The Pipeline: July 28, 2026
Hi there,
Welcome to this week's edition of The Pipeline. Here's what's flowing this week to keep you informed and entertained!
🔦 Fun Fact
Water expands as it heats, which is easy to ignore until a check valve or backflow preventer turns the building supply into a closed system. With nowhere for that extra volume to go, pressure can climb every time the water heater fires. A properly sized thermal expansion tank gives that pressure a place to move without stressing valves, joints and fixtures.
😆 Laugh of the Day
Why did the plumber refuse to argue with the pressure gauge?
It always made a good point.
🔎 Check the Listing Before You Buy That PEX
The Plastics Pipe Institute is warning that some PEX tubing sold in the United States and Canada may claim compliance without third-party certification. Model codes require markings for standards such as ASTM F876 or CSA B137.5 plus a recognized listing-and-labeling mark, and a standards stamp alone is not enough. Nonlisted tubing can lead to failed inspections, tear-outs, warranty claims and liability if a system fails. Before the next order goes in, check the certification logo and verify the listing with the certifying agency or manufacturer...
📉 Water-Heater Shipments Show a Split Market
AHRI's May data shows residential storage water-heater shipments continuing to trail 2025, while commercial demand is moving in two directions. Residential gas units were down 1.8% year over year and residential electric units fell 7.5%; commercial electric storage dropped 16.3%. Commercial gas storage was the exception, edging up 0.2% for the month and 3.8% through May. Replacement calls still provide steady work, but the numbers suggest contractors should not assume every water-heater category is following the same market...
📘 The 2030 UPC Proposal Window Is Open
IAPMO is accepting formal proposals for the 2030 Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code. Installers, inspectors, engineers, manufacturers and nonmembers can submit new text, revisions or deletions through the IAPMO Codes Portal. Proposals must use legislative format, explain the reason for the change and arrive by 5 p.m. Pacific on January 8, 2027. If a recurring field problem deserves a better rule, this is the window to put evidence behind a proposed fix...
We hope you enjoyed this week's edition of The Pipeline. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, keep the pipes flowing! 🔧💧
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