Webstone®, a brand of NIBCO, announces an array of new dielectric products. Pro-Pal® Dielectric Union Ball™ and Dielectric Union Ball Drain simplify installations with integrated FIP dielectric unions that mitigate the risk of galvanic corrosion and satisfy code requirements. The Webstone press dielectric union is also now available in new 1¼” to 2” sizes. All Read more
Plumbing
Webstone®, a brand of NIBCO, announces an array of new dielectric products. Pro-Pal® Dielectric Union Ball™ and Dielectric Union Ball Drain simplify installations with integrated FIP dielectric unions that mitigate the risk of galvanic corrosion and satisfy code requirements. The Webstone press dielectric union is also now available in new 1¼” to 2” sizes. All products feature lead-free dezincification-resistant brass and press products are compatible with popular press tools.
Learn more: www.webstonevalves.com/propal
We recently spoke with Kerry Stackpole, FASAE CAE, CEO & Executive Director, Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI), about the organization’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. Some really good information is shared here so please take the time to read. MH: What are some of the top plumbing/water legislation/initiatives for which PMI has been advocating over the past few Read more
We recently spoke with Kerry Stackpole, FASAE CAE, CEO & Executive Director, Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI), about the organization’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. Some really good information is shared here so please take the time to read.
MH: What are some of the top plumbing/water legislation/initiatives for which PMI has been advocating over the past few months/year?
Stackpole: PMI continues to advance policies that strengthen plumbing manufacturers and the American economy at the federal level. As Congress works to address current issues such as rising inflation, China competition issues and the war in Ukraine, PMI remains actively engaged with lawmakers on the following key priorities:
• Bipartisan Infrastructure Package Contains Much-Needed Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects – PMI remains a strong supporter of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Congress passed, and President Biden signed into law in November 2021 to address decades of underinvestment in the nation’s infrastructure system. Alongside major investments in transportation, electric vehicles, internet, and roads, the legislation earmarks $55 billion for clean water and water infrastructure projects. It represents some of the most significant investments from the federal government in the water sector in decades.
— Much of the funding will be coming through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). These programs are federal-state partnerships that provide communities with low-cost financing for water infrastructure projects and each program will receive $11.7 billion over five years. A good portion of the funding being distributed come from the state revolving funds. Each state will have a priority list of projects up for SRF funding
— It is estimated that there are between 6 million to 10 million lead service lines in the United States. Much of the drinking water infrastructure in older U.S. cities was built before 1950. The new infrastructure law also includes $15 billion to support lead removal projects, with $3 billion being distributed to states and cities in 2022. Forty- nine percent of the state revolving funds must be provided to disadvantaged communities. PMI strongly supported this funding, and not placing matching or cost-share requirements on the states or local governments. Money can go toward direct removal of lead pipes, as well as efforts like identification of lead pipes, as well as the planning and design of new projects.
— While this funding is a good start, industry experts estimate the actual cost of fully replacing all lead pipes in the U.S. could be $60 billion. Additional investments will be needed from the federal government and state authorities.
— PMI also supports full funding for the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. Within WIIN funding is the Voluntary Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care Drinking Water grant program for states, territories, and tribes to test for lead in schools and childcare facilities.
• Get the Lead Out of Assisted Housing Act (S. 4047) – This bill recently introduced in the Senate directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to update its standards to include inspecting for lead in service lines and lead in plumbing, creates a Healthy Homes Lead in Drinking Water Grant Pilot Program to provide grants to states and local governments to be used to create a lead service line inventory, testing for lead in the drinking water at childcare centers and schools, and testing for lead at public facilities like public water fountains and remediation. In addition, it requires notification of tenants of the level of lead in drinking water found and must offer interim controls, such as the installation of water filters known to remove lead.
• Addressing Disruptions in Domestic and Global Supply Chains – Port congestion, the truck driver shortage and COVID-19 related disruptions are just a few of the challenges plumbing manufacturers are facing in producing and getting products to their customers.
— Congress is on the verge of passing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 4996/S.3580), which was recently approved by both chambers (multiple times in the House) and part of the competition legislation which is part of a House-Senate conference. The legislation is aimed at decreasing ocean transportation costs, reducing shipping delays, and decreasing shipping delays through the improvement of shipping standards, and implementation of better oversight mechanisms. PMI is meeting with lawmakers and staff urging passage of the measure and participates in the Ocean Shipping Reform Coalition.
