As the spooky season wraps up, it’s time to trade cobwebs for copper pipes and shift into holiday gear. Between Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and yes, even World Toilet Day (November 19, for those marking their calendars), November tends to fly by. It’s a jam-packed month that gives us plenty to celebrate, reflect on, and prepare for leading into the busiest stretch of the year.
In the spirit of reflection, we explored new fall training courses from Business Development Resources and Interplay Learning, a wave of AI-powered field service tools, insights into the $42 billion smart appliance market, and Colorado’s latest lower-interest financing program in the JB Warranties September Round-Up. Now, let’s dig into what made headlines in October.
1. Kohler Finally Joins the SupplyHouse Product Lineup
SupplyHouse, the go-to e-commerce distributor for plumbing and HVAC pros, just expanded its catalog in a major way. Contractors can now shop a wide selection of Kohler kitchen and bath products alongside the everyday essentials — from fittings and valves to installation materials — directly through SupplyHouse. Known for its design-forward fixtures, Kohler brings added quality and durability to SupplyHouse’s lineup, which now tops 300,000 products across 450+ brands.
“With Kohler joining our line-up, we’re giving pros access to a brand they trust and one their customers already know and love, making every job easier to deliver with confidence,” explains Jennifer Harrison, Vice President of Merchandising at SupplyHouse. “Our mission has always been to make it easier for pros to do their jobs well by giving them the parts, brands, and service they need.”
As we mentioned in September’s Round-Up, the smart appliances market is growing at a rapid pace, with innovations like smart faucets and toilets leading the way. Now that Kohler is on SupplyHouse, contractors gain another convenient channel to source these fixtures while sticking with brands their customers already rely on. In short? Pros get even more choice and reliability, all in one place.
2. Chicago Faucets Hosts Virtual Continuing Education Event
Registration is now open for a new virtual Continuing Education (CEU) event from Chicago Faucets and Geberit North America. “From Compliance to Concept: Smarter Bathroom Design with Chicago Faucets and Geberit” takes place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and offers two accredited CEU sessions plus product spotlights designed to help pros master smarter, safer, and more sustainable plumbing system design.
“At Chicago Faucets and Geberit, we understand the pressures specifiers face to design spaces that meet evolving standards without sacrificing quality or style,” says Richard Nortier, Director of Marketing. “This educational program gives professionals straightforward, practical insights into sustainable design, water management, and healthcare compliance — so they can build spaces that perform to the highest standards today and tomorrow.”
The sessions will explore the advantages of dual-flush, wall-mounted toilets, review plumbing codes and standards governing fixtures and fittings, and highlight how thoughtful design and installation can reduce health risks while ensuring compliance. It follows October’s webinar, “Plumbing Design Strategies to Control Waterborne Pathogens in Healthcare Facilities,” which is now available on-demand for those who missed it live.
3. New York Introduces Bill to Prevent Legionnaires’ Outbreaks
In our August Round-Up, we reported on the Legionnaires’ disease cluster confirmed in Central Harlem. By the end of that month, the outbreak had climbed to 114 confirmed cases, including 90 hospitalizations and seven deaths. Fast-forward to October, and Legionnaires’ disease took center stage at the 2025 Water Wellness Summit in Washington, D.C., highlighting the urgency for stronger prevention efforts nationwide.
On October 20, New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, Chair of the Senate Aging Committee, and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Chair of the Assembly Housing Committee, introduced new legislation aimed at improving public health and water quality to prevent Legionnaires’ outbreaks. Bill A.9095/S.8499 targets the waterborne Legionella bacteria, calling for tighter standards and stronger monitoring from source to tap.
“Individuals with compromised immune systems, respiratory illnesses like asthma, smokers, and the elderly are more susceptible to Legionnaires’ disease,” explains Senator Cleare. "Black and brown communities are often hit the hardest and we must take a proactive approach to protect public health and reduce the incidence of Legionnaires' disease through comprehensive regulation, increased transparency, and public education.”
Key components of the bill that may affect trade professionals include:
- Building Water Management Requirements: Building owners will need to establish water management programs that limit Legionella growth in plumbing systems and water-using equipment, aligning with ASHRAE and CDC guidelines.
- Enhanced Water Treatment Standards: Public water system operators must maintain disinfectant residuals of at least 0.5 mg/L of free chlorine and conduct ongoing water quality monitoring.
- Public Awareness Initiatives: A new statewide education campaign will inform residents about Legionella risks, prevention practices, and common symptoms to watch for, which may lead to questions for plumbing and water workers.
4. Dandelion Energy Launches Residential Geothermal Leasing Program
It’s not just water safety making headlines for trade professionals — there’s a new horizon for geothermal, too. Dandelion Energy, the nation’s leading provider of residential geothermal heating and cooling solutions, has unveiled the first-ever geothermal leasing program. Designed to eliminate the steep upfront costs that have long limited adoption, the new model makes clean, efficient heating and cooling accessible to more builders and homebuyers nationwide.
Through a partnership with Upstream Lease by CSG, homebuilders can integrate geothermal systems into new communities for less than the cost of traditional HVAC, while homeowners can lease systems for as little as $10–$40 per month. Backed by the 30–50% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and additional state and utility incentives, Dandelion’s program gives the residential market a new path toward affordability, sustainability, and long-term energy savings.
As discussions about the future of federal, state, and local clean energy incentives continue, this announcement couldn’t arrive at a better time. As Dan Yates, CEO of Dandelion Energy, puts it: “Dandelion's mission has always been to make geothermal heating and cooling affordable and attainable for all. Our new leasing program removes the upfront cost barrier that has slowed adoption, bringing us closer to making geothermal the default choice for American homes.”
5. Dunwoody College of Technology Offers New Online Degree
Beyond geothermal, there’s another frontier for home service professionals to explore. Dunwoody College of Technology has announced a fully online Bachelor of Science Completion Degree in Facilities Management, launching in Fall 2026. Designed for working professionals and career changers alike, the two-year program provides a flexible path to advance their education without pausing employment.
“The facilities management field is projected to grow by 6% over the next eight years,” says Heather Stafford, Associate Dean of Construction Sciences & Building Technology. “This program reflects Dunwoody's commitment to delivering high-value education that meets industry needs. Our graduates will be ready to lead projects that directly impact efficiency, safety, and sustainability.”
Students will learn to oversee the maintenance of buildings, grounds, and infrastructure while developing operational strategies and budgets for facility needs, with coursework including Construction Planning and Scheduling, Strategic Planning, and Conflict Resolution. Eligible applicants can transfer in credits from a two-year degree in construction, electrical, HVAC, welding, or surveying.
Time is Ticking: What Else Does 2025 Have in Store?
As the year winds down, so do some major opportunities. Homeowners are expected to take advantage of remaining federal tax incentives before they expire on December 31, 2025 — including portions of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. The credit allows customers to claim up to 30% of the cost of qualifying high-efficiency HVAC equipment, such as air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces.
Contractors who help customers act early can close 2025 strong while positioning themselves for a busy year ahead. No matter what the next couple of months have in store, JB Warranties has your back with reliable HVAC and plumbing warranty coverage, plus flexible consumer and commercial financing to help your customers upgrade with confidence. Here’s to a strong finish.
Matt Cosby
Director of Marketing
