After a challenging year resulting from the global pandemic that hit full force in March 2020, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) reports that – one year later – there are signs that conditions are improving. A contractor sentiment survey conducted by PHCC finds that 84% of respondents rank the continuing impact of COVID-19 on their Read more
PHCC
After a challenging year resulting from the global pandemic that hit full force in March 2020, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) reports that – one year later – there are signs that conditions are improving.
A contractor sentiment survey conducted by PHCC finds that 84% of respondents rank the continuing impact of COVID-19 on their businesses as having either a “low” or “medium” impact compared to 57% in spring 2020, when PHCC first began tracking trends during the pandemic. In addition, the number of people ranking impact as “medium high” to “high” has dropped to 9% from 43% in spring 2020.
“A year after COVID-19 hit, PHCC members indicate that they are cautiously optimistic that we are turning a corner toward better times ahead,” says PHCC President Hunter Botto. “Respondents also noted that their businesses have stabilized after several difficult months of disruption. They also see new business opportunities in the future, which is very good news for our industry.”
In fact, an annual environmental scan conducted by PHCC in January 2021 predicted an increased demand for home improvement spending; touchless products; upgraded and energy efficient equipment; smart technology; air and water filtration and purification; and IAQ markets, including UV and bipolar ionization.
While the overall outlook is positive, the plumbing and HVACR contractors responding to the sentiment survey cite several ongoing challenges, including maintaining a safe and fully operational staff; increased operating costs related to new safety requirements; addressing employee and customer health and safety concerns; customer delays on projects because of economic concerns; disruptions in the supply channel; and a fear of a potential recession.
Regarding manufacturers and suppliers’ responsiveness to supply chain issues, respondents noted many have been helpful by offering creative alternatives to products currently unavailable. There was an overall recognition that manufacturers and suppliers are also facing material cost increases and shortages, transportation challenges, workforce issues, etc. “They have been super helpful, but have had their own people issues, concerns and interruptions,” one contractor said.
Contractors indicate they have established many safety procedures to mitigate safety risks for employees and clients, including employee screening, social distancing, disinfection measures, increased communication about safety protocols and requirements for Personal Protective Equipment.
“As we look back on the last year, PHCC members – operating as essential businesses – illustrated time and time again that they are true professionals committed to keeping their employees, customers and communities healthy and safe,” Botto says. “As always, our members have shown they are extremely resilient in tough times.”
Another positive indicator is that – after recently completing its annual membership renewal process this spring – PHCC realized an increase in both renewing and new members.
“We are grateful for the loyalty demonstrated by our members throughout this crisis,” Botto says. “We are also excited to see growth in membership when business owners are assessing the ROI on every expenditure. Now more than ever, they can see the value of supporting and engaging with their association.”
To help navigate the many unexpected changes they faced, members relied on PHCC resources and videos via its COVID-19 Recovery Center, as well as monthly webinars, state and local support, advocacy, member discounts and access to Personal Protective Equipment.
With the health and safety of attendees, staff and the public top of mind during the current public health crisis, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) announces that it will offer its annual conference, PHCCCONNECT2020, in a virtual format. The event, scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 1, will offer a valued-packed online program, full of high-quality education and Read more
With the health and safety of attendees, staff and the public top of mind during the current public health crisis, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) announces that it will offer its annual conference, PHCCCONNECT2020, in a virtual format. The event, scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 1, will offer a valued-packed online program, full of high-quality education and networking opportunities.
“This decision to ‘bring CONNECT to you’ was made after much careful consideration and input from PHCC members,” said PHCC President Jonathan Moyer. “It was the right thing to do in these current times, and we embrace the opportunity to safely deliver this highly anticipated event in a new innovative, easy-to-use format.”
With the theme “Expand Your Vision for Success,” the virtual conference will offer high-caliber keynote speakers, timely and relevant educational sessions and new virtual networking events, with the added benefit of experiencing it all from the comfort of an office or home.
