Business Details
40 Years
experience
Advocates for Safe Plumbing Codes in New York City
Established in 1986, our organization has dedicated over three decades to safeguarding public health through rigorous advocacy for safe plumbing codes. We collaborate with legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, and city departments to streamline processes while maintaining safety standards. Our team combines deep industry expertise with firsthand experience in plumbing and policy development, ensuring our recommendations carry both technical authority and practical relevance. As a trusted intermediary between government agencies and industry stakeholders, we maintain formal relationships with the Department of Buildings, Environmental Protection, Health Department, and Fire Department. Our educational initiatives include license renewal programs, public seminars, and specialized training for gas operator qualification.Through our quarterly publication Pipecaster, we provide critical industry updates to New York's plumbing and real estate sectors. Our leadership team includes professionals with multi-generational plumbing industry experience, ensuring continuity of knowledge and commitment to public safety. We actively participate in legislative hearings and policy discussions, advocating for balanced regulations that protect both consumers and industry professionals. Our environmental stewardship extends to promoting sustainable plumbing practices and materials. With a board representing some of New York's largest plumbing firms, we combine institutional knowledge with frontline industry insights to maintain our position as a respected authority in plumbing safety and regulation.
Services
Advocacy for Plumbing Codes
Educational Programs
Operator Qualification Training
Industry Newsletters
Code Compliance Consulting
Legislative Testimony
Public Seminars
Gas Safety Training
License Renewal Courses
Environmental Stewardship
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in plumbing code advocacy and policy development
- We maintain official partnerships with NYC Department of Buildings and Environmental Protection
- Our educational programs include state-certified license renewal courses
- We administer the official NYC Gas Operator Qualification Program
- Our board represents some of New York's largest plumbing contracting firms
Services
Advocacy for Plumbing Codes
We actively participate in legislative hearings and policy discussions to influence plumbing code development. Our team regularly testifies before city councils and works with regulatory agencies to ensure safe, practical plumbing standards. This service protects public health while balancing industry needs through informed policy recommendations.
Educational Programs
We provide license renewal courses and safety seminars for plumbing professionals. Our educational initiatives include partnerships with SUNY Empire State College and the Construction Trades License Training Corporation. These programs ensure industry professionals stay current with evolving codes and safety requirements through structured, accredited learning opportunities.
Operator Qualification Training
Our Gas Operator Qualification Program trains plumbers in federal compliance standards for gas piping inspections and maintenance. This includes a 7-hour course with written and practical exams, meeting USDOT and New York State regulatory requirements for technicians working on jurisdictional gas piping systems.
Industry Newsletters
Our quarterly Pipecaster newsletter delivers critical updates to the plumbing and real estate industries. It covers code changes, legislative developments, and safety advisories, serving as an essential information resource for professionals navigating New York's complex regulatory environment.
Code Compliance Consulting
We offer expert consultation on plumbing code requirements and compliance strategies. Our services help businesses navigate regulatory processes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and implement safety protocols that meet both city and state standards while maintaining operational efficiency.
People
Lawrence J. Levine
Chairman
Third-generation plumber with decades of industry experience, leading the board of directors representing major NYC plumbing firms. Oversees strategic direction and industry representation efforts.
Louis J. Buttermark
Vice Chairman
Second-generation plumbing professional with extensive experience in family-owned contracting business, contributing operational insights and regulatory expertise to policy development.
Barr Rickman
Treasurer
Industry veteran with family history in plumbing contracting, managing financial operations and long-term sustainability initiatives for the organization.
April McIver
Executive Director
Senior leader with comprehensive knowledge of plumbing regulations, directing day-to-day operations and representing the organization in legislative hearings and policy discussions.
Terence O'Brien
Senior Director
Experienced industry professional managing educational programs and advocacy efforts, with direct involvement in legislative testimony and regulatory compliance initiatives.
Questions
What is your primary mission?
We work to ensure public health through safe plumbing codes by influencing legislation, providing education, and maintaining industry standards in New York City.
Do you offer training programs?
Yes, we provide license renewal courses, gas operator qualification training, and public safety seminars for plumbing professionals and industry stakeholders.
How do you influence plumbing regulations?
We participate in legislative hearings, collaborate with city agencies, and submit policy recommendations to shape plumbing code development and enforcement.
What publications do you offer?
Our quarterly Pipecaster newsletter delivers critical updates on plumbing codes, industry news, and regulatory changes affecting New York's plumbing and real estate sectors.
How can plumbers get certified?
We administer the NYC Gas Operator Qualification Program covering federal compliance standards for gas piping inspections and maintenance through authorized training and examinations.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary focus is New York City, where we work with local agencies and industry professionals to maintain safe plumbing standards across all five boroughs.