— Another key piece of legislation that PMI supports and actively engaged on is the DRIVE-Safe Act, which would allow younger truck drivers to participate in interstate commerce after completing thorough training. Passing this legislation would help alleviate both current and future trucking shortages.
• Advocating for Policies that Strengthen Manufacturing Competitiveness – As members of the House and Senate enter a conference process to reconcile differences between the House- passed America COMPETES Act of 2022 (H.R. 4521) and the Senate-passed United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) (S. 1260) PMI is urging conferees to include these key provisions in a final competition bill:
— Enhancing Research and Cybersecurity Initiatives – PMI is urging conferees to include the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the Future Act. It is included in the America COMPETES Act. The bill reauthorizes NIST for five years. It establishes innovative programs to support U.S. global competitiveness and makes crucial investments including funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, cybersecurity vulnerability research initiatives, and premise plumbing research to promote new and innovative technologies that can improve the safety and water efficiency of our plumbing systems in buildings, hospitals, and homes. PMI, its members, and key stakeholder were successful in including the NIST Plumbing Research Act into the NIST for the Future Act, which would re- establish a federal laboratory to conduct research of premise plumbing and to promote new and innovative technologies that can improve the safety, water efficiency and reliability of our plumbing systems. NIST is a critical agency that supports U.S. competitiveness through precision measurement research, partnership with industry, facilitating and developing standards, and support for U.S. manufacturing.
— Increasing Supply Chain Resilience – PMI supports the creation of the Manufacturing Security and Resilience Program and the $45 billion investment to support supply chain resilience included in the America COMPETES act.
— Lift Tariffs and at a Minimum Establish a Broad Section 301 Tariff Exclusion Process – PMI supports provisions to immediately reinstate a comprehensive, fair, and transparent exclusion process that will give manufacturers in the United States a strong voice on China Section 301 tariff relief on a case-by-case basis as included in USICA. While the best solution would be to lift the tariffs and take a more strategic approach to address China’s unfair trade practices, we believe reinstituting this exclusion process is a critical interim step to providing relief to U.S. businesses. PMI continues to call for the elimination of the China Section 301 tariffs. The tariffs in place since 2018 and 2019 are essentially a tax paid by U.S. businesses and consumers.
– PMI testified before the International Trade Commission (ITC) and supplied testimony in opposition to dozens of tariffs on a variety of plumbing fixtures and fittings. Since 2018, PMI has actively participated with nearly 200 trade associations, as part of the Americans for Free Trade coalition and advocated on this issue.
— Ensuring the Tax Code Continues to Support Innovation – The U.S. tax code has allowed companies since 1954 to immediately deduct 100% of their R&D expenses in the year in which they are incurred. However, starting this year, companies must amortize or deduct their R&D expenses over a period of years, which makes R&D more expensive to undertake. This harmful change in the tax treatment of R&D expenses comes at a time of increasingly fierce global competition for research dollars. Due to this tax change, the U.S. is now just one of two developed countries with an amortization requirement (the other one is Belgium). While not included in the base text of the competition legislation, a bipartisan group of 28 senators and 102 House members have signed on to legislation to address this change to R&D policy, and a Senate motion to instruct conferees on this issue was adopted in a 90–5 vote. Failing to reverse the amortization provision will hurt U.S. R&D jobs, innovation, and competitiveness, which is why PMI supports a final bill that addresses this harmful tax change.
• Fighting Retail Crime and Counterfeiting – The rise in organized retail crime over the past two years is a troubling development. Retailers, including home improvement stores, report losing over $700,000 per $1 billion in annual sales volume due to this organized theft activity. Counterfeiting, particularly from China, hits manufacturers of all shapes and sizes.
— PMI strongly supports the INFORM Consumers Act legislation currently pending and part of the America COMPETES Act (noted above). The bipartisan bill modernizes the nation’s consumer protection laws, with a particular focus on addressing the sale of counterfeit and stolen merchandise on e-commerce platforms. It would require online marketplaces to verify the identity of high-volume third-party sellers to make it more difficult to fence stolen merchandise online and also address the sale of counterfeit goods.
