canada and the World Health Organization have concluded that there is no consistent convincing evidence that asbestos ingested through water is concretely harmful to human health.
Asbestos can find its way in drinking water from several sources, such as asbestos-cement pipe. These pipes are primarily used in older infrastructure and enter water supply as the pipes break down and the fibres enter our water. In addition, asbestos can also enter our groundwater naturally.
Lead can be addressed through a combination of preventative measures, such as flushing pipes using cold water for drinking and cooking, and installing water filters for more persistent lead contamination. Reverse osmosis systems and other water treatment technologies are available to remove lead from the
water. Most lead enters the water from the supply pipes from municipal water. When it comes to chromium, there are many health effects, such as occupational asthma, eye irritation, perforated eardrums, respiratory irritation, kidney damage, liver damage, and also pulmonary congestion. RO systems with a semi-permeable membrane can filter out dissolved contaminants. Ion exchange water treatment units using base resins are also effective.
Chlorine and chloramines should be removed as they can react with organic matter and create trihalomethanes and nitrosamines. It is important to understand what types of contaminants exist in water as that is the starting point to creating a system that manages your customers’ needs.
David Taft is the director of sales and webinar training manager at Canature WaterGroup. With over 40 years of water treatment experience, Taft has worked with some of the industry-leading companies, providing technical training virtually. He can be reached at david.taft@canaturewg.com.
Mike Barone is a water industry veteran with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Barone has worked with some of the industry’s leading companies providing water quality training. He can be reached at mike.barone@canaturewg.com.
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UV Dynamics, London, Ont., announces that their PEX-compatible GloGuard ports are now available to all residential-sized UV disinfection systems. The PEX-friendly porting blocks UV light from escaping the chamber, eliminating the need for light dams or metal fittings. Plastic plumbing can now be connected directly to UV Dynamics residential-sized systems with both three-quarter and one-inch MNPT ports.
UV Dynamics u www.uvdynamics.com
Navien, Irvine, California, launches its new WEC series tankless electric, salt-free point of entry water treatment system. The new system delivers softer water without salt, brine discharge, or ion exchange media and has a 10-micron sediment pre-filter and a one-micron carbon block post-filter. The new system has a 94 per cent certified scale reduction and is NSF/ ANSI certified for 42, 61-G, and 372 standards, and has up to 85 per cent recovery rate and continuous on-demand treatment.
Navien u www.navieninc.com
Lync, Fort Worth, Texas, introduces its new fully engineered domestic water quality solution that utilizes reverse osmosis. The WQ-RS is a compact, pre-assembled, and configurable reverse osmosis system that purifies water by reducing the presence of dissolved solids in the water. The WQ-RS is available in a variety of configurations, producing from 3,600 to 172,800 gallons of purified water per day. It also features a digital controller, fibreglass reinforced plastic membrane housings, inlet/outlet pre-filter pressure gauges, a low-pressure switch with delayed auto restart, and inputs for tank level and pretreatment interlock. Lync u www.lyncbywatts.com
As building systems age and climate conditions evolve, the threat from Legionella and other pathogens will only continue to grow.
By Ron Blutrich
View
the full presentation on
“UV Solutions for High-Rise Residential” here:
Plumbers and contractors understand better than most how complex plumbing systems can become, particularly in large multifamily buildings. Although these plumbing systems allow us to have a complex network of water fixtures throughout buildings, this complexity can also increase risk. Microbial contamination, particularly from bacteria like Legionella, is an exponentially growing concern in modern buildings, with disease incidence rising almost tenfold in the last two decades.
Microbial risks in building water systems arise from multiple points — the water source, the municipal distribution system, and the building’s own plumbing. While a range of microorganisms can be involved, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, bacterial risks are often in the spotlight. This is due to both their potential harm and their relative ease of detection
This Clear UV system was installed at the point-of-entry to a 683-unit
through modern testing protocols.
The first key source of bacterial contamination originates from sewage, which is typically the result of water main breaks or cross-connections that allow this sewage to infiltrate drinking water lines. These events introduce enteric bacteria, like E. coli, or coliforms, as well as parasites and other pathogens into the potable water system.
