Maryland PHCC Contractors Winter 2018

Winter 2018 

The Winter Official 2018 Magazine of The Maryland Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association

Built to be the Best TM 

Built to be the Best TM 

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CONTENTS 

Congress Is Back In Session – It’s All About the Budget 6 

U.S. Department of Labor Overtime Rule to be Revisited 6 

How Long Can You Live Without a Paycheck? 8 

Cybersecurity & Small Business 10 

Estate Planning Awareness 12 

Unhappy Reality of Slip & Fall Accidents 13 

Backflow Re-Certification Course 15 

Experience PHCC Membership at a 50% Discount 16 

Introductory Membership Application 17 

32-Hour Backflow Certification Course 18-19 

13 

Baltimore Gas and Electric 5 

bge.com 

Bradford White 2 

bwforthepro.com 

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Co. 3 

charlottepipe.com 

Cummins-Wagner 13 

cummins-wagner.com 

FastEst Inc. 14 

fastest-inc.com 

Kolbi Pipe Marker Co. 14 

kolbipipemarkers.com 

OFFICERS 2018 

PRESIDENT 

KATHARINE K. 

STRADLEY 

ELLICOTT CITY, MD 

(410) 442-2221 

(410) 442-7626 FAX 

TREASURER 

STEVE M. SCHAEFER 

WESTMINSTER, MD 

(410) 876-6825 

(410) 876-6811 FAX 

SECRETARY 

RON LLOYD 

COLUMBIA, MD 

21046 

(410) 203-2720 

(410) 203-1866 FAX 

10 

ADVERTISER SUPPORT 

SERGEANT AT 

ARMS 

FREDERICK A. WOLF 

BALTIMORE, MD 

(410) 327-4750 

(410) 563-1611 FAX 

DIRECTORS 

EDGAR W. ZEPP, IV 

CLARKSVILLE, MD 

(410) 531-6712 

(410) 531-5812 FAX 

RON BRYANT 

GAITHERSBURG, MD 

20879 

(301) 670-2700 

(301) 670-2720 FAX 


Liberty Pumps 20 

libertypumps.com/stormcell 

Metropolitan Industries * 

ionproducts.net 

Rheem 7 

rheem.com/HybridSolutions 

T&S Brass 11 

tsbrass.com/markets 

Taco Comfort Solutions 8,9 

TacoComfort.com 

*insert 

CHRIS SAFFER 

BALTIMORE, MD 

(410) 665-4238 

(410) 661-4573 FAX 

TIM FELDMAN 

ELKRIDGE, MD 

(410) 536-5700 

(410) 536-5705 FAX 

Cover Photo: iStockphoto.com/choicegraphic 

MD PHCC - NEW MEMBERS 

Harry Gessford 

Annapolis 

Plumbing 

Edgewater 

Sean Johnson 

Precision Plumbing 

Dundalk 

Senior Editor - Diane P. Kastner 

APPRENTICESHIP EDUCATION 

COUNCIL MEMBERS 

STEVEN M. SCHAEFER 

ADMINISTRATIVE CHAIR 

WESTMINSTER, MD 

(410) 876-6825 

(410) 857-0011 FAX 

RONALD STIEGLER 

ELDERSBURG, MD 

(410) 876-6825 

KATHARINE K. STRADLEY 

ELLICOTT CITY, MD 

(410) 442-2221 

EDGAR W. ZEPP, IV 

CLARKSVILLE, MD 

(410) 531-6712 

(410) 531-5812 FAX 

James Phaneuf 

J P Plumbing 

Arnold 

Linda Puii 

24/7 Home 

Improvement 

Plumbing & Drain 

Windsor Mill 

Maryland PHCC Contractor 

Magazine is the official 

magazine of The Maryland 

Plumbing-Heating- 

Cooling Contractors and 

is published four times 

annually. The Maryland 

PHCC does not necessarily 

endorse any of the 

companies advertising in this publication or the 

views of its writers. 

Maryland PHCC Contractor Magazine 

is designed and published by Blue Water 

Publishers, LLC. Articles and information 

published in this magazine may not be 

reproduced without written consent of The 

Maryland PHCC or Blue Water Publishers, LLC. 

