Ask Caleffi

#1.10 A Job vs. A Career: Which Approach Are You Taking to the Trades?

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500

Ever feel like you’re just punching a clock while the industry evolves without you? In this episode, we ditch the product specs to discuss the mindset required to build a meaningful, lifelong career in the plumbing and hydronics trades.

Success in the field is about more than just turning a wrench; it’s about humility, constant curiosity, and knowing when to ask for help. We explore how to balance technical mastery with mental well-being to ensure you stay as sharp as your tools.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Craft vs. Job: How shifting your perspective from "clocking in" to "mastering a craft" changes your career trajectory.
The Eternal Student: Leveraging webinars, certifications, and manufacturer resources to stay ahead of the curve.
Checking the Ego: Why asking questions early and staying teachable is the fastest way to gain respect.
Full-Circle Techs: Why understanding the "rough-in" makes you a powerhouse at service and troubleshooting.
Code & Compliance: Navigating the standards and approvals that keep your installs professional and legal.
Beyond the Tool Belt: The importance of protecting your mental health and building a support system for when life gets heavy.

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#1.9 Separation Simplified: What are the Best Practices for Keeping Your System Clean and Healthy?

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0500

Ever been haunted by "ghost flows" or a radiator that won't stop clicking? In this episode, the team breaks down separation—the art of managing air, dirt, and pressure to ensure your system actually behaves.

Hydronic systems fail when air bubbles block heat transfer and magnetite turns ECM pumps into debris magnets. We dive into the "gotchas" of piping placement and why the right hardware is the only way to protect your boiler's efficiency and your sanity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The Air War: Why air is the enemy of heat transfer and when to ditch the scoop for a high-performance separator.
Hydraulic Peace of Mind: How to prevent pump conflict so your circulators don’t fight each other.
The 4-in-1 Advantage: Why the SEP4™ style device simplifies piping and speeds up installs.
Direction Matters: How backward piping drives unwanted mixing and kills efficiency by boosting return temps.
Magnetite & Modern Pumps: Why magnetic separation is now essential survival gear for ECM circulators.
Water Chemistry: Why separators need a wingman in the form of high-quality inhibitors.

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#1.8 Thermal Disinfection & Chemical Injection: What is the Right Mix for your System Update?

Fri, 15 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500

Legionella isn’t a “rare edge case” problem—it’s a predictable outcome of physics and biology. When water sits warm and stagnant, it becomes an incubator for bacteria that grows in the biofilm of the piping. In this episode, we step inside the lab to demystify Legionnaires’ disease and the plumbing conditions that allow it to thrive.

From the mechanics of aerosolization in showers and misters to the high-stakes environments of hospitals and hotels, we’re breaking down the "why" and "how" of waterborne pathogens. More importantly, we’re getting practical about the engineering and design strategies that actually mitigate risk.

What’s on the Menu:

The Big Triggers: Understanding stagnation, dead legs, and the "danger zone" temperature ranges where Legionella is most aggressive.
Design for Mitigation: How hot water recirculation and flow balancing prevent the "warm and still" conditions that lead to outbreaks.
The Thermal Disinfection Strategy: Why programming a high-temp spike while the building sleeps is a powerful tool—and the hardware required to do it safely.
Safety vs. Sterilization: The critical role of ASSE 1070 point-of-use mixing and ASSE 1017 master valves in protecting users from scalding during disinfection cycles.

If you work in plumbing, hydronics, facilities management, or healthcare design, this episode provides a clear, no-nonsense framework for reducing risk in both commercial and residential systems.

#1.7 Mixing Valve Sizing: Why Pipe Size is Misleading?

Fri, 01 May 2026 01:00:00 -0500

We’re diving deep into the practical mechanics of thermostatic and digital mixing valves, featuring the Caleffi 521 Series and the 520 AngleMix™. Moving beyond the spec sheet, we break down how these valves actually behave in the field, and why sizing design flow rather than pipe size is critical for performance.

