Monmouth County Master Plumbers Association
Welcome
Welcome to the Monmouth County Master Plumbers Association website.
The Monmouth County Master Plumbers Association is a local association affiliated with the New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers. If you are a Master Plumber, consider joining us in one of the oldest and largest plumbing associations in the nation.
Thank you for visiting our website. Stop back often as this site is frequently updated to reflect the latest changes within the association and around the industry. You can find a list of qualified professionals in the membership directory section of this site by clicking here. All of our members must be licensed by the State of New Jersey as Master Plumbers in order to even be considered for membership status.
Monthly Meeting & Directions
The next business meeting of the Monmouth County Master Plumbers Association will be held on July 15th at Doolans Shore Club in Spring Lake at 700 State Hwy 71.
For directions, you may
View a Map and get driving directions
For additional information, you may visit their website at http://www.doolansshoreclub.com/ or contact them by phone at 732-449-3666
Go here for directions
News!
7/7/2010 - To review pictures taken at this years convention, GO HERE to take a short survey
7/1/2010 - DOE Rule Clarification Could Eliminate Some Multi-Head Shower Systems. The Plumbing industry lobbies to delay reinterpretation.
The Department of Energy has proposed a rule clarification that, if implemented, would alter the way most in the industry have traditionally defined "showerhead" as it relates to water use and, as a result, potentially eliminate some multi-head shower installations. The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) is lobbying against the proposal, and installers have expressed concern about the potential loss of business.
In the proposal, the DOE "reinterprets" the definition of a showerhead to include any size, placement, or number of sprays provided they all come from one inlet. Under this new interpretation, the DOE "will find a showerhead noncompliant with the EPCA's maximum water use standard if the showerhead's standard components, operating in their maximum design flow configuration, taken together use in excess of 2.5 gpm when flowing at 80 psi, even if each component individually does not exceed 2.5 gpm."
In other words, multi-head shower systems, whether they are custom installed or part of one panel of sprays, would have to abide by flow restrictions currently applied to a single showerhead.
"Over the past months, DOE has received several complaints alleging that certain showerhead products exceed the federal water conservation standard," says DOE spokesperson Christina Kielich. "In the course of investigating these complaints, DOE discovered some confusion as to how the Department's definition of 'showerhead' for water conservation purposes applied to new showerhead designs being marketed under names such as waterfalls, shower towers, rainheads, and shower systems. ... We note that DOE's draft interpretation is not a rule change, but a clarification of the definition in our current regulation. It makes clear DOE's view of how the standard for showerheads should be applied to that definition."
PMI says the proposal's classification as an "interpretive" rule change does not provide proper weight to its potential ramifications. "PMI's biggest concern is that the process to make this rule change is inappropriate," says Lee Mercer, president of PMI and director of product compliance for Moen. "They really haven't examined the potential implications and unintended consequences of changing this definition."
PMI is pushing for the proposed change to be qualified as a "substantive" rule, which would provide more time for interested stakeholders and the public to comment on the potential impact, provide input, and collaborate on a solution.
Mercer and other manufacturers we spoke to say they recognize that saving water is important, as proven in the strides they have made through the EPA's stringent, consensus-based WaterSense standards and the vast array of high-performance, low-flow fixtures now available. But they also feel that consumer needs and preferences also should be taken into account. "We support their goal ... but [not] how they're going about doing it," says Gray Uhl, director of design at American Standard.
"We're committed to water conservation," Mercer agrees. "On the other side of that, we're also committed to developing products to the consumer and believing in consumer choice." Though multi-head systems conjure images of high-end homes and luxury installs, manufacturers say there are a number of other audiences, such as the disabled and the elderly, who rely on the height flexibility and/or therapy the systems provide.
Rob Zimmerman, senior staff engineer for water conservation initiatives at Kohler, also expressed concern that the rule change could amplify the already-existing problem of non-compliant products being sold illegally with few consequences.
