Ask Caleffi

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.

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.
Want to hear YOUR QUESTION on Ask Caleffi, take this quick 4 question survey for your chance to hear your question in a future episode.

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.
Want to hear YOUR QUESTION on Ask Caleffi, take this quick 4 question survey for your chance to hear your question in a future episode.

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.
Want to hear YOUR QUESTION on Ask Caleffi, take this quick 4 question survey for your chance to hear your question in a future episode.

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.
Want to hear YOUR QUESTION on Ask Caleffi? Take this quick 4 question survey for your chance to hear your question in a future episode.

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.
Want to hear YOUR QUESTION on Ask Caleffi? Take this quick 4 question survey for your chance to hear your question in a future episode.

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.
Want to hear YOUR QUESTION on Ask Caleffi? Take this quick 4 question survey for your chance to hear your question in a future episode.

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?

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?