What we cover in this session:

The Standards Playbook: Why distinguishing between ASSE 1017 (point-of-distribution) and ASSE 1070 (point-of-use) is the only way to ensure true anti-scald protection.
The 1017-before-1070 Rule: How to avoid the 120°F hard-stop trap.
The Oversizing Epidemic: Why sizing by pipe diameter instead of Cv leads to "hunting", and how to use ultrasonic flow meters to get the math right.
Digital vs. Thermostatic: Navigating minimum flow requirements and the tighter temperature bands of electronic controls.
The Real-World Fix: Why you should adjust your settings based on the farthest fixture’s thermometer, not the valve’s dial.

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#1.6 Manual vs. Thermostatic: Which Balancing Strategy Is Right for Your Project?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Ever stayed in a hotel where you have to turn the shower on, go grab breakfast, and come back just to find "warm" water? In this episode of Ask Caleffi, the team dives deep into the "why" and "how" of domestic hot water (DHW) balancing.

Water is inherently lazy, it takes the path of least resistance. In a DHW system can mean that the furthest risers in a building can be cold while the closest ones hog all the heat. The crew breaks down the symptoms of an unbalanced system and compares the most popular solutions on the market today. From the old-school struggle of manual balancing valves to the modern efficiency of thermostatic balancing, we cover it all to help you save water, energy, and your sanity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The Ball Valve Myth: Why using a ball valve for balancing is a recipe for failure.
Manual vs. Automatic: The pros and cons of fixed-flow cartridges versus the "hand grenade" (the 132 QuickSetter).
Thermostatic Balancing: How to "zone" your DHW system by temperature rather than just flow.
Legionella Management: A look at thermal disinfection and how to automate it using Building Automation Systems (BAS).
Pump Protection: Why pairing balancing valves with ECM pumps in Delta P mode is critical to prevent pipe erosion.

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#1.5 Pressure Reducing Valves: One, Two, or Too Much?

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Which pressure reducing valve is right for your plumbing system? Sometimes PRVs require two valves in series. Hear how the guys get the pressure right in all sorts of applications, from sea to shining sea.

#1.4 Overpressurized Again: What Went Wrong?

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Steady plumbing system pressure is the goal, what do you need to check if the pressure is creeping up? The team discusses the different types of municipal and private systems that bring pressurized water to buildings. Each water service is unique and PRVs can smooth out the delivery. Also, hear what type of debris the guys have found in the inlet screens in the field.

#1.3 Get Ahead This Heating Season : How Do you Protect your Most Expensive Components?

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

There are always rabbit holes in hydronic startups. Find out how the team deals with the tricky task of keeping a hydronic system in good shape. Fluid quality and high-performance separators are key. Over the years, the guys have built 1,000 machines that will help in the process, tune in to hear what they are.

#1.2 Pumps, Valves, and the Zone Debate: Why do we still see oversized pump systems, and what’s the smarter way to zone in?

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Zoning options can be overwhelming, because there are so many choices and no two projects are the same. The team walks through the different zone valve and zone relay technologies you will run across in the field. Hear how you can set yourself up for simple installation and service.

#1.1 AutoFill™️ for speed: What makes a hydronic fill valve multi-purpose?

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0500

The team is in the lab to talk about the best way to fill a hydronic system. They break these fill valves down and share stories from the field. Find out what questions you should ask your customer to determine if you should leave the AutoFill on or off.

#43 Air-Tight-Logic with Posi-Stop (with Matt DeLuca)

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

What happens in the field when you need to loosen a union to service a valve? Do you always need to replace the sealing elements? How can the Posi-Stop™ embedded O-ring union system help? Which products are shipping now with Posi-Stop?

Former service plumber and current Caleffi tech. support ace Matt DeLuca joins the guys today to talk about Posi-Stop as a first-time guest on the podcast. There are many tips and tricks that plumbers use in the field to get fittings to seal. No need for creativity or guesswork with Posi-Stop. An EPDM O-ring seal compresses to a controlled value by way of a positive metal-to-metal stop.

