World Plumbing Info

Drainline poisoning

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:38:36 +1100

A drainline in Lahore has been found to be contaminating vegetable crops with heavy metal pollutants.

Dealing with drain contamination

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:49:52 +1100

A US study has found that plumbing systems may be a cause of human infection.

Drain poisons: a global problem

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:50:48 +1100

Two recent studies have found that there is a serious correlation between drainline contamination and human infection.

In Hyderabad, India it has been found that vegetables being sold in the city are being contaminated with heavy toxic metal pollutants. The problem is agricultural farms are being irrigated by untreated, toxic and polluted water from waste drains.

The Hyderabad newspaper, The Daily Times found that "large quantities of sewage, and industrial pollutants are discharged into the wastewater drains of the city without prior treatment."

World Plumbing Day 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:18:57 +1100

The world's children have been invited to submit posters to represent World Plumbing Day 2012.

World Plumbing Council Concludes International Conference

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:29:56 +1000

The World Plumbing Council (WPC) recently concluded its 9th Triennial Conference, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Conference host the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF) reports that 363 registered delegates and companions attended.

Andy Watts Receives WPC’s Distinguished Service Award

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:23:43 +1000

The World Plumbing Council (WPC) Executive Board has bestowed its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, upon Andy Watts, MBE, of the United Kingdom. Newly elected WPC Chairman GP Russ Chaney presented the award to Watts during the 9th World Plumbing Conference, Sept. 7-11, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

World Plumbing Council Taps Chaney as New Chairman

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:13:52 +1000

Russ Chaney, CEO of The IAPMO Group, was elected chairman of the World Plumbing Council (WPC) for a term covering 2011‐13 during the 9th World Plumbing Conference, held between September 7‐11, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Changes in water consumption

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:33:38 +1000

How urbanisation is changing water consumption and distribution and a new way to combat the problem of dissipating water resources.

Bonding straps

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:23:52 +1000

The use of Bonding Straps to prevent electrocution or electric shocks when plumbers are going about their daily chores has been covered in the past. Still these incidents keep happening not only to plumbers but electricians and others in the building and maintenance industry

Converting heat into electricity

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:08:21 +1000

Following the growing interest in geothermal energy, a new invention has been designed to convert heat from this sustainable source into electricity. But what does this man for plumbers?

Holding onto Gen Y

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:59:45 +1000

No matter where you come from, the division between the generations seems to be growing. What can plumbers do to stop this gulf from widening?

IAPMO R&T Oceana Opens in Sydney

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:24:43 +1000

Due to rapid expansion of the business and to further build upon the strong reputation and the high regard of its product certification services in the Australian and New Zealand markets, IAPMO R&T Oceana has expanded with the opening of a new office in Sydney, Australia.

iSaveH2O rain tank calculator

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:02:50 +1000

A new iphone application, based on ISF research is now available to help consumers choose the most suitable rain tank for their home.

Toilets at the Gates

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:51:38 +1000

Bill Gates has set his attention to revolutionising the humble toilet in a bid to tackle disease epidemics.

Canadian energy rebates

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:44:32 +1000

The Canadian federal government has just released details of the $400 million EcoEnergy Retrofit – Homes program that was revived as part of the 2011 budget delivered in June. The program, which provides up to $5,000 in rebates to Canadian homeowners, is effective as of June 6, 2011 through to March 31, 2012.

Embracing new technologies

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:52:40 +1000

It is a well known (unfortunate) fact that old-guard plumbers throughout the world are reluctant to adopt new technologies. However, by failing to do so, they are stifling their businesses - small or large - and their own skills development.

The fact is, technology in the form of apps and computer software is now a necessity and plumbers must get on their computers and learn how to use them and associated programs.

In the UK, Train4Trade Skills uses games technology to create a virtual reality house, in which plumbing students can practice their skills.

March of the plumbers

Mon, 09 May 2011 14:06:51 +1000

The past few months has seen a spate of plumbing events across the globe. In Australia the National Plumbing Regulators Forum (NPRF) Conference brought together a host of industry experts to discuss topics that have local as well as worldwide impact. From rules and regulations, to education and CPD, to the potential damage of water borne diseases and the public costs of poor plumbing, the NPRF Conference provided multi-faceted insight into the growing problems the plumbing community faces and the need to remain vigilant in the face of potential crises.

