Sustainability in commercial plumbing focuses on modern pipe sizing to reduce material use and Legionella risk. Efficient layouts and lower-carbon materials like PEX and recycled PVC can lower greenhouse gas emissions, while improved equipment efficiency and training help reduce operational and embodied carbon emissions.
Plumbing engineering is increasingly complex, facing challenges like water conservation and safety concerns, yet it remains underappreciated. A focused industry survey is essential to collect vital data on hiring practices and opportunities for plumbing professionals compared to HVAC. This will help elevate the field's recognition and address the risks of neglecting plumbing expertise.
Scott Steindler, CPD, LEED BD+C, ARCSA-AP(IS), GPD, GGP, FASPE, has over 31 years in the plumbing industry and is currently the national industrial manager for Watts Water Technologies. Known for his enthusiasm and service, he was inducted into the ASPE College of Fellows in 2020 and volunteers with the City of Phoenix's CERT. Steindler was named PM Engineer’s 2024 Plumbing Engineer of the Year.
As design engineers, we frequently use systems requiring pressure regulation. A regulator, as defined by the ASPE Plumbing Dictionary, reduces variable inlet pressure to a stable outlet pressure under changing flow conditions. It maintains a uniform gas pressure lower than the supply pressure. Essentially, a regulator ensures consistent downstream pressure from a variable upstream pressure.
The IAPMO Water Demand Calculator has faced challenges due to exclusions from its documentation and calculations, causing difficulties for engineers in luxury apartment buildings.
A plumbing designer questioned the necessity of the California Plumbing Code and the standards of the California Department of Health Care Access and Information. This raises the question: Are these additional standards truly beneficial?
Water hammer arrestors absorb the shock from changes in water flow in hydronic systems. They are commonly found in restroom plumbing fixtures. While there is a lot of information available about water hammering and its solutions, let’s explore this topic further.
On May 8th, I presented at the LADWP La Kretz Innovation Center for the ASPE LA Chapter on California’s adoption of the Water Demand Calculator. I spoke about the intersection of water and energy, emphasizing their crucial link in modern civilization.