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#42 Get In the Zone! (with Mike Schreiner)

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Greg and Dan talk to "the man, the myth, the legend" of zone valves, Mike Schreiner, Caleffi CTO. Mike has been working with zone valves for his entire career and is pleased to share his wealth of knowledge to help our Ask Caleffi audience learn:

What's important when considering a zone valve? How do you properly size? What is the flow coefficient (a.k.a. Cv or differential pressure) and why is it important? BTW: there is a BIG difference between close-off pressure and system pressure! Zone valves and actuators... say what? In which application is a 2-way valve best used? A 3-way? How are end switches applied? What's the difference between a micro-switch and a Reed switch? Normally Opened. Normally closed. Why Z-one? (one valve for ALL!) Valve versatility with union connections. How about relay boards? (you CAN'T wire a zone valve wrong with a relay board!)

All this and MORE when you Get in the Zone with Mike!

#41 When does solar thermal make the most sense? (with Bob Rohr)

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0600

What drives the adoption of solar hot water systems? Are there specific factors that signal the beginning or end of a spike in system installations? Which applications are always a good fit? What qualifications do you need to work on these systems? How do you evaluate a site to know if the location is good for solar?

In this episode, Greg and Dan are joined by Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence winning Caleffi Training Manager Bob Rohr. Over his career, Bob has been all over North America to help install, commission and educate about solar thermal systems. The team will talk about when and where financial incentives have helped offset the cost of these systems. They also discuss resources to help evaluate potential sites for solar. For rebates specific to you zip code, check https://www.dsireusa.org/

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#40 The Future of BIM is Bright (with Woody Dickinson)

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Why should installers care about BIM (building information models)? Could BIM help you avoid working around other trades in a crowded chase? What efficiency gains are there with prefabrication? Can the files detect errors, before the product is even purchased? What is a digital twin?

In this episode, the guys are talking to Woody Dickinson. Woody knows Caleffi's technical details like the back of his hand. With BIM, he is able to take a career's worth of engineering knowledge and integrate it into three-dimensional construction files. While BIM is often only used to make sure everything will fit into a room, there is so much more. Hear how this technology is solving problems on drafting tables and in actual mechanical rooms.

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#39 The Great Debates: Hydronic Topics That Will Start an Argument in the Shop

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Do I leave the air vent cap open or close it? Do you leave the AutoFill(TM) open or closed? Where should you put the expansion tank? Do you pump into the boiler or pump out of it? Hydro separator or closely spaced tees? Where should you put the air separator?

In this episode, the guys have put together a few of the trickiest topics that come up often on the tech. support lines. The questions are simple, the answers are more complex. Dan and Greg will help put the questions into context, so you can understand yes, no or maybe for each project you work with. Listen in to see where they agree or disagree. Will this episode ruin a longstanding friendship or can the guys keep it professional?

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#38 An Industry Insider's Perspective (with Steve Smith from PHCPPROS)

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0500

What has Steve Steve learned about the plumbing and heating industry since 1990? What happens at the MCE Mostra Convengo trade show in Italy? What part of the Caleffi factory reminded Steve of Raiders of the Lost Ark? How do you, "automate for the best?" What was Steve's favorite meal? Why has nobody interviewed this guy before?

In this episode, Dan and Greg sit with Steve Smith to hear more about his recent trip to Italy to visit the Caleffi factory and visit Mostra. He details some of the most memorable sections of the tour, on the topics of manufacturing, company culture, and even coffee culture. Find out how manufacturers and contractors can learn from each other and find the right information at the right time.

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#37 The Ask Caleffi team welcomes a new member (with Matt DeLuca)

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0500

How does Caleffi support a rapidly growing plumbing product offering? What makes a great troubleshooter? How do you train an apprentice in the first place? Where is the best place to work if you are a Brewers fan and also a journeyman plumber?

