Employers in the construction industry have their way of assessing employees to get the right candidate for employment. Equally, employees can evaluate prospective employers before taking a job. Choosing the right employer enhances your job satisfaction and reduces turnover. Here, we examine the qualities of good prospective employers to help you make informed decisions when looking for a job.  

Work-Life Balance

There is a general demand for a work-life balance cutting across all industries. Workers are now, more than ever, concerned about getting a perfect integration between work and personal life. Construction workers should consider working for companies that offer flexible working hours or schedules that provide a work-life balance. The potential employer should have innovative approaches to working hours rather than the conventional construction industry working hours. 

While the work environment may not meet all your demands, it should allow you to earn a consistent wage and still have time for other activities in your life.

Consistent Payment Frequency

The company you want to work for should have a consistent and preferably a weekly payment plan. When you get a company that pays weekly wages, you join the over 70% of construction workers who prefer a weekly payment frequency. In the weekly payment plan, you receive a paycheck every Thursday or Friday.

This payment frequency allows you to plan your expenditures and savings to meet your short and long-term goals. A weekly payment plan also allows you to receive prompt overtime payments and get the motivation to offer your best. 

Competitive Wages

Other than the consistency of the payments, the potential employer should offer competitive wages. A good starting point is to check the average weekly wage for construction workers in your region. In Colorado, the average weekly pay for construction workers is $617, while in New Mexico and Utah, the average weekly wage is $631. It is better to work for a construction company that pays above the average weekly wage. 

Potential for Overtime Opportunities

Besides the weekly wage, a good construction company will provide the opportunity for overtime. Overtime compensates you for hours worked beyond the stipulated working hours. The contract should specify the hourly rates and overtime rates. In most cases, overtime rates are higher than the hourly rates. Understanding the hourly rates allows you to estimate your total weekly wage.

Further, look for a company that pays you during your off days. When you get paid during your off days, you have time with your family and friends without compromising your weekly earnings. Off days also help reduce the risk of burnout and other mental health  issues common in the construction industry. Your prospective employer should also provide monetary and non-monetary incentives like bonuses and opportunities for growth.  

Tenured and Knowledgeable Trainers

Most construction workers want an employer that will help them improve their skills. When looking for a new employer, you should check their policy on employee training and the knowledge of the trainers. Receiving frequent training helps in;

Skill Development

Frequent training sessions help improve your skills and expand your knowledge in the field. The training opens doors for new opportunities and career advancement. Moreover, the training helps you equip yourself with current standards of operations and technology in the construction industry. Lack of training opportunities increases employees’ risk of obsolescence and redundancy.

Increased Self-confidence  

Training helps improve your confidence to take more challenging roles and increases the chances of promotion.

Better Job Satisfaction

Training enhances your interpersonal skills, which leads to job satisfaction. Learning how to resolve conflicts, for instance, helps you to improve the relationship between you and your colleagues. 

Relocation Compensation

Although most employers do not pay relocation compensation for newly employed workers, you can still get one that pays. Employers who pay relocation allowances to new employees do so to attract talent. If you get an opportunity to work for such a company, you could have a high chance of advancing your career as the employer values your talent.

Good Online Reviews

Through platforms like online directories, Google listings, and social media sites, former and current employees provide reviews about their employers. The online reviews aid in making informed decisions on whether to send a job application or not.

Safety Policy

Employee safety is an essential element of the construction industry. When looking for an employer, your safety should be a priority. The prospective employer should provide safe working conditions and install sound measures to mitigate the risks of accidents. Reading your employer’s safety policy offers insight into the general working condition. A safe working environment also reduces the risk of mental health  issues like suicide in the construction industry.

Want to Assess a Prospective Employer? Contact Us

RK understands your desire to work for an employer who will give you a work-life balance, safe working environment, competitive wages, and training opportunities. If you are looking for a career with a company that provides all of this and more, consider applying for a job with RK!

Most people automatically picture a man when thinking of a construction worker. However, women are just as qualified and capable of being successful in the industry. Construction careers require high levels of skill and determination, perfect for anyone who enjoys creating and working with their hands.

Currently, women make up 10.3% of the construction workforce in the U.S. Just two years ago, that number was closer to 9%. While that number has not jumped significantly, it has steadily increased over the past decade.

Although still inadequately represented, 31% of women in the industry hold professional or management roles, many of which have moved into those roles in recent years. This shows that companies have been increasing efforts to promote and educate women about the benefits of working in construction.

