The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical

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?
💧 W...

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 bui...

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 w...

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 g...

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 face...

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 Ma...

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 appli...

In this episode, Green Builder Media CEO Sara Gutterman delves into strategies and technologies that revolutionize water conservation in the built environment, from advanced irrigation systems to smart water management technologies. We explore the government policies and regulations in driving these initiatives and discuss the critical role of community engagement and education. Finally, we look ahead to future directions and emerg...

In this episode, Jonah Schein, Technical Coordinator for Homes and Buildings with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense® program, demonstrates how water-efficiency measures also save energy and reduce carbon emissions, using data from 219 WaterSense-labeled homes in Menifee, California.  

Jonah describes how every gallon of water has an "energy signature" based on the processes required to extract, conv...

In this insightful episode, Mechanical Hub hosts Tim Ward and John Messenbrink discuss three major plumbing industry trends: the push towards electrification, artificial Intelligence (AI), and the skilled trade gap, especially as it relates to attracting a more diverse workforce. 

Regarding electrification, Tim and John note that while electrification is important for environmental reasons, they caution about the need for a measured...

In this episode, we delve deep into the critical issue of backflow prevention, exploring the latest technologies and methodologies that are transforming the field. Join master plumber Sean Cleary, vice president of operations for the Backflow Prevention Institute (BPI), as we discuss the causes of backflow, the risks to water systems, regulatory compliance requirements and real-world case studies.  

Related Links: 

Backflow Preventio...

In this episode, guest Sal Aridi, a professional engineer and director of Special Projects at IAPMO, discusses water reuse. He elaborates on his 25-year career in water technologies and explains the different types of water reuse, such as greywater and blackwater. The conversation covers definitions, standards, and the practicalities of water recycling, emphasizing the importance of robust systems and the misconception that water r...

In this episode host Christoph Lohr discusses structural and behavioral water waste with Jim Lutz, a retired researcher from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Jim details his career, focusing on water heater efficiency and plumbing systems, and explains how his research has shown the significance of structural waste in residential plumbing, particularly in hot water distribution systems. He emphasizes the inefficacy of low-flow showe...

In this episode, we welcome David Dexter, a professional engineer with over 40 years of experience in the plumbing trade. Dexter discusses his transition from a master plumber to a professional engineer and his active involvement in the ASPE Professional Engineering Working Group. They highlight the importance of a specialized plumbing engineering exam under the mechanical discipline to ensure the verification of expertise and enha...

On this week’s episode, we’re going to be talking about how Seattle improved water savings and reduced new construction costs through accurate pipe sizing. Seattle recently mandated the use of the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator® for multifamily residences, also known as R2 occupancies. The inclusion of Appendix M in the city’s plumbing codes puts Seattle on the cutting edge of sustainability and resiliency by creating a pathway for ...

In this episode, host Christoph Lohr welcomes Sara Gutterman, CEO of Green Builder Media, to discuss the pressing issue of water sustainability in building practices. Sara emphasizes the importance of water conservation and quality, highlighting innovative solutions such as net-zero water impact plans, appropriate water pricing, and the adoption of smart water technologies like leak detection and smart irrigation systems. She stres...

In this episode Tony Marcello, IAPMO senior vice president of Training and Credential Services, returns to discuss the ASSE 12000 series, focusing on ASSE 12060, ASSE 12080 and Legionella prevention. The standard is crucial for those working in health care facilities to conduct risk assessments and develop water management plans to protect occupants. They delve into the certification process, emphasizing the importance of training ...

In this episode we welcome guests Kelly Cunningham from PG&E and Steffi Becking from 2050 Partners to discuss the adoption of the Water Demand Calculator in California. They delve into the significance of this adoption, highlighting its potential to save water, energy, and construction costs while improving building efficiency and sustainability. Steffi and Kelly share insights into the adoption process, stakeholder engagement,...

In this episode we welcome Tim Bartrand, executive director of ESPRI, and Gary Burlingame, senior scientist with ESPRI, to discuss water quality and construction practices for potable water. 

We’ll delve into bridging the gap between water utilities and building plumbing systems, emphasizing the significance of factors like pH, alkalinity, and disinfectants in maintaining safe and reliable water supply.

Additionally, Bartra...