In this episode, the guys introduce the newest member of the Ask Caleffi team. Straight from the field, Matt DeLuca is a Journeyman plumber and expert troubleshooter. He talks to Dan and Greg about his background in the trades, starting in 2008. He also shares the topic that has come up the most on the tech support lines in his first few weeks on the phones.

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#36 Why is the plumbing pressure too high? (with Cody Mack)

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Where does the water come from? How do you know what pressure you need in a building? Are you over 80PSI? Are mountain states the only ones who have big fluxuations in municipal water supply pressures? What is a "noisy little guy?"

In this episode, the guys are throwing paper airplanes and talking about pressure reducing valves. Our PresCal is sold all over the world, so we have seen some crazy applications. Dan, Greg, and Cody discuss what pressures you should shoot for when adjusting a PRV. They also explain why two pressure reducing valves in series may be a great way to go. If your PRV pressure is creeping up, there is one quick thing you can do to get it back in service, without running to the wholesaler.

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#35 Manifold filling, without the boredom?

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0600

How do you fill a radiant system with the least amount of headache, in order to get the air out? Should you flush through the boiler side? What takes the least amount of time? When is a fill cart helpful? Is street pressure water enough to properly purge?

In this episode, the guys share their field experience filling manifolds. Just like toppings on a hot dog, there is no one specific way to do it that everyone will agree on. Dan and Greg go over the hows and whys for the different approaches. They mention the specifics for the various styles of Caleffi manifolds, including when to use the H-fitting on the 172 series products.

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#34 Part 2: Who is the DHW Recirculation Detective of Denver? (spoiler alert, it is Mark Eatherton)

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0600

DHW recirculation systems can cause a lot of headaches, if not operating properly. Quick troubleshooting is essential, especially in the multi-family sector. How do you know what needs to be fixed? What questions do you need to ask occupants and building managers? Are all shower valves the same? Do you need x-ray vision?

In this two-part episode, the guys interview Mark Eatheton. Mark is a licensed Master Plumber in Colorado and an ICC licensed Master Mechanical Contractor. He has worked on a variety of troublesome, multi-family DHW recirculation projects over the years and offers his advice to avoid pulling your hair out. Mark and the team at Advanced Hydronics have worked with Energy Outreach Colorado to reduce energy usage and water waste in many projects across the state. Starting with occupant surveys, they determine what bothers the residents. After that, Mark describes the symptoms to look for throughout the building. To finish, he describes the best path forward with specific control components.

Thanks for joining us today.

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#33 Part 1: Who is the DHW Recirculation Detective of Denver? (spoiler alert, it is Mark Eatherton)

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0600

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#32 What are the top 5 hydronic expansion tank questions? (with Cody Mack)

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0600

An expansion tank is a very simple hydronic system component, yet it can cause complex troubleshooting woes. Improper charge expectations, waterlogging and sizing can all play a role. How can you determine if the expansion tank is the culprit for nuisance relief valve discharges?

In this episode, Cody Mack tells you how to whisper to an expansion tank in this service-focused conversation between three former field techs. Should you trust a factory precharge? How do you avoid "bear-hugging" an expansion tank to relieve an over-pressurization? The guys cover the ways to put your best foot forward with a new expansion tank, relating to proper acceptance volumes and when multiple non-ASME vessels may be an option. They also point out a few tips and tricks they have picked up to determine if the existing expansion tank needs some help. Caleffi components like air separators and steady boiler fill valves are part of the equation, too.

Thanks for joining us today.

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#31 DHW recirculation, in a perfect world?

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0600

There are a lot of boxes to check to install and maintain an ideal DHW system. Don't worry! The guys can walk you through it. How do you verify a DHW system has been balanced properly? Which circulators pair best with thermal balancing valves? How do you find out if you are meeting your minimum flow rate for a point of distribution mixing valve?

