I walked into a supply house the other day and looked at a “universal” expansion valve on the shelf. The friendly guy behind the counter saw me and walked over. After saying hello, he said: “That's a great valve; it's even balanced port.” Now, I am a bit of a troublemaker. I should have […]

  Image Courtesy of Eaton SNAP ‘N SHIELD Piping support is covered in Section 305 of the IMC (International Mechanical Code). Once again, the IMC isn't binding, but it is what most local codes are based on. Piping / Tubing Material Maximum Horizontal Distance Between Support Maximum Vertical Distance Between Support Copper Tubing 1 1/4″ […]

Dissimilar metals, like aluminum, copper, brass, and steel, are some of the main metals one may experience in their trade, and few people are comfortable working with dissimilar metals. They don’t trust their brazed joint, or they are afraid of melting away material. To put some of the nerves of those in the field at […]