Maryland PHCC reserves the right in its sole 

discretion to reject advertising that does not 

meet Maryland PHCC qualifications or which 

may detract from its business, professional or 

ethical standards. The publisher cannot assume 

responsibility for claims made by advertisers, 

content provided by the editor, or for the opinions 

expressed by contributing authors. 

For more information on advertising, contact 

Eric Johnson, Blue Water Publishers, LLC, 

9406 N. 107th St., Milwaukee, WI 53224 

414-708-2059 • fax: 414-354-5317 

eric@bluewaterpublishers.com 

4 Maryland PHCC Contractor Winter 2018

POTENTIAL CROSS BORES: 

Always use caution 

before clearing 

sewer lines. 

! 

A blocked sewer line may be the accidental result of utility, municipal or 

private lines (gas, electric or telecommunications) being cross bored 

through the sewer line. Sewer mains or sewer laterals may not be marked 

in response to a Miss Utility excavation notification. 

Follow these safety precautions 

before clearing a sewer line blockage: 

811 

CALL 811 AND REQUEST AN EMERGENCY MISS UTILITY TICKET TO HAVE 

THE UNDERGROUND UTILITY LINES FOR THE PROPERTY MARKED. 

INQUIRE WITH THE PROPERTY OWNER, OCCUPANT OR BUILDING 

MAINTENANCE TO DETERMINE 

• The location of the sewer facilities such as clean outs, and 

• If there has been any recent excavation to install utility lines. 

Note: in some cases the cross bore may have occurred years earlier 

with symptoms only recently coming to light. 

• If markings for existing underground utility lines cross the path of 

the sewer line, it may be a cross bore that is causing the blockage. 

IF YOU SUSPECT OR ARE INVESTIGATING WHETHER 

THE BLOCKAGE IS CAUSED BY A CROSS BORE 

• Use a pipeline camera to identify the location of the blockage 

within the sewer line before trying to clear any blockages. 

• Do not attempt to clear the blockage with a mechanical device. 

Contact the utility operator that may be involved. 

• Hand dig in the area where the blockage or the cross bore may exist. 

IF YOU SUSPECT A GAS LEAK OR HIT A GAS LINE 

• Leave the premises immediately and go to a safe place where you 

can call BGE at 1.800.685.0123 or 911 for emergency response. 

• Extinguish all open flames. Do not use matches or lighters 

and do not attempt to light an appliance. 

• Do not use any phones or other battery operated equipment, 

as they can cause sparks and ignite natural gas. 

• Do not start or turn off vehicles or motorized equipment. 

Abandon any motorized equipment you may be operating. 

• Do not attempt to find the source of the leak or to repair a leak.

THE RISO REPORT 

Congress Is Back in Session - 

It’s All About the Budget... 

Why Do We Care... 

Congress went back into session recently – following 

its annual August recess. One of its top priorities is 

to pass a budget by the end of September to avoid a 

government shutdown. This must be done while the 

Senate is preoccupied with confirmation hearings on 

Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court Justice nomination. 

The Senate has actually gotten parts of its budget work done 

– as they stayed in partial session for August. There are 

some mindfields, though. President Trump has stated that 

he will veto any budget that does not contain funding for a 

border wall (House and Senate Republicans would rather not 

deal with the border wall prior to the election as the issue is 

tied to immigration), spending caps in funding a veteran’s 

health program, and efforts to strip Planned Parenthood 

federal funding. Congress is also looking to pass a budget 

that would carry funding past the election – and revisit the 

budget following the results 

of the election. But ... what’s 

at stake for PHCC? In the 

budget – funding for career 

and technical education and 

funding for infrastructure 

programs like the Water 

Infrastructure Finance and 

Innovation Act (WIFIA), 

are held hostage. The end of 

the government’s fiscal year 

doesn’t end until the end of 

Director of 

Government 

Relations, PHCC 

National, 

Mark Riso 

this month - and we won’t know what will be funded or not 

as we go through September. PHCC will work with Congress 

and keep members informed (and activate advocacy efforts 

through PHCC’s grassroots network) to push for our interests. 