In this Episode, Greg breaks down the components needed to operate the perfect DHW system. Pipe size, recirculation pumps, balancing valves, point of use and point of distribution mixing valves all play a role. Dan will tell you where to find the proper piping diagram for various systems. Dual tank, parallel mixing valve installs, the guys have seen it all. They also share stories, straight from the phone lines, where they had to put on their detective hats to help figure out how to modernize a 70-year-old system and also work through a tricky dual-temperature recirculation piping project.

#30 What's new about DIRTMAG® PRO?

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Pioneering high-performance magnetic separation, Caleffi North America has recently introduced DIRTMAG PRO. Do you know what's new about this device? Why is it essential to remove BOTH ferrous and non-ferrous debris from your hydronic system?

Greg and Dan discuss the technology behind this device, where it's located in a system and what's the difference between a DISCAL air and dirt separator and DIRTMAG PRO. Need help sizing the PRO? We're are here to help you at techsupport.us@caleffi.com.

Thanks for tuning in.

#29 Is a clean and check more than a heat exchanger scrub?

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Heating season is here! Don't panic. Dan and Greg shine a light on the components that keep your boiler running well. A clean and check should include more than a speedy look at the heat exchanger. How important is communication with the homeowner? How do you set expectations for future repairs? What components can be cleaned or repaired easily? Who do I call for help? The guys answer these questions and more.

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#28 What are the INs and OUTs of heat exchangers? (with John Siegenthaler)

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0500

John 'Siggy' Seigenthaler guest stars on an episode dedicated to all things heat exchange. How do you know which type of heat exchanger is best for your application? How do you keep them clean and operating efficiently? What is a convection coefficient? Why is turbulence important? Siggy answers these questions and more for hydronic and domestic hot water system.

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#27 What is the Art and Science of PEX manifold locations? (with Max Rohr)

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Our Ask Caleffi team phones a friend to talk about PEX connections and manifolds. Where do you locate a manifold? Which fitting systems work with which types of PEX? What is the difference between plumbing PEX and heating PEX?

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#26 Who you gonna call?

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Our Ask Caleffi team encourages you to think outside of the box on that next service call. They share tips that work at getting YOU to the root of a service problem without wasting time and money. They share their favorite technique: "Phone a Friend" and why it's so important. You'd be surprised at how much WE learn from YOU while walking through a service concern.

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#25 Why use radiant heating & cooling? (with Max Rohr)

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Max Rohr, "a long-time listener and first-time caller," joins Greg and Dan during this Episode of the Ask Caleffi podcast. Max shares his well-earned experience with radiant heating and cooling systems, placing a magnifying glass on PEX. He discusses radiant heat sources, the benefits and versatility of these systems, and then dives into PEX variants. Greg and Dan chime in to talk about maintenance, system protection, and tips.

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#24 How do I measure energy consumption?

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Energy metering. Is that EASILY accomplished? Are there well suited applications for metering AND can a building owner be confident about energy consumption? (YES!) Greg and Dan, our Ask Caleffi gurus, talk about energy metering during this episode of the podcast. They talk Modbus-to-BACnet (say what??) and what applications are perfect for calculating BTUs in a specific space. Interested in a real-life example? No problem! Dan digs into an actual case study of successful tracking of energy usage with the 7504 Series CONTECA heat energy meter in action.

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#23 How can I protect a boiler system from condensation?

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Straight from the Ask Caleffi Podcast studio, Greg and Dan dive into boiler protection. Let's face it when high-temperature, mid-efficient boilers condense... it's a mess! How can that be prevented? Greg and Dan talk about solutions, including a "Swiss Army Knife" approach. They discuss how the ThermoProtec thermostatic mixing valves work and where they should be piped with steel, cast iron, and copper tube style boilers to ensure that they automatically control the return water temperature, preventing condensation of water vapor contained in the flue gas. Familiar with a soot vac? Don't forget maintenance!

