Ask Caleffi

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...

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 th...

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 t...

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 AS...

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 ca...

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.  Th...

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...

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...

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...

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 ques...

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...

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 expe...

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...

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 d...

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...

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...

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 betwee...

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 comp...

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 di...

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...