Technological advancements, such as hydraulic equipment, have also made brute strength less important to get the job done. Regardless, some men still feel that women cannot carry their share of the workload and some women are concerned they might be considered masculine for working in the industry. Recruitment bias and non-inclusive work cultures also remain a concern.

Despite stigmas, more women are seeing the earning potential and diverse opportunities available in the industry. They are steadily working towards changing views about gender norms and leveling the playing field. Additionally, nearly 87% of women who work in the industry hold office positions, squashing most of the gender concerns.

In recent years, the construction labor shortage has presented an opportunity to hire more women than ever. Diversity is important in solving the labor shortage crisis and research has shown that gender diversity brings economic benefit to companies. Those companies with higher gender diversity in their workforce who have proved to be much more likely to outperform the industry average. Hiring more women in construction is a win-win situation.

Many organizations, like Professional Women in Construction, provide mentorship, networking and opportunities for growth and business development to women in the industry. The goal of Women in Construction Week is to bring awareness to those opportunities, directing interested women to training programs and local mentorship groups, and encouraging women to become role models. By highlighting the value of construction jobs for women, other women and young girls can see the industry as a viable career path.

The RK Apprenticeship Program began an all-female apprentice class last year with great success. If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about our apprenticeship program, click here.

 

The Rise of Women in the Construction Field, National Center for Construction Education & Research, December 3, 2020
How Women in Construction Positively Impact Profits and Collaboration, Digital Builder, March 5, 2020
Just 9.1% of America’s construction workers are women—here’s what it’s like to be one of them, CNBC Make It, January 29, 2019
Women in Construction: The State of the Industry in 2021, Big Rentz, January 19, 2021

By: RK Mechanical

Energy consumption is on the rise and consequently, more expensive than ever. As the demand continues to increase, scientists and engineers are exploring new ways to increase efficiency and safety in systems that require a lot of energy; HVAC systems are no exception. In recent years, groundbreaking technologies began giving consumers the ability to reduce the energy consumption of HVAC systems in our homes and buildings. While many new technologies are still in the early stages, several have been widely adopted. Here are the top innovations taking over the HVAC industry.

TOP 8 HVAC INNOVATIONS:

By using cloud-based systems and increasing smart and real-time communication between mechanical units, HVAC controls will continue to become more energy efficient and allow for cost savings. Energy alternatives, such as solar and geothermal will become more commonplace and technology like smart thermostats will become more popular by reducing energy consumption.

RK Mechanical is the Rocky Mountain Region’s leading full-service mechanical contractor. We fabricate and install mechanical systems, including HVAC, sheetmetal, plumbing and piping utilizing the latest innovative technologies.

By: RK Service

Colorado is known for its severe spring and summer storms, and they typically include large hailstones. Hail forms when updrafts in thunderstorms pull rain up into frigid areas of the atmosphere where they freeze into ice pellets. When the storm can no longer support the weight of the hailstones or the updraft weakens, the hail falls to the ground. The larger the hailstones, the more damage they can do.

Hail can cause serious damage to a building’s roof or ground-mounted machinery and equipment. It often damages the facility’s condenser unit, reducing its ability to dissipate heat. This excess heat not only greatly reduces building efficiency and creates unhappy occupants, it is likely to cause the compressor and condenser fans to fail, resulting in much higher repair costs.


An RTU damaged in a major hail storm.

AFTER A BIG STORM YOU NEED TO HAVE YOUR EQUIPMENT CHECKED!

Contact RK Service at servicesales@rkindustries.com to conduct a free inspection of your rooftop or ground-mounted equipment, make any emergency repairs or replacements and help you prevent damage from the next storm. If you experienced additional hail damage to your roof or windows, our team can also connect you with other experienced and reputable contractors, getting you back in business as soon as possible.

By: RK Mechanical

Working outside during the winter can leave construction workers susceptible to hypothermia, frostbite or trench foot, a decaying of the feet due to prolonged cold and wet conditions. In extreme cases, workers without proper personal protection equipment can also suffer shock that could even lead to death. Not only do workers need to stay warm and dry to prevent health risks, but it’s also important to eat properly, stay active and keep an eye on coworkers.

Productivity is often delayed due to harsh weather. So, work hours should be scheduled during the warmest part of the day. Below are some recommendations to stay warm, healthy and safe during the winter season.