• SEC Climate Rule – 2022 will be an important year for Environment, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) regulatory activity. Investors, customers, and the public demand to know more about companies’ environmental policies. They may soon get that additional transparency with a new proposed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule mandating public companies track and report carbon emissions and climate-related risks throughout their entire supply chains.
The proposed SEC rule would require public companies, including plumbing manufacturers, to invest heavily in creating and maintaining systems for tracking carbon emissions – even those produced by their distributors and suppliers. Smaller plumbing manufacturing companies that supply parts to larger publicly held manufacturers will eventually need to disclose their carbon emission and climate-related risks as well. The SEC proposed rule amendments would require public companies to include certain climate-related information in their registration statements and periodic reports, including oversight and governance, material impacts (operational and financial), risk identification and management, and Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. For large companies, the Scope 1 and 2 emissions disclosures would require attestation from a third party. PMI is actively engaged with the National Association of Manufacturers to monitor the proposed rule, which affects PMI member companies. Those companies already disclose emissions and reduction targets under voluntary standards set by the business community.
PMI members have been making solid progress in their sustainability efforts. They have long been leaders on climate solutions. Many also regularly provide climate-related information to their investors, including via corporate sustainability reports, third-party reporting frameworks and SEC filings.
In the meantime, we’re keeping a close eye on the proposed SEC rule. It’s anticipated that some companies and trade groups will challenge the rule saying it goes too far. These new SEC requirements, if adopted, would at the earliest take effect in fiscal year 2023 and begin to apply to SEC filings in 2024. SEC is accepting comments on the proposed rule.
MH: Why does PMI feel that these are the worth the fight?
Stackpole: America’s economic engine drives global economies and enables plumbing manufacturers to deliver rapid innovations in high performing, quality engineered, and safe fixtures and fittings. PMI’s advocacy efforts work to level the playing field for our members to assure they can be successful in designing and delivering products that exceed the needs and expectations of commercial and residential customers. It’s about delivering member value every day.
MH: To what extent is PMI’s involvement on the Hill?
Stackpole: One of the strengths that draws manufacturers to PMI is our well-respected reputation and proactive engagement with Congressional staffs, elected leaders, and regulatory policymakers on the Hill and in state capitals around the country. PMI members benefit immensely from the daily presence of our Federal lobbyist doing the important work of gathering legislative insights, advancing our positions, sharing ideas with our allies in Congress, and support for the efforts of other plumbing industry groups. PMI’s proximity and strong relationships on Capitol Hill help us deliver results for PMI members. We can readily reach out to those who make things happen on the Hill, demonstrate our persistence and work toward meaningful and valuable outcomes. Said differently, we get results.
MH: I’m sure it can get deflating at times advocating something to Big Government, and it even may take months or even years of work, but how do you (PMI) remain positive in its approach?
Stackpole: PMI embraces the art of the long view. Our advocacy goals – both short and long term – demand we stay focused on the desired outcomes. When you realize that achieving those outcomes will change people’s lives for the better, you simply cannot afford to be deflated by the process. I think it was Steve Jobs co-founder of Apple who said, keep your eye on the prize and rest will take care of itself. I could not agree more.
MH: Can you describe the feeling of being a part of a successful initiative?
Stackpole: There’s an enormous sense of satisfaction and joy in achieving something important for our members, their employees, and for the communities in which we all work and live. One example, PMI and its industry allies have for years encouraged federal lawmakers to formally authorize EPA’s successful WaterSense program and to take steps to rebuild and revitalize the nation’s water infrastructure. PMI was successful with the passage of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) signed into law by the President in October 2018. PMI met with the staff of dozens of congressional members and wrote a gazillion letters underscoring the importance of the WaterSense authorization. Knowing you’ve made a difference that will improve your fellow citizen’s access to clean water, and safe, responsible plumbing, is personally very satisfying and rewarding.
Since their introduction in North America in 1999, Viega press systems have earned a loyal following among plumbers and contractors who value their performance, efficiency and reliability. In recent years, this community has grown into a large following across Viega LLC’s social media accounts. In response, Viega LLC is recognizing some of its most enthusiastic Read more
Since their introduction in North America in 1999, Viega press systems have earned a loyal following among plumbers and contractors who value their performance, efficiency and reliability.
