The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association extended thanks to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for hearing the cries of the plumbing industry and those it serves after the governor issued a positive message indicating he most likely would give the Texas state licensing board a two-year extension. The organization issued the following statement: “The plumbers across the nation Read More
Industry News
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association extended thanks to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for hearing the cries of the plumbing industry and those it serves after the governor issued a positive message indicating he most likely would give the Texas state licensing board a two-year extension. The organization issued the following statement:
“The plumbers across the nation are watching Texas and their licensing is to be envied. We do not want to see a well-regulated industry be subject to deregulation and thereby, put the health and safety of Texas citizens at risk. There is more work to be done for sure during what seems to be limited to a two-year reprieve.
Thank you to all the groups including the educators, the union and the trade associations that worked diligently to get the message out to your state legislators that a standalone licensing agency is of extreme importance. We are sure that the importance of plumbing in the state of Texas will remain the focus of future legislative work.
Licensed professional plumbers undertake years of education and on-the- job training to learn the science and craft of plumbing and become knowledgeable about the best practices necessary to diagnose and solve plumbing problems for their customers. They take their responsibility seriously to ensure the safety of themselves and the public. Licenses assure Texans that the professional plumber is qualified and accountable for the work they perform. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain a license showing proficiency of installation and compliance with codes and standards.
Plumbing professionals stand in solidarity to first and foremost protect the public’s health and safety of Texas citizens and its environment. Again, we thank Governor Abbot for his commitment to help Texas plumbers and all who serve in the plumbing industry do just that.”
Mokena, Ill.— ASSE 1008-2019, Performance Requirements for Plumbing Aspects of Residential Food Waste Disposer Units, has been designated as an American National Standard by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is now available for purchase. ASSE 1008 applies to the plumbing aspects of residential food waste disposers, which are primarily installed in residential kitchen Read More
Mokena, Ill.— ASSE 1008-2019, Performance Requirements for Plumbing Aspects of Residential Food Waste Disposer Units, has been designated as an American National Standard by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is now available for purchase.
ASSE 1008 applies to the plumbing aspects of residential food waste disposers, which are primarily installed in residential kitchen sink outlets. These devices are designed to reduce food waste particle sizes for discharging into sanitary drainage systems. This standard provides a basis for evaluating the adequacy of appliance design and performance to ensure sanitary conditions and to protect the public from health hazards that could result from improper design or manufacture.
“The performance criteria of ASSE 1008 are based on broad field experience and extensive engineering research on the protection of the potable water supply and safe discharge of wastes into the sanitary plumbing system,” said David Hoyer, ASSE 1008 Working Group Chairperson and Senior Regulatory Engineer for InSinkErator. “Engineers and technicians representing manufacturers, public health officials, plumbing contractors, inspection agencies, and plumbing testing laboratories contributed the technical expertise and experience necessary to develop a meaningful and scientifically sound evaluation method that takes into account conditions that could adversely affect the sanitary performance of these appliances.”
Performance requirements in ASSE 1008 include compliance testing for thermal cycling and conditioning, dishwasher discharge, particle size retention, self cleaning, flooding, mechanical shock protection, and detailed requirements for installation and maintenance instructions.
To purchase ASSE 1008-2019, please visit the ASSE International Webstore at www.assewebstore.com.
Mokena, Ill. (June 7, 2019) — ASSE 1053-2019, Performance Requirements for Dual Check Backflow Preventer Wall Hydrants—Freeze Resistant Type, has been designated as an American National Standard by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is now available for purchase. ASSE 1053 establishes design and performance requirements for Freeze Resistant Dual Check Backflow Preventer Wall Read More
Mokena, Ill. (June 7, 2019) — ASSE 1053-2019, Performance Requirements for Dual Check Backflow Preventer Wall Hydrants—Freeze Resistant Type, has been designated as an American National Standard by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is now available for purchase.
