Plumbing Weekly Brief: June 3–9, 2025
This week, the plumbing industry saw significant developments ranging from innovative business models addressing workforce challenges to critical regulatory updates impacting water treatment. Here’s a concise summary of the most relevant news and trends from the past week, curated to keep you informed and ahead in your profession.
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Ohio Approves Rainwater Harvesting CE Classes The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) announced that ARCSA (American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association) Professional Rainwater Harvesting Classes have been approved for continuing education (CE) credits by the Ohio Department of Health. This approval is for registered private water systems contractors, formalizing a professional development pathway in sustainable plumbing and signaling growing demand for expertise in alternative water sources.
Published: June 3, 2025
ARCSA Rainwater Harvesting Classes Approved for Continuing Education in Ohio | IAPMO -
EPA Issues New Drinking Water General Permit for Region 8
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published details for its Drinking Water General Permit (DWGP) for facilities in EPA Region 8 that discharge process wastewater. Published in the Federal Register, this permit specifies covered and excluded treatment processes, effluent limitations, and monitoring requirements. This update is crucial for plumbing professionals involved in water treatment systems, emphasizing the increasing regulatory complexity and the need for precise compliance.
Published: June 3, 2025
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-06-03/pdf/2025-10033.pdf
Tools & Tips
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Embrace Smart Leak Detection Systems
Consider integrating smart leak detection and automatic shut-off valves into your service offerings. These systems use advanced sensors to monitor water flow, detect irregularities, and can automatically halt water flow to prevent costly water damage. This technology shifts plumbing services from reactive repairs to proactive prevention, opening new opportunities for preventative maintenance contracts and positioning you as an innovator in smart home technology.
Top Plumbing Innovations and Trends to Expect in 2025 | Beck -
Upgrade to Advanced Piping Materials
Stay informed about the latest advancements in piping materials like PEX and composite pipes. These materials offer superior flexibility, resistance to freezing and corrosion, and are easier to install than traditional options. Emerging innovations, such as self-healing and antimicrobial pipes, further enhance durability and public health. Utilizing these materials can improve installation efficiency, reduce labor costs, and offer clients more reliable and health-conscious plumbing solutions.
Plumbing Industry Trends and Regulations in 2025: What Homeowners and Contractors Need to Know - Christiansonco
Fun Fact
Did you know that the very word ‘plumbing’ has ancient roots, stemming from the Latin word ‘plumbum,’ meaning lead? This isn’t just a linguistic curiosity; it reflects the foundational role lead played in early sophisticated plumbing systems, particularly those engineered by the Romans. Their ingenuity in creating aqueducts to transport water over long distances, supplying cities with fresh drinking water, and enabling public baths, fountains, and even heated floors, was truly revolutionary. This historical detail underscores how deeply integrated plumbing has been with human civilization and technological advancement for millennia.
Plumbing Through the Ages: Fun Facts and Fascinating History
We’d love to hear from you! Have you participated in any plumbing events or utilized new plumbing tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.