Boil water advisories are often triggered by precisely these kinds of failures. Since enteric bacteria cannot multiply or reproduce in water systems, one or more negative tests in a row are usually sufficient for municipal health regulatory bodies to declare the water safe to drink and end the boil water advisories.
The other key source of bacteria in residential water supplies usually originates from bacterial build-up in pipes, known as biofilm. Biofilms form when bacteria adhere to pipe walls or other wet surfaces and encase themselves in a mucus-like matrix. These complex microbial communities grow quickly and create an ideal environment for pathogens. They also promote pipe corrosion through acidic byproducts and are highly resistant to most forms of chemical disinfection. Biofilms are even resistant to aggressive flushing, making proactive biofilm prevention even more important.
Most dangerous biofilms
Legionella is one of the most dangerous biofilm-associated pathogens, the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease. Unlike many other waterborne pathogens, Legionella doesn’t infect via ingestion. Instead, it becomes a threat when inhaled through aerosolized water, such as from showers, fountains, or other misting systems. The disease is a severe pneumonia with symptoms that can be fatal, particularly for elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
Urban plumbing systems, especially in multifamily housing, are particularly vulnerable. Warm pipe temperatures, long stagnation periods, and complex recirculating systems all create ideal conditions for Legionella growth.
To combat microbial contamination, a variety of treatment technologies exist. The most common approaches include chlorination, filtration, reverse osmosis, and UV disinfection. Among these, ultraviolet (UV) is one of the most effective and sustainable options, especially when applied at the point-of-entry (POE) to treat all water entering a building.
UV light is a form of electromagnetic energy. When bacteria, viruses, or parasites are exposed to UV light, their DNA, RNA, and proteins become damaged. This renders them unable to reproduce or function.
The effectiveness of a UV system is governed by the UV dose, measured in millijoules per square centimetre (mJ/cm²). A higher dose means more microbial inactivation. The dose is affected by several factors — UV transmittance, or how much light penetrates the water; flow rate, where faster flow means less exposure time; and lamp intensity, brighter lamps deliver more energy. The U.S. EPA recommends a minimum UV dose of 40 mJ/cm² for effective disinfection.
There are generally several different types of UV systems. Low-pressure systems emit a single wavelength (254 nm), which is highly effective against DNA-based organisms. However, some viruses and bacteria can resist this type through repair mechanisms.
Medium-pressure UV systems emit a broader range of wavelengths, damaging DNA, RNA, and proteins. These systems are more effective in highrisk applications like premise plumbing, which refers to the portion of potable water systems found beyond the property line and in buildings, according to the National Research Council. Finally, UV LEDs are a new and emerging technology offering high energy efficiency, multiple wavelength options, and long operational life. These are suitable for specific use cases but are still maturing for large-scale applications.
While UV is effective, it’s not without challenges. Lamps can overheat, and performance can degrade, meaning that cooling systems are sometimes required, depending on the design of the system. UV lamps are usually encased in a quartz sleeve, which can become fouled by the accumulation of minerals or organic matter on the surface. This can reduce UV transmittance, thereby reducing disinfection effectiveness.
Finally, shadowing from suspended solids can shield pathogens from UV light, protecting them. Many UV systems include reflectors that reflect UV energy from the light source back into the water column from many different angles, reducing the effects of shadowing.
Water filters are widely used, with more than 77 per cent of American homes using them. However, filters trap bacteria along with other particulates. Without frequent maintenance, filters can become a breeding ground for biofilms.
UV systems can be installed at either the point-of-use (POU), to treat water at a single fixture, or at the POE, to treat all the water entering the building.
A graphical representation of UV spectra from low and medium-pressure UV lamps, compared against the absorbance for DNA.
Field tests in downtown Sacramento, California showed significant bacterial contamination in city water and more than 100,000X reduction post-Clear UV.
For residential and affordable housing developments, POE systems are generally more practical and protective, with every tap, shower, and fountain receiving disinfected water. This approach also helps reduce biofilm formation inside building pipes, because bacteria are eliminated before they enter.