CHUCK WHITE 

U.S. Department Of Labor 

Overtime Rule To Be Revisited 

The U.S. Department of Labor is slated to conduct a Public 

Rulemaking concerning the 2016 Overtime Rule which 

was stayed by litigation in a Texas Federal Court. The 

2016 rule would have raised the minimum salary level for 

the so-called “white collar” exemption from $23,660 to 

nearly $48,000 per year. 

Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta has previously indicated 

that he favored some modest increase of the minimum salary 

threshold for exemption. Public comments were taken by 

DOL on this topic in late 2017; now the Office of Information 

and Regulatory Affairs has 

issued information on their 

website indicating a proposed 

rulemaking would begin in 

March 2019. PHCC will follow 

this process as it develops and 

will file appropriate comments 

to the proposed rule in a timely 

fashion. 

Vice President of 

Regulatory Affairs, 

Chuck White 


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heater available–paying for itself in less than 3 years. 

Earth-Friendly Efficiency – Lets homeowners shower, do 

the dishes and wash the laundry all while producing fewer 

greenhouse gases 

Impressive Savings – Saves homeowners $4,750 over 10 years 1 

Industry’s Smartest – Provides water leak detection 2 , protective 

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Whisper Quiet – Operates so quietly, no one will notice it’s on 

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1 

Based on comparison of the 50-gallon Hybrid Electric model against the estimated annual 

operating cost of a standard electric water heater of like capacity manufactured prior to 

2015 under NAECA II which is likely being replaced. Savings over 10 years and will be 

slightly lower for 65- and 80-gallon models. 2 Built in leak detection alerts of a water leak 

so you can take action to prevent home damage. 


Maryland PHCC Contractor 7

HOW LONG CAN 

YOU LIVE WITHOUT 

A PAYCHECK? 

DISABILITY IS MORE COMMON 

THAN YOU THINK 

As long as you have the ability to earn an income, you are able to 

accumulate assets and provide for yourself and your family. But what 

would happen if you became disabled and could no longer work? 

The odds of becoming disabled are compelling. Consider these statistics: 

• More than 10 percent of Americans between 

the ages of 18 and 64 have a disability. 1 

• Nearly 90 percent of disabilities 

aren’t work related and, therefore, 

don’t qualify for work-comp 

benefits. 2 

• 100 million Americans 

are not protected by 

private disability 

insurance. 3 

Owning a disability 

income insurance 

policy should be 

a necessity, like 

other insurance 

you have to protect 

other assets. For 

instance, you 

insure your home, 

car, and possessions – 

don’t neglect to protect the 

income that pays for them. 

© Lquoncept | Dreamstime.com 

Disability insurance can 

help ensure that money will 

continue to come in the door to 

help pay your bills if a sickness or injury prevents you from performing 

the material and substantial duties of your regular occupation. 

Where to buy Taco in Maryland 

To find your nearest Maryland supply 

house for Taco Comfort Products, call 

the main numbers listed below 

or visit the suppliers’ websites. 

R.E. Michel 

410-685-8371 / www.remichel.com 

Thomas Somerville 

310-390-9575 / www.tsomerville.com 

Northeastern Supply 

410-574-0010 / www.northeastern.com 

Ferguson 

410-540-2800 / www.ferguson.com 

McArdle & Walsh 

410-252-8700 / www.mcardlewalsh.com 

Southern Utilities 

301-589-2885 / www.southernutilitiesco.com 

Winsupply (to include Noland locations) 

301-386-7771 / winsupplyinc.com 

Schumacher & Siler 

410-561-2461 / www.schumacherseiler.com 

Contact your local Federated representative to discuss ways Federated can 

help you address the catastrophic impact of a disability as part of your 

overall insurance program. 

1 U.S. Census Bureau, Selected Social Characteristics in the United States: 

2009. 

2 National Safety Council, Injury Facts, 2008 edition. 

3 Council for Disability Awareness, Long-Term Disability Claims Review, 

2005. 

