Maryland PHCC Contractor, Summer 2014 by Blue Water Publishers, LLC

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Maryland PHCC Contractor

maryland

MD PHCC - NEW MEMBERS........ Michael Bowersox Ben Lewis Plumbing Clarksburg, MD

PHCC CONTRACTOR MAGAZINE

Summer 2014

ADVERTISER SUPPORT..... American Apartment Owners Page 11 Bradford White 15 Cummins-Wagner 7 FastEst 4 Liberty Pumps 16

Senior Editor - Diane P. Kastner Maryland PHCC Contractor Magazine is the official magazine of The Maryland Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors and is published four times annually. The Maryland PHCC does not necessarily endorse any of the companies advertising in this publication or the views of its writers.

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CONTENTS ..........

Maryland PHCC Contractor Magazine is designed and published by Blue Water Publishers, LLC. Articles and information published in this magazine may not be reproduced without written consent of The Maryland PHCC or Blue Water Publishers, LLC. The publisher cannot assume responsibility for claims made by advertisers and is not responsible for the opinions expressed by contributing authors.

Amp Up Your Business - Gerry Kennedy, PHCC National Ex VP 4 It’s Official: What You Should Know about DC Ruling

For more information on advertising, contact Jim Aitkins Blue Water Publishers, LLC 22727 - 161st Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272 360-805-6474 / fax: 360-805-6475 jima@bluewaterpublishers.com

- Mark Riso, PHCC National, Director of Government Relations

What the Statistics Don’t Show Regarding HVACR Training Programs

Instructors Wanted!

Maryland PHCC Plumbing Apprenticeship School Class of 2014

Plumbing Apprenticeship Program Open Enrollment & Skip Test Information

OFFICERS 2014 ................... PRESIDENT THOMAS KELLER ELLICOTT CITY, MD (410) 203-1741 (410) 203-2638 FAX

DIRECTORS BRUCE J. SOLOMON REISTERSTOWN, MD (410) 833- 2188 (410) 833-9023 FAX

VICE PRESIDENT STEVEN M. SCHAEFER WESTMINSTER, MD (410) 876-6825 (410) 857-0011 FAX

JIM BERNDT BALTIMORE, MD (410) 254-7473 (410) 256-4787 FAX

SECRETARY FREDERICK WOLF BALTIMORE, MD (410) 327-4750 (410) 563-1611 FAX TREASURER TIMOTHY FELDMAN ELKRIDGE, MD (410) 536-5700 (410) 536-5705 FAX SERGEANT AT ARMS KATHARINE K. STRADLEY ELLICOTT CITY, MD (410) 442-2221 (410) 442-7626 FAX

RONALD MCBEE, SR. BALTIMORE, MD (410) 444-5448 (410) 426-5440 FAX RONALD STIEGLER ELDERSBURG, MD (410) 876-6825

APPRENTICESHIP EDUCATION COUNCIL MEMBERS STEVEN M. SCHAEFER ADMINISTRATIVE CHAIR WESTMINSTER, MD (410) 876-6825 (410) 857-0011 FAX EDGAR W. ZEPP, IV CLARKSVILLE, MD (410) 531-6712 (410) 531-5812 FAX

RONALD LLOYD COLUMBIA, MD 21046 (410)-203-2720 (410) 203-1866 FAX EDGAR W. ZEPP, IV CLARKSVILLE, MD (410) 531-6712 (410) 531-5812 FAX

JIM BERNDT BALTIMORE, MD (410) 254-7373 (410) 256-4787 FAX

KATHARINE K. STRADLEY ELLICOTT CITY, MD (410) 442-2221

VERNON L. GAUSS, JR. KINGSVILLE, MD RONALD STIEGLER ELDERSBURG, MD (410) 876-6825

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS WALTER L. BREWER TIMONIUM, MD

THOMAS N. EARP HANOVER, MD

PAUL F. GOEDEKE BALTIMORE, MD

Summer 2014 | Maryland PHCC Contractor

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AMP UP YOUR BUSINESS!

Plug Into Proven Strategies and Powerful Ideas at CONNECT 2014

t PHCC, we’re definitely getting jazzed about all the new opportunities and new strategies that will take center stage in New Orleans for CONNECT 2014, Oct. 8-10. The French Quarter promises to be a beautiful and inspirational setting for this year’s conference. After all, what better place to recharge our professional and personal batteries than in a city known for its own recovery and resilience? We hope you’ll join us in the Big Easy this year! Among the highlights planned for CONNECT 2014: • A rock-solid line-up of educational opportunities. Get a front-row seat for innovative tips and informationsharing on topics such as finding and retaining employees, technology trends, BIM, sales and customer service, bathroom trends, marketing, new water heater regulations and estimating.

