The Pipeline: July 14, 2026
Louisiana signs HB953 and rewrites its plumbing license rules, IAPMO publishes the 2027 UPC while most jurisdictions stay on the 2024 edition, and Veolia and NYEC launch a national push to refill the water trade's ranks.
Louisiana signs HB953 and rewrites its plumbing license rules, IAPMO publishes the 2027 UPC while most jurisdictions stay on the 2024 edition, and Veolia and NYEC launch a national push to refill the water trade's ranks.
The EPA sends $2.9 billion to states for lead service line replacement, California's 2025 Plumbing Code takes effect, and the next generation of plumbers competes at SkillsUSA in Atlanta.
NYC Plumbers Local 1 opens 50 apprenticeship slots, Georgia's 2024 IPC adoption makes WaterSense fixtures mandatory, and the DOE's commercial water heater efficiency deadline hits October 6.
EPA proposes more time on the PFOA/PFOS water rules, California tightens backflow tester certification July 1, and the World Plumbing Council Conference lands in the UK.
48 students rough-in a bathroom for gold at the SkillsUSA national plumbing competition, Bradford White stocks training centers with real equipment, and Washington closes comments on its next UPC cycle.
EPA releases $2.9 billion for lead service line replacement, an Illinois report projects up to 90,000 plumbing jobs from the work, and a Louisiana bill would slash apprentice training hours.
PHCC names Dan Quinonez as next CEO ahead of Cindy Sheridan's retirement, DOE issues a one-year enforcement grace period on the commercial water heater efficiency rule, and the federal heat pump water heater tax credit expires — leaving state rebates as the main incentive.
The EPA adds $2.9 billion more for lead service line replacement, Indiana launches a jail-based pre-apprentice program for plumbing and HVAC careers, and PHCC's 2026 outlook maps where the work is heading.
EPA releases $2.9 billion to states for lead service line replacement, PHCC and Bernzomatic launch 50 new scholarships for plumbing and HVAC students, and the DOE commercial water heater efficiency rule takes effect October 6 — here's what plumbers need to know before Q4.
A 1975-vintage 42-inch water main bursts in Oakland County affecting 10,000 customers, AWWA's 2026 report finds U.S. drinking water needs $2.1 trillion over 25 years, and PHCC takes plumbing industry concerns to Capitol Hill.
Bernzomatic funds 50+ plumbing apprenticeship scholarships through 2029; PHCC projects cautious 2026 growth capped by a 500,000-plumber shortage; IAPMO proposes tighter WE·Stand fixture efficiency rules.
April 2026 material price hikes hit PVC and copper hard; lead pipe replacement could create 90,000 plumbing jobs; commercial gas water heaters must go condensing by October 2026.
Georgia adopts 2024 IPC with new state amendments, smart water monitoring goes mainstream, America's plumber shortage could hit 550,000 by 2027
Louisiana plumbing license bill sparks industry debate; Illinois lead pipe replacement could create 90,000 jobs; IAPMO launches March4Water 2026 campaign.
LIXIL study reveals 550,000 unfilled plumbing jobs could cost billions, 2026 plumbing outlook shows cautious stability, EPA redirects $4.1B for lead pipe removal.
Women reshaping the plumbing profession in 2026, proposed 15% global tariff threatens contractor margins, and cautious growth outlook with rising wages.
IWSH volunteer project at LA Mission, lead pipe funding cuts, and WorldSkills 2026 heads to Shanghai.
New DOE commercial water heater efficiency rules take effect October 2026, the U.S. faces a 550,000-plumber shortage by 2027, and PHCC says smart plumbing is moving from optional to standard.
2024 IPC updates on showerhead limits, smart plumbing goes mainstream, and residential remodeling market outlook.
New DOE water heater standards, 500,000 plumber shortage, and IWSH volunteer impact report highlights.