To begin, I hope all of you, your families, and friends are safe and healthy. We are moving through uncharted waters as the world attempts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It will take time for this pandemic to recede and things will get worse before they improve. But keeping our motto, “Prevention Rather than Cure,” on our minds at all times will help us remember to take the precautionary measures necessary to keep ourselves safe and curb the spread of the virus.
I never imagined we would be conducting our Mid-Year Meeting through the internet, but it is the only reasonable way to attend to the business of ASSE International at this time. Who knows, we may find this format beneficial and useful for the future. At least I need not embarrass myself at the bowling alley or pool table again. Staff has done an outstanding job in dealing with a situation that could have turned disastrous – not my bowling … the cancellation of the Mid-Year Meeting. Staff restructured the entire meeting with revised agendas and timelines in a relatively short period of time. So, thank you, thank you, thank you. With your support, success will be the end result.
There has been some great news recently. Board of Directors member Dan Rademacher was awarded a scholarship through the World Plumbing Council. Dan has chosen to travel to Rwanda and provide plumbing code classes to the Rwanda Plumbing Organization. Congratulations Dan, well deserved.
Moving on to the topic of this edition, inspection and maintenance. My time in the field involved plumbing service, repair, and remodeling but much too often it focused on either repair or replacement. I’ve always been told that the life expectancy of a plumbing system is 50 years. I’ve found that some systems reach that age – some even exceeding 100 years – but many do not. It doesn’t take long to see a pattern that properly maintained systems have a greater life expectancy. Providing regular inspections and needed maintenance will help extend the life of not only plumbing, but all mechanical systems and products. Enjoy this issue’s articles.
