President's Report

Well, it appears that we have made it through the winter and spring is upon us.  Hoping that everyone is looking forward to summer and some warmer weather. 

Typically, we try to get the Newsletter out before our Monthly chapter meeting but busy schedules got in the way.

I am happy to report that meeting attendance is still strong and thank all the members for their continued engagement and support.  Membership continues to grow and we are currently at 95 members.-.triple digits here we come.

We have a lot of events planned over the next few months so be sure to check out the Calendar of Events section of the Newsletter, our Website and your emails.

We have engaged with CT NFSA (National Fire Sprinkler Association) to hold a combined ASPE/NFSA meeting on March 31, 2026 which will be held at Il Gabbiano in New Haven.  There will be a presentation on “NFPA 25 Inspection Reports – Questions to Include and Questions to Avoid".  CT ASPE Members please register on the CT ASPE website for this event.

I have another exciting event announcement to share with you all as well. The Four ASPE Chapter Presidents from CT, LI, NYC, NJ with support from Viega are announcing a Tri-State ASPE Game Night to be held on Friday April 24, 2026 at the Viega Experience Center in Long Island City, NY.  This will be a great opportunity to network, engage and have some fun with those colleagues that we only get to see at region or national events.  I strongly encourage those that are able to join me in attending the event.  Full details and registration information will be sent shortly.

2026 is an election year for Chapter Officer positions.  I will be sending out a separate email explaining the process, including the positions available and their responsibilities.

As that constant reminder October is the ASPE Convention in Oklahoma City.  If you are planning on attending, please keep an eye out for when ASPE opens registration for hotel rooms, you will want to register early and get a room in the host hotel where everything is happening.

Lastly, as announced at the March Chapter Meeting, we have booked SBC in Milford for our June meeting.  So please mark that in your calendar and get the word out to everyone in Fairfield County or other areas that are too far to attend our normal meeting location.  We listened and this one is for you!  Hope that we see a lot of new faces (and the regulars too!)

As always if anyone has any questions, concerns, ideas or just wants to talk plumbing please feel free to reach out.

I look forward to see you all at future meetings and events!

Regards,

Jonathan (Jay) Kurtz, CPD

CT Chapter President

Back to top

Technical News

February Technical Meeting Recap

The February technical meeting featured an in-depth and engaging presentation by Eddie Villalta of Evac on Vacuum Waste Systems in Commercial Buildings.

The presentation provided a comprehensive technical overview of vacuum plumbing technology and its growing role as an alternative to conventional gravity drainage systems. As building design continues to prioritize sustainability, flexibility, and efficient use of space, vacuum waste systems are increasingly being considered for facilities where traditional gravity systems present challenges. These systems use negative pressure to transport wastewater through smaller-diameter piping with minimal slope requirements, allowing for greater routing flexibility and adaptability within complex building layouts.

Eddie reviewed the fundamental components that make up a vacuum system, including interface valves, collection piping, vacuum pumps, and central collection tanks. He also discussed system controls and monitoring strategies used to maintain proper vacuum pressure, manage discharge cycles, and ensure reliable operation. Portions of the presentation focused on emergency operation, explaining how vacuum systems are designed to maintain functionality during system interruptions and how the pumped system can break to gravity discharge if needed. Eddie also provided several examples of situations where vacuum systems can offer clear benefits—and potential cost savings—over traditional gravity systems, such as projects with long horizontal runs, limited floor-to-floor heights, or challenging site conditions that would otherwise require significant structural or piping accommodations.

The presentation generated strong engagement from attendees, with many thoughtful questions throughout the session. Eddie was exceptionally well prepared and provided thorough, clear responses that ensured all questions were fully addressed.

A big thank you to Eddie Villalta for an excellent and informative presentation, and to Evac for generously sponsoring the bar tab for the evening. We also thank everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.

Submitted by

Devon Neal, CPD

CT Chapter VP of Technical

Back to top

Legislative Update

2026 State Building Code Adoption

State Building, Fire Safety and Fire Prevention Codes Update:

The next state building, fire safety, and fire prevention codes are expected to take effect in mid-2026.