Program highlights include:
- More than 20 education sessions
- Inspirational and informative keynote speakers
- Live Q&A with select speakers
- A virtual Product & Technology Showcase
- Reimagined networking opportunities
- Access to education session content for 30 days
- Affordable Experience – No travel & hotel costs & reduced registration rates
More specific details about the event will be available in early July. For updates, visit www.phccweb.org/connect.
Ontario, Calif. — The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has released the 2021 edition of the National Standard Plumbing Code – Illustrated (NSPC). An updated version of the 2018 NSPC, the book may be purchased via the IAPMO web store at http://bit.ly/2vvHDfV. The 2021 NSPC provides the latest information about common materials Read more
Ontario, Calif. — The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has released the 2021 edition of the National Standard Plumbing Code – Illustrated (NSPC). An updated version of the 2018 NSPC, the book may be purchased via the IAPMO web store at http://bit.ly/2vvHDfV.
The 2021 NSPC provides the latest information about common materials, fixtures, devices and equipment systems used or installed in plumbing systems. This new edition is printed in the popular illustrated format, with comments and illustrations clearly shown as supplemental information. The illustrations and supplementary notes make it an indispensable training tool.
Appendix G, intended to promote safe and efficient water use in both residential and non-residential buildings, has been updated with revised excerpts from the 2017 Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard (WE•Stand). Also new in the 2021 edition is Appendix L: Tiny Houses, which was added to address safe and reliable plumbing system requirements for both permanent single tiny houses (Part I) and for tiny house communities (Part II).
“In keeping with the NSPC’s long history of establishing safety requirements for both water supply and sanitation systems, the NSPC Committee has kept the 2021 NSPC up to date with the latest changes in the plumbing industry regarding new products, installation procedures, and public health and safety,” said Frank Maddalon, NSPC Code Committee Chairman.
First published in 1933, the NSPC is designed to ensure the proper installation of plumbing systems, providing local and state governments, code administration bodies, and the industry with a modern code to protect health and promote safety. In 2017, IAPMO and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) executed an agreement transferring ownership of the NSPC to IAPMO.
To view the complete monograph and approved changes to the 2021 NSPC from the 2019 NSPC Public Hearing, visit our website at www.iapmo.org/nspc.
Every year Mechanical Hub is honored to sponsor a PHCC Plumbing Apprentice Contest contestant. For this year’s PHCC Connect—Oct 2-4, Indianapolis—the Hub is excited to support Jed Christner, Chesapeake, Va. by way of Akron, Ohio. Christner was selected to compete in the PHCC competition by competing locally in Manassas Virginia. “I placed third, but due Read more
Every year Mechanical Hub is honored to sponsor a PHCC Plumbing Apprentice Contest contestant. For this year’s PHCC Connect—Oct 2-4, Indianapolis—the Hub is excited to support Jed Christner, Chesapeake, Va. by way of Akron, Ohio.
Christner was selected to compete in the PHCC competition by competing locally in Manassas Virginia. “I placed third, but due to unfortunate events, the winner could not make it; I was asked to represent the state of Virginia in nationals,” says Christner.
Christner is eager to go to PHCC CONNECT so he can learn from his peers to find better ways to possibly make the job easier, and to make great friends. “It also gives me a sense of excitement to compete against my peers, show and prove my own talents, which I have learned over the years from many plumbing mechanics, especially my teacher from VOTECH, Tony Bertolino,” says Christner.
Getting Started
Christner says he got started in the industry in a kind of a “non-typical” way. He transferred duty stations from Japan to Virginia Beach while in the Navy. Yet, after serving active duty in the Navy for almost 10 years, Christner was medically discharged.
Christner started a job driving a tow truck in Virginia Beach and, at the time, his neighbor was a plumbing manager for a company. “He asked me if I wanted better money and a way to earn a career. I didn’t ask any questions and said yes.”
