ShopTalk

Sonnhalter Partners with Habitat for Humanity for 12th Annual Sonnhalter Tool Drive

Mechanical Hub Team July 8, 2021

Donate extra inventory, demo models, tools and building materials that are no longer needed, during the month of August to support Habitat for Humanity. Sonnhalter, a communications firm marketing to the professional tradesman in the construction, industrial and MRO markets, is partnering with Habitat for Humanity again for its Twelfth Annual Sonnhalter Tool Drive. In the past decade Read more

Donate extra inventory, demo models, tools and building materials that are no longer needed, during the month of August to support Habitat for Humanity.

Sonnhalter, a communications firm marketing to the professional tradesman in the construction, industrial and MRO markets, is partnering with Habitat for Humanity again for its Twelfth Annual Sonnhalter Tool Drive. In the past decade, Sonnhalter has raised more than $310,000 worth in donations for the organization.

From Sunday, August 1 to Tuesday, August 31, organizations, businesses and manufacturers are encouraged to donate extra inventory, demo models, tools and building materials to the Sonnhalter Tool Drive to benefit Habitat for Humanity’s cause and its efforts of eliminating substandard housing.

“We never imagined how big the tool drive would become! Over a decade later, we are still working with our wonderful partners at the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity,” said Matt Sonnhalter, vision architect at Sonnhalter. “Since our efforts began in 2010, we are once again counting on the generosity of our clients and business colleagues, as well as businesses to clean out their extra inventory, overstocked materials and demo models, and donate to this very worthy cause. We’re looking forward to exceeding the donations of past years.”

The Sonnhalter Tool Drive strives to engage businesses and organizations to look through warehouses for extra inventory and overstocked tools or items.

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity has completed more than 300 homes since 1987 and today, engages over 3,000 volunteers, who provide more than 93,000 hours of service per year to Cleveland’s most distressed neighborhoods. The donated items will be used for Habitat for Humanity projects or will be sold at one of the organization’s ReStore, a recycled building materials store. Proceeds from ReStore sales are used to help Habitat build and rehabilitate homes for those in need.

Tools and materials can be shipped to Attn: Tool Drive, Sonnhalter, 1320 Sumner Ave., Suite 200, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. For information on how you can participate in the Sonnhalter Tool Drive, or to coordinate larger shipments i.e., pallet size, please contact Rosemarie Ascherl-Lenhard from Sonnhalter at 216.242.0420 x130 or rascherl@sonnhalter.com. To make a monetary donation, please make checks payable to “Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity” and mail to Sonnhalter, 1320 Sumner Ave., Suite 200, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.

For more information on the Tool Drive, visit: www.Sonnhalter.com/tooldrive.

Exploring ways to Restrict Legionella Exposure

Mechanical Hub Team May 11, 2021

Water heater tanks are still the most popular choice for many homes because of their relatively low cost and instant access to heated water. The large supply of continuous hot water is convenient, but it comes with certain risks. In domestic hot water systems, water heater tanks are normally set to no higher than 120° Read more

In domestic hot water systems, water heater tanks are normally set to no higher than 120° F to mitigate the growth of bacteria and prevent the risk of scalding. However, a growing concern in such systems is the persistence of legionella; a thermophilic bacteria that thrives in temperatures between 77° F and 113° F. Exposure to this bacteria is the cause of an infection of the lungs known as Legionnaires’ disease.

In response to this alarming trend, industry professionals have been exploring ways to restrict risk of legionella exposure. Temperatures in excess of 140° F are effective at killing and inhibiting growth of the bacteria in the water tank; but present a risk of scalding. To satisfy both concerns, the ideal solution is to adjust the high temperature output somewhere between the tank and the hot water tap.

Traditionally, this might be solved by connecting a thermostatic mixing valve at the water heater outlet to a tee at the cold supply, combining the two water sources for a tempered output. Though effective, this solution requires an assembly of several components, introducing multiple leak paths to the system, and resulting in installations that leave much to be desired in aesthetics and functionality.