Winter Clothing and Layering Reduce Injury Risks

Clothing should be selected to suit temperature, conditions, duration of the activity and location. Wearing proper clothing and layering can reduce sweating and the risk of injury. It’s best to avoid cotton material, as once it gets wet from rain, snow or sweat, it will begin to extract heat out of the body. Some alternate material choices are fleece, wool, Thinsulate, nylon and polypropylene. Weather can change rapidly, therefore it is important to plan and dress accordingly.

The top nine types of clothing to wear while working in the cold:

  1. Thermal insulated coveralls
  2. Thermal polyester underwear
  3. Fleece or wool liner for hard hat
  4. Insulated gloves, mittens should be worn for extreme temperatures below -17 degrees
  5. Wrap-around eye protection
  6. Scarves
  7. Thick socks: layer two pairs to stay warmer longer, but avoid a tight fit which restricts circulation
  8. Insulated boots
  9. Waterproof/windproof external layers

Warm Break Areas Help Re-energize

When spending long hours exposed to the elements, a warm area to rest will help workers warm up and re-energize. Breaks are of the utmost importance, but without a warm and comfortable place to rest, breaks can be useless. For long-term construction projects, setting up a warming shelter is a must. Temporary tents with portable heaters can be used for smaller projects.

Incorporate a Buddy System to Stay Safe

Avoid traveling or working on your own unless someone knows your route and estimated time of return. Workers in frigid weather can show signs of uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech and erratic behavior. Keep an eye on your peers to help them stay safe.

If a co-worker is showing early signs of Hypothermia, like uncontrollable shivering, apply these treatments to help:

If more severe signs are present, such as slurred speech or erratic behavior, call for emergency help right away. While waiting for help to arrive, provide warm drinks, extra layers and heating blankets, if available.

Hydration and Good Snacks are Important in the Winter

Save Your Skin from Freezing Temperatures

It’s especially important to stress these simple points to people who may not be accustomed to cold temperatures. Holding safety meetings to help workers identify the signs and symptoms of cold-related illness and injuries and training them how to prevent and treat these injuries can save lives.

At RK, we take safety seriously and empower our employees to stop work if unsafe conditions exist. We encourage our employees to take responsibility for their own safety, as well as that of those working alongside them. Working responsibly in cold weather is no exception.

RK assesses how every aspect of our work integrates to improve your project. From conception through completion, we streamline the process while maximizing value. The combined skill set of our seven business units makes us the region’s most powerful single source for mechanical contracting, custom manufacturing, steel fabrication, prefabricated construction, facilities services, electrical work and water treatment solutions. If you would like to know more about our safety procedures or have questions about what we can do for your business, contact us at communications@rkindustries.com.

By: RK Mechanical

After the recent OSHA VPP audit on November 14th, RK was thrilled to be recommended for the OSHA VPP Star, OSHA’s highest award for world-class safety and health! During the three day audit, conducted by two OSHA auditors and a special government employee from Raytheon, 35 different employees were interviewed and after the evaluations were complete, RK received the a recommendation for the designation that less than 0.03% of companies in the entire nation receive. That means that only 62 contracting companies in the U.S. and three in Colorado are designated with this esteemed rating!

So, what does this mean?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes the value of co-operative efforts by employers, employees, and government agencies to reduce hazards and strengthen worker protection. Created in 1982, The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) recognize employers and employees who have established effective safety and health management programs. The VPP program has been particularly successful in increasing safety in many different industries, including construction, poultry processing, petrochemical plants, tree nurseries, nursing homes, federal laboratories, and even “mom and pop” operations.

The OSHA audit itself, a two-phased, on-site evaluation, is highly complex and painstakingly done. In the first phase, OSHA’s team reviews the applicant’s corporate, division or business unit policies and procedures, including a review of safety and health management programs, document review and assessment of the management commitment to safety and health, and to VPP itself.

The intense road to Star status was been an intense one that took a while. “Shortly after achieving our OSHA VPP Star Mobile Work Force accreditation for the field, we asked the shop employees if they wanted to achieve this for the shops as well. The resounding response was yes,” said JP Kennel, Operations Manager for the Xanthia facility. “We began preparation, but along the way, we found that many of the things we already did were [already in place to satisfy] the OSHA VPP Star requirements. We still had to make numerous tweaks to our processes and procedures, though, and we learned a lot about ourselves [in the process]. Stepping back and critically looking at ourselves [allowed us to see] that we were lacking in mitigating possible hazards to our employees. These were the areas we focused on, making great strides in providing a safer and healthier work environment.”