"Once we have had a chance to review the comments, we intend to issue a final interpretive rule to clarify the definition of 'showerhead' as used in our rules," Kielich says. "As we proceed, we will be mindful of manufacturers' production decisions that may have been based on a misunderstanding of the definition of the term showerhead for purposes of DOE's rules."
Installers have already lashed out on the online board, lamenting the loss of business that could result from the elimination of custom shower systems.
The percentage of bathrooms equipped with multi-spray systems is hard to find, though some manufacturers estimate it to be as low as 2%. Still, a Remodeling magazine reader panel found that 50% of master bathroom remodels used only one showerhead, while 24.4% used two, and 23% used one showerhead plus at least three side sprays.
Article was by Katy Tomasulo is Deputy Editor for EcoHome.
6/28/2010 - The New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers convention was successfull again this year. This year special guest speakers included Code Specialist - Tom Pitcherello from Codes and Standards on Friday and Director of Codes and Standards, Cynthia A. Wilk on Saturday. There was also a seminar given on residential fire sprinkler systems. Several new resolutions were passed. Orlando Oliva from our Rahway association became the new 4th Vice President.
6/3/2010 - IAPMO's Sean Cleary spoke at the NJSLMP Executive Board meeting in Toms River. Mr. Cleary was asked by Vice President Thomas F Walsh to come and address the Board to clear up the misinformation that had caused the program that Tom had developed to be in a holding pattern since February. Mr. Cleary also announced to the Board that Thomas was awarded ASSE certifications as a Proctor and as a series 5000 instructor after 2 years!
5/7/2010 - IAPMO has banned water powered sump pumps from their Plumbing & Mechanical Code. You may read an artical about this decision HERE
5/6/2010 - The New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers has become affiliated with the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials [IAPMO] who has provided training in cross-connection control to it's members. We would like to thank Sean Cleary for his time and efforts in teaching our certification classes.
5/1/2010 - The NJSLMP Trade show in Edison was a huge success. Close to 1,000 attendees showed up and were treated to raffles for TV's tools, and various other prizes. Plumbers across the state were invited to attend a free seminar by Dan Holohan. Tom Pitcherello of the New Jersey Division of Codes and standards was there to give attendees the latest information on the plumbing subcode and the aoption of the new 2009 codes.
4/22/2010 - The New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers took public comments on the proposed adoption of the new Scope of Practice at the April 22nd business meeting. The Meeting room was filled with commenters from the NJ Well Drillers, the NJ Fire Sprinkler Fitters and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. The board voted to adopt the new amendments that were submitted in March 2008 and approved for publication in the New Jersey Register on September 2, 2008. There were two minor changes to the amendment. The changes that will be adopted expand the Master Plumbers scope and create more specificity in it's regulations. To see the original proposed changes, you may Read the New Jersey Register publication on Nexis-Lexis
3/25/2010 - The PHCC held their National Standard Plumbing Code hearings in Atlantic City today. The meeting was attended by Codes and Standards Director Cynthia A. Wilk.
2/14/2010 - The first IAPMO sponsored class for ASSE Backflow Inspector has been completed with all 13 candidates successfully passing both written and practical examinations. The members from Monmouth Association are as follows:
Chris Kirsten
Anthony Schiavone
Sergio Amoedo
Phil Grimaldi
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW CERTIFICATIONS GENTLEMEN!
If any other members would like to enroll, contact Chris Kirsten at kirschr@yahoo.com. I am now in the process ENHANCING this certification program by adding another component to the cross connection control program and have a meeting set for early next month. Details to come when it is firmed up and ready to start implementing. 
2/22/2010 - Survey for our membership.....Let us know what you want!
1/21/2010 - The adoption of the 2009 Codes have been put on hold by Governor Christie. The Governor signed 8 executive orders which stop the codes from the New Jersey Register appearance and essentially postponing the new codes from taking effect on February 1st. One of the Recommendations from the transition team assigned to the Department of Community Affairs was to adopt the codes with the exception of the residential fire sprinkler systems in one and two family dwellings. Codes and Standards has replied to the Governors office explaining the the facts which seem to be misunderstood in the transition report. The State League has been very involved with the adoption of the IRC with Master Plumbers having jurisdictional responsibility to install these systems.