The Water Heater Tempering Valve (WHTV) from Webstone®, a brand of NIBCO®, is the ultimate solution to safer hot water with consistent, expert looking results every time. On the supply inlet, a branch and an 18” flex hose connector provide cold water to the mixing valve. On the tank’s output, a valve mixes the cold water from the hose with the stored 140° F hot water in the tank, providing a new, safer output temperature that can be set between 86° F and 120° F.

To that point, the WHTV instantly upgrades any water heater, providing immediate access to more hot water than that of the tank’s storage capacity. Because the tempered output is partially sourced from the cold water supply outside of the tank, less untempered water is required from inside the tank. The result is greater available hot water output per gallons stored.

The WHTV is certified lead free and available in ¾” FIP × MIP or Press × MIP ends. For easy connection to recirculated hot water systems, the tempering valve includes an optional factory-plugged 1/2″ FIP recirculation port. Also available are an optional temperature gauge and installation kit that includes Webstone® ProPush™ flexible connectors to easily connect to copper, CPVC, or PEX.

For applications where untempered water makes sense, like dishwashers and washing machines, consider Webstone’s auxiliary solution: the Tempering By-Pass Valve. Suitable for residential or commercial applications, it’s installed at the hot water outlet, before the WHTV, and delivers ultra-hot water directly to these high-temperature appliances.

Simply put, the Water Heater Tempering Valve provides greater and safer hot water output per gallon stored. To learn more, visit webstonevalves.com/WHTV.

Jobber Is Awarding $100,000 to Home Service Entrepreneurs

Mechanical Hub Team March 24, 2021

Launched during Jobber Professional Development Day, Boost by Jobber will help launch, grow, and strengthen small home service businesses Jobber, the leading provider of home service management software, today unveiled Boost by Jobber, a grant program to further support the hard-working entrepreneurs within the home services sector. Aspiring entrepreneurs, new business owners, and longtime home Read more

Launched during Jobber Professional Development Day, Boost by Jobber will help launch, grow, and strengthen small home service businesses

Jobber, the leading provider of home service management software, today unveiled Boost by Jobber, a grant program to further support the hard-working entrepreneurs within the home services sector. Aspiring entrepreneurs, new business owners, and longtime home service entrepreneurs are invited to apply for free grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the category their business qualifies for. Twenty home service businesses across 50+ industries such as lawn care, plumbing, residential cleaning, and painting, will be awarded $100,000 in total. Applications are now open through May 5, 2021. Finalists will be announced in July 2021 with the list of winners announced in August 2021.

“Home service entrepreneurs impact their local communities and neighborhoods in meaningful ways,” said Sam Pillar, CEO & co-founder at Jobber. “They employ millions of people while operating behind-the-scenes to keep homes, offices, and other spaces safe and in good working order—yet, despite their important contributions, small businesses are largely underserved when it comes to business financing. Boost by Jobber helps address this gap by providing service business entrepreneurs with some extra working capital that may not otherwise be available through traditional banks and government grant programs.”

Royce Ard, who owns My Amazing Maid with his wife, Tamara, further validates this statement. “Typically when I see a grant, I’m almost always assuming it’s for a specific cohort and I wouldn’t qualify,” explained Ard. “Loans are very, very, very hard to get. As far as going to a bank and getting $10,000 for a small business like ours, you’re not going to get it.”

Boost by Jobber grants are organized into categories that reflect various stages of company growth, from ideas on paper to recently launched ventures to established businesses—as well as an additional category for COVID-19 support. Five winners will be selected from each of the following:

Almost-entrepreneurs (pre-business): Those who have the drive to start and run a home service business, but need funds to get started.
New business owners (0-3 years): Entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of building their team, client list, and services.
Experienced business owners (3+ years): Entrepreneurs who are ready to scale their mature business to the next growth stage.
COVID-19 support: Entrepreneurs seeking financial support or resources for their team’s well-being.

Jobber spoke with dozens of service professionals to better understand the impact extra cash flow could have on a business, to create the grant categories, and to determine the dollar values assigned to each grant. Whether a company is looking to purchase new equipment, increase marketing dollars, launch a new service, train teams, or is in need of financial relief, funds from the Boost by Jobber program can make a big difference in helping small business owners be more successful.

“People don’t understand the value of the cash flow,” stated Steven Knight, Partner at Mosaic Home Services Ltd. “It’s not necessarily only helping the business. It’s helping the business owners. Their ability to lead people and calm down. Cash flow helps them be a better business leader.”