Lindsay Kalis, QSE Systems Manager and main OSHA contact for RK, was the one behind the implementation of the safety management system, and was responsible for everything from application to scheduling while the OSHA team was on-site.

Kalis elaborated on what the audit consisted of while the OSHA team was at RK. “There are two types of VPP certification – Mobile Workforce and Worksite. This audit was for the Xanthia location (the Worksite designation) and Henderson will have theirs next.” Kalis explained that the application for the Xanthia audit was originally submitted in January 2013, but it took a year and a half to get the audit done.

Typically, it takes three months for the application to go through, but in light of the government shutdown and budget restrictions, it took much longer than was originally expected. Along with Kalis, Tom Alvarez, RK’s Manager of Safety, was also instrumental in assisting the OSHA auditors find all of the information they needed.

The second phase is dedicated to reviewing one or more worksites in order to verify that the safety and health management programs are actually functioning outside of the home office, which will take place when the Henderson site is audited.

The Star designation is specifically designed for “exemplary worksites that have implemented comprehensive, successful safety and health management systems; and achieved illness/injury rates below their industry’s national average”. “Our recommendation for the Star Level clearly demonstrates our commitment to the safety of all our team and the passion we have with regard to being a World Class company,” said Ian Welsh, Vice President of Corporate Development.

Not only is this a great boon for the company, but it also helps to enrich the lives of RK workers on a personal level as well. JP Kennel said it best. “Safety and health has to be a part of what we do every day. In order for that to happen, the rules and regulations have to be backed from the officer level on down. That way, the employee truly knows they have the power to communicate when they see an unsafe situation, but more importantly, they know that the company truly cares about them and their family.”

By: RK Mechanical

RK Mechanical, Inc. was recently voted One of Denver’s Healthiest Places to Work by the Denver Business Journal. This means that not only is safety a major concern, but employees’ physical and mental well-being are high-level factors, too. RK’s wellness strategy includes discounted gym memberships, the employment of a full-time wellness coach, and no doughnuts at meetings.

RK Mechanical believes that to have a world-class company, you have to have world-class people who are cared for and encouraged to be healthier. By believing in doing the right thing, the family-owned business can further their already successful organization by ensuring that their number-one resource is healthy and happy.

RK’s prevention-oriented health/wellness program includes helping employees quit tobacco use, lose weight, eat healthier and exercise more through efforts such as corporate gym memberships, a wellness website and an onsite tobacco cessation clinic, which is available four times a year. RK also offers an employee assistance program for help with personal and work-related problems, in addition to overall well-being.

Wellness is an intentional action for RK and they have formulated a strategy for it. Even employees develop and organize their own programs, such as walking groups, biking to work, and even mountain climbing.

This past summer, RK had its annual summer wellness challenge. Employees set many unique personal goals while participating in a variety of activities and most participants who logged their food and exercise for the three month period accomplished some incredible results.

Over 100 employees and family members participated in the American Heart Association Walk on June 7th, which kicked off the challenge. After that, employees handed in food and exercise logs, as well as proof of participation in various events around town.

RK’s Special Projects department was the winning team, with the most days working out twice a day, including bike rides into work, a run at lunch, and biking home. They also participated in the AXS Glenwood Spring Adventure Race.

Two brave RK individuals Rode the Rockies for six days, traveling a total of 471 miles. Additional events included the Color Run, the MS 150 (two day bike ride), the Stampede Run, the Colorado Springs Incline, and the Donor Dash.

A policy of wellness also means having world-class safety standards. The company’s safety and quality efforts include having full-time, licensed safety and quality-control managers who demand top performance. RK also operates according to top safety/quality standards, such as the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Programs, earning Star Mobile Workforce certification.

By: RK Mechanical

If you were to ask a high school student about the options that their guidance counselor gives them for the future, most would tell you one thing: college. In the past 50 years, most schools (and parents) push their children to go to an institution of higher learning; they see it as the only option for gaining success, achievement, and a happy life.

Let’s face it though: a lot of people are not cut out for college. This isn’t a bad thing either. There might be a stigma about it that has cropped up in recent years, but some people don’t want to be in school for another 4-8 years after just finishing 12 of them. It used to be that guidance counselors would offer the option of a vocational school, depending on the student that was sitting in front of them. Not so much anymore.