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•

“The New Normal: Leadership and Preparedness in the 21st Century”– presented by General Russel L. Honoré. When it seemed that desperation and chaos were taking over the city of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, General Honoré stepped in to take charge and restore order. In his keynote address on Oct. 9, General Honoré will apply his proven strategies to the needs of small business owners.

•

An expanded Apprentice Contest. Watch top apprentices from across the United States demonstrate their skills at the PHCC Educational Foundation’s Plumbing Apprentice Contest and – in its second year – HVAC Apprentice Contest.

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Our popular Product & Technology Showcase. You’ll get premiere access to the industry’s top manufacturers and service providers as they share ideas about products, technologies and advancements in this intimate setting.

•

Special Closing Event. See where artisans create the magnificent Mardi Gras floats at a special closing

Maryland PHCC Contractor | Summer 2014

By Gerry Kennedy PHCC National Association Executive Vice President

reception at Mardi Gras World, where you’ll be able to view past floats and others in progress. We look forward to connecting with you at what promises to be an exciting, energetic event at the New Orleans Marriott, a majestic hotel in the French Quarter boasting beautiful panoramic Mississippi River and city views. For more information about CONNECT 2014, visit:

www.phccweb.org/connect Hope to see you there!

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saniflo.com Summer 2014 | Maryland PHCC Contractor

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By Mark Riso Director of Government Relations PHCC National Association

IT’S OFFICIAL DC Court Approves Settlement of the Final Furnace, Air Conditioner, and Heat Pump Rule

What you should know...

democracy has many moving parts. When all the dynamics of a democracy work together, the results in terms of improving the quality of life of a nation are outstanding. However… the opposite is true as well. A very important component of the mission of a federal agency, such as The U.S. Department of Energy, is to responsibly interpret the intent of a Congressional action (law), and establish public policy based on the goals and in parallel with the Administration. Public policy is communicated and set by rules and regulations. When establishing a rule or regulation, it is critical that a federal agency seek the input of industry through a Public Comment Period. An association should monitor or track these policies and when needed, work to effectively influence the system on behalf of its members, a critical role of a state or national association. Congress, the Administration, and Federal Agencies, working together in conjunction, are the measurement and credibility of a democracy. Any imbalance of this system will result in irresponsible public policy, possibly resulting in litigation as well. Such has been the case with the recent U.S. Department of Energy’s Final Furnace, Air Conditioner, and Heat Pump Rule. The efficiency standards for non-weatherized gas furnace equipment have been set and a new rulemaking process will be started for the regional standards provisions. Non-weatherized gas furnaces will be required to meet a minimum 80% A.F.U.E. rating. The process to establish new regional standards for non-weatherized gas furnaces will require several steps. Ultimately, it will be about 5 years before these regional standards could be in place. [6]

Maryland PHCC Contractor | Summer 2014

A sell through period will be established for split system central air conditioning equipment to allow installation of equipment manufactured before January 1, 2015 to be sold until July 1, 2016. All other provisions of the rule would be as originally proposed, taking effect January 1, 2015. Additionally, DOE agrees not to assert civil penalty authority for violation of the regional standard for central air conditioners over parties that are distributors. DOE further agrees to review the Direct Final Rule process and to commence a notice and comment rulemaking proceeding to clarify its process related to direct final rules (DFRs) by publishing a request for information (RFI) in the Federal Register within 180 days of the judgment by the D.C. Circuit implementing this agreement. The following chart indicates the minimum efficiencies that will be effective January 1, 2015: Amended Energy Conservation Standards for Furnaces January 1, 2015

† SEER is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; EER is Energy Efficiency Ratio; HSPF is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor; and Btu/h is British thermal units per hour. †† The following States comprise the Southeastern region for central air conditioners and heat pumps: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, and the District of Columbia. ‡ The States of Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico comprise the Southwestern region for central air conditioners and heat pumps. ‡‡ The direct final rule does not amend energy conservation standards for this product class.