Boost by Jobber is one of many initiatives within Jobber’s home service ecosystem that is dedicated to supporting the home service entrepreneur, whether it’s through the company’s award-winning business management software, resources such as Jobber Academy, community building via the company’s Entrepreneurship Group on Facebook, and more.

To learn more about Boost by Jobber or to apply, visit: http://boostbyjobber.com.

Milwaukee Pipeline Inspection Camera Equipment

Eric Aune February 22, 2021

In what may be Milwaukee’s biggest endeavor into the plumbing and drain cleaning market to date we have the long awaited and oft asked about line of M18 powered cameras and even an M12 powered locator. It looks like Milwaukee decided to go big right out of the gate with the 120′ and 200′ camera Read more

It looks like Milwaukee decided to go big right out of the gate with the 120′ and 200′ camera reels. Each are powered by the M18 500gb Control Hub and can be connected to the available wireless monitor or mobile device like a tablet or phone.

The 1080p camera gives the user the ability to pan in multiple directions which opens the viewing angle and details to a whole new level not seen before from other competitor’s cameras. This clarity will have users seeing more than ever before given the available pixels and clearer images when zoomed digitally.

Our notes from talks with Milwaukee product managers show that the full push rod cable is made up of a polyethylene outlet material with a fiberglass core. Some may be hesitant at first with that material combination but time will tell of its build quality and durability.

Additional information has been provided by Milwaukee Tool via a press release below:

The Modular Pipeline Inspection System is built around the M18™ 500GB Control Hub, compatible with either the 120’ or 200’ Pipeline Inspection Reels:

M18™ 500GB Control Hub
- Powered by an M18™ REDLITHIUM™ battery, the M18™ 500GB Control Hub powers the reels, stores recordings, and easily swaps between reel sizes. With up to 200’ of wireless connectivity to the M18™ Wireless Monitor or a mobile device, technicians have the freedom to take the results right to their customers and coworkers.
- For improved sewer line and camera head locating, the M18™ 500GB Control Hub is equipped with a built-in transmitter that energizes the entire length of the push cable.
- Integrated ONE-KEY™ technology provides the ability to track the tool’s location, manage it in inventory, and lock out the tool if lost or stolen.
120’ Pipeline Inspection Reel
- The 120’ Pipeline Inspection Reel features a 25mm, 1080p HD self-leveling camera head and a 10mm push cable that is built to maximize maneuverability in smaller lines and withstand the harsh conditions when navigating through cast iron, clay, and PVC pipes. Technicians can also digitally zoom and pan up to 4X, making it easier to focus in on the point of interest. Its compact design, removeable backpack straps, and monitor mount allow for hands-free carrying when accessing roofs and climbing stairs. For better visibility, navigation, and protection, the reel comes with small and medium-sized skids and a camera sleeve.
200’ Pipeline Inspection Reel
- The 200’ Pipeline Inspection Reel features a 34mm, 1080p HD self-leveling camera head and a 12mm push cable that is built to withstand the harsh conditions encountered when navigating through cast iron, clay, and PVC pipes. Technicians can also digitally zoom and pan up to 4X, making it easier to focus in on the point of interest. For better visibility, navigation, and protection, the reel comes with small and medium-sized skids and a camera sleeve.

Viewing Options

For viewing, recording, editing, and sharing, technicians can choose between the M18™ Wireless Monitor for simplicity and maximum durability, or a mobile device with the Milwaukee® Pipeline Inspection app for clearer image and faster sharing. With a wireless range up to 200’, technicians can take the results where they need to. Equipped with an 800 x 600 8” daylight readable screen, the M18™ Wireless Monitor provides a clear, sharp image whether on a roof or in a basement. For better focus on the point of interest, technicians can zoom and pan up to 4X. This monitor is also equipped with ONE-KEY™ Technology, providing the ability to track the tool’s location, manage it in inventory, and lock out the tool if lost or stolen.