ASSE 1053 establishes design and performance requirements for Freeze Resistant Dual Check Backflow Preventer Wall Hydrants, which protect the potable water supply against backsiphonage and backpressure without damage to the device due to freezing. To verify protection under the high hazard conditions present at threaded hose outlets, these devices must be field-testable.
ASSE 1053 devices are classified as Type A or Type B. Type A devices automatically drain water when the hydrant valve is closed and the hose is removed to prevent damage from freezing, and Type B devices automatically drain water with a hose removed or attached, end nozzle closed, and the hydrant valve closed.
“ASSE Standard 1011, Performance Requirements for Hose Connection Vacuum Breakers, was issued for hose bib vacuum breakers, which provide excellent backsiphonage protection with a single check valve and an atmospheric vent valve,” said Herb Hoeptner, Chairperson of the ASSE 1053 Working Group and owner of Hoeptner Preferred Products. “This standard, ASSE 1053, focuses on devices containing two check valves — dual check backflow preventer wall hydrants. These devices provide both backsiphonage and low-head backpressure protection and are suitable for high hazard applications.”
Performance requirements in ASSE 1053 include compliance testing for hydrostatic pressure, water flow capacity and pressure loss, deterioration at maximum rated temperature and pressure, resistance to bending, self-draining capabilities, backflow, backsiphonage, and backpressure, among other testing requirements.
To purchase ASSE 1053-2019, please visit the ASSE International Webstore at www.assewebstore.com.
Washington—The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) is pleased to announce that prominent companies Ferguson, Milwaukee Tool, WinSupply, LIXIL and Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) have pledged support, both financially and in products/materials, for the upcoming Community Plumbing Challenge, set for June 3-7 in the Navajo Mountain region on the Arizona-Utah border. Additionally, three United Read More
Washington—The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) is pleased to announce that prominent companies Ferguson, Milwaukee Tool, WinSupply, LIXIL and Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) have pledged support, both financially and in products/materials, for the upcoming Community Plumbing Challenge, set for June 3-7 in the Navajo Mountain region on the Arizona-Utah border. Additionally, three United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the United States, Canada (UA) chapters — Local 400 in Kaukauna, Wisconsin; Local 412 in New Mexico and El Paso, Texas; and Local 469 in Phoenix — are sending members and/or making financial contributions.
This latest edition of the CPC Navajo Nation program will bring together a unique team of volunteer tradespeople from all over the United States, delivering running water and safe wastewater disposal for a series of family homes situated in the remote and isolated Piute Mesa area of Navajo Mountain.
“For more than 140 years, American Standard protected the health of our nation by providing access to safe plumbing,” said Troy Benavidez, Vice President of Public Affairs for LIXIL Americas. “Now, as part of LIXIL, we are committed to bringing safe sanitation to communities around the world and in our own backyard. We are thrilled to partner with IWSH to help bring clean water and sanitation to families on the Navajo Nation and in other underserved communities — helping children and families lead lives that are healthier and safer.”
There’s still time to support and help improve access to safe water supply and sanitation by getting involved in CPC Navajo Mountain. Whether providing financial or in-kind support for the project site works themselves, individuals and organizations have the opportunity make a meaningful contribution that can help demonstrate the importance of plumbing and the WASH sector in protecting public health and safety. Sponsorship opportunities exist that will bring recognition for participating companies and organizations.
“Once again, this is an incredible endeavor the CPC has championed for the betterment of life for these families,” said Michael Kirby, Director of Mechanical Trades for Milwaukee Tool. “We are extremely happy and honored to provide support in association with the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation and the Community Plumbing Challenge, as well as the United Association, to bring water and sanitation to more homes this year.”
Bob Carpenter, LMP, Outreach & Education Manager, USA for RWC, said, “Reliance Worldwide Corporation is proud to provide the materials to the IWSH Foundation that will be used to provide safe drinking water to the people living in areas of the USA where they have previously not had access to it.”
