The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical

IAPMO
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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. Join me, your host Christoph Lohr, and together, we'll explore the ways we can make our buildings shape us for the better.

  1. 03/12/2025

    Hidden Heroes of Water Conservation: How Plumbing Fixtures Are Saving Trillions of Gallons

    Water is one of our most precious resources, yet we waste billions of gallons every year—often without even realizing it. But what if the biggest solution wasn’t flashy new technology, but something as simple as the toilet, showerhead, or faucet in your home? In this episode of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing Mechanical, host Christoph Lohr welcomes back Kerry Stackpole, CEO & Executive Director of Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI), for a powerful conversation about how everyday plumbing fixtures are already making a massive impact in the fight for water conservation. Thanks to the U.S. EPA’s WaterSense program, these unsung heroes have saved an astonishing 8.7 trillion gallons of water—enough to sustain millions of families. But there’s still so much more to do. With only 22% of California’s toilets meeting WaterSense standards, we’re leaving an enormous amount of savings untapped. Christoph and Kerry explore how small changes—like upgrading outdated plumbing fixtures—can lead to huge environmental and financial benefits. They also dive into the policy shifts, technological advancements, and industry leadership driving a future where wasted water becomes a thing of the past. This isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about preserving our water for future generations. Tune in to hear how you can be part of the solution and why the plumbing industry is stepping up to protect our most vital resource before it’s too late. Related links: https://www.epa.gov/watersense

    31 min

  2. 02/27/2025

    Ensuring Water Quality & Safety: ASSE 12000 Series Certifications and Their Importance

    In this episode, host Christoph Lohr speaks with Kurt Steenhoek, International Representative of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, to discuss a critical issue—water quality. 💧 How do we ensure safe drinking water in hospitals, nursing homes, and public buildings? 💧 What lessons can we learn from the Flint water crisis and the rise of Legionella outbreaks? 💧 Why are certified plumbing professionals essential in protecting public health? Kurt unpacks the ASSE 12060 series certifications, the industry’s gold standard for ensuring clean, safe water in critical facilities. Learn why training, certification, and proper implementation are key to safeguarding our water supply.

    17 min

  3. 02/12/2025

    Plumbing Smarter: Cutting Costs, Saving Water and Changing Lives

    What if a simple shift in plumbing design could save thousands of dollars, deliver hot water faster, and make homes more affordable—all while conserving precious resources? In this must-listen episode, host Christoph Lohr sits down with industry trailblazers Robert Campbell Sr. and Amanda Johnson from Villara Corp. to reveal how they’re revolutionizing homebuilding with the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator. Villara Corp. has helped builders save up to $5,000 per home, reduce construction waste, and optimize plumbing systems for over 5,000 homes. Their insights could transform the way we think about efficiency, affordability, and sustainability in housing. Don’t miss this dynamic conversation about real-world solutions that make a difference. Tune in now and get inspired to build smarter! Related links: https://iapmo.org/we-stand/water-demand-calculator

    19 min

  4. 02/04/2025

    Breaking Barriers: Judaline Cassidy on Empowering Women in Plumbing

    In this episode of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing & Mechanical, host Christoph Lohr welcomes Judaline Cassidy, a trailblazing plumber and founder of Tools & Tiaras Inc. Judaline shares her passion for the skilled trades and the importance of empowering women to pursue careers in plumbing. She discusses the evolving perceptions of the industry, the economic and personal benefits of becoming a plumber, and her collaboration with IAPMO on My Mom Is A Plumbing Superhero — a children’s coloring book designed to inspire the next generation by showcasing the vital role of plumbers in society.  Tune in for an engaging conversation about breaking barriers and celebrating the real superheroes of public health and safety. Related links:  My Mom Is A Plumbing Superhero coloring book: https://www.uniformcodes.org/construction-books-for-kids/ https://www.judaline.com/

    13 min

  5. 10/29/2024

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

    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. Related links: https://www.gsa.gov/blog/2024/01/31/gsa-strengthens-water-quality-efforts-in-federal-buildings

    29 min

  6. 10/22/2024

    Rebuilding Paradise: Lessons in Plumbing Resilience After Catastrophic Wildfire

    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   Related Links: https://eofficial.org/rebuilding-paradise/

    17 min

  7. 10/09/2024

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

    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

    26 min

  8. 10/02/2024

    Water Use in Single-Family and Multi-Family Homes

    In this episode, we discuss challenges and opportunities in residential water use and efficiency. Our expert guest, Andrew D. Morris, Senior Manager of Policy & Programs with the Alliance For Water Efficiency, shares how water consumption in single-family and multi-family homes has evolved over the years, including a 15% decrease in indoor water use between 1999 and 2016 driven by state-level fixture standards and federal appliance regulations. Andrew provides a vision for future areas of improvement, including right-sizing premise plumbing and water heater systems, meter sizing and sewer capacity certifications, and utility-side adjustments to connection-related fees and policies.  Related Links: The Alliance for Water Efficiency is a membership-based nonprofit of utilities, industry, government bodies, researchers, and academia dedicated to water efficiency in North America.

    14 min
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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. Join me, your host Christoph Lohr, and together, we'll explore the ways we can make our buildings shape us for the better.

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