The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors―National Association continues its efforts to represent PHC contractors’ interests on green plumbing issues. Through its partnership with the U.S. EPA’s WaterSense program, PHCC is urging that properly qualified plumbing professionals be required during the construction of single-family homes that will display EPA WaterSense® labels.

“As the installers of water-efficient products, PHCC members and other plumbing contractors are best positioned to ensure that a quality installation is completed so that the homeowner is able to achieve water efficiency with the proper installation of products that comply with applicable codes and standards,” a letter from PHCC stated.

The PHCC letter also pointed out that many new homes do not have specifications for pipe-equipment sizing, venting and load calculations that are necessary to ensure that the total installation is not only water efficient, but also that it works to the satisfaction of the homeowner.  “Anyone who is not properly trained in plumbing will make decisions that could compromise the entire plumbing system, resulting in a poorly constructed system that does not meet the water efficiency that WaterSense is seeking,” PHCC said.

The following language was recommended by the organization to be included in the draft WaterSense specification for new homes:

“A Builder Partner of the WaterSense Program shall ensure that all plumbing installations are completed by a competent — and where it is required, licensed — plumbing contractor. Additionally, it is highly recommended that the plumbing contractor and his/her workforce have additional training in water-efficient installations, such as that offered by the GreenPlumber® program.”

PHCC has been involved in the development of the draft single-family home specifications through regular conference calls and correspondence. The most recent letter was submitted during a comment period observed by WaterSense before the final single-family specifications are adopted. 

Besides its active role with WaterSense, PHCC also has been providing input to many other industry groups addressing the green plumbing issue. For more information, visit www.phccweb.org.