Jeffrey P. Knaus, Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer for UA Local 400, said, “UA 400 Pipe Trades would like to thank the IWSH organization for its leadership in assisting the Navajo Nation in Arizona/Utah this year. We’re very proud to be assisting in your efforts. You truly are changing the lives of these residents.”
During PHCC’s Legislative Conference held May 7-8, 2019, a very focused and energetic group of professional PHCC contractors, association executives and industry partners took to Capitol Hill to advocate for PHCC members before Congressional members to ensure: legislation is passed to address America’s infrastructure needs, especially water system upgrades; a regulatory environment that promotes fair Read More
During PHCC’s Legislative Conference held May 7-8, 2019, a very focused and energetic group of professional PHCC contractors, association executives and industry partners took to Capitol Hill to advocate for PHCC members before Congressional members to ensure:
- legislation is passed to address America’s infrastructure needs, especially water system upgrades;
- a regulatory environment that promotes fair competition; and
- affordable health care access for small businesses through Association Health Plans.
PHCC President Ken Nielsen kicked off the event by telling the more than 110 registrants that, “I am pleased to report that PHCC continues to position itself as THE voice of the p-h-c industry. PHCC’s continued commitment to protecting the interests of our members, our industry and health and safety of the nation is critical.”
Conference attendees were treated to a presentation on the current political climate by keynote speaker Carl Cannon, Washington Bureau Chief of RealClearPolitics and Executive Editor of RealClear Media Group, who underscored the importance of grassroots involvement as part of an effective advocacy campaign.
During an issue briefing prior to departing for meetings on Capitol Hill, PHCC members were armed with information about how Association Health Plans will improve health care access and affordability for small businesses and families. PHCC, which has been pursuing the formation of an AHP, supports solutions offered in S.1170 in the Senate sponsored by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and HR.2294 in the House sponsored by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI). “These companion bills would allow contractors who would otherwise be prohibited under the ruling in N.Y.et al vs. U.S. Department of Labor to participate in an AHP,” Nielsen said. “The ability for small businesses and self-employed tradespeople to have a variety of healthcare options from which to choose ensures a competitive healthcare marketplace that keeps costs low.”
The briefing also focused on other key issues, including unfair utility competition. PHCC supports a regulatory environment that promotes fair competition by requiring total separation between a publicly- or investor-owned utility and their related affiliates, and prohibiting the use of ratepayer funds or any other anti-competitive advantage gained as a government sanctioned monopoly to enter a marketplace outside of the provision of utilities. “Taking these steps will ensure a fair and competitive marketplace for the thousands of small and family-owned businesses we represent,” Nielsen said.
At the PHCC Congressional Reception in the U.S. Capitol, lawmakers including Reps. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Jim Langevin (D-RI) and David Schweikert (R-AZ) encouraged PHCC attendees by stating that infrastructure spending is the one issue on which Republicans and Democrats can agree. In a May 14 speech to road construction stakeholders, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told industry stakeholders “I’m confident that it will happen.” Her sentiment echoes comments made by President Trump during his Feb. 5 State of the Union: “I know that the Congress is eager to pass an infrastructure bill, and I am eager to work with you on legislation to deliver new and important infrastructure investment …This is not an option. This is a necessity.” PHCC will meet again with White House officials to follow-up on discussions about PHCC members’ role in rebuilding America’s infrastructure..
Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), the featured speaker at the PHCC Congressional Breakfast on May 8, shared his regional approach in Long Island to address workforce shortages. “We need plumbers, electricians, welders, computer machinists…People have to get the skills to meet demand,” he said. A bipartisan proposal to include career and technical education funding in a potential infrastructure package lists Rep. Suozzi as an original co-signer, and enjoys the support of PHCC.
PHCC’s next advocacy event will be an education session at CONNECT 2019 featuring legislative and regulatory updates on key issues from PHCC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chuck White and Director of Legislative Affairs Mark Valentini.
The 2020 PHCC Legislative Conference is scheduled for May 26-27, 2020, on Capitol Hill. Visit www.phccweb.org for the latest updates.