J. Michael Galway, PE, LEED AP, CPD, is well-respected by his peers for his expertise, attention to detail, calming professional demeanor, and the fact that he’s not afraid to get out into the field and get his hands dirty, which is why he has been selected as Plumbing & Mechanical’s 2024 Mechanical Engineer of the Year.

As government electrification target dates loom in the near future, and power transmission systems get pushed closer to their limits, utility companies continue implementing ways to manage peak demand.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 6.

The event also offered ASPE-accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs), enhancing participants' knowledge and professional development.

The award is presented every two years to a nominee with attributes including technical mastery and a passion for hydronic technologies, demonstrated leadership as an educator and mentor, and an aptitude for cultivating fundraising opportunities for industry causes.

These changes will unify the Conformity Assessment Group, merging testing and certification services under one roof to provide consistent, gold standard- level customer service across all departments and all office locations.

Appendix M of the IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code, or the Water Demand Calculator, was integrated into the California Plumbing Code on July 1. It provides a new method for sizing water pipes in residential buildings. For Villara Corp., a leading plumbing and HVAC contractor in Northern California, it remains business as usual, having used the calculator for over five years to construct over 5,000 single-family homes.

Retaining skilled employees is vital for plumbing and HVAC contractors. High turnover leads to disruptions and decreased customer satisfaction. To address this, many are finding innovative ways to encourage retention, including unique approaches from new companies.

Scott Steindler, CPD, LEED BD+C, ARCSA-AP(IS), GPD, GGP, FASPE, has over 31 years in the plumbing industry and is currently the national industrial manager for Watts Water Technologies. Known for his enthusiasm and service, he was inducted into the ASPE College of Fellows in 2020 and volunteers with the City of Phoenix's CERT. Steindler was named PM Engineer’s 2024 Plumbing Engineer of the Year.

As design engineers, we frequently use systems requiring pressure regulation. A regulator, as defined by the ASPE Plumbing Dictionary, reduces variable inlet pressure to a stable outlet pressure under changing flow conditions. It maintains a uniform gas pressure lower than the supply pressure. Essentially, a regulator ensures consistent downstream pressure from a variable upstream pressure.