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® is seeking volunteers to participate on the Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) working toward the correlation of the 2027 editions of the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code (USPSHTC) and Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (USHGC). The deadline to submit an application is May 2.
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden on March 13 signed into law Senate Bill 25 (SB 25), updating the state’s plumbing code to the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®) from the previously adopted 2015 edition. The adoption was initiated and endorsed by the state’s Plumbing Commission and has the robust support of South Dakota’s plumbing industry.
IAPMO® encourages all members and industry representatives to review the proposed code changes for the 2027 National Standard Plumbing Code™ (NSPC) and attend the NSPC public hearing, Aug. 14, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.