On June 13, 2019, Gov. Abbott issued an executive order to extend the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and the plumbing licensing law until 2021 to allow the next legislature to consider the issue. The plumbing industry needs to ensure their elected officials are educated on the topic and address this issue properly in the next legislative session.

Recently, Texas lawmakers struck a blow against the health and safety of its citizens when they failed to renew the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

This month we will cover some of what has been happening in the industry. We start with a review of the ISH trade show in Germany and then cover the recent and upcoming events at ASSE, ASHRAE and ASME. 

As water conservation efforts continue to move forward, drain-line blockages are bound to increase.

Eliminating tempered water for public handwashing facilities can result in a Legionella outbreak.

The new standard will reference ASHRAE 188 for control of the Legionella bacteria.

Thermal insulation is a natural or manufactured material that retards or slows down the flow of heat.

Fuel gas systems can be a safe and economical choice for space heating, water heating or process applications if designed, installed and maintained properly.

Scalding hot water from fixture faucets and fittings accounts for more than 25 percent of all scald burns in children. The elderly and the physically impaired also are at increased risk of scald burns because they have thinner skin and slower reactions. They often cannot recognize a hazard and get out of harm’s way before a serious burn can occur. 

We now know that storing water at 110 F, as was called for in many energy conservation mandates in the 1970s, can lead to an increase in Legionella bacteria growth in the hot water storage and distribution systems, which could eventually lead to outbreaks.