Biofilms and microbial risks in plumbing systems are not just theoretical. They are real, measurable, and increasing dramatically with time. As building systems age and climate conditions evolve, the threat from Legionella and other pathogens will only continue to grow.
Contractors and plumbers can play a critical role in mitigating this risk. When designing or retrofitting a plumbing system, consider UV not as an add-on, but as a core component of modern water safety.
Ron Blutrich is the CEO and co-founder of Clear Inc., a Toronto-based company that specializes in UV purification systems for diverse types of real estate. With a background in molecular biology, he aims to bring a scientific approach to the field of water purification and hopes to educate others about risks and risk management in water treatment. He can be reached at ron@clear.inc.
By Francesco Lo Presti
View the full presentation on “Panel Discussion: The Future of Water Treatment” here:
It’s important to know exactly what is in our drinking water. Regulations and certifications have changed a lot in Canada to this regard. An entirely new department was created in Canada that looks to improve freshwater managementcalledtheCanadaWaterAgency
With this ever-changing sector, our editor, Leah Den Hartogh, sat down withapanelofexpertstodiscussthefutureofthewaterqualityindustry
The panel featured Mike Barone, technical trainer at Canature WaterGroup, David Taft, webinar training manager at Canature WaterGroup, Jesse Couperthwaite, owner of Lakeland Water Treatment, Pieter de Vries, president at UV Dynamics, and Shelley Peters, executive directorattheCanadianWaterQualityAssociation
Herearesomehighlightsfromtheconversation.
Question:What are some of the latest innovations in water treatment?
Barone: Most of the innovations have been certificationforcontaminants. We’re findingthattherearehealthissuesassociatedwithcontaminants,so while we’re not using new materials, we’re obtaining certificationforexisting materialslikegranularactivatedcarbon(GAC),carbon,catalyticcarbon,and reverse osmosis. All these differentkindsoftreatmentaregettingcertifiedto handlesubstanceslikePFASandmicroplastics.
Taft: The keyword that Mike used is certification. If it’s not third-party certifiedandverified,thenwhywouldyouuseitorbringittoyourcustomer?
Question: What is the best resource for anyone looking to get into water treatment certifications in Canada?
Peters: Any products in Canada need to be certified to CSA 483.1, which primarily covers drinking water products. Some people think that’s just for reverse osmosis, but in the building code, it does refer to point-of-use and point-of-entry equipment.
Therefore, you must verify that your equipment is certified to the proper NSF standards. There are a multitude of different standards for various levels of certification required, but there are access points you can obtain through the certifying bodies to ensure that the products you’re selling are certified.
Question: Are there any certifications needed to install products like water softeners?
de Vries: Yes. Canada is somewhat more advanced compared to the U.S., even though we use American standards. Many of the water treatment standards examine several key aspects, including whether the products perform as claimed, whether the materials are safe, and whether they’re structurally adequate for the job.
For example, you’ll see lots of filter housings that the manufacturers claim are NSF certified, but when you start looking into it, you’ll find that they are only NSF certified for material safety and not structural integrity. Under CSA 483.1, you need to be certified for both.
Taft: Peter is spot on with that.
Question: How can a technician choose the correct product for the job, and is it as simple as looking for something that is CSA certified?
Barone: Well, Peter hit it on the head with the certifications.
de Vries: I can give you an example. In London, Ont., we had a lead situation, and the public health officer was telling everyone that if they wanted to remove the lead from the drinking water, they needed an NSF-approved filter.
Well, I called the officer and talked to him about how that was misleading because someone could go to any big box store, see a filter with an NSF logo,
(Left to right, top to bottom) Leah Den Hartogh, editor of Plumbing and HVAC magazine, Mike Barone, technical trainer at Canature WaterGroup, Pieter de Vries, president at UV Dynamics, David Taft, webinar training manager at Canature WaterGroup, Shelley Peters, executive director at the Canadian Water Quality Association, and Jesse Couperthwaite, owner of Lakeland Water Treatment, joined together to discuss the future of water treatment.
buy it, and think it’s going to remove the lead. Now, there was a product on the shelf from a Canadian supplier whose products are fully certified for performance by CSA. People were buying the NSF product without realizing that it needed to be more than NSF rated.