In recent years, this community has grown into a large following across Viega LLC’s social media accounts. In response, Viega LLC is recognizing some of its most enthusiastic and influential supporters through a new Press Masters Brand Ambassador program. The Press Masters are a group of highly skilled plumbing, HVAC, and general contractors who have built followings through their creative, and often entertaining, educational social media content.
As Press Masters, they will use their social channels to educate people on the benefits of pressing with Viega fittings and share their trade expertise.
“The Press Master brand ambassador program is centered around building relationships with people who have shown great pride in their work using Viega fittings and who are passionate about being involved in the trade community,” said Rebecca Stamey, PR and Social Media Manager for Viega. “There is so much value in having the opportunity to partner with people who choose to use our products every day. We want to recoginize their endorsement for the brand and celebrate their accomplishments, all while also helping other realize the benefits of pressing.”
The current Press Masters are:
- Travis Abaire, @t.a.p.plumbingandheating, of Tap Plumbing & Heating in Bristol, Conn.
- Matt Fleming, @allstarplumbinginc, of All Star Plumbing & Heating in Manasquan, N.J.
- Terence Chan, @the__impetus, of Impetus Plumbing & Heating in Vancouver, B.C.
- Jonathan Cheever, @teamcheever, of Team Cheever Design Build in Park City, Utah
- Matt Benevides, @boston_plumbing_monstahs_, of Benevides Plumbing & Mechanical in New Bedford, Mass.
- Colton Henkowski, @viking_pipefitter, Technical Trainer for Viega in Broomfield, Colo.
To learn more about each Press Master and for those interested in applying to join the program visit viega.us/pressmasters.
Madison, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services has approved IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator (WDC) as an alternate method for estimating the demand load for a building’s water supply and principle branches for one- and two-family dwellings in the state. A revolutionary tool, the WDC predicts peak water demand in single-family homes and apartment Read more
Madison, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services has approved IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator (WDC) as an alternate method for estimating the demand load for a building’s water supply and principle branches for one- and two-family dwellings in the state.
A revolutionary tool, the WDC predicts peak water demand in single-family homes and apartment buildings, reducing the carbon footprint of the structure and saving consumers on both their water and water heating-related energy utility bills for the life of the plumbing system. At the same time, proper sizing of our buildings greatly minimizes the potential threat of bacterial growth within the system, which can lead to such serious health risks as Legionnaire’s Disease.
Water age reduction is one of the most significant aspects of EPA-funded research at Purdue University, and is seen by many as an increasingly more important factor in public health and safety conversations. The WDC, by more accurately predicting peak flow rates, allows for smaller pipe sizes, which in turn likely reduces water age, according to the research. As a result, the WDC is seen as an important development in better promoting public health and safety and improving plumbing systems’ resiliency.
“After almost a decade of work on developing the Water Demand Calculator, we are excited to see the WDC included in the Wisconsin Plumbing Code,” said Dan Cole, IAPMO senior director of Technical Services. “The adoption of this important WE•Stand breakthrough means Wisconsin residents could see improved water efficiency, water quality, and construction cost savings as high as $5,000 per home.”
Contained within Appendix M of the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®) and free to download, the WDC v2.1 addresses water quality issues attributed to lower flows in oversized premise plumbing while simultaneously using less water and energy, representing the most impactful innovation in pipe sizing in nearly a century. It is the result of a multiyear effort to develop a new statistically based pipe sizing method stemming from a need to address profound water safety and wasted water and energy concerns resulting from oversized water supply pipes in homes and buildings.
“Seeing the Water Demand Calculator adopted as an approved method in Wisconsin’s Plumbing Code shows how seemlessly IAPMO works with jurisdictions in creating customizable codes and standards solutions for jurisdictions,” said Christoph Lohr, IAPMO vice president of Strategic Initiatives. “The adoption of the WDC in Wisconsin follows a trend of more plumbing codes and standards referencing it, including the UPC, WE•Stand, and potentially the National Standard Plumbing Code.”
Version 2.1of the WDC — with new and enhanced features — may be downloaded at https://www.uniformcodes.org/water-demand-calculator. For more information about the WDC, contact Dan Cole at dan.cole@iapmo.org.