Taco Comfort Solutions products are 

proudly represented in Maryland by 

N.H. Yates & Co. of Cockeysville. 

www.TacoComfort.com 

8 Maryland PHCC Contractor 

Winter 2018

Three new ways to get into instant hot water. 

One new way to get out of it. 

006e3 SmartPlus-e system Hot-LinkPlus-e system LeakBreaker® with eLink 

Get in to ECM high-efficiency instant hot water comfort 

The ECM 006e3 circulator is engineered for hot water recirculation and uses up to 85% less energy. For use with 

dedicated return lines, the SmartPlus-e system with our award-winning SmartPlug Instant Hot Water Control®, 

learns hot water usage patterns and delivers hot water only when needed. No return line? The Hot-LinkPlus-e 

system with the patented Hot-Link® valve delivers the same high-efficiency performance. 

Get out of a potential leak disaster 

Comfort and peace of mind go hand in hand. LeakBreaker® with eLink connectivity provides protection against 

leak damage due to water heater failure. When it senses trouble, it shuts off the water heater’s incoming water 

supply and alerts the homeowner via mobile text and email. 

Plumbing products that are right for the job 

Visit us online at www.tacocomfort.com and learn about our full line of hot water recirculation and flood 

prevention products. Taco’s reputation for reliability, ease of installation, and support will bring you some 

well-deserved peace of mind, too.

CYBERSECURITY 

& SMALL 

BUSINESS 

iStockphoto.com/scyther5 

It’s nearly impossible these days for businesses to operate 

without the help of Internet-connected devices, which 

exposes them to cybercrime. It’s the small- to mediumsized 

businesses that are especially vulnerable: half are 

victims of cybercrime and nearly two-thirds of those 

victims go out of business. 1 Hackers increasingly target 

small businesses because there is a low risk they will be 

caught and a high probability they will be successful. 

Maintaining personally identifiable information (PII) 

on a computer connected to the Internet creates a nearly 

unavoidable risk. More than likely, names, addresses, and 

employment information are stored. If PII is acquired by 

someone without the authority to do so, that may result in a 

data breach. 

Banking, credit, and vendor account information is also 

vulnerable. Even if that valuable information is not stored on 

an Internet-connected computer, employees who have access 

to it can be duped into handing it over to criminals. 

BEST PRACTICES AND SECURITY TIPS 

Tip 1: Train Employees in Information Technology 

Security. Training should be offered, especially to those 

who are responsible for accounts payable, human resources 

records, and wire transfers. Training for all employees should 

be reinforced periodically. 

Employees should be instructed to refrain from clicking links 

or attachments in e-mails, and not to pay an invoice until it’s 

confirmed that the sender actually sent it. Even if the e-mail 

appears to be from a trusted source, employees should learn 

to always copy and paste links or type URLs into a browser 

to see if the address is valid. 

Tip 2: Funds Transfers. Put a policy in place to have an inperson 

or telephone conversation to confirm e-mail requests 

for funds or personal information. It can greatly reduce the 

likelihood of fraudulent transfers or information sharing. 

Continued after insert >> 








Tip 3: Email Authentication. Phishing can be substantially 

reduced by verifying that the e-mail originated from the 

domain it is associated with. If your domain is hosted, it’s 

worth taking some time to look at how your e-mail is set up to 

ensure proper authentication schemes are used. 2 

Tip 4: Change default passwords on your router and other 

Internet-connected devices. 

Tip 5: Use a trusted VPN service when using Wi-Fi. 

Tip 6: Back up your data regularly both to the cloud and to 

a removable device. 

Tip 7: Update firmware and software regularly. 

Tip 8: Provide firewall security for your Internet 

connection. Ensure your operating system’s firewall is 

enabled, especially if have employees working from home. 3 

Tip 9: Limit employees’ authority to install software and 

their access to only necessary information and data. 3 

Tip 10: Require employees to update unique passwords 

every three months. 3 

Security professionals used to strive for perfect security, but 

today they accept that goal as unachievable. Instead, they strive 

for optimal security by combining best practices with a risk 

management program that considers purchasing data compromise 

and cyber coverage through a knowledgeable insurance provider. 