Milwaukee Tool is committed to providing drain cleaning professionals with the most portable and versatile sewer and drain maintenance solutions. The company is dedicated to continuing investment in technology to build solutions from the ground-up that provide drain cleaning professionals an easier way to get on and off the job with less hassle, so they can service more calls. Milwaukee offers the only complete lineup of cordless drain cleaning and inspection solutions for fixtures to sewer lateral lines.

*ONE-KEY™ is the first digital platform for tools and equipment. By integrating industry-leading tool electronics with a custom-built cloud-based program, ONE-KEY™ provides a new level of control and access to information that revolutionizes the way work gets done. The ability to customize, track, and manage through ONE-KEY™ fundamentally changes the way users interact with their tools.

Specifications

M18™ 120’ Pipeline Inspection System (2973-22) $6629.99

Drain Line Capacity: 2-6”
Push Cable Diameter: 10mm
Camera Head Diameter: 25mm
Camera Resolution: 1080p
Camera Head Ingress Protection: IP67
Sonde Frequency: 512Hz, 640Hz, 33kHz
Line Trace Frequency: 33kHz, 83kHz
Internal Storage: 500GB SSD
File Transfer: USB or Mobile Device
Connection to Viewing device: Wireless up to 200’, USB-C cable to M18™ Wireless Monitor
Length: 14.3”
Height: 22.7”
Weight w/ battery: 35.6 lbs
Tool Warranty: 5 year

Includes Milwaukee® 120’ Pipeline Inspection Reel, M18™ 500GB Control Hub, Mobile Device Mount, (2) M18 REDLITHIUM™ 5.0 Batteries M18 & M12 Rapid Charger (1) Set of 25mm Camera Skids, Groudning stake and lead clamps, USB-C Cord

M18™ 200’ Pipeline Inspection System (2974-22)

Drain Line Capacity: 3-10”
Push Cable Diameter: 12mm
Camera Head Diameter: 34mm
Camera Resolution: 1080p
Camera Head Ingress Protection: IP67
Sonde Frequency: 512Hz, 640Hz, 33kHz
Line Trace Frequency: 33kHz, 83kHz
Internal Storage: 500GB SSD
File Transfer: USB or Mobile Device
Connection to Viewing device: Wireless up to 200’, USB-C cable to M18™ Wireless Monitor
Length: 19.6”
Height: 28.6”
Weight w/ battery: 57.6 lbs
Tool Warranty: 5-Year

Includes Milwaukee® 200’ Pipeline Inspection Reel, M18™ 500GB Control Hub, Mobile Device Mount, (2) M18 REDLITHIUM™ 5.0 Batteries M18 & M12 Rapid Charger (1) Set of 34mm Camera Skids, Groudning stake and lead clamps, USB-C Cord

Milwaukee® 120’ Pipeline Inspection Reel (2973-20)

Height: 22.7”
Length: 14.3”
Width: 17.8”
Camera Head Diameter: 25mm
Push Cable Diameter: 10mm

Milwaukee® 200’ Pipeline Inspection Reel (2974-20)

Height: 28.5”
Length: 19.6”
Width: 21.9”
Camera head Diameter: 34mm
Push Cable Diameter: 12mm

M18™ Wireless Monitor (2971-20)

Height: 8.8”
Length: 6.1”
Width: 9.4”
Weight: 4.4 lbs
Connection type: Wireless up to 200’, Wired USB-C connection
Screen Size: 8”
Screen Resolution: 800×600

M18™ 500GB Control Hub (2970-20)

Internal Storage: 500GB
File Transfer: USB or Mobile Device
Connection to Viewing device: Wireless up to 200’, USB-C cable to M18™ Wireless Monitor

Milwaukee® Tablet Mount (48-53-2970)

Comes with mounting plate
Connects to Modular Pipeline Inspection Reels

2 Omni-Directional Antennas
4.3” Color LCD Display
Sonde Frequency: 512 Hz, 640 Hz, 33 KHz
Line Trace Frequency: 33 KHz, 83 KHz
Power Frequency: 50 Hz, 60 Hz
One-Key™ Enabled
Length: 32.5
Weight w/ battery: 5.25 lbs
Tool Warranty: 5 year

Kit Includes: M12™ Pipeline Locator, (1) M12™ REDLITHIUM™ 1.5Ah Battery, M12™ Charger, and Carrying Case.