If you’re in the plumbing engineering field, staying ahead of emerging technologies and building codes isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. The American Society Of Plumbing Engineers 2019 Tech Symposium Oct 24–27 served as a crucial hub for professionals eager to learn, network, and explore the future of sustainable, efficient plumbing systems. Whether you attended or missed it, this guide captures the symposium’s highlights, technical breakthroughs, and why it still matters for your career today.
What Was the American Society Of Plumbing Engineers 2019 Tech Symposium?
Held from October 24 to 27, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois, the ASPE Tech Symposium brought together engineers, designers, contractors, and manufacturers focused on the future of plumbing systems. Unlike the larger annual ASPE Convention, the Tech Symposium zeroes in on deep-dive technical sessions, emerging codes, and hands-on workshops.
Networking with top-tier professionals from across North America
According to ASPE’s post-event survey, 92% of attendees rated the symposium as “highly valuable” for advancing their technical expertise.
Why Attend a Plumbing Engineering Tech Symposium? (And Why It Matters in 2025)
You might be wondering: Why look back at a 2019 event in 2025?
Because many technologies and code discussions introduced at theAmerican Society Of Plumbing Engineers 2019 Tech Symposium Oct 24–27 directly influenced today’s standards—like water reuse systems, smart fixture integration, and decarbonization strategies now mandated in states like California and New York.
For example, the symposium’s session on “Non-Potable Water Systems: Design & Compliance” laid groundwork for ASPE/ANSI Standard 810, published in 2023. This standard is now referenced in the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC).
“The 2019 Tech Symposium was where I first saw greywater heat recovery in action—it changed how I design multi-family buildings today,” says Linda M., PE, a plumbing engineer from Denver.
Key Topics & Breakthroughs from the 2019 Symposium
1. Water Efficiency & Reuse Technologies
With droughts intensifying across the U.S., water conservation was a dominant theme. Sessions covered:
Rainwater harvesting system design (minimum tank size: 500 gallons for commercial buildings)
Greywater treatment for toilet flushing (must meet NSF/ANSI 350 standards)
Real-world case study: A Chicago high-rise reduced municipal water use by 38% using a hybrid rainwater/greywater system
2. Smart Plumbing & IoT Integration
Engineers explored how sensors and AI optimize plumbing performance:
Leak detection systems with <0.5 GPM sensitivity
Real-time water usage dashboards for facility managers
Predictive maintenance alerts based on flow anomalies
“By 2025, 60% of new commercial buildings will include smart plumbing controls,” predicted Dr. Raj Patel, a keynote speaker at the event—a forecast now proving accurate.
3. Code Updates & Regulatory Shifts
The symposium clarified upcoming changes:
IPC 2021 updates on pipe material restrictions
ASHRAE/ASPE collaboration on Legionella risk mitigation
Jurisdictional differences in backflow prevention requirements
A handy comparison:
Topic
2018 Standard
2019 Symposium Insight
2025 Impact
Pipe Sizing
Based on fixture units
Dynamic load modeling introduced
Now required in CA Title 24
Hot Water Recirculation
Continuous systems common
Demand-controlled systems preferred
Saves 15–25% energy
Cross-Connection Control
Basic backflow devices
Smart monitoring + digital logs
Mandated in NYC since 2023
Who Should Have Attended (And Who Still Benefits Today)?
While the event is over, its content remains highly relevant for:
Licensed plumbing engineers updating their knowledge
Students in engineering programs seeking real-world context
Even if you didn’t attend, ASPE published select session recordings and white papers—many still available to members at aspe.org.
How the Symposium Advanced Industry Standards
The American Society Of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) is recognized by ANSI as a standards-developing organization. The 2019 Tech Symposium directly contributed to:
Drafting ASPE/ANSI Standard 810 (Water Reuse)
Refining ASPE Standard 45 (Sanitary Drainage)
Informing ASHRAE Guideline 12-2020 on Legionella control
Integrate leak detection early: Install smart shutoff valves at main supply lines—average ROI: 14 months due to avoided water damage.
Review local codes quarterly: Many cities update plumbing rules annually based on ASPE/ICC recommendations.
FAQ Section
Q: What is the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)?
A: ASPE is a professional organization dedicated to advancing plumbing engineering through education, research, and standards development. Founded in 1964, it has over 6,000 members worldwide and is accredited by ANSI.
Q: Was the 2019 Tech Symposium only for engineers?
A: No. While engineers formed the core audience, the event welcomed architects, contractors, code officials, manufacturers, and students—all key players in plumbing system design and implementation.
Q: Are recordings or materials from the 2019 symposium still available?
A: ASPE members can access select session recordings and slide decks through the ASPE Learning Center. Some white papers are also published in the ASPE Journal archive.
Q: How often does ASPE hold a Tech Symposium?
A: The Tech Symposium is typically held every 2–3 years, alternating with the larger ASPE Annual Convention. The next one is expected in 2026.
Q: Did the 2019 event address sustainability?
A: Yes—sustainability was a major theme, especially water reuse, energy-efficient pumping, and reducing embodied carbon in piping materials like copper vs. PEX.
Q: Can I earn PDHs (Professional Development Hours) from past symposium content?
A: ASPE offers PDHs for on-demand content, including select 2019 sessions. Check the ASPE website for current eligibility.
Conclusion
The American Society Of Plumbing Engineers 2019 Tech Symposium Oct 24–27 wasn’t just another conference—it was a turning point in how the industry approaches water efficiency, smart technology, and public health through plumbing design. Whether you’re optimizing a hospital’s hot water system or specifying fixtures for a net-zero school, the principles discussed there still shape best practices today.
If you found this recap helpful, share it with a colleague on LinkedIn or Twitter! Better plumbing design means safer, more sustainable buildings for everyone. 💧🚰
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