ASPE Connecticut

President's Report

For the first time in a long time, I could not make the Chapter Meeting but understand that my co-workers at KR had me covered. (Rumor is that they all went because I wasn’t there! LOL)

Hopefully everyone is busy making plans for summer vacation.

Once again, we are getting strong meeting attendance, and we want to thank all the members for their continued engagement and support.

As reported last month Membership was pushing towards triple digits and we inched closer again as we continue to grow and we are currently at 98 members!!

We had a busy March with a lot of events that took place. Thanks to all those who attended the combined ASPE/NFSA meeting on March 31, 2026, at Il Gabbiano in New Haven. We also held our 2026 Pickleball Event on March 28, 2026, and had another strong showing. Be sure to check out the Photo Gallery page for pictures. Thanks to Devon for putting the event together and Charlotte Pipe for sponsoring.

The WOA Event at Walnut Hill Park, New Britain CT is fast approaching so please register if you plan on attending. Any questions please reach out to Jessica ([email protected])

The Tri-State ASPE Game Night is scheduled for Friday April 24, 2026, at the Viega Experience Center in Long Island City, NY. There are still openings if you want to attend. Please contact me. 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 can join me to attend the event.

2026 slate of officers was presented at the April Chapter meeting, and we will vote to confirm at the May meeting.

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.

Registration is open for the June Chapter Meeting which will be held at SBC in Milford. Please note the day change – we will be meeting on Thursday June 18, 2026. So please make sure you mark that in your calendar – if you show up on Wednesday, we won’t be there. Hoping that we get to see some new faces or those who we have not seen in a while.

Lastly, as a reminder that we have early bird registration set for both your benefit and those planning our meetings. We need to have numbers to the restaurant for food to be prepared, so stop waiting until the last minute – Please.

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

Regards,

Jonathan (Jay) Kurtz, CPD

CT Chapter President

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Technical News

March Technical Meeting Recap

The March technical meeting featured a highly informative presentation by Roger Stolting of Stolting Solutions LLC on PP-R/PP-RCT Piping Systems for Mechanical, Potable & Process Piping.

Roger demonstrated excellent knowledge of the subject, providing a comprehensive overview of PP-R and PP-RCT piping systems and their role within plumbing and mechanical design. The presentation began with a brief history of plastics and the evolution of polypropylene piping systems, followed by a discussion on single- and multi-layer piping configurations, available sizes, and SDR classifications. Key design criteria and sizing considerations were reviewed to ensure proper system performance, along with applicable codes, standards, and compliance requirements. He also emphasized the importance of coordination with other trades during design and installation, and walked through installation best practices, common field challenges, system performance characteristics, assembly methods, and long-term operation and maintenance considerations.

Thank you to Roger Stolting for an excellent and well-delivered presentation, and to Symmons, represented by Jessica Flint, for generously sponsoring the bar tab for the evening. We also thank all attendees for their engagement and participation.

In addition, a joint meeting was held between CT ASPE and National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), featuring a presentation on NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. The session was presented by Terry Victor, Director of Risk Control Services for Risk Suppression Partners, and provided valuable insight into inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for fire protection systems. The joint session had strong attendance and was well received by all who attended.

A special thank you to Terry Victor for hosting a great meeting and delivering an informative presentation.

Submitted by

Devon Neal, CPD

CT Chapter VP of Technical

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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:

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 State Fire Safety Code Adoption

Public Comment

2026 State Fire Prevention Code Adoption

Public Comment

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Women of ASPE

Event Details:

Walnut Hill Park, New Britain CT
Be there by 9:30 to pick up your bibs if they were not mailed to you
Parking is offsite so look for signs, they will shuttle you in. Please make sure you give yourself enough time
Race starts at 10:30

4K / 1 Mile Walk

The 4K (2.5 Mile) & 1 Mile Family Walks begin together by heading counterclockwise through beautiful Walnut Hill Park. The 4K course then quickly exits the park and tours the quaint neighborhoods and historic homes of the Walnut Hill Historic District. It then finishes by reentering the park and completing the loop, passing by the buzzing pre & post event festivities, before an exciting finish lined with spectators! The 1 Mile stays in the park for its duration and completes one perfect lap around.

COURSE

4K COURSE MAP

4K INTERACTIVE COURSE MAP

1 MILE INTERACTIVE COURSE MAP

START / FINISH

The 4K & 1 Mile Family Walks will start and finish on the west side of Walnut Hill Park under the finish truss.

Start Time: 10:30 AM

COURSE SUPPORT

MARKINGS:

All turns are marked on the road and with signs

AMENITIES:

Portalets: Pre/Post

Race Police & Medical Personnel

Note: No timing or awards for the 4K or 1 Mile Family Walk.

NOT ALLOWED ON THE COURSE

No dogs (service dogs must be identified as such at all times). No unregistered runners or walkers. Headphones discouraged. No bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, or motorized vehicles. Headphones are allowed, but for the safety of all participants in the event, they are discouraged. If you do plan on wearing them, consider open ear headphones, which will allow you to still hear directions from police, staff, and volunteers along the route. While we do allow baby joggers/strollers at the event, participants must line up at the back of the starting pack.

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Calendar of Events

Tri-State ASPE Game Night 2026

Viega and Four ASPE Chapter Presidents are inviting you to the Innaugural Tri-State ASPE Game Night!

On Friday, April 24th from 6-10pm, network with fellow Region 1 ASPE members across the Tri-State as you take in the NYC sights and play casual lawn games!

Cornhole, darts, and many more await you at the:

Viega Experience Center

9-03 44th Rd ste 301, Long Island City, NY 11101

Please reach out to your Chapter President with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!

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