1/9/2010 - The 32 hour ASSE Backflow Device Inspector course that will be given on January 30th,31st and the following weekend of February 6th and 7th in Burlington is already full. All members interested in being certified should contact Chris Kirsten at Kirstchr@yahoo.com for details on the next class date.
1-8-2009 - The Senate vote on Assembly bill 4026 which we have supported happened today and passed 37-0. The assembly version is scheduled for a Monday vote.
12/28/2009 - Governor Corzine has appointed the much awaited New Jersey State Board of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors with the exception of the "Executive Branch of Government Member". That member will most likely be appointed by incoming Governor Chris Christie. To see the appointments and positions to the new Board, follow this link and scroll down to "State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors".
12/14/2009 - The State Leagues position paper on the proposed adoption of dual - purpose fire sprinkler systems in 1 & 2 family dwellings as referenced in Chapter 29 of the 2009 International Residential Code has been completed and sent to Director Cynthia Wilk of the DIVISION OF CODES AND STANDARDS at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Click here to see legacy news
Membership
The Monmouth County Master Plumbers Association is a local association of only licensed Master Plumbers and is affiliated with the New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers. If you are a Master Plumber, consider joining us in one of the oldest and largest plumbing associations in the nation.
If you would like to request a membership application, email us at njslmpmc@yahoo.com or you may CLICK HERE and print an application.
You may also view an updated roster of our current Monmouth County Master Plumbers Association members by visiting the Membership Directory.
If you are searching for a Monmouth area Master Plumber and would like to view ourroster of members
To check if a license is valid please follow this link to the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers licensee verification page.
You may also file a complaint with the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers for unlicensed practice and professional misconduct by licensee's by printing and completing a COMPLAINT FORM to submit to the Board for action.
Officers
President - Tony Lembo
Vice President - Open
Secretary - George Supinski
Treasurer - Steven Schulman
State Rep - Chris Kirsten
Advisory - Tony Lembo
Seargent at Arms - Joe Penevolpe
Webmaster - Thomas Walsh
HOMEOWNERS BEWARE!
Handymen and contractors are now required to carry a home improvement contractors registration. Many are trying to mislead the unsuspecting public into thinking that this registration merits qualifications or competancy...it does not.THIS IS NOT A LICENSE AND DOES NOT REQUIRE THE INDIVIDUAL TO BE COMPETANT OR QUALIFIED! Only a Master Plumber is allowed to perform or advertise plumbing work in the State of New Jersey. In fact Master Plumbers are EXEMPT from the contractors registration requirements with regard to plumbing and gasfitting because of the unique qualifications and expertise that is needed to obtain a Master Plumbers license. See the benefits of hiring a Master Plumber below
A fellow plumber from New York explains his own frustration. See what he has to say about it
by clicking here
Cross Connection Control Committee
New Jersey State League members who have attended the initial class in the Cross Connection Control program and have been successfully certified by IAPMO/ASSE please click here to take a short survey
To see the realtime results from this survey you may follow this link.
Benefits of Contracting With Licensed Master Plumbers
There are many reasons to employ the services of a Master Plumber, the following is a short list of reasons why:
1. Master Plumbers are regulated by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers under the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs which is a division of the New Jersey Department of Law Public Safety. Master Plumbers are LICENSED and are thus subject to all the regulations governing our profession and any others linked to it in the State of New Jersey such as the Consumer Fraud Act.
All handymen and contractors are now required by law to carry a home improvement contractors registration. THIS IS NOT A LICENSE AND DOES NOT REQUIRE THE INDIVIDUAL TO BE COMPETANT OR QUALIFIED! Many try to mislead the unsuspecting public into thinking that this registration is a license...IT IS NOT. IN FACT, THE NEW JERSEY STATE LEAGUE OF MASTER PLUMBERS PETITIONED FORMER CONSUMER AFFAIRS DIRECTOR STEVEN NOLAN TO PLACE A WARNING ON EACH HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE TO INFORM AND PROTECT CONSUMERS.