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#22 5 Things You Need to Know About Why Your PRV Screams (with Cody Mack)

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0500

A return guest joins Greg and Dan during this Episode: Cody Mack, Caleffi training and education manager. They get right to the point as they dig into perplexing PRV behavior. You'll learn:

1. Got noise? How to size a PRV CORRECTLY.

2. Step down pressure and how to manage.

3. PRV maintenance

4. PRV configurations

5. Familiar with 5 Things You Need To Know? Check it out on YouTube!

Thanks for joining us today.

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#21 Have you discovered our PLUMBING TOPICS on the Ask Caleffi Blog?

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Greg and Dan share commonly asked questions from the Ask Caleffi Blog. During this episode, they will zero in on plumbing products. You'll learn:

→ Can you install a 121Series FlowCal upside down?
→ What is the maximum flow rate of a thermostatic mixing valve?

→ What battery is used for in an electronic mixing valve/control?
→ How do you clean a balancing valve?

Watch for MORE plumbing questions in the near future. And... thanks for tuning in!

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#20 Have you discovered our HYDRONIC TOPICS on the Ask Caleffi Blog?

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Greg and Dan share commonly asked questions from the Ask Caleffi Blog. During this episode, they will zero in on heating products. You'll learn:

→ Can I add an air vent onto a Caleffi dirt separator?
→ How do I determine head loss in a hydraulic separator?
→ Can I order your Z-one zone valve with differing connections on the 2-way and 2-way bodies? Any tips on how to order?
→ How do I clean an air separator vent?

Thanks for tuning in!

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#19 Why does recirc creep occur in DHW systems? (with Cody Mack)

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Greg and Dan invite "the dynamo of donut testing" to the series, the one and only Cody Mack. Recirc creep is something that plumbers no doubt experience. But, what is recirculation creep, when does it occur, what are the symptoms and - most importantly - what is the solution for your domestic hot water system? They'll discuss ASSE 1017 and thermostatic mixing valves. Can an aquastat be installed to fix the problem? Are certain facilities more at risk? What is the impact of piping practices? Can I dig deeper (show me the resources!).

Don't know Cody? He serves as an education and training manager in North America for Caleffi. Cody also is behind-the-camera in the popular series "5 Things You Need to Know" video series. Feel free to watch.

Thanks for tuning in!

5 Things You Need to Know About Recirc Creep

https://bit.ly/AboutRecircCreep

#18 Plumbing Session! What Are The Most Common Questions?

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0500

What tech support questions does Caleffi get over and over again? You might be surprised! What to do with air trapped in a plumbing system? Can I install a thermostatic mixing valve upside down? Why is this pressure reducing valve over-pressurizing the system? Listen to Greg and Dan explain these and more.

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#17 Installing or Troubleshooting a Mixing Valve. Why not give us a call?

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0500

You're ready to install a thermostatic mixing valve. Interested in pointers to make your install be successful? OR... you've got a mixing valve installed and it's not working. Now what? From the "before" call to the "oh, no!" call, Greg and Dan are here to make you successful with your customer. They'll dig into how flow is controlled in the valve, what causes temperature creep, and tankless water heaters and their implications with these valves. Learn about laminar flow, pressure drop, ∆T, pressure ratios and pressure drop. How about maintenance? Yes, Greg and Dan discuss calcium and lime build-up, too. Did you know that you can talk to Greg and Dan real time? Bottom line, our Ask Caleffi team wants to make YOU look good! Contact us at (414) 238-2360 ext 3370 OR techsupport.us@caleffi.com.