Cyber Shield® from Federated Insurance is a two-part 

coverage program designed to help provide essential 

protection against many of the critical cyber and privacy 

exposures businesses face. Data Compromise Coverage 

and Cyber Coverage can help your company recover from 

intentional or accidental breaches.* Visit federatedinsurance. 

com for more information or to find your local Federated 

representative. 

1 “Small Business, Big threat: Protecting Small Businesses 

from Cyber Attacks,” Statement for the Record: Dr. Jane 

LeClair, Chief Operating Officer, National Cybersecurity 

Institute at Excelsior College Before the United States House 

of Representatives Committee on Small Business, 4/22/15. 

https://smallbusiness.house.gov/uploadedfiles/4-22-2015__ 

dr.__leclair__testimony.pdf 

2 The leading e-mail authentication protocols are SPF (Sender 

Policy Framework), DKIM (Domain Keys Identified Mail) 

and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, 

Reporting & Conformance); best practice is to utilize the 

three protocols together. https://dmarc.org/2016/03/bestpractices-for-email-senders/ 

3 “Cybersecurity for Small Business.” Online at https://www. 

fcc.gov/general/cybersecurity-small-business 

* Coverage will be determined solely by the circumstances of 

the event and the terms of your policy, if approved for issue. 

This article is not an offer of insurance. 

T&S IS HERE 

Contractors know how important it is to have 

the right resources in place — and so does T&S. 

That’s why we offer a vast selection of high-quality 

plumbing products for a wide range of markets 

and applications, delivering world-class innovation 

and reliability when it matters most. 

Learn more at tsbrass.com/markets. 

EDUCATION HEALTHCARE PUBLIC VENUES COMMERCIAL OFFICES 

T&S plumbing products represented in Maryland by: MidAtlantic RepSouth - 804-550-0025 

TSB_3050 2018 PHCC 7.675x5.indd 2 


8/13/18 10:57 AM 


ESTATE PLANNING 

AWARENESS 

Since 2008, the third week of October each year has been 

designated National Estate Planning Awareness Week. 

This event, held Oct. 15-19 this year, promotes estate 

planning and reinforces its importance to individual and 

family financial wellbeing. 

According to a 2017 Caring.com survey, only 42 percent of 

U.S. adults currently have estate-planning documents, such 

as a will or living trust.* For those with children under the 

age of 18, just 36 percent have a plan. Whether or not an 

individual has a will varies significantly by age, with 

younger generations being the least prepared 

in the event of a premature death. 

So what is estate planning and why is 

it so important? 

Estate planning is the process of 

outlining how someone wants his 

or her assets to be managed and 

transferred after death. In an estate 

plan, an individual can: 

• Designate who should receive which 

assets and when. 

• Choose who will make financial and 

medical decisions if he or she is unable. 

• Decide who should care for children. 

• Include provisions to help minimize estate taxes and other 

settlement expenses. 

• Provide guidance to one’s family about wishes for his or 

her funeral, burial, or end of life care. 

For a business owner, estate planning also 

includes succession planning — who 

will take over a business in the event 

of death or disability. The owner can 

decide if the successor will buy the 

business or inherit it. Families can 

reduce conflict by creating a plan 

that equalizes shares of an estate 

between family members who are 

involved in the business and those 

who are not. A complete estate 

plan may include a wide range of 

documents, such as a will, trust, 

financial power of attorney, medical 

power of attorney, and living will, and 

for business owners, a funded buy-sell 

agreement. 

PERCENTAGE 

OF ADULTS 

WITHOUT A WILL: 

BABY BOOMERS 

(AGES 53-71): 40% 

GENERATION X 

(AGES 37-52): 64% 

MILLENNIALS 

(AGES 18-36): 78% 

Why do so many people not have an estate plan in place? 

Individuals cite a variety of reasons for not having one, from 

cost, to not knowing where to go to create a plan, to just not 

getting around to it. Without a will or trust, the state will 

determine who will receive an individual’s assets after death. 

