30 HEALTH AND SANITATION
A fruitful 50
Compiled by Stephen Webb
David Viola , IAPMO CEO
In the spirit of the sharing of unique experiences that shape the plumbing industries in our respective nations , the following article looks at a new Plumbing Champions initiative that IAPMO ’ s non-profit organisation is spearheading in Australia . Written by IAPMO staff writer Mike Flenniken , it is the next in a regular series of similar articles that will run in this magazine .
David Viola IAPMO CEO
In the spirit of sharing of unique experiences that shape the plumbing industries in our respective nations , the following article reflects on advances within the plumbing industry both influencing and facilitated by IAPMO . This is the next in a regular series of similar articles .
Driven by landmark legislation , water safety and sustainability concerns , innovative new products and materials , enhanced research and testing capabilities , continuous development of codes and standards , and an unprecedented level of professional collaboration , the plumbing industry has experienced more changes in the last half-century than at any other time in history .
In this article , IAPMO executive vice-president of Continuous Improvement Programs , Pete DeMarco ; and senior vice-president of Codes and Standards , Hugo Aguilar share what they believe are some of the major milestones encountered along the way that have made the plumbing industry what it is today , as viewed from the perspective of their organisation .
A GLANCE BACK AT THE PAST
Early 1970s : ceramic and anti-scalding valves – The industry standard , ceramic valves , were created for their ability to produce a watertight seal in plumbing products while resisting wear and the frequent need for replacement parts associated with valves using elastomeric or other seals . Product standards were first published in 1973 for anti-scalding valves that prevent a sudden change in shower water temperature caused by a decrease in hot- or cold-water pressure when , for example , a toilet is flushed or a washing machine is turned on , in order to prevent scalding and injuries such as slipping and falling , particularly among older adults and children .
1974 : Safe Drinking Water Act ( SDWA ) – A passage of the SDWA , according to DeMarco , has had a “ huge impact ” in that it authorised the U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ), for the first time , to establish and enforce limits on levels of contaminants in drinking water . At the present time , more than 90 different contaminants are regulated by the EPA , with 92 % of the nation ’ s water supplies in compliance with established limits .
1980s-present : plumbing standards and certification programmes – Although the ASME 1112 Committee was established in 1955 for the purpose of standardising plumbing materials and equipment , it wasn ’ t until nearly a quarter century later that the use of these standards became widespread as they were gradually adopted into local plumbing codes . As a result , it became necessary to develop independent laboratory testing capabilities and rigorous third-party certification programmes for the manufacturing community in order to help protect public health and safety and keep sub-standard products out of U . S . and Canadian markets .
1980s : CPVC and PEX – Offering greater durability and heat resistance than PVC , CPVC was added to the Uniform Plumbing Code ( UPC ®) in 1982 . Introduced later during that same decade , PEX has properties that are similar to those of CPVC but provides a more flexible alternative that has made it the most commonly used pipe material for new home construction and replacement piping today .
1987 : Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement – Following approval of the CUSFTA , a major effort was made to harmonise plumbing standards between the United States and Canada to eliminate confusion and promote free- and fair-trade practices . Although the CUSFTA has since been superseded by other agreements , this process of harmonisation continues today with binational or single standards serving both countries being developed jointly by the CSA and IAPMO .
1991 : Lead and Copper Rule ( LCR ) – Published by the EPA on behalf of the SDWA , the LCR was “ a big deal for the industry ,” says Aguilar , because it required the development of new plumbing products and materials to reduce the amount of lead and copper in drinking water . Since 1991 , the LCR has been revised multiple times to introduce more stringent requirements . The most recent revision was in 2021 .
1992 : Energy Policy Act – EPAct92 established minimum water efficiency standards for new plumbing fixtures such as showerheads , faucets , urinals and toilets in the United States . Performance of new products meeting these standards , which in the case of toilets required roughly a 50 percent reduction to 1.6gpm , was initially disappointing . However , improvements in quality since then have led to widespread consumer acceptance and a precipitous decline in water use nationwide .
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline February 2024 Volume 29 I Number 12