ASA Engaged at ASME/CSA Standards Meetings

I represented the members of ASA at the recent meetings of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASME) Technical Committees responsible for the development of plumbing fixture standards in the U.S. and Canada.  I serve as a voting member of the ASME A-112 Standards Committee on Plumbing Materials and Equipment and also participate as an observer/participant in the CSA Standards Committee meetings.  The two groups meet during the same week due to the significant number of joint harmonized standards published by the two organizations.

The following highlights the discussions and outcomes of the meetings:

U.S.EPA WaterSense Program Working with Amazon

The U.S. EPA WaterSense Program, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. EPA, develops product water-efficiency standards and certifies products to those standards with the goal of the WaterSense labeled products using at least 20 percent less water than regular models.  Many ASA member companies produce and distribute WaterSense labeled products and ASA is a Partner Member of the Program. 

The WaterSense specifications reference the ASME/CSA product standards to ensure the products meet the minimum performance and safety standards set by the industry while also providing efficient water use.  Staff from the WaterSense Program provide update reports on the Program during ASME/CSA meetings.

The WaterSense Program staff reported on the status of the U.S. EPA WaterSense Program working with Amazon to ask manufacturers to provide Universal Product Codes (UPC) for all WaterSense labeled products in lieu of the standard method of providing model numbers.  Although this effort is described as voluntary, it was noted that only companies that provide the UPC for products labeled to the WaterSense specifications will receive the Amazon “Climate Pledge Friendly” designation on the Amazon e-store.  Amazon is also working with the U.S. Department of Energy and their Energy Star labeling program on a similar effort.

There was significant discussion on the issue especially related the providing of UPCs becomes defacto mandatory based on the inability to receive the Climate Pledge Friendly designation unless the UPCs are provided, even when the products are U.S. EPA WaterSense Labeled.  In addition, there was concern about the complexity of the use of a UPC vs. model numbers and a potential issue of having a clear way to validate the UPCs provided are directly related to the WaterSense labeled products.  In addition, concern was raised about potential confusion in the market place concerning WaterSense labeled products and Amazon Climate Friendly Pledge designated products.

I would like to hear from our ASA Members on this issue. Let me know what you think and if you see any potential issues. Contact me at jkendzel@asa.net with your thoughts.

New Project Opened to Update Stainless Steel Alloy Tables

A proposal was submitted to additional stainless steel alloys to ASME A112.19.3/CSA B45.4, Stainless Steel Plumbing Fixtures.  The proposal was accepted and a project opened to add the following stainless steels:  S43400, S43600, S43035, S44400, S43940, S44100, and S44330.

Adding Connection Standards to Plumbing Supply System Standards

What should be a simple update to ASME A112.18.6/CSA B125.6, Plumbing Supply Fittings, turned into quite the discussion during the meetings.  The initial project was to incorporate copper and copper alloy press-connect pressure fittings into the standard in addition to push-fit fittings, which are already included in the standard.  ASA typically supports the inclusion of products into a standard when the product is currently being supplied to the marketplace.   I spoke in opposition to not including press-connect fittings into the Standard.  In order to help resolve the issue, I volunteered to assume the role of Chair of the Task Group.

New/Revised Standards Published

Over the last several years there has been significant activity in the development of new and revised standards impacting the sink and drain industry.  The following new standards were published in July of 2022:

• ASME A112.6.3/CSA B79.3, Floor Drains
• ASME A112.6.4/CSA B79.4, Roof, Deck, and Balcony Drains
• ASME A112.6.7/CSA B79, Sanitary Floor Sinks
• ASME A112.6.8/CSA B79.8, Trench Drains
• ASME A112.6.9/CSA B79.9, Siphonic Roof Drains

It is my pleasure to represent our members at these meetings.  Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns related to my reports by contacting me at jkendzel@asa.net.

Jim Kendzel, ASA Director of Codes and Standards

About ASA: The American Supply Association is the national association for full-service wholesaler-distributors and manufacturers of plumbing-heating-cooling-piping and industrial pipe-valve-fitting products.  Learn more about ASA at www.asa.net.