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Summer 2014 | Maryland PHCC Contractor

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What the STATISTICS don’t show … PHCC Educational Foundation

Apprenticeship program numbers may be down nationwide, but those in the plumbing and HVACR industry claim the value of this comprehensive training option is better than ever.

pprenticeships are proven in helping employers match the skills they want with the training workers receive. Those programs, it would seem, are key, considering business owners often complain that a skills gap threatens their productivity and growth. According to the Labor Department, though, apprenticeships in the United States fell 40 percent between 2003 and 2013. Why the decline? Some obstacles include the overall perception of the skilled trades, lack of knowledge about career opportunities in the trades and the view that young people should obtain a four-year college degree. Advocates of apprenticeships, however, maintain that employers are realizing that apprenticeships actually produce better quality workers and boost retention, as workers who take the apprenticeship path recognize the investment their employers are making in their careers and reciprocate with a greater sense of loyalty. Fortunately, the PHCC Educational Foundation understands the value of apprentice training, especially today as up to 95 million Baby Boomers are either retiring or changing work focus. With this increased challenge of finding and training workers to meet the skilled labor needs of the plumbing and HVACR industry, the Foundation offers a host of training opportunities and materials, including one of the most comprehensive and accredited programs – a four-year apprentice curriculum. In fact, businesses across the country continue to rely on PHCC’s curriculum, textbooks and other training materials. Why? • PHCC’s materials are developed by a team of contractors, educators, and code experts to meet the needs of contractors in providing a knowledgeable technician

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Maryland PHCC Contractor | Summer 2014

•

• •

•

by the end of PHCC’s apprentice training program. Conversely, the competition’s curriculum is designed for what general contractors want plumbing and HVAC technicians to know. With code a big curriculum issue, the Educational Foundation works with code experts on our series to ensure that we are accurate across all three model codes. The Foundation’s curriculum is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. Our textbooks are updated on a regular basis. In fact, we continuously encourage feedback on the entire apprentice program from instructors and then incorporate valid changes based on that feedback. Instructor materials include PowerPoint presentations that instructors can use along with the lesson plans to ensure the subject is adequately covered. Test banks are also provided to provide a means of assessing student knowledge of the material covered. Programs – including those shorter than the four-year curriculum – can be customized. With four separate textbooks, you can tailor PHCC’s series to meet your local requirements. For example, for a two-year short course, you can determine what needs to be covered in those two years and pull from the (continued on page 10)

Summer 2014 | Maryland PHCC Contractor

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appropriate books/materials. Be sure to consider, however, the number of classroom instruction hours required by your state. Online Options PHCC realizes that some apprentices live in areas not easily accessible to classroom training or have personal issues such as child or elder care that prevent them from attending traditional classroom training. With that, the Foundation offers an online course version of our curriculum, with our home study students’ employers receiving student progress reports on a monthly basis. In addition, the Foundation’s complete four-year series of plumbing textbooks is now available electronically (as well as in print format), so students can read and reference these eBooks from their Apple, Kindle, or Nook devices. Electronic conversion our HVACR textbooks will be completed by the end of this summer. Assessment Tests The Foundation’s plumbing assessment tests have undergone a rigorous validation process, similar to that of ACT, GRE, and other standardized tests. Available through the National Occupational & Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Business Solutions section, these tests assess what students should know at the end of each of the four years of apprenticeship instruction,

as determined by a team of instructors, contractors, and code experts. On the HVAC side, the Industry Competency Exam (ICE), offered by AHRI, serves as an excellent course-end test for graduating apprentices to ensure they have appropriate entrylevel knowledge. Both tests are offered online, and the results can be shared with the training program to help identify areas in which additional instruction may be needed. Students passing the assessments receive a certificate. Education at Work Whether you’re someone looking to pave a path toward a career in the plumbing and/or HVACR industry or an employer anxious to train this next generation to the level you expect, look no further than the PHCC to meet your needs … from a four-year apprentice program to a shorter-term requirement. We know the value of apprenticeships, and we see the results of our educational resources working effectively for this industry … every day. For more information, contact Merry Beth Hall, Director of Apprentice and Journeyman Training, at hall@naphcc.org

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With new national lead-free legislation, there’s been a lot of talk about making the switch. Here’s the truth: T&S was the first fixture, faucet and fitting manufacturer to convert its entire line to lead-free alloys back in 2010. So when you purchase a T&S faucet, the peace of mind that comes with lead-free compliance is built right in. No worries. No hassle. Visit tsbrass.com/literature to download a free brochure about our lead-free products, or contact your local T&S rep for more information.

T&S plumbing products represented in Maryland by: S.E. Taylor & Associates - 410-255-7620 2014 Lead-Free PHCC Pubs.indd 6 [ 10TSB-615 ] Maryland PHCC Contractor | Summer 2014

1/28/14 12:14 PM

Maryland Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Education Council is now accepting applications for Instructors for our Plumbing Apprenticeship Program. COURSE INFORMATION: The course is 165 hours and classes are held two nights a week from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

semester for a fourth year Instructor.

