Ron George

Code Classroom

Plumbing Codes and Standards Have Come a Long Way in 50 Years

Engineers have learned about them in five decades of Plumbing Engineer.

October 2, 2023

As this publication celebrates 50 years of educating plumbing professionals about codes and standards, Ron George focuses attention on how five decades of those codes and standards have shaped the plumbing systems we have today.

Code Classroom

Fuel Gas Piping Systems and Fuel Gas Codes

These systems can be safe and economical choices if they are designed, installed and maintained properly.

September 4, 2023

Ron George

A primer for designing fuel gas systems: model codes, gas types, heat content, gas pressures, valves, pipe sizing and installation requirements.

Code Classroom

Valve Types and Applications

Common valve types and valve components used in commercial and industry construction.

August 7, 2023

Ron George

An explanation of the common valve types and valve components used in commercial and industrial construction, along with applications for use.

Code Classroom

Water Heater Sizing Considerations

Sizing a water heater is an essential part of ensuring comfort and adequate amounts of hot water in a building.

July 1, 2023

Ron George

When a water heater dies, it seems to happen at the worst possible time. Hotel, apartment building and office building managers want to install replacement water heaters as soon as possible. However, there are many things to consider when sizing the appropriate water heater for the application.

Code Classroom

Improper Disinfection of Premise Plumbing Systems Can Damage Piping, Part 2

The industry needs a specific standard for emergency flushing and disinfection procedures for building water systems/premise plumbing systems.

June 1, 2023

Ron George

The International Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code are vague when it comes to emergency flushing and disinfection procedures for building water systems.

Code Classroom

Improper Disinfection of Premise Plumbing Systems Can Damage Piping, Part 1

Toxic and corrosive chlorine levels are used to decontaminate water piping in buildings; the industry has no standard specifically for dealing with this subject.

May 1, 2023

Ron George

The International Plumbing Code and the Uniform Plumbing Code contain sections addressing flushing and chlorine disinfection of potable water distribution systems. However, no industry standards tell plumbing professionals how to do it.

Code Classroom

Starting the 2027 Code Change Process

A look at the revision process for the model building codes.

April 3, 2023

Ron George

Every three years, the model building codes go through a revision process. While the various committees are finishing up work for the 2024 codes, work has already begun on the 2027 versions.

Code Classroom

The Basis for Most Plumbing Codes

Dr. Roy B. Hunter’s research at the National Bureau of Standards helped discover inexpensive ways to provide indoor plumbing.

March 6, 2023

Ron George

Dr. Roy B. Hunter spent three decades researching inexpensive ways to provide indoor plumbing. Read on to learn his 22 basic principles that became the foundation for the later development of a modern-day national plumbing code.

Code Classroom

Codes and Standards Update

The 2024 International Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code are nearing completion.

February 3, 2023

Ron George

As the 2024 plumbing codes are in the final hearing stages, the next time to propose changes to the codes is for the 2027 versions. Read on to learn about the process of changing our building codes.

Code Classroom

How Fast Should We Move Away from Fossil-Fuel Dependency?

I suggest we make reductions at a steady and controlled pace so we don’t go so fast that we miss the sharp turn and go over the cliff

January 6, 2023

Ron George

With people moving full-speed ahead on decarbonization and electrification of our building stock, not enough consideration has been given to the electric grid’s capacity.