March of the plumbers

Mon, 09 May 2011 14:06:51 +1000

In the past few months a number of important plumbing events have been held across the globe. In Australia the National Plumbing Regulators Forum (NPRF) Conference brought together a host of industry experts to discuss topics that have local as well as worldwide impact. From rules and regulations, to education and CPD, to the potential damage of water borne diseases and the public costs of poor plumbing, the NPRF Conference provided multi-faceted insight into the growing problems the plumbing community faces and the need to remain vigilant in the face of potential crises.

Urinal games in Japan

Mon, 09 May 2011 12:05:11 +1000

Japanese entertainment company Sega has created an entirely new urinal experience: urinal controlled games.

Toilet training for pigs

Mon, 09 May 2011 11:52:59 +1000

Taiwan is coming up with pollution solutions that aims to fix smell and water use on pig farms. The experiments aim to train pigs to use the toilet.

World Plumbing Day 2011 a global success

Mon, 09 May 2011 11:28:44 +1000

Created in 2010 by the World Plumbing Council (WPC), the second World Plumbing Day on 11 March 2011 has been hailed as a success writes Robert D Burgon, Chairman, World Plumbing Council.

National plumbing regulators forum 2011

Mon, 09 May 2011 10:47:24 +1000

The National Plumbing Regulators Forum (NPRF) held its first conference in two and a half years at the Melbourne Convention Centre, bringing industry leaders and experts together to present and discuss topics that directly affect the plumbing industry. Jonathan Jackson reports on three days of plumbing relevance.

The ISH pilgrimage 2011

Mon, 09 May 2011 09:41:44 +1000

For the past 22 years, Connection Magazines and World Plumbing Info publisher Jeff Patchell has been fortunate to attend the world’s major bi-annual plumbing fair. In the following report Jeff explains why ISH (International Sanitation & Heating) never ceases to be an interesting week in understanding where the market is heading.

We know squat about female urinals

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:52:45 +1100

Recently, Plumbing Connection surveyed the women of Australia to find out their thoughts on introducing a female urinal to the world of public restrooms. Dimi Kyriakou and Jonathan Jackson discuss the results and what they could mean for the plumbing sector.

NPRF Forum || Industry stalwart passes away

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:59:27 +1100

Suppliers and importers often whine about dealing with State regulators and the fact that they find things out after the event!

Well, in 10 days time you have your chance to mix it with the State regulators and a host of other people from across the plumbing industry that influence your ability to bring product to market and then have it successfully installed.

The 2-day industry-relevant section of the National Plumbing Regulators Forum (NPRF) in Melbourne, March 7 – 9 is the event you need to be at.

Vale – Prof. John Swaffield, a great Scot

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:27:51 +1100

In February 2011, the plumbing industry lost a man who, for the past 30 years, has been considered by many to be the industry’s great visionary.

Don’t miss out on a seat at the NPRF conference

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:24:10 +1100

I often hold conversations with suppliers and importers who whine about dealing with State regulators and the fact that they find things out after the event!

World Plumbing Day 2011 to see increased industry activity

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:17:14 +1100

It looks likely that the second World Plumbing Day on Friday 11 March 2011 will see even more industry activity than on the first Day in 2010.

Urinal amendments

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 09:50:20 +1100

In an effort to integrate water-sensitive urban designs into current practice the National Plumbing Regulators Forum (NPRF) for Australia and New Zealand formed the Australasian Scientific Review of Reduction of Flows on Plumbing and Drainage Systems (ASFlow) Committee to conduct research into the effects reduced flows are having on drainage systems.

Female urinals: suggestion or solution?

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:57:06 +1100

A new survey being conducted by Plumbing Connection magazine sets out to solve the age old mystery of why women are always queuing up to use the toilet, while examining health issues related to skin contact with toilet seats.

Will women stand for it?

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:44:26 +1100

Issues surrounding female restrooms including lengthy queues at public venues, health concerns with regard to soiled seats and over use are debated around the world. However, global solutions seem to fall on deaf ears. A new survey being conducted by Plumbing Connection magazine seeks insight into the problems associated with female urinals.

What can be done about the problem that would reduce waiting times, reduce skin contact with toilet seats and minimise potential health risks?

Inspector detector

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:09:30 +1100

A Chicago plumbing inspector described by a prosecutor as a "major league bribe taker" has been sentenced to 41 months in prison, making him the most recent city employee imprisoned as part of Operation Crooked Code.