It may be a spouse and/or children, but how much will go 

to each of them varies from state to state, especially if the 

children are from a prior relationship. Children will receive 

their share when they reach the age of majority (18 or 21, 

depending on the state), regardless of whether or not they 

are prepared to handle it. A court will help decide 

who is best suited to raise children (it might 

not be the person an individual would have 

chosen). Assets will not be protected 

from heirs’ creditors, future spouses, or 

behavioral issues (for example, alcohol 

or drug abuse, gambling, or lack of 

motivation). The absence of planning 

could be even more disastrous for a 

business. Statistics show that less 

than one-third of family businesses 

survive from the first to the second 

generation and even fewer (15 percent) 

survive another transition. Without an 

identified buyer and negotiated terms 

for a sale in a signed (and funded) buy-sell 

agreement, a family could end up selling the 

business for pennies on the dollar or liquidating the 

business and selling the pieces for a fraction of their value. 

Don’t jeopardize your family’s financial future or create 

unnecessary difficulties by not having an estate plan. If you 

already have a plan in place, make sure it is up to date and 

continues to reflect your wishes. Not sure where to start? 

Talk to your Federated marketing representative 

to be connected with an independent attorney 

who specializes in estate and business 

succession planning. 

Source: DiUlio, Nick. (2018) More 

Than Half of American Adults 

Don’t Have a Will, 2017 Survey 

Shows. Retrieved from https:// 

www.caring.com/articles/willssurvey-2017 

Some of the services referenced 

herein are provided by third 

parties wholly independent of 

Federated with the understanding 

that neither Federated nor its 

employees provided legal or other 

expert advice. 

© Vaeenma | Dreamstime.com 


THE UNHAPPY REALITY OF SLIP 

AND FALL ACCIDENTS 

ALTHOUGH IT VARIES BY INDUSTRY, CLAIMS 

MADE BY BUSINESSES FOR SLIP AND FALL 

ACCIDENTS ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN 20 

PERCENT OF GENERAL LIABILITY CLAIMS EACH 

YEAR, AND HAVE AN AVERAGE PAYOUT OF MORE 

THAN $20,000. 

Every business has the potential to 

experience these incidents, but the 

retail and commercial industries are 

often prime targets for slips and falls, 

most likely due in part to their frequent 

interaction with the public. Likewise, 

certain times of the year also seem more 

prone to slip and fall incidents, such 

as colder months and the autumn and 

winter holidays. The causes definitely 

vary, but three particular circumstances 

commonly increase a business’s risk. 

© Dennis Cox | Dreamstime.com 



One area of increased risk is simply 

more traffic. Regardless of the 

reason, more traffic naturally points 

to a greater chance for mishaps. Add 

other distractions such as point of 

sale displays, store demonstrations, 

or any other typical “shopping” 

distraction, and the risk increases. To 

reduce this risk, you would need to 

reduce foot traffic, and what business 

owner wants to do that? A more 

acceptable alternative is to emphasize 

the importance of regular facility 

inspections, on-going housekeeping, 

and sound maintenance practices. 

Next is seasonal weather. Depending 

on your store’s location, rain and 

winter’s sleet, ice, and snow can 

significantly impact slip and fall 

frequency. Couple this with customers 

who may not be wearing appropriate 

footwear for the conditions, and your 

risk increases. 

Businesses should implement policies 

to keep walkways, driveways, and 

customer parking areas clear of ice and 

snow accumulation. 

• Pay special attention to drainage 

runoff or discharge from buildings, 

canopies, and landscaping. 

• Many incidents occur after a day of 

snow/ice melt and the refreeze in the 

evening or morning hours, which are 

also often the busiest times of day. 

• And don’t forget indoor slips and 

falls. Customers inevitably track 

in whatever type of precipitation is 

outdoors, creating wet and slippery 

floors, especially around entrances. 

Keeping employees aware of and on the 

lookout for these increased weatherrelated 

risks is critical to slip and fall 

prevention – inside and out. 

And last, but certainly not least, is 

fraud. The winter holidays in particular 

are prime time for fraudsters. The 

reasons are as varied as the people 

involved, but often they stem from 

an increased need for money, or even 

simply taking advantage when larger 

crowds or weather conditions present 

an opportunity. Fraud can be hard 

to detect and prove, but being aware 

of fraud indicators, keeping video 

surveillance footage, and documenting 

your housekeeping details (e.g., When 

was ice melt laid? When was the floor 

mopped?) can be valuable for helping 

to combat fraud. 

