Newsletter
September 2026 
President's Report
As we begin another fiscal year with the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), we have an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments, renew our commitment to professional excellence, and look forward to the opportunities ahead. A new fiscal year represents more than the beginning of a new calendar of activities—it is a chance to strengthen our professional relationships, expand our knowledge, and continue advancing the plumbing engineering profession.
One of the greatest benefits of being part of ASPE is the opportunity to learn from fellow professionals. Our profession is constantly evolving, with new technologies, materials, sustainability practices, and code requirements shaping the way we design plumbing systems.
Through chapter meetings, technical presentations, and professional networking, ASPE provides valuable opportunities to stay informed and develop new skills. A new fiscal year is the perfect time to take advantage of these resources, challenge ourselves to keep learning, and share our experience with others.
VP Legislative Article
Good day,
Fellow plumbing designers and engineers. I hope things are going well for you.
As of July 1, 2026 the City of Salt Lake has adopted the IPC 2024 (International Plumbing Code) for use in the city. A lot of the state of Utah uses this same code. Just in case you have not looked into the changes, here is a list of the important changes between the two codes. I have always had the idea that it is a good idea to know what the changes are as you are designing a project. Not when you get a plan check comment forcing you to change something. Here is that list.
Important changes from the 2021 IPC to the 2024 IPC include:
• Provisions added for support of buried piping beneath buildings where expansive soil conditions exist.
• Requirement added for tracer wire for buried plastic sewer piping.
• Option added for vacuum testing of drain-waste-vent (DWV) piping.
• Plumbing fixture requirements significantly updated for various Group I occupancies.
• Exception added for allowing special locking mechanism for doors to multiple-user toilet facilities.
• Plastic pans for gas-fired water heaters required to be tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
• Showerhead flow limited to 2.0 gallons per minute with performance complying with high efficiency requirements.
• Installation standards added for solvent-cemented plastic piping joints.
• Standards added for chemical waste piping materials.
If I have missed anything that was changed, let me know. Then I can include it in one of my future articles.
Also, it is a good idea to like what you are doing. I thought it was enjoyable and there was satisfaction to see the design work I did, then to see it built and people were using it.
Take care. Enjoy life. Keep Smiling.
Hal Alvord
VP Membership Article
Time to prepare.
We are now getting to the time of the year when temperatures are starting to fall and we will soon be seeing leaves change color and maybe even a bit of snow. While all of that might be months away, it is sneaking up on us quickly. So now is the time to prepare by ensuring you have a good shovel, (or working snowblower) stocking up on salt, and winterizing your sprinkler system.
Now is also the time of year to prepare yourself for the upcoming ASPE year. We have a lot of great presentations in the works and I hope you will be ready with questions, notepads, and a great attitude! After taking a break for the summer I know I am ready to dive back in and help my fellow plumbing engineers in what ways I can, and get the help from others that I will need. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meetings and can’t wait to hear what kind of fun you had over the summer!
-Josh
Affiliate Liaison Article
Why September Stands Out
• The Weather: The scorching heat of mid-summer fades away, replaced by comfortable days for outdoor activities like hiking and evening walks.
• Fewer Crowds: Tourist spots, beaches, and national parks clear out significantly after Labor Day, making travel peaceful and affordable.
• A Fresh Start: The psychological clean slate of "back-to-school" season makes it the ideal time to build new habits and reset routines.
• Cozy Vibes: Pumpkin spice, open windows, and early fall foliage start making everyday life feel remarkably serene.
• ASPE meetings: September means that the training lunches and events with ASPE begin again and I’ll get to see all of you next week.
• "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." -F. Scott Fitzgerald
Scott Elkins