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Thanks for the sound effects!
www.freesfx.co.uk

#16 What is Legionella and how is it controlled in DHW systems? (with Kevin Freidt)

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Greg and Dan welcome Kevin Freidt, Caleffi Director Product Management & Technical Support (a..k.a. The Dr. of Disinfection) to the microphone. They explore the fascinating topic of Legionella bacteria and its impact in domestic hot water systems. Kevin starts with "bug basics": where does the bacteria originate, when is it dangerous, what causes it to proliferate and how is it contained? He discusses dead legs in potable water piping systems and explains how water becomes "old." Not familiar with the ASHRAE 188 Standard? Take note! It's an important reference guide. The Ask Caleffi Team completes this podcast with an interesting discussion on how we can ensure safety in our water systems.

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Thanks for the sound effects!
www.freesfx.co.uk

#15 "I'm looking for a mixing valve. What kind of valve do I need?"

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Greg and Dan are behind-the-mic to discuss why you may want to select an electronic mixing valve for your next application. They discuss how this digital valve is different from a thermostatic valve. Why would you install a valve like this? How about trouble-shooting... will a digital valve make a difference in problem resolution? "This valve is electronic... wires are involved for installation. I'm a plumber. Helpl!" Our Ask Caleffi team offers plumber-friendly installation tips! Thermal disinfection? Anti-scald? Now you're talking! Thanks for tuning in.

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#14 Why is thermal balancing important in DHW systems?

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0500

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Thermal balancing in Domestic Hot Water systems. Why is it necessary? (hint: water moves into the path of least resistance) What's the difference between manual and automatic balancing valves? Where are the valves installed? How are these special valves maintained? (ahem.... water quality is key!)

Greg and Dan are back to answer these questions and discuss a real-time problem solver in this Episode of the Ask Caleffi podcast series.

Thanks for the sound effects!
www.freesfx.co.uk

#13 What kind of water do you put into your hydronic system? (with Mark Olson)

Tue, 25 May 2021 00:00:00 -0500

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Mark Olson, Caleffi North America GM, joins Greg and Dan during this episode of the Ask Caleffi podcast. They discuss problems that can result from poor water quality within a hydronic system that can rob its equipment of life and reduce energy efficiency. They discuss prevention methods to help you on your next service call or new installation.

Thanks for the sound effects!
www.freesfx.co.uk

#12 How do I choose the "RIGHT" mixing valve for my POD app?

Tue, 18 May 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Your customer's domestic water system is not delivering heat correctly. What do you do? You listen into this episode of the Ask Caleffi podcast! Greg and Dan discuss ASSE 1017 Point-of-Distribution valves (not to be confused with ASSE1070!) and how to size them. They stress the importance of understanding a thermostatic mixing valve's minimum and maximum flow rate thresholds when combined with pressure drop.

Greg and Dan discuss what types of products will complement existing systems that do not have recirculation loops such as a "high/low" valve assembly or an electronic mixing valve. Their goal is to help you determine how to apply the proper valve for the circumstance at hand.

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#11 What's wrong with my actuator?

Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 -0500

It seems that hydronic zone valves have been around forever. They are pretty bulletproof! But do you hear about end switches failing? What's going on? AND... what do I need to know before wiring a zone valve?

In this Episode, Greg and Dan discuss this common question from our Technical Support line: what's wrong with my actuator? Our Tech Support Gurus find that the culprit is typically a misapplication of the "end switch", a.k.a. the micro-switch. They explain the role of an actuator that contains a micro-switch and what kind of inrush thresholds are required to operate them successfully. They also talk about optimal installations including utilizing actuators with a ZVR relay control board that provides your customer with a top-notch product AND a top-notch warranty.

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Thanks for the sound effects!
www.freesfx.co.uk

#10 120...130...140. Oh no! Why are these numbers important?

Tue, 04 May 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In this Episode Greg and Dan - our Ask Caleffi Podcast hosts - discuss what a scald-protection valve is and why they are SO important (protection protection protection!). What temperature of water is safe? Dangerous? Who is most at risk? Are there applicable industry guidelines (hint: ASSE 1070)?

Learn about how they work, where they are used, and why they are so important in the industry.

Thanks for tuning in!

