Paul Kennedy: Q&A on new plumbing code, continuing ed

President of Dorchester's P. J. Kennedy & Sons, Paul Kennedy also serves as chairman of the State Plumbing Board. He spoke with The Pipeline about Massachusetts' new plumbing code and other plumbing board issues.

The Pipeline: Since you took over as chairman in December 2003, what have been the State Plumbing Board's main activities?

Paul Kennedy: We really have to thank all the board members and others who came before us. They laid the groundwork. But in the last couple of years, I'd say the board has accomplished some major goals. The most dramatic one, so far, has been the new plumbing and gas code.

TP:How did the new code come about?

PK: We got enormous help from Joe Peluso, the new executive director for the State Board. Also from the state investigators, and all the members of the board. Anne Collins, who heads up the Division of Registration, was also essential in getting this through the political hoops up at the State House.

TP: Is the new code in effect?

PK: Plumbers can use either the old or the new codes until September. At that point, only the new code will be acceptable.

TP: What's different in the code?

PK: One big change is that Pex-type tubing for water piping is now acceptable, as is corrugated stainless steel tubing, CSST, for gas piping. But there are literally hundreds of changes, and an entirely new format. So I would advise every plumber to get a copy. You can read the plumbing portion of the code online: www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/pl/. Information on the gas sections are posted at www.nfpa.org. Look for the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58).

TP: Will there be more changes in the future?

PK: Definitely. Let's face it: Our industry is changing all the time. In Massachusetts we really do have a special pride in our trade, and we don't want to just jump on board a new technology just because it's new. Take CSST, for instance. It will definitely change the way gas piping is done. It can be useful, but when we looked at it for Massachusetts, we wanted to make sure that we maintained the highest standards of safety. So yes, you can use CSST, but we put seventeen special conditions on its installation so that the consumer can be guaranteed a safe installation.

But to return to your question, yes, we will continue to review the code. I expect that every couple of years we will see an updated version.

TP: Beyond the code, what other changes can we expect?

PK: One of the other big changes you'll be seeing is continuing education for all plumbers. We want to move our industry into the 21st century. Continuing education is essential for every profession. One example: Every plumber should become familiar with the new code, and continuing ed will be a way to accomplish that. Last year we convinced the legislature to pass a law which calls for continuing ed, and for expanded training of apprentices.

TP: How will the process work?

PK: Over the coming months we'll be working on the logistics. For continuing education, it will be a modest number of hours, maybe four to six, every two years. The Board will help define the curriculum. You won't be allowed to renew your license unless you have fulfilled this requirement. The one exception might be for those over 65 who are not operating a business and no longer fully active in the trade. They should have the right to keep their licenses for as long as they want to without the education requirement. This is an issue I will bring to the board for approval.

TP: What about changes in apprentice requirements?

PK: Right now, we're at 300 classroom hours. That is far below the national average. In other parts of the country, you see apprentices receiving over 500 hours in the classroom. We also expect the field requirement to increase from the current three years, to probably four or more.

TP: These are a lot of changes.

PK: We're taking it one step at a time. We have a great working relationship now, with all groups in our industry really sitting down, working on things, and pushing in the same direction.

TP: Sounds like you enjoy this work.

PK: I love it! I love the people I work with. Some people like golf. I like opening the code, and dealing with people.

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