Slip and fall incidents and their root 

causes can be obvious (an icy sidewalk), 

or not so obvious (a “staged” fall for 

fraudulent purposes). In other words, 

business owners need to be ready for 

all conditions. Look at your business 

through the eyes of a customer, paying 

special attention to the three common 

causes discussed here. They show what 

your business could be exposed to, and 

the preventable situations you can 

remedy to help you avoid an insurance 

claim. For more information on slip 

and fall prevention, contact your local 

Federated marketing representative. 

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RTU-5 

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Maryland Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, Inc. 

10176 Baltimore National Pike, Suite 205, Ellicott City, MD 21042-3652 

(410) 461-5977 • fax: (410) 750-2507 • e-mail: phccmd@aol.com 

Backflow RE-Certification Course Application 

Accepted & Approved for Certification in the State of Maryland, W.S.S.C. & the Commonwealth of Virginia 

Registration Fees: $150. Maryland PHCC Members / $250. Non - Member 

January 12, 2019 

Thos. Somerville Co. – 1510 

Tilco Drive – Frederick, MD 

January 26, 2019 

Dundalk Community 

College – 7200 Sollers Point 

Road – Dundalk, MD 

February 9, 2019 



February 23, 2019 




March 9, 2019 



March 16, 2019 


College- 7200 Sollers Point 


April 6, 2019 



April 27, 2019 




May 4, 2019 



May 18, 2019 




June 8, 2019 



June 22, 2019 




For schedule updates contact the office at (410) 461-5977. Hours: Starting time for this course is 7:30 a.m. 

A passing grade commensurate with National requirements on the final written examination and a satisfactory completion 

of the “Hands on” performance test will result in Certification. 

Note: Class schedules are updated approximately every 30 days. To reserve your space please be sure to register early. 

Class size is limited and applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Name_________________________________________ Home Phone: ( 

)____________________________ 

Home Address _______________________________Last 4 Digits of Social Security No._____________________ 

City _________________________________________ State __________ Zip Code _________________ _____ 

Certification expiration date _______________________ School Attended __________________________ _____ 

e-mail address:___________________Plumbing License held 0 Baltimore County 0 State 0 WSSC 

Please check 

Company Name: ______________________________ Fax Number: ( 

) ______________________________ 

Class Location Requested:__________________________ Class Date Requested: ___________________________ 

Enclosed is my check made payable to Maryland PHCC in the amount of $__________. 

Signature of Applicant __________________________________________________________ Date:__________ 

Credit Card # _____________________________ Expiration Date:__________ Security Code_________ 

Name as it appears on Credit Card_________________________________________________________ 

Billing address for credit card_____________________________________________________________ ______ 

Street City State Zip Code 

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE OF CARDHOLDER:__________________________________________ 

PAYMENT: Payment must accompany the completed application. Please make check payable to Maryland PHCC. 

Mail to: Maryland PHCC, Suite 205, 10176 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Enclosed is my check 

in the amount of $________. 

CANCELLATION: What if I need to cancel? Applicants who cancel up to 10 days prior to the start of the course will 

forfeit 25% of the total fee to cover administrative fees. Cancellations less than seven (7) days prior to the start of 

class will forfeit all fees. 



Experience PHCC Membership 

at a 50% Discount! 

New Introductory Membership 

For the first time ever in the 135 year history of the PHCC, we are offering an introductory membership rate at 

more than 50% off the full rate for the first year of membership. With these economic times, we feel we can offer 

the contractor the “experience” of PHCC at a reduced rate to increase the exposure to the value of membership in 

our Association. 

Here are just a few of the benefits of membership: 

INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION: PHCC membership give you a voice with today’s legislators, giving you the 

lobbying edge on a State and National level. 

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: State and National meetings help you learn from others who have “been 

there, done that.” 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Access to education and business management expertise, all at a money 

saving discount and many programs are free to members. 