In an article from Forbes magazine’s website[i], Genevieve Stevens, interim dean for instruction at Houston Community College’s central campus, said that “For two or three generations, the focus has been to go to college, get a degree and in doing so you will ensure a brighter future with more access to employment.  We started focusing on academic institution, but left behind the notion of work-force education.” In light of this trend, the skilled trades industry has suffered.

According to the same article, ManpowerGroup has listed for the last three years running that the hardest segment of the workforce to staff has been the skilled trades – welders, electricians, machinists, which are so prevalent in manufacturing and construction. There are indications that it’s only going to get worse in the coming years. RK Mechanical has a potential solution to this worrying development.

RK has an apprenticeship program where apprentices get trained, and at the end of four years, they finish with a Journeyman’s license. Additionally, RK partners with the Community College of Aurora, Colorado (CCA) to give the apprentice the opportunity to complete an AA degree in Applied Science as part of that apprenticeship program.

The message that RK wants to deliver is that college is a great path, but not the only one. A skilled trades path provides a rewarding career, financial stability, a sense of accomplishment, and a career track of increasing responsibility and rewards. The other great thing about working for RK is, in addition to the skilled trades path, you have the college option as well, in light of their partnership with CCA. It really is the best of both worlds.

[i] Wright, Joshua. “America’s Skilled Trades Dilemma: Shortages Loom As Most-In-Demand Group Of Workers Ages.” Forbes.com, March 17th, 2013. www.forbes.com/sites/emsi/2013/03/07/americas-skilled-trades-dilemma-shortages-loom-as-most-in-demand-group-of-workers-ages.

By: RK Mechanical

RK Mechanical, Inc. won two Award of Excellence trophies at the ABC-EIC awards on October 19th. One was awarded for the new Rooftop at Coors Field and the other was for the work that RK did on the Aspen Art Museum. RK also won a second place Award of Merit trophy for the Denver Union Station project.

While the original plan for Coors Field, located at the now-famed corner of 20th and Blake Street in Denver, was for a modest stadium of 43,800 seats, the first season of Rockies baseball, played at Mile High Stadium, set an all-time MLB single season attendance record of 4.5 million. Due to the mass amount of fans and interest, the construction team added an additional section to the stadium plans – specifically the right upper deck.

Hailed as one of the most spectacular stadiums in MLB, Coors Field’s history goes beyond its 1991-1995 construction. In 1994, the construction team made a discovery of ancient archaeological proportions – a Cretaceous-era dinosaur egg, an unidentified dinosaur rib, and the crown-jewel: a 7-foot-long, 1,000-pound Triceratops’ skull. The discoveries of the fossils led to the birth of Dinger – the purple dinosaur mascot of the Colorado Rockies.

Coors Field officially opened for the start of the 1995 MLB season, hosting its first game on April 26th. Cultivating the next generation of fans, the Colorado Rockies announced in October of 2013 their plans to add a brand new rooftop viewing and entertainment area on the upper right field deck and concourse. Populous, the original architect on Coors Field, created a master plan for the new, two-level, 38,000 square-foot area to include multiple bars, restaurants and social gathering areas to be completed with a ‘LoDo’ (Lower Denver) theme, including stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

In order to help bring the new rooftop area to life, the Colorado Rockies partnered with Mortenson Construction for their general contractor, Populous and ME Engineering. With a proven track record of successfully com­pleting complex stadium projects, RK Mechanical, Inc. was selected as the mechanical contractor for the Rooftop at Coors Field.

As an ASME and AISC certified contractor, RK Mechanical is rooted in tested processes designed to deliver predictable results. Surprise internal audits throughout the duration of the project helped to ensure that the team was doing what they said they would do with trained and certified personnel, as well as properly documenting progress along the way. By ensuring clarity of goals and expectations, the RK Mechanical team was able to effectively work with on-site personnel without compromising standards.

There were a number of challenges regarding scheduling on the project that occurred while RK was on-site, including an extremely short time line and the freezing temperatures that come with Colorado winters.

The crew worked outside in the dead of winter and experienced multiple delays due to   -20 degree temperatures. Not only were the team’s toes and fingers numb, the adhesive glues would actually freeze during installation, limiting expo­sure duration. On several occasions, the team would have to stop work for the inclement weather and work longer shifts the following week to make up for the schedule delays.