The Code Amendment Subcommittee began meeting to discuss the proposed 2026 Connecticut state codes on January 10, 2024. For meeting dates, agendas, and meeting minutes, visit the Codes Amendment Subcommittee page
The new Connecticut state codes that will be in effect will be the:

• 2026 Connecticut State Building Code
• 2026 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code
• 2026 Connecticut State Fire Prevention Code

Adopted Model Codes

The following model codes are anticipated to be adopted by the 2026 Connecticut state codes:

• 2024 International Building Code (IBC) by ICC
• 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) by ICC
• 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by ICC
• 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) by ICC
• 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) by ICC
• 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) by ICC
• 2024 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC) by ICC
• 2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC) by NFPA
• 2017 ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities by ICC
• 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) by ICC
• 2021 NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code by the NFPA
• 2024 NFPA 1 - Fire Code by the NFPA

The model codes are viewable on their publisher's web sites:

• International Code Council (ICC) Codes
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes

The development of Connecticut specific versions of the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Fire Safety Code (IFC), NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, is expected once the codes are adopted. 

2026 State Building Code Adoption

Public Comment 

• 2026 Connecticut State Building Code - Public Comments and Responses
• 2026 Connecticut State Building Code - Draft for Public Comment
• 2026 Connecticut State Building Code - Draft for Legislative Regulation Review Committee
• 2026 Connecticut State Building Code - Notice, Flexibility Analysis & Fiscal Note

2026 State Fire Safety Code Adoption

Public Comment 

• 2026 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code - Public Comments and Responses
• 2026 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code - Draft for Public Comment
• 2026 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code - Draft for Legislative Regulation Review Committee
• 2026 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code - Notice, Flexibility Analysis & Fiscal Note
• 2026 CT Emergency Response Capabilities Requirements for Single-Exit Buildings            

2026 State Fire Prevention Code Adoption

Public Comment 

• 2026 Connecticut State Fire Prevention Code - Public Comments and Responses
• 2026 Connecticut State Fire Prevention Code - Draft for Public Comment
• 2026 Connecticut State Fire Prevention code - Draft for Legislative Regulation Review Committee
• 2026 Connecticut State Fire Prevention Code - Notice, Flexibility Analysis & Fiscal Note

Back to top

Women of ASPE

CT WOA invite you to join us on May 9, 2026 

Reach out to CT Chapter WOA Liason Jessica Flint at [email protected]

Back to top

Calendar of Events

CT ASPE Members are invited to attend the March 2026 Presentation and meeting of the CT Chapter of NFSA.  Members should sign up through the ASPE website.  Any questions please contact President Jay Kurtz

Back to top

AYP Event Wrap UP

We had an awesome turnout at our Trivia Night at World of Beer on Wednesday the 25th, with a great mix of new and familiar faces bringing the energy all night long. The room was buzzing with competition, laughs, and a few surprisingly clutch answers that stole the show. It was exactly the kind of laid-back, high-energy night we’re building these events around. Huge thanks to everyone who came out and made it a success. Stay tuned… the next one’s already in the works!

Submitted by Tyler Rice, CT Chapter AYP Liaison

Back to top

Multi-Chapter Members

John Cabral - Boston

John Callahan - Boston

Scott Cooper - Boston

Kyle Lipkvich - Boston

Thomas Lynch - Boston

Jason Clark - New York City

Peter Darash - New York City

Joseph Myers - New York City

Joseph Valle - New York City

Kenneth Bernard - Philadelphia

Back to top

What is ASPE Connect?

Back to top

Member Updates

CT ASPE would like to recognize the following member who recently renewed their ASPE membership and their commitment to supporting the Plumbing industry.  We could not do it with out all you! Thank you!!!

Back to top

FINAL NOTICE!

The following members have until March 31, 2026 to renew your membership.  Please do not wait until the last minute to ensure that your years of service to the Chapter do not get interupted!  

Back to top

2026 Convention and EXPO

Back to top