CIB Symposium Sydney 2010

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:38:09 +1100

CIB Working Commission W062 on Water Supply and Drainage for Buildings, held its 36th Annual Symposium in Sydney, Australia on November 8-10, 2010.

Grundfos CME Booster

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:32:35 +1100

An exciting new constant pressure system designed for domestic and light commercial water supply applications has been released this week to the Australian market by Grundfos Pumps Pty Ltd.

The yellow plumber

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:04:15 +1100

As the world’s phosphate reserves continue to deplete, there is an opportunity to capture and reuse human urine as an agricultural fertiliser. Dimi Kyriakou investigates a new research initiative to develop the first urine diverting toilets in Australia.

Bosch Clipped Head Framing Nailer

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:54:18 +1100

Bosch now offers a range of five state-of-the-art tools to cover the main nailing applications.

JORAN’s Speedhammer™ POWER drill bits

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:45:16 +1100

IRWIN tools has introduced a new range of JORAN’s Speedhammer™ POWER drill bits aimed at increasing performance while reducing bit breakages when drilling through reinforced concrete.

Top bathroom trends

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:13:42 +1100

These days nobody wants to end up in a retirement home. People would much rather have a smart new bathroom with a wellness tub, comfy bench and big, modern “walk-in shower”, and there are even those who dream of a make-up table complete with big mirror. But what exactly does the one thing have to do with the other? A great deal – in fact, for many people, everything. But it’s not just a question of tastes: quality of life is what’s at stake here.

The return of ISH

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:02:19 +1100

I’m often asked if there are any must-see plumbing exhibitions to visit overseas and my response is always the same – there is only one decent event at which visitors will never be disappointed.

World toilet summit

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:11:24 +1000

For the first time ever, the World Toilet Summit will take place in the United States. This annual event brings together key global leaders in the sanitation and water arena to discuss and learn about innovations and business opportunities surrounding the global sanitation crisis that affects 40% of the world’s population.

CIB symposium comes to Sydney

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:56:48 +1000

The 36th International Symposium of CIB W062 on Water Supply and Drainage for Buildings will be held from 8-10 November in Sydney, Australia.

Plumbing Supply Forum 2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:21:56 +1000

The 2010 Plumbing Supply Forum lived up to its reputation as the ‘meeting place’ for Australasian plumbing manufacturers and merchants.

The plumber's voice needs to be heard

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:00:28 +1000

When governments change policy, often the industry voice that is being affected is never heard. For real meaningful change to occur, the industry must be given a voice.

Whether its complacency coming from an industry that can't be bothered taking part in policy discussion, or regulators not listening, policy change is too often made without meaningful input from all parties affected. And that is a shame.

The Plumber from Nantucket

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:11:57 +1000

Here’s a story from the United States of America that serves as a warning for all plumbers, no matter where they are from.

Methven Evenflow

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:46:29 +1000

Methven’s new innovation is Evenflo™ technology, which ensures that the water flow delivered, is consistent and prevents fluctuations in water temperature when pressure is unbalanced.

Geberit's new growth phase

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:30:36 +1000

Geberit has big plans for their Asia Pacific operation. Jonathan Jackson spoke with Geberit Asia Pacific CEO Michael Schumacher about market penetration, education and the new Shanghai head office.

Asia Pacific region given a sustainable boost

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:40:13 +1000

There are two major events occurring at the moment: The FIFA World Cup, the biggest sporting event in the world, host to 32 nations all seeking the ultimate football prize and the Shanghai World Expo which in terms of size and scale surprisingly dwarfs the great football event.

The Shanghai World Expo has gathered together 231 nations to display their history and culture in a line of pavilions that take up more area than a string of World Cup football fields.

The world's biggest sustainable Expo

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:28:29 +1000

With the theme “Better City, Better Life”, the biggest World Expo in the history ever, is currently taking place in Shanghai, China. The Expo began 1 May and will finish 31 October and will host approximately 70 million people.

Wastewater breakthroughs in China

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:35:16 +1000

Two years ago, scientists from around the world predicted that China would be leading the way in ‘toilet-to-tap” technology. Under the guidance of Professor Siqing Xia of Tongji University, those predictions have come true. Jonathan Jackson spoke with Professor Xia about the implementation of the technology and further research.

Geberit opens head office in Asia Pacific

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:37:05 +1000

The new Geberit Asia Pacific headquarters opened in style on 27 May, 2010 with a full Chinese ceremony and a great deal of hope for the future in this burgeoning region.