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Thanks for the sound effects!
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#9 The heat is on... but for who?

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500

It can be a time-consuming project to troubleshoot why a zone relay board doesn't "appear" to be working, especially when the heat is literally ON for the contractor, but OFF for their customer.

Greg and Dan take our audience through a step-by-step process of isolating and solving the "no-heat" calls including how to locate the source of the power loss. It's (another) don't-miss episode!

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#8 No pressure... but what's THAT noise?

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Why is my pressure reducing valve rattling, hammering.... screaming??

Greg and Dan take a new spin in this episode of the Ask Caleffi podcast series, inviting you into a "customer" technical support call in order to troubleshoot the problem. They will discuss how a PRV should be sized (based on pipe size?). Is there a more accurate methodology (hint: a design for flow rate!)? What about install tips and maintenance? (another hint: debris is NOT a friend to PRVs).

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Thanks for the sound effects!
www.freesfx.co.uk

#7 Why is this backflow preventer dripping?

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500

The backflow preventer is a misunderstood piece of hardware in hydronic systems. "My backflow preventer has failed. It's dripping. What should I do?" It's easy to replace it.... but, has it really failed?

Likely the backflow preventer is doing it's job! The culprit? Debris stuck in the check valve. Greg and Dan discuss how and why the backflow preventer can drip and what to do to eliminate the nuisance drip.

Need a video reference to see how this is accomplished? Glad you asked!

http://bit.ly/AskCaleffi-NuisanceDripInBFP

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#6 "The path of least resistance." Do I really need a balancing valve?

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Episode 6: Understanding the concepts of balancing a multi-circuit hydronic or domestic hot water system is easier when you know how different balancing valves work and where to apply them. Greg and Dan make it easy.

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#5 Hydraulic Separators. Better than your Grandpa's closely-spaced tees?

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Episode 5: Hydraulic separators not only simplify hydronic piping and save installation time, compared to closely spaced tees, they can also remove air and dirt to become a money-saving multi-purpose device. Get the whole story from Greg and Dan.

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#4 What do your Mom and a hydronic system have in common?

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Episode 4 focuses on the importance of having magnetic technology built into dirt separators. Highly efficient "dirt" removal, including both non-ferrous and ferrous (magnetic), is critical to protect today's high-efficiency heat exchangers and circulators. Caleffi is the North American market leader in magnetic dirt removal technology.

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#3 Are corrosion and noise signs of air in a hydronic system?

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Episode 3 picks up where Episode 2 left off, to explain Air Separators. There is more to know about a separator, which has an air vent on top. Where the separator should be installed in the hydronic system, how it works, and how to select the right size for each job is discussed.

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#2 Air. Who wants to vent?

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Episode 2 gives the listener an overview of what an air vent is, and what is it not. It explains how air vents are different from air separators and where air vents are installed. Caleffi's wide variety of air vent product families are introduced and their unique features and benefits are covered.

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#1 Do all good things start in a garage?

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 12:00:00 -0600

Dedicated to our commitment to providing Excellence in Education, Caleffi North America is pleased to introduce the Ask Caleffi podcast series. The podcast makes its debut on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, and features our technical support wizards, Greg Tubbs and Dan Firkus. They will discuss tricky heating and plumbing problems they are tasked with solving and share insights from the field to help contractors discover the best way to work through tough jobs. Count on this dynamic duo to keep the series fun as they mingle in their own entertaining and relatable stories.

Greg, a family man, and outdoor enthusiast provide on-the-spot solutions for the field on a daily basis as part of Caleffi's technical support team. Combined with his 17 years of HVAC service and installer experience, he is ready, willing, and eager to share secrets for success to minimize the field frustration factor.

A hiker and nature-lover, Dan is an application engineer at Caleffi and is responsible for supporting and answering technical calls, e-mails, and social media inquiries. Our audience will appreciate Dan’s extensive 29-year background in the trades combined with his product and application knowledge.

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