Introducing: The Authority Podcast

Introducing: The Authority Podcast

Welcome to The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical, a new podcast from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).

When talking about the built environment, we would do well to remember, "We shape our buildings, and afterwards, our buildings shape us." Therefore, on each episode, we'll discuss the latest trends from IAPMO in plumbing and mechanical safety, sustainability, and resiliency with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Join your host, Christoph Lohr, and together we'll explore the ways we can make our buildings shape us for the better.

Legionella in Water: Why the General Services Administration Took Action on Water Quality

29 October 2024

In this episode, we discuss the General Services Administration (GSA) order to address the risk of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in the water systems of GSA-controlled buildings. The GSA, which owns 1,600 federal buildings and leases space in over 6,500 buildings nationwide, was spurred to action after detecting elevated levels of Legionella bacteria at six GSA-controlled buildings in different regions since 2023. Our guest Dr. Abraham Cullom, a microbiologist with expertise in plumbing systems, talks about the GSA order and the urgent need to stay on top of emerging best water quality practices for plumbing systems to protect building occupants.

Rebuilding Paradise: Lessons in Plumbing Resilience After Catastrophic Wildfire

22 October 2024

In this powerful episode, we delve into the reconstruction journey of Paradise, California following the devastating 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed more than 18,000 structures and killed 85 people. Our guest, Tony Lindsey, Paradise Building Official and Fire Marshal, shares his unique perspective as both a building official and a resident who lost his home in the disaster. Lindsey offers exclusive insights into the challenges faced during evacuation, the complexities of rebuilding a town's water infrastructure, and innovative solutions implemented to ensure clean, safe water for the community. From the installation of backflow devices in every home to the fortification of water storage systems, Lindsey details the town's efforts to create a more resilient Paradise. This episode provides valuable lessons for officials and communities nationwide on preparing for and recovering from catastrophic events. Guest: Paradise Building Official and Fire Marshal Tony Lindsey

Pipe Sizing for Storm Drain Performance - Insights from the IAPMO/ASPE White Paper

09 October 2024

Join IAPMO experts Dan Cole and Christoph Lohr for a technical exploration of storm drainage system design and the critical equations engineers need to calculate effect flow rates through piping. Among the key insights is the impact of pipe material on flow velocity. For instance, PVC and cast iron pipes of the same size can have vastly different flow capacities. Dan and Christoph discuss the key differences between the Manning and Darcy-Weisbach equations, why current plumbing code tables may not tell the whole story, and how proposed code changes could give designers more accurate tools for material selection. In an era where storms are increasing causing urban flooding from excessive rainfall events, this episode will help engineers to make informed decisions for accurate storm drainage system sizing and ensure optimal performance and longevity. Related Links: Download the white paper, peer-reviewed by 11 industry experts: IAPMO/ASPE White Paper 2-2024, "Capacities of Stacks and Horizontal Drains in Storm Drainage Systems

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