Rich Schuster has worked in many phases of the HVAC and plumbing industries since 1991, from apprentice to general manager in the contractor segment, and later as a rep for a large HVAC wholesaler. He has written two books with a focus on installation training basics, and can be reached at richardjschuster@gmail.com.
The other day a friend called me to help him with a
problem on a job. His customer had an oil tank in their basement that began to
leak, and obviously needed it replaced. Now, I know that a lot of you don’t see
oil systems too often, if ever, but for those of us who live in the
northeastern part of the country, it’s pretty common.
You know, a lot of what I talk about these days is the
need for training that exists in the HVAC world. So, without going into another rant on the
subject, let me ask you this.
“Hey there, do I know you? No, not you; you, the one trying to solder those two pieces of ¾ PVC together.
No, I must have you confused with someone else, but while I’m here, I think we
should talk. Did you ever work with PVC before? No, that’s what that white pipe
in your hand is called. Here, look, do you see the way that the torch is
melting that pipe all over your shoe? Yeah, that white, smokin’ plastic running
across your Timberlands? And you’re having a problem with that SilverBrite
taking, aren’t you? Well, they have words for that technique and techs with
skills like yours, but I don’t think I am allowed to use them here. No, hey,
STOP THAT, you don’t need a bigger tip, just sit down and listen, but put out
the fire first. And you better put the dog out, too. Yeah, in the back around
his tail…”