Spring plumbing enrollment dips at two-year colleges
Just over 8,600 students were enrolled in such programs during the spring 2026 semester, a five percent year-over-year decrease
Plumbing
May’s most popular stories
Some big-money action, an EPA rule change, and ChatGPT's local business ads
ChatGPT ads to go performance-based
Advertisers would reportedly pay only when certain actions are taken, including appointment bookings
Feds seize 93 sinks over unauthorized certification marks
“Unscrupulous vendors victimize consumers by selling inferior products, like these sinks with unauthorized UPC Shield marks,” said U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Keri Brady
Meet the Contractor: Brandon Anderson, Morris-Jenkins
"Our former owner, Mr. Jenkins, built the company around taking care of people"
Apex Service Partners to receive minority investment at $10 billion valuation
Founded in 2019 with backing from California-based Alpine Investors, Apex is the largest private equity-backed residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical platform in the U.S.
Consumer reluctance to buy large household items ticked up in April
U.S. consumers in April remained sour on buying large household durables — an indicator of HVAC purchasing intent — according to new data
Homeowners holding up despite economic headwinds, Lowe’s and Home Depot say
"The homeowner in a relative sense is perhaps more protected financially than other customer cohorts, and so we continue to see engagement," said Home Depot's CFO
Exclusive
Avoca co-founders on a $1 billion valuation, tomorrow’s CSRs, and AI’s trust dilemma
In late April, the home services-focused AI company announced that it has raised over $125 million in funding since its 2022 inception, most recently clinching a $1 billion valuation
Trump admin to extend financial aid to skilled trades training in July
The Workforce Pell Grant program could make HVAC training more affordable, with students expected to receive about $2,200 each, depending on program length