In order to meet the quick project deadline and combat the unpredictable weather, team members were asked to work 60-70 hours per week. This daunting task was met with employee perks and motivating incentives including weekly gift card drawings to those who worked over 60 hours the week before. This tactic kept employee morale high and inspired the team to keep pushing toward the project deadline.

Value engineering generates alternatives that secure essential system functions at the best project value. Implementa­tion and rigorous use of value engineering strategies help to keep the project within budget. RK Mechanical’s level of experience in selecting equipment, systems options, and constructability, all play a major role in the value engineering effort. On the Rooftop at Coors Field project, the RK Mechanical team followed strict processes to keep the project within budget, while maintaining the integrity of the design intention.

In addition to the quick schedule and wicked winter weath­er, the RK team was met with an additional obstacle – the stadium itself. Half of the area below the concourse level was above part of the stadium seating. In order for the team to complete the below slab plumbing, they had to erect a 250-foot long, 30-foot wide and 30-foot tall ‘dance floor’ scaffolding. The ‘dance floor’ allowed the team to reach the below slab to install the new plumbing system.

The team’s creativity was also tested while setting project equipment, due to the downtown location. The team was tasked with placing the make-up air units (MAUs) by flying them in over the top of the stadium without disrupting or hitting any of the expensive and hard to replace stadium lighting. Completing this assignment involved an extremely large crane and meticulous attention to detail. The crew was able to place all of the project equipment without error, due to constant communication and team collaboration.

The Rooftop at Coors Field project was finished in March of 2014 just before Opening Day in April. The new, 38,000 square-foot space hosts an abundance of food vendors, including the Tavern Ballpark, CHUBurger Colorado Craft Ca­sual Grill and Tuaca Terrace Bar. In addition to the new restaurants and bars, fans can utilize the new garden setting area and cabanas, watch the game on the outdoor TVs, enjoy pre-game entertainment and, of course, root for their Colorado Rockies to win!

By: RK Water

All cooling towers need some type of make-up valve to replenish water lost to evaporation and blow down. Three basic types are available:

-Mechanical

-Electric and,

-Hydraulic

Mechanical valves typically come as standard from the major tower manufacturers and are the most common. They consist of a valve, float arm and float ball. The float ball

positions the arm and the arm acts on a trigger to open and close the valve. The makeup water pressure recommendation is typically 15psi minimum and 50psi maximum. Too little pressure and the valve may not keep up with the flow requirement. Too much and the valve may pin the float ball ‘down’ and force the valve open.

Electric valves are not very common. There are manufacturers such as Magnetrol that make float switches for 120v but most ‘electric’ valves are more correctly described as ‘electronic’. The reduced voltage lessens the shock hazard, should someone bump into a water level probe while inside the cooling tower. The most common electronic make-up valve is made by ‘Warrick’ and a Google search will yield more info than this short description can provide. The probe can be mounted inside the tower, surrounded by a stilling chamber to subdue the wave action of the water or, in a simple vertical pipe (typically 2″) outside the tower and equalized to the tower cold water basin at the bottom.

Three vertical, ¼” diameter, stainless steel probes point down into the water. The first is cut to nearly reach the basin floor, the second at the level where the make-up valve comes on and the third probe at the level where the make-up valve shuts off. Additional probes can be provided to indicate ‘high’ or ‘low’ water conditions but the three probes described form the basic probe assembly. The three probes are wired to a controller which includes a control relay that directs 120v to a solenoid valve in the make-up line. Such systems are more prone to water hammer than the other types, due to the quick acting nature of the make-up solenoid valves.

Hydraulic valves like the ‘Griswold’ have a small pilot valve with a float ball that mounts inside the tower with a stilling chamber, or outside in a stand pipe. The pilot valve connects to the body of the main make-up valve by ¼”copper or plastic tubing. The pilot directs city water pressure to the underside of a diaphragm in the main valve, opening it when the float is ‘down’ and releases the pressure when the float ball is ‘up’, causing the main valve to close. This is probably the best make-up arrangement. It is dependable and acts slowly so as to eliminate water hammer. No electrical connections are required.

[For those familiar with changing the float assembly in a toilet tank, two choices are typically available at the hardware store… The type with a ball about 4″ in diameter on a float arm and another with a smaller float that slides up and down on a pole. The first is a mechanical valve and the second is a hydraulic valve.]