Early on, “I rode with him in the morning to the office and he dropped me off at a job site and handed me a box of insulation and told me to get at it,” says Christner, “I picked it up naturally. Billy Batten became my mentor and I strived to be better than him, which probably will never happen, but it’s my own personal goal,” says Christner.
Christner is currently employed by JRC Mechanical, Chesapeake, Va., and works in the new construction division, which means he does everything from digging trenches to installing underground sanitary, storm, grease interceptor and water lines for new buildings. He installs above-ground domestic water, sanitary and mechanical piping systems for large commercial construction projects ranging from a few thousand to a few million dollars. He is also a plumbing supervisor/foreman.
In his spare time, Christner is an avid outdoorsman and he loves to hunt. “If I’m not hunting then I’m usually fishing or doing something outdoors. I also enjoy traveling with my wife and visiting new places or countries once a year,” says Christner.
Talking up the Trade
Plumbing trade highlights for Christner? He says he takes great pride in his work, especially after seeing the final product of his labor; The crew he works with; seeing different ways of performing the same task with the same end result; and learning every day.
When asked about any drawbacks, Christner says he doesn’t look at anything really as a drawback. “I look at them as a learning experience. The only and best way is to learn from your mistakes. Every day is a great day to be a plumber because we make money at being awesome!”
When giving advice to anyone contemplating the plumbing trade, or any trade at that, Christner says don’t question it and just pursue it. “Other than getting a big fancy diploma or degree, it is a great way to earn an amazing living while having fun. Just remember, everyone has to start at the bottom wherever you go. If you stick it out and prove your worth, you will go far and create a lifestyle that others will look up to and appreciate.”
Local Trade Associations Give Back to our Veterans Valley View, Ohio — The 16th Annual Heat and Plumb the County service event will take place Saturday, September 14, to help nearly 50 veterans, senior and disabled residents who do not have the physical or financial means to pay for home repairs. A group of 100 Read more
Local Trade Associations Give Back to our Veterans
Valley View, Ohio — The 16th Annual Heat and Plumb the County service event will take place Saturday, September 14, to help nearly 50 veterans, senior and disabled residents who do not have the physical or financial means to pay for home repairs.
A group of 100 volunteer contractors from the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Northeast Ohio (PHCC) and the Greater Cleveland Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA) traveled throughout Cuyahoga County to provide the free furnace tune-ups, water audits and plumbing repairs. “Some of the things we look for are high CO detection, rolling flames, gas leaks, plumbing leaks and sewage problems,” said event co-organizer Jerry Johnson.
Each plumbing contractor partnered with a heating and cooling contractor to visit two homes during the day. During each safety check, the contractors will make sure the furnace was running safely and that the home’s plumbing system was working efficiently.
In past years, technicians have founds and fixed problems that could have been life-threatening to the customer. This year, all homes will receive a combination CO and smoke detector provided by Dollar Bank.
“A few years ago we found a home with a serious gas leak,” said event co-organizer Jim Haberek. “We had to evacuate the house, but thankfully no one was hurt.”
All residents are pre-screened by the Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission, Cuyahoga County Senior and Adult Services, Cuyahoga County Department of Development and the Cleveland Department of Aging. Residents in need have to meet certain criteria, including being the owner of the home and having financial income of no more than 175 percent above the poverty level.
“Our technicians are proud to be here and to make a difference in the community,” said Haberek. “They’ve donated their Saturday to make sure residents are safe.”
The event’s materials, supplies and additional funding were donated by local plumbing and HVAC supply companies. According to the event organizers, they are always looking for more contractors to volunteer their time to meet the growing demand for the program.
The ACCA of Greater Cleveland first hosted Heat and Plumb the County in 2004, and the PHCC joined the event in 2008. Heat and Plumb the County events take place nationwide. The program was started by the ACCA in Texas and has since spread across the U.S.
The PHCC and ACCA of Ohio are membership organizations of active plumbing, heating and cooling contractors committed to the continuous improvement of the industry and society’s quality of life through ongoing education, training and political action.