Taft: You also need to ask, “certified for what?” when determining which product to use.
Peters: It’s also important for people to go to their suppliers, manufacturers, and wholesalers and ask questions about whether the products are certified, and, as David mentioned, what they are certified for. Also, the certifications will be listed either on the product or within the installation manual, so it’s also a matter of knowing where to look and what you’re looking for.
Barone: Just one more thing. When you’re dealing with contaminants that can affect people’s health, and you put a product on that is not certified and doesn’t do the job, your liability is crazy.
Question: Why hasn’t there been a lot of change and innovation within the water treatment industry?
de Vries: That’s sort of asking why the sky is blue.
Taft: You know, some things pop up that those of us in the industry who have been around are always a little hesitant about. The reason is that they usually come with a lot of marketing and not many certifications, which gives our industry a sort of black eye. You need to trust the people you’re partnering with to provide you with good products.
Couperthwaite: I think it’s important to refer to advancements in two categories. There are advancements that don’t really mean much, and then there are advancements that change the industry. For example, I think transitioning from time clocks to metered systems was a significant advancement.
Many of the advancements you see now relate to connectivity and providing more information. However, there are some exciting
developments when it comes to combining water softeners with different technologies, such as leak stop, for example.
Peters: To be devil’s advocate, over the years I’ve seen some technologies come through, such as reverse osmosis, ultraviolet lights, and even the valves on top of the water softeners have had advancements.
Question: What lessons have we learned from water testing, and can this help shape the future of the water treatment industry?
de Vries: First, it depends on the type of water you want to test, such as well water or municipal water. Using well water as an example, you need to perform some basic water chemistry, which, unfortunately, many water treatment dealers fail to do. But this water chemistry consists of the hardness of the water, how much iron is in it, what the UV transmission of the water is, and what the organic level is.
Peters: It also comes down to the cost of the water tested to a certain extent. At this point in time, you can get well water tested for bacteria by Ontario public health, and that’s it. They won’t test anything further. Now, in the North, if the well water contains arsenic, it becomes a cost factor for the homeowner and the water professional.
Now this is something I can ask Jesse, who does this on a much regular basis, but what is the average cost for a full water analysis from a lab? Doesn’t it run between $200 and $300?
Couperthwaite: There are levels to this, and as Pieter mentioned, most companies have a standard kit when it comes to well water. But for a homeowner to get their well water tested for everything, it’s a massive broad spectrum for testing.
For example, even if you conduct a test for $500, that wouldn’t cover/ test every single thing you could find in your water. In my opinion, it’s better to test your water for a specific contaminant.
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The most common internal reason for business failures tends to be surrounding poor management of financial activities and failure to do reasonable sales and marketing.
By Ron Coleman
The Pareto principle states that around 80 per cent of effects come from 20 per cent of causes. This rule is evident when applied to small business failures. Almost 80 per cent of these failures are due to factors that are generally considered within our control, and 20 per cent are factors externally caused by events over which we have no control.
The most common internal reasons for failure are poor management of our financial activities, lack of competent management or experienced management, poor bookkeeping and recordkeeping, failure to do reasonable sales and marketing, staffing issues, and failure to use external advice. These are all elements that should be worked on improving every single day.
Of course, it’s far more difficult to plan for the external factors. They usually hit us very suddenly. Remember all the way back to 2020 when the world was hit with the COVID-19 pandemic? The threat of U.S. tariffs and now the escalation of military and activities in the Middle East are some current examples.
But how do we plan for those? The best chance is to have a very solid financial base in your business and a diverse business model.
However, there is one other factor that has crept up over the past 18 months or so. What I’m referring to here is a slowdown in the multifamily residential construction market, primarily condos, and to a lesser extent the larger townhouse market. My question to you is when did you first notice this and when did you start taking action to avoid the negative impacts? If you haven’t started acting, it’s better late than never.
