ShopTalk

John Barba and the Taco training team discuss the sizing of heat emitters for a hydronic heating system. How to select the proper sizing charts, how to size a radiator and more! https://youtu.be/QwrBvGCglTQ Read more

John Barba and the Taco training team discuss the sizing of heat emitters for a hydronic heating system. How to select the proper sizing charts, how to size a radiator and more!

Recently, ProStaffer Andy Mickelson gave a run-through of the Taco 0018e high efficiency circulator. The 00e series – 0018e featuring Bluetooth is a versatile, variable speed, high-efficiency wet rotor circulator with an ECM permanent magnet motor. Download the Taco 0018e Mobile App to see and control real-time system performance. Run system operation & validation reports including Read more

Recently, ProStaffer Andy Mickelson gave a run-through of the Taco 0018e high efficiency circulator. The 00e series – 0018e featuring Bluetooth is a versatile, variable speed, high-efficiency wet rotor circulator with an ECM permanent magnet motor. Download the Taco 0018e Mobile App to see and control real-time system performance. Run system operation & validation reports including performance diagnostics & history. Know the most efficient setting based on real-time feedback and alleviate the problems of over-pumping. You design systems with precision. The 0018e offers the performance & control to match.

Check out the video below:

Best Tool Bag

VetoProPac OT-MC

I’ve been going on and on for a couple years about my current tool bag, the Veto Tech OT-MC. Its an open-top model that’s compact but packed with features. The OT-MC is made by the now famous VetoProPac brand headquartered in Connecticut [most products made in China, some here in the US]. VetoProPac’s tagline is Read more

I’ve been going on and on for a couple years about my current tool bag, the Veto Tech OT-MC. Its an open-top model that’s compact but packed with features. The OT-MC is made by the now famous VetoProPac brand headquartered in Connecticut [most products made in China, some here in the US].

VetoProPac’s tagline is “Tool Bags That Work”. I have to agree 100%, I have been a Veto owner now for many years, my first bag was a huge OT-XL and its still kicking today. I chose the Tech OT-MC in December of 2017 for one main reason: I needed to lighten the load I was carrying on and off the truck, in and out of client’s houses and office spaces. The OT-MC allowed me to do just that. I must have shed nearly 20lbs of unneeded tools, I say unneeded because I wasn’t using them even once a week in some cases.

Shopping ButtonThe center compartment is a hard plastic bucket if you will, it accepts up to three of Veto’s reposition-able square insert box with lid (the bag includes one) and that’s where I keep larger tools like a copper tubing cutter, PEX cutter, pipe dope and a small socket set. With 28 interior & exterior pockets the VetoProPac Tech OT-MC has a spot for just about anything I need on a daily basis.

Often times during the heating season you’ll see me clipping their meter bag (MB, MB2) on either end via the stainless steel ring on the exterior. The MB/MB2 has my meters and manometer, clipping it onto the outside of the OT-MC immediately converts my setup into a no heat assault weapon.

I’ve used an abused my Vetos. I’m less of a fanboy than I am a true fan; these bags are built to last and last they do. Some of my friends have gone as far as getting Veto tattoos, I’ll just stick to loving my bag for what it does best…keeping me organized and helping me make money.

Pocket Guide for ProPress I remember back when I first started in the trade as an apprentice my first journeyman handed me a Tyler Pipe pocket guide for reference of fitting take-offs, make-ups etc. That was an incredibly useful tool and was nearly worn out by the time I memorized the most used measurements. I Read more

Pocket Guide for ProPress

I remember back when I first started in the trade as an apprentice my first journeyman handed me a Tyler Pipe pocket guide for reference of fitting take-offs, make-ups etc. That was an incredibly useful tool and was nearly worn out by the time I memorized the most used measurements. I may not have a use for that book daily today but I definitely have referenced the Viega pocket guide for ProPress fittings many times over the years.

I would imagine there are printed copies available but I’ve included the link to Viega’s download page for the pocket guide and many other literature items they offer. Plain and simple, the ProPress guide is useful for quick reference of sealing element spec’s, fitting spacing, spacing from existing soldered joints and clearances when soldering near a press fitting.

I hope you find this useful, if you’re not using Viega brand press fittings check with the manufacturer of your preferred brand for similar info.

Viega Download Page: http://bit.ly/2v8J4xq

Also available for your mobile device is Viega’s Toolbox app:

I recently installed the Axiom digital mini feeder system [DMF150] with their Hydronode expansion tank support system. The Axiom DMF150 feeder was used on the #duluthbuild project because the system is filled with propylene glycol for freeze protection. The feeder eliminates the need for a pressure reducing valve and back flow protection because it is Read more

I recently installed the Axiom digital mini feeder system [DMF150] with their Hydronode expansion tank support system.

The Axiom DMF150 feeder was used on the #duluthbuild project because the system is filled with propylene glycol for freeze protection. The feeder eliminates the need for a pressure reducing valve and back flow protection because it is not connected to the potable water.

Axiom System Feeder DMF150 & Hydronode

The DMF150 will maintain a (programmable) upper and lower pressure on the hydronic system. The feeder also has NO/NC contacts for an alarm in the event there is a leak on the system or the tank level is too low. Another cool feature this model has that other brands I’ve used do not would be the easy mount wall bracket. The bracket is screwed to the wall, has to metal tabs that hook into to holes molded into the 4.5 gallon reservoir. The fill port is tilted slightly and in front making it easy to pour into. The digital display is clear and backlit, the included power cord even comes with a wall bracket.

The Hydronode rear/bottom valve connection is the intended connection point for makeup water or a system feeder. Because of the piping layout I chose to connect the feeder as shown to eliminate unwanted piping and fittings. The valve is off and now plugged.

Finally, the Hydronode can be ordered without the valves as well. As shown it ships assembled with three 1/2” ball valves, an manual air vent and a plugged opening gauge port. The Hydronode, like the Flexconsole I have been using for a couple years, provides support and install location flexibility which shaves time off my installs.

In conclusion, I like that and will continue to use these bracket systems for all my installs. Check your supplier for pricing.

Axiom DMF150 System Feeder

Top view showing inlet filter and purge/pump prime valve through tank opening.

Axiom Hydronode