Between Mother’s Day brunches, Memorial Day barbecues, and a steady stream of service calls, the month of May didn’t exactly leave much time to kick back. And with June ushering in the official start of summer, we know things are only heating up from here. Whether you were wrangling refrigerant, rerouting pipework, or squeezing in a rare long weekend, we’ve got your back.
In last month’s Round-Up, we covered the ripple effects of the ongoing R-454B shortage, new online courses from the PHCC Educational Foundation, key takeaways from Simpro’s 2025 Trades Outlook Report, and the kick-off of qualifying season for the ServiceTitan Elite Trades Championship Series. Missed it? No worries! We’re back with the latest headlines to keep you in the loop.
1. Trenchless Technology Gaining National Popularity Among Schools
JB Warranties has already filled you in on how trenchless tech is taking over plumbing projects across the board. Now, it’s earning high marks in another area: schools. Districts across the country are rolling out ePIPE® and eDRAIN® systems to tackle aging infrastructure, stop pinhole leaks in their tracks, and improve drinking water quality. With lead (Pb) compliance top of mind, these solutions offer a safer, faster fix that doesn’t disrupt class.
Instead of tearing up walls or shutting down buildings, these multi-patented trenchless technologies restore pipes in-place with an approved epoxy barrier coating. From failing storm drains to potable water lines, ePIPE and eDRAIN are helping schools avoid costly replacements, reduce downtime, and protect students and staff from dangerous lead exposure, all while staying U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliant.
“We’re proud to be supporting educational facilities with coating and lining solutions that extend the life of plumbing pipes and prevent lead leaching into drinking water pipes,” said Larry Gillanders, CEO at ePIPE. “Our proven patented technology not only eliminates leaks but also improves water quality — aligning with EPA guidelines.”
2. Survey Reveals Younger Consumers Prefer Cashless Payments
If you’ve noticed more customers reaching for their phones instead of their wallets lately, you’re not alone. A new survey from payment provider NMI found that 59% of U.S. adults prefer transactions “that feel like they never happened,” a nod to the rising popularity of in-app and cash-free payments. Unsurprisingly, Gen Z, Millennials, and busy parents are leading the charge.
In fact, 64% of Gen Z and Millennials say they’ll take their money elsewhere if in-app payments aren’t available. Subscription models are booming, too, with roughly seven in 10 younger consumers favoring recurring payments for frequently used services, such as maintenance contracts. That convenience-first mindset is also influencing how customers want to pay for home services.
Luckily, contractors are already well-positioned to meet those expectations. Roughly 30% of consumers and nearly half of all parents say they’d use an app to pay for plumbing or HVAC work. If you’re ready to keep up with demand, the JB Warranties Marketplace is loaded with tools to help. Start with Workiz, a great option for streamlining payments and going cashless.
3. BDR and CTC Introduce New Business Courses for Contractors
Though trending technology and cash-free payments can give your service company an edge, sometimes the real game-changer is a solid crash course in business development. Fortunately, the month of May brought a fresh wave of continuing education opportunities designed to help contractors level up their leadership, strategy, and profitability, no wrench required.
First, Business Development Resources (BDR) announced the return of its popular Profit Launch Business Planning workshops. These three-day virtual sessions walk contractors through building a five-year plan, boosting operations, and creating sustainable growth. Featuring live presentations, breakout rooms, and one-on-one coaching, seven sessions are planned between September and December, and registration is now open.
Meanwhile, the Contractor Training Center (CTC) rolled out its new Contractor Business Accelerator Program to help participants tackle industry challenges head-on. The online course includes personalized coaching and covers everything from brand positioning and marketing to financial planning, giving contractors the tools to thrive in today’s shifting landscape.
4. Interplay Learning Announces Winners of First-Ever Excellence Awards
Business development can pay off in more ways than one — just ask the standout companies recognized in Interplay Learning’s inaugural Excellence Awards. Announced in May, the awards celebrate how Interplay and Industrial Training International (ITI) customers are using immersive AI and VR training to build stronger teams, grow their businesses, and make a real impact in their communities.
A panel of judges from Interplay’s Executive Customer Advisory Boards selected four winners:
- Training Innovation Award Winner: Streamline Services
- Industry Excellence Award Winner: Ferguson Enterprises
- Rookie of the Year Award Winner: Invitation Homes
- Better Careers, Better Lives Award Winner: Center for People
“We are thrilled to honor these incredible organizations and their commitment to advancing skilled trades training,” said Doug Donovan, CEO and founder of Interplay Learning. “These winners showcase what’s possible when forward-thinking companies embrace immersive learning. They not only elevate their own teams, but they also strengthen the industries and communities they serve.”
5. Moen Cautions the Health Risks of Off-Brand Imported Faucets
While awards were handed out in May, not all the headlines were cause for celebration. A recent report commissioned by Moen revealed that off-brand, foreign-made faucets may be doing more harm than good, posing serious health risks due to unsafe chemicals. Even more concerning? Up to 35 million of these units have made their way into the U.S. over the past four years.
Independent testing from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) found that 90% of these faucets failed to meet American safe drinking water standards. Many were found to leach lead at levels hundreds of percent above the legal limit, with some showing chemical contamination 356% to 591% higher than what’s considered safe.
On May 14, 2025, the Consumer Product Safety Commission responded by issuing nine product warnings, urging consumers to stop using the affected faucets immediately. For contractors and customers, these warnings are a stark reminder to stick with trusted brands while shopping for the latest trends — because in plumbing, cutting corners can carry severe consequences.
Get a Smart Start to Summer with JB Warranties
From trenchless tech in schools to the rise of cashless payments nationwide, May packed in plenty of updates for contractors keeping an eye on the future. As summer heats up (and the busy season kicks into high gear!), you can count on the JB Warranties team to keep you current and connected in June. Head over to the JB Warranties blog to stay informed all summer long.
Matt Cosby
Director of Marketing