In October 2023, “The One” was placed into receivership in the GTA and the Citti project in Vancouver was put under creditor protection in February 2023. These are just two early examples of the many projects that have gotten into trouble. They were the warning flags. There are no signs of improvement. In fact, the projections are quite dire.
Developers continue to lay off staff, which is indicative of the fact that there’s very little on the drawing boards. Despite a large inventory of unsold condos, buyers are slow to jump in.
Pre-sales, which would normally be in the 60 per cent to 80 per cent of a project in order to get financing, are running around 35 per cent. Projects in progress are stalled, and new projects are not breaking ground.
So, what does this mean for our industry? Are projects stalling? Are the projects that you quoted not getting started? Are you locked into prices that are way out of date? Are you in a cash flow crisis?
To mitigate exposure, the first thing to do is diversification. Pursue working in public infrastructure, such as schools, transit, healthcare, and low-cost housing. Look for smaller projects, custom homes, and smaller townhouse projects. Protect and build your cash reserves. Talk to your financial institution about getting extended lines of credit. Talk with your suppliers about getting extended credit terms and discounts.
Build alliances with other industry players at both ends of the scale. Not
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"Build alliances with other industry players at both ends of the scale. Not only should you be developing stronger relationships with those who can award work to you but also with your suppliers because they’re hurting just as much as you are."
only should you be developing stronger relationships with those who can award work to you but also with your suppliers because they’re hurting just as much as you are.
In addition, consider joint venture work, target design-build projects, or improve your operational efficiency. This may mean trimming your labour force, both in overhead and direct labour, and developing service and planned maintenance work.
Go back to former clients and see if they want to do upgrades on their mechanical systems. Make sure to keep up to date on the latest technology changes in the industry and bring that information back as value-added to your client base.
Make sure projects you quote are well funded and work on your efficiencies. The one external factor in your favour is artificial intelligence. Make the most of it.
When invited to quote a project, make sure you are being asked because of the value you can contribute, not because you’re the lowball contractor. Don’t cut corners on projects because that will come back to bite you.
What are you doing to mitigate the impact of projects that you are working on or have been awarded but not started? For ongoing projects, you need to ensure that if your progress draws are not being paid in a timely manner. Make sure you file a lien on the project. Nobody likes that, but you need to protect yourself. As a trade contractor, you are most likely a sub to a general contractor. Find out if there is a labour material bond between the client and the general. It will most likely provide protection to you but is less likely to provide protection for subs. Ask for a copy of the bond and review it with your legal advisors. It is imperative that you follow all the clauses that impact you or you will lose your protection. If your progress payment date is late, advise the general contractor and the owner that you are contacting the bonding company if you don’t get paid within five working days and follow through.
projects cause additional overhead and delayed payment of holdback, and can impact direct costs.
Usually, a contract will allow you to recover any increase in taxes. But with today’s current global political strife it’s important to decipher whether or not tariffs are recognized as a tax. I don’t know if a legal ruling in this area has been made yet.
Another strategy that I have used, but can be difficult to obtain, is a holdback bond. In that case, the subtrade issues a holdback bond to the general contractor for release of the holdback. Check with your bonding company first to see if this is available.
If you have been awarded a contract but it is put on hold, make sure you get paid for any front-loading costs you incurred. Put a lien on it if necessary. You obviously want to see how you will be negatively impacted by delays. Ideally, you don’t want the project going out for rebidding, but you want to ensure that you are fully covered by all delays, including overhead delays.
Check out your lien rights and don’t let them expire. If projects in progress are delayed, explain this to your financial institution and conduct cash flow forecasts on all delayed projects. Ensure your accountants adjust for holdbacks in your fax filings.
Check out your terms of contract. Most times you are working off CCDC2 so it should be easy to see what rights you have, if the project is delayed. Delayed
Ross Evans President
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Rene Finco has been promoted to the role of chief financial officer at Neuco. In this new role, Finco will join Neuco’s senior executive leadership team and its advisory board. Finco joined Neuco in 2017 and has served as the senior director of finance.
Rinnai Canada welcomes Mel Campbell to the team as the new territory sales manager for the greater Toronto area. Campbell will be responsible for managing the relationship between distribution partners and professional installers of Rinnai’s residential and commercial products.
