​On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Chapter membership, I would like to welcome you to the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers website. ​

This is primarily accomplished through technical presentations at our monthly Chapter meetings. It is on these occasions that the membership (and collegues) gathers for both fellowship and to broaden their knowledge and skills by learning the latest code information, design solutions, and available technology. These meetings are an excellent opportunity for individuals of all levels of skill and experience to enhance their knowledge in the plumbing industry.

Editions of our newsletter are published from September thru June of each Chapter year. Contained within its pages are features about the latest news concerning the Society, the Chapter and its membership, as well as additional technical information of interest to the plumbing engineering community.

The Society also offers a Convention and Plumbing Exposition, held on the even-numbered years (most recently in 2014 in Chicago), and the ASPE Technical Symposium on odd-numbered years. Both events offer great educational opportunities along with a larger network pool to develop professional and personal contacts. The 2016 convention is scheduled to be held in Phoenix, AZ.

We invite you to join us at one of our monthly meetings and learn first-hand some of the benefits of membership in ASPE as wekll as our Chapter. In the meantime, please feel free to browse through the Chapter website. Go ahead, take the opportunity to “walk around” and learn about not only the Pittsburgh Chapter itself, but the overall Society as well.

It is our hope that what you learn will inspire you to become a member of ASPE and belong to the Pittsburgh Chapter. Just follow the links to the Membership Application. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or other Board members. We stand ready to answer any questions you may have about the foremost organization dedicated to plumbing engineering—ASPE.

Sincerely,

Donald R Ditter, CPD
President, Pittsburgh Chapter American Society of Plumbing Engineer

By Jerry Valenti

On October 15, 1982, The Pittsburgh Chapter was formed and held its first meeting in the lower level floor of the Oliver Building. The original elected chapter officers included David Crossey (President), Robert Perucki (VP Technical), Henry Waida (VP Legislative), Paul Redick (VP Membership), Norman Clark (Treasurer), Tom Taylor (Administrative Secretary) and Raymond Paff (Corresponding Secretary). The Pittsburgh Chapter received its charter on April 13, 1983 from ASPE.

The Chapter started holding monthly meetings at Tambellini’s on 7th Street in Pittsburgh, PA.  Some of the other meeting locations through the years have included the Best Western Hotel on Banksville Road, Holiday Inn in Wilkinsburg, Holiday Inn North on McKnight Road, Jimmie G’s in Sharpsburg, Del’s in Lawrenceville, and Sciulli’s in McKees Rocks. Since its inception, these meetings have provided the local engineers, contractors, code officials and product representatives with numerous opportunities to interact and network.

The chapter has also been involved in the education of the Boy Scouts of America at Merit Badge University. This event is held annually at the Carnegie Mellon University Campus and staffed by current ASPE members. The program educates the scouts in the aspects of plumbing systems and gives them some insight on a possible future career.
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The chapter also has held an annual golf outing since receiving its charter in 1983 – continuous for 32 years.  The first golf outing was held at Champion Lakes Golf Course. Other outings have been held at Quicksilver Golf Course, Shadow Lakes Golf Course, and River Forest Golf course.

On September 20, 2000 a group of Pittsburgh Chapter members including Jim Spinelli, Steve Kormanik and a few others grouped together and formed a chapter in the Johnstown area. These members continue to work closely with our chapter as a joint effort to promote the society and better the industry.

Over the years, there have been numerous volunteers that have served on the chapter board directors as well as the national board. Most recently a Pittsburgh Chapter member has served as Region 2 Director and Society Treasurer. A special thank you goes out to these people. For if not for them, our chapter would not be a success.