Entries accepted through August 9th The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Innovation Awards. Exhibitors are encouraged to enter recent or upgraded products for the competition. Entries are welcomed through August 9, 2022. The 2023 AHR Expo will return to Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center Read more
Entries accepted through August 9th
The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Innovation Awards. Exhibitors are encouraged to enter recent or upgraded products for the competition. Entries are welcomed through August 9, 2022. The 2023 AHR Expo will return to Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center February 6-8, 2023. To request more information about the Innovation Awards, or to receive forms for entry, please email Kim Pires at kpires@iecshows.com.
“If Vegas is any indicator of what’s ahead for HVACR then Atlanta will certainly be an impressive showing,” said show manager Mark Stevens. “Our ten category winners and 2022 Product of the Year winner, Danfoss, blew us away with innovative solutions that demonstrate just how revolutionary the technology within this industry is becoming. It’s really a remarkable gauge of just how fast this industry is moving,” continued Stevens.
The Innovation Awards aim to honor the most inventive, useful and original products, systems and technologies in the marketplace. Exhibitors are encouraged to submit products and technologies to showcase solutions for new and existing challenges and new avenues for industry growth.
Once submitted, all entries are evaluated by a panel of third-party ASHRAE members with over 20 years of professional engineering experience. The panel uses a review process to tally points based on application, innovation, value and market impact. Winners are then selected in ten industry categories, including building automation; cooling; heating; indoor air quality; plumbing; refrigeration; software; sustainable solutions; tools and instruments; and ventilation. An overall Product of the Year will be selected from the pool of category winners and will be announced at the show in Atlanta.
The Innovation Awards as an investment in our workforce
In 2022 AHR Expo introduced a workforce development program in which entry fees from the Innovation Awards program were used to support a local dual-HVAC high school. With the success of the awards in Vegas, AHR Expo was able to donate $25,000 directly to the program as well as host 25 students for a field trip on the show floor. In 2023, AHR Expo aims to work with the Atlanta Public School district to award donation funds to a similar program, with the hopes of growing into other areas of service within HVAC including computer programming and engineering.
“This industry is special,” said Stevens. “If you’ve been to the AHR Expo you understand the feeling of community and connectedness−even more now than ever coming out of the challenging years behind us.
“We are poised to build a fantastic future with HVACR leading the transformation of our built environment. The Innovation Awards lend a preview of this and it is encouraging to see how we are moving forward as an industry. Manufacturers continue to exceed expectations by showing up, making improvements and pushing forward; and while we award only ten companies, we see hundreds in our submissions. We can’t wait to see what’s to come in Atlanta,” concluded Stevens.
How to enter the 2023 Innovation Awards
The awards extend an opportunity for manufacturers to validate their dedication and hard work with strategy, planning, execution and market realization through the recognition of the industry’s most prestigious award. Winners are encouraged to learn more about the awards and view the 2022 winners on the Innovation Awards webpage. All applicants can submit their entries via the dedicated portal. The deadline for entry is August 9, 2022. Questions can be directed to Kim Pires at kpires@iecshows.com.
There are many benefits to participation, including:
- Winners and finalists will be recognized at the 2023 show with special booth signage
- Finalists will be announced on social channels one week before winner announcements, extending the opportunity for exposure longevity
- All winners will be invited to celebrate with their colleagues and industry leaders at a closed reception
- Winners will be interviewed for a custom video months before the show and will be featured on the AHR Expo website and social media channels, as well as in industry media coverage
- Winners will be encouraged to promote their win on their communication channels
Registration for the 2023 AHR Expo is open and available on the AHR Expo website.
Attendees are also encouraged to sign up for the show newsletter to receive updates as they happen.
ABOUT THE AHR EXPO
The AHR Expo is the essential event for HVACR professionals, attracting the most comprehensive gathering of the industry from around the globe each year. The show provides a unique forum where manufacturers and suppliers of all sizes and specialties come together to share ideas and showcase the future of HVACR technology. Since 1930, the AHR Expo has remained the industry’s best place for OEMs, engineers, contractors, facility operators, architects, educators and other industry professionals to experience everything new in HVACR and build relationships. The AHR Expo is co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI and is held concurrently with ASHRAE’s Winter Conference. The next show will take place February 6-8, 2023, in Atlanta.
For more information, visit ahrexpo.com and follow on Twitter and Instagram.