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY --- Classes held at the Center of Applied Technology, North, 800 Stevenson Road, Severn, MD. Classes at this location are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Position open for the 2014 semester for a third year Instructor.

• •

BALTIMORE COUNTY --- Classes held at the Essex Community College, 7201 Rossville Blvd., Baltimore, MD. Tuesday Classes at this location are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Position open for the 2014

Qualifications:

• •

Prior teaching experience is preferred, but not required. A Master Plumber/Master Inspector or Journey License is essential. Four years trade experience is acceptable, yet a minimum of six years is preferred. Instructor Contracts are based on 165 hours per year

If you are interested and you would like to apply call the PHCC office (410) 461-5977 or fax your resume to (410) 750-2507 or by e-mail phccmd@aol.com.

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Summer 2014 | Maryland PHCC Contractor

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Graduating Class of 2014

MARYLAND PHCC PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP SCHOOL

By Steve Schaefer, Administrative Chairman

he Maryland Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Plumbing Apprenticeship graduation took place on April 10, 2014 at the Essex Community College in Baltimore, MD and on May 5, 2014 at the Center of Applied Technology, North in Severn, MD. The following individuals were awarded Diplomas for successfully completing the four year program at Essex Community College. • • • • • • • • •

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Jesse Kane sponsored by Joseph McDevitt & Sons, Inc. Michael Moyers sponsored by Maryland Mechanical Systems, Inc. Shane Muse sponsored by Southern Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Eric Pietrobone sponsored by L. J. Brossoit & Sons, Inc. James Robertson sponsored by Principle Plumbing, Inc. William Seipp sponsored by Schaefer Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Sean Verzi sponsored by G. E. Tignall Co., Inc. Kristopher Walsh sponsored by Schaefer Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Kevin Zerhusen sponsored by J. A. Smith & Co., Inc.

Maryland PHCC Contractor | Summer 2014

Graduates who attended, completed and passed the 32 hour Backflow Certification Course received their Backflow Certification Certificates. The Backflow course requires each individual to successfully complete and pass both the theory and practical examinations. The Maryland State Board of Plumbing requires the successful completion of a 32 hour Backflow Course as a pre requisite to sit for the journey/ Master plumber examination. Essex Community College awarded each graduate 24 Continuing Education credits for having completed and passed the four year apprenticeship program. The credits may be applied to other courses offered by the College should the apprentice wish to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Congratulations to our third year apprentices for being successful in passing the gas fitters training course. The Maryland PHCC is an approved provider for the Gas Fitters Training course. The course included the installation, operation and maintenance of gas piping, gas appliances and gas utilization equipment and the 2PSI system. At the conclusion of the six week training course all apprentices were required to pass both a hands on and written examination. The third year apprentices were awarded their Gas Fitter Training Certificates in addition to their third year Completion Certificates at the closing night ceremony. Certificates of Completion were also awarded to the first and second year apprentices who achieved a passing grade.

of the Instructors who teach at Essex Community College: 1st year George Malone 2nd year Ronald Hebb The Instructors at the Center of Applied Technology, North 1st year Gary Coombe 2nd year Seth Burdick It is with a great deal of sadness that we announce the passing of a Charter Member of the Apprenticeship Education Council, Ralph Vitale, Sr. Ralph believed in education and training the future workforce for the industry. He believed that apprentices should be given an opportunity to participate in an apprenticeship program. Ralph was a man with a vast knowledge of our Industry, he was friend, hard worker, and dedicated committee member, Ralph will be truly missed! Thank you to the members of the Apprenticeship Education Council for their dedication to the program, Ed Zepp, IV, Jim Berndt, Vernon Gauss, Ron Stiegler and Kathy Stradley.

The Robert McLaughlin Awards for outstanding Academic Achievement were presented by Steve Schaefer, Administrative Chairman. The recipients at the Essex Community College were: 1st year 1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year

Leonard Mauck Samuel Linzer Stephen Hicks Dale Eger Kevin Zerhusen

The recipients who received the award at the Center of Applied Technology were: 1st year Gregory Sigmund 2nd year Daniel Sipes We wish to give a special recognition to two of our Instructors who were recognized for their years of Service as Adjunct Faculty by Essex Community College at a Special Awards Ceremony. Those recipients were: Charles Chalk Bryon Harris

25 years of Service 15 years of Service

We are very fortunate to have these gentlemen teaching in our program. We would also like to recognize the remainder Summer 2014 | Maryland PHCC Contractor

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Maryland PHCC Contractor | Summer 2014

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