Austin, Texas — The Texas plumbing industry came together on Tuesday for the inaugural Texas Plumbing Industry Day, an event aimed at connecting stakeholders with policymakers to discuss key industry priorities. Members of the Texas state legislature and their staff gathered at a reception where sponsors highlighted the critical role of plumbing professionals in protecting public health and safety, the industry's commitment to workforce development, and the importance of maintaining the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
The event was co-sponsored by numerous organizations collectively representing thousands of licensed professionals across Texas, including the Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of Texas, the United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing & Pipefitting Industry (UA), the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Texas, the Southwest Pipe Trades Association (SWPTA), and IAPMO. These groups worked collaboratively to bring together union and non-union representatives, suppliers, and other industry professionals to advocate for policies that support the plumbing trade and ensure the highest standards for Texans.
“This was a great opportunity to showcase to legislators the unity of the stakeholders and our commitment to upholding high standards for a skilled workforce,” said Vicki VanNest, executive director of PHCC Texas.
“The Industry Day provided a platform for stakeholders to connect with policymakers and collaborate on strengthening the industry,” said Wayne Lord, business manager of Plumbers Local Union 68.
Texas Plumbing Industry Day marks a significant step in showcasing unity within the industry while advancing efforts to strengthen training programs, maintain regulatory oversight, and protect Texas communities through sound plumbing standards.
IAPMO®, publisher of the Uniform Plumbing Code® (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code® (UMC), is calling for formal code proposals toward the development of the 2030 editions of these American National Standard designated model codes. All proposals recommending new text, revised text, or the deletion of text must be written in legislative format and clearly state the reason behind the recommendation.
The Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (OUBCC) has unanimously approved the adoption of IAPMO’s Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®) Appendix M — the Water Demand Calculator® — into Chapter 6 of the state’s adopted International Plumbing Code as an alternative methodology for sizing water supply piping in single- and multifamily buildings.
IAPMO® applauds the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for its adoption of the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC®) for applications regulated under the state's Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program. The updated code is scheduled to become effective Sept. 1.