Plumbing

02.26.21

After a challenging 2020, the plumbing-heating-cooling industry is looking forward to renewed prosperity with the hope that COVID-19 will fade into the background with the introduction of multiple vaccines and hence, encouraging the public to work, shop, dine and travel the way it did in pre-pandemic times. In fact, some economists are predicting the economy will return to normal by this fall. The recovery, however, will not be without its share of challenges.

02.24.21

The U.S. House of Representatives is going through the procedural motions to pass the American Rescue Plan, the fifth comprehensive COVID relief bill. It is expected to pass the House by Friday, Feb. 26, though it may have to overcome a few hurdles in the Senate. The bill is a major Biden administration priority that will provide additional emergency funding to state and local governments to fight the pandemic and mitigate its economic and public health consequences.

02.24.21

Earlier this month, PHCC joined with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); the Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs (United Association, or UA); and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) to celebrate the passage of the National Apprenticeship Act (NAA) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

02.17.21

After more than 10 years, the longest U.S. expansion on record came to a screeching halt due to the novel coronavirus. A recession precipitated by the pandemic began in March of last year. Although not officially declared yet, most economists agree that June was the last month of a very short, deep recession. Even though economic growth resumed in July, economic activity has yet to return to its pre-pandemic level. Return to that level as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is unlikely to happen until at least the second half of this year or early next.

02.09.21

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada (UA), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC), and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) applaud the House of Representatives for bipartisan passage of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 (H.R. 447) on Friday and strongly encourage the Senate to approve it as well

02.03.21

Viega LLC has announced support for SkillsUSA, a national nonprofit focused on workforce development. The 2021 sponsorship will support the mission of SkillsUSA and the manufacturing career cluster of the national SkillsUSA Championships. The Viega Group is among the leading manufacturers of pipe fitting installation technology.

01.27.21

Viega LLC, the company which introduced pressing to North America, now has its own branded pressing tools for use with its fittings. The Viega Pressgun 6 and Pressgun 6 Picco are now available in distributors and through Viega. The tools, which are the first in North America to carry the Viega name, cost less than similar press tools from other manufacturers and are an affordable way for contractors to adopt pressing.

01.26.21

As the Texas State Legislature gears up for its biannual session, a bill was pre-filed in late November in the Texas House of Representatives that would extend the charter of the state’s Board of Plumbing Examiners (BPE). HB636, if passed into law, would allow the BPE to operate until September 1, 2027, unless the state’s sunset review process determines it should continue to exist.

01.26.21

On Sunday evening, December 27, outgoing President Donald Trump signed the last piece of legislation to cross the Resolute Desk before the end of his term. The FY2021 omnibus spending package to keep the Federal government funded through September 30 included more than $900 billion in COVID relief that has been haggled over by congressional leaders and White House staff for nearly nine months.

12.22.20

Congress came to an agreement on the next COVID package, which is attached to the FY2021 spending bill. It passed the House and Senate yesterday and is en route to the White House for President Trump’s signature.