2. Master Plumbers must attain the required time and training as an apprentice and as a journeyman under the direct supervision and guidance of a Master Plumber and attend a United States Department of Education accredited school for 4 years in order to even be considered eligible for licensure.
3. Master Plumbers must complete with a passing score a comprehensive multi- component examination administered by the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. The test components are both practical and theoretical in nature and contain law & public safety, business administration and knowledge of the plumbing subcode.
4. Master Plumbers must attend an approved continuing education curriculum as required by the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. Fines are levied or possible loss of licensure is a result of failure to maintain the requisite continuing education requirements.
5. Master Plumbers have customarily and historically installed, maintained and repaired gas piping systems, mechanical systems such as hydronic and steam boilers, chillers, water service piping, sewers, water filtration and water conservation products, backflow and cross-connection control assemblies and devices as well as many other important "out of sight" systems and devices which protect you and your family every day and which you've never even considered.
6. Master Plumbers who are members of the New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers are held accountable to not only the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, but also to our membership and bylaws which we hold in high esteem. Only Master Plumbers are qualified to join and represent the New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers.
Would you solicite the services of someone less qualified than a Board certified physician when it comes to your personal health & welfare? Why then hire someone other than a Master Plumber, licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers to protect the health and welfare of you, your family and your most important investment...your home or business property?
Remember, other than a homeowner working on their own dwelling, only a Master Plumber is allowed by law to perform or advertise plumbing work or tasks in the State of New Jersey!
New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers
To reach the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers click here to be brought to their website at the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 124 Halsey Street in Newark.
Our Liasion to the State Board of Examiners is Thomas Walsh. To contact him regarding an issue
click here
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
Home Improvement Contractors Registration Forms and Information are available here to from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs who regulate Home Improvement Contractors in the State of New Jersey.
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Click on the logo to visit the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in Trenton. Community Affairs regulates the building codes and all licensed Code Officials in the State of New Jersey.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Master Plumbers are exempt from the licensing requirements of the "Landscape Irrigation Contractors Licensing Act"click here to be transferred to the New Jersey Department of Enviornmental Protection website
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
To reach ASSE's website please
New Jersey Plumbing Inspectors Association
The New Jersey Plumbing Inspectors Association website can be accessed by
following this link
American Society of Sanitary Engineering
To visit the ASSE website and access resources for training and certification standards for medical gas and cross connection control and backflow prevention
follow this link
American Society of Plumbing Engineers
ASPE held a joint meeting with the New Jersey Engineers Club. There were also plumbing inspectors and industry professionals from such names as Watts, Wilkins and others. The meeting was to bring awareness and "teeth" to New Jerseys backflow prevention testing regulations and to start a grass roots effort at making this component of the plumbing profession a serious consideration for public health by the DCA and all New Jersey municipalities.
To reach ASPE's website please
follow this link
Adopted Codes in New Jersey
The following codes are adopted through the Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23). The Uniform Construction Code can be obtained from the Department of Community Affairs, Publications Unit at (609) 984-0040.
To view the currently adopted building codes for New Jersey
click here
Links to Forms & Permit Applications
Plumbing Permit Application
Mechanical Permit Application
Fire Protection Permit Application
UCC Chimney Certification
Chimney Liner Worksheet
Combustion Air Worksheet
DEP Initial Backflow Device (Physical Connection)Certification Form
DEP Quarterly Backflow Device (Physical Connection)Certification Form
UCC Gas Bulletin #85-4
MCMPA Homeowners Warning of Home Improvement Scams
DCA notice to homeowners claiming to be performing own work
Licensing & Certification Guide for New Jersey
NJ Permits.com website
Municipal Roster of Officials
UCC Code of Ethics
DCA Letter to Code Officials Regarding Homeowner Applications
Event Calendar
Suggestions & Comments
Please submit any questions or comments to our webmaster
Tommy Walsh