The
EcoWater Systems turns a century old in 2025. To celebrate, the water treatment manufacturer will be donating 100 water treatment systems to deserving individuals and organizations in need of clean, safe water. Through its “100 for 100” campaign, dealers can submit nominations for individuals and organizations in their community who need a water treatment system. Once nominated, EcoWater Systems will cover the cost of the water treatment systems, with dealers donating their time and expertise to install the equipment.
Bartle and Gibson announces its new regional partnership to distribute Hisense HVAC products. This partnership will see Hisense distributed across Bartle and Gibson’s 31 branches across Western Canada. Hisense’s HVAC product line consists of VRF, chillers, RACs, LACs, ATWs, and more.
CB Supplies is adding Optco to its distribution network. This partnership will see Optco distribute CB Supplies’ Lynx-PEX water service tubing to municipal markets across Canada. Optco, headquartered in Barrie, Ont., provides sustainable waterworks products. CB Supplies Lynx-PEX tubing is designed for municipal infrastructure applications, with the goals of flexibility, corrosion resistance, and maximizing flow rates within municipal water service codes and standards.
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By Francesco Lo Presti
Getreadytolaceupyourrunningshoesandtape upyourroadhockeysticksasitsthattimeofyear again for the annual Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer event. Held on Sept. 27 in Vaughan, the event is hosted by The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation to raise money for cancer research at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the world’s leading cancer research and treatment centres. To date, the event has raised$33million.
This fall marks the 14th year of the event. “After successful bike rides and walking events, our original idea was to make this an ice hockey fundraiser, but we wanted to have something that was more inclusive,” explains Brendan Ennis, senior director of corporate community partnerships at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
The game format consists of three-onthree (plusagoalie),andeachteamwillplayfour games. Each team participating needs to raise a minimumof$10,000toplay.Currentlyatthetop of the team donation leaderboard is “Keal Kanucks” who has raised close to $25,000. The top 25 fundraising teams will have the opportunity to draft a celebrity to join their team. These celebrities range from
former National Hockey League (NHL) players, Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) players,andlocalcelebrities.Inthepast,celebrity players included Doug Gilmour,Wendel Clark, DarrylSittler,andSarahNurse.
Anyone or any company can create a team to participate in the event. One of the teams that keeps coming back each year to play in the fundraiser is NEXT Plumbing and Hydronics Supply. “We started back in 2018 with just one team, but since then, we’ve had multiple teams participating in the event. This year, we already have 29 teams,” explains Carolina Lorenz, director of marketing at NEXT Supply
The personal connection for Michael Storfer, CEO of NEXT, was his mother. “His motherwasapatientatPrincessMargaret20years agoandtothisday, he still carries the fire to help the community and contribute to cancer research,” shares Lorenz. This year’s event is special for NEXT Supply as Storfer was announced as the honourary chair of the Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer fundraiser. “This year is the first year we’ve had someone step up and put their name forward to help us reach our goals. Michael and the whole team at NEXT have been true leaders in helping us build this programtowhatitistoday,”sharesEnnis.
Since participating in the fundraiser, NEXT has raised $2.25 million. For this year’s event, the company has committed to raising $600,000. “The money raised at this event is going directly to groundbreaking research, and Princess Margaret is openly sharing this research with other hospitals around the world. A lot of the research done by the foundation has come directly from outside funding from events like this,” says Lorenz.
Registration remains open for people looking to join in on a fun day of ball hockey.
Sept. 10:
Heat Pumps Technical Training Day, Virtual. For more information, please visit www.accelevents.com/e/heatpump-technical-training-day.
Sept. 20 – 22:
HRAI Annual Conference & AGM, Westin Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia. For more information, please visit www.hraiagm.com.
Sept. 23:
Atlantic Heat Pump Symposium, Westin Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia. For more information, please visit www.heatpumpsymposium.ca/
Sept. 30 – Oct. 1:
Canadian Hydronics Conference: Palais des congrès de Montréal, Montréal, Que. For more information, please visit www.ciph.com.