SCHOLARSHIPS: For Contractor Member families and the family members of their Employees on a state and 

national level. 

LATEST NEWS: With National and State subscriptions, you will be kept up-to-date on your Industry. 

PROFESSIONAL PRIDE: Proudly display the PHCC logo with promotional materials provided and in a 

format for advertising. 

Memberships For One Low Fee (Starting at $437.50) 

CRITERIA TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER: 

1. Introductory Membership is available only once to a firm that is engaged in the plumbing and/or heating 

and/or cooling and/or mechanical contracting industry that has never been a member of the association. An 

Introductory Member may only retain this designation for a maximum of twenty-four (24) months from the 

date the firm joined, and must maintain an affiliation with the National and State Association as described in 

the bylaws. 

2. Dues for Introductory Members are at least a fifty percent (50%) discount of active member dues for the first 

year and at least a twenty-five percent (25%) discount of active member dues in the second year. 

3. Introductory members may attend meetings and enjoy all other privileges and benefits of membership, except 

that they may not vote, hold office or propose resolutions or amendments to the bylaws. 

4. Must attend 50% of State Meetings during membership period. 

5. Must attend one National PHCC webinar during membership period. (free to members) 

6. Must attend one State sponsored event during membership period. 

If the above criteria are met during the first membership year, a second year renewal is 25% off the regular 

member price. Or, at any time, the introductory member may pay the membership fee difference and become 

a full member (2018 starting rate of $875.00 per year). 

Maryland Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors 10176 Baltimore National Pike, Suite 205 

Ellicott City, Maryland 20142 

410-461-5977 • phccmd@aol.com 



10176 Baltimore National Pike, Suite 205 

Ellicott City, MD 21042-3652 

(410) 461-5977 • fax: (410) 750-2507 

web: www.marylandphcc.org • e-mail: phccmd@aol.com 

Introductory Member Application 

BECOME A MEMBER OF MARYLAND’S OLDEST & MOST ACTIVE TRADE ASSOCIATION 

I hereby make application for Introductory membership for the year 2018 in the Maryland Plumbing-Heating- 

Cooling Contractors, Inc. and agree to conform to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association. 

INTRODUCTORY MEMBER: Any individual who holds a State of Maryland Master License and/or any other State 

license who is a Master Plumber or Master HVAC Contractor or who owns at least 10% of the assets of a Plumbing, 

Heating or Cooling firm shall be eligible for membership in this Association, an affiliate of the Plumbing-Heating- 

Cooling Contractors National Association. 

PROCEDURES FOR MEMBERSHIP: Any persons wishing to become An Introductory member of this 

Association must properly complete the application form furnished by the Association and make payment 

of applicable dues. Such application and dues shall be referred to the Board of Directors, by the Membership 

Committee which shall investigate the eligibility of the applicant and report thereon at the next meeting of the 

members. Two-thirds majority vote of the members present at such meeting is required to elect the applicant. 

DUES INVESTMENT: Maryland PHCC dues investment is based on number of Field Technicians. A technician 

is anyone who works with tools or is learning the PHC trade. This includes journey, apprentices and master 

plumbers/HVAC on your payroll. It is not office staff, accountants, etc. Your dues investment includes 

membership in the Maryland PHCC and PHCC National Association. 

No. of Technicians Investment No. of Technicians Investment No. of Technicians Investment 

0 1-8 $437.50/year 0 9-14 $497.50/year 0 15+ $497.50/year 

WHICH PAYMENT OPTION WOULD YOU PREFER TO USE THIS YEAR (PLEASE CHECK ONE)? 

0 My Check in the amount of $____________ is enclosed. 

0 Please charge my Credit Card: 0 American Express 0 Visa 0 MasterCard 

Name of Company_________________________ Phone No. ( )_____________ Fax No. ( )_____________ 

Name of Applicant ________________________ e-mail address_______________________________________ 

Address ___________________________________________________________________________ ______ 


Credit Card # _____________________________________ Expiration Date:__________ Security Code_________ 

Name as it appears on Credit Card_______________________________________________________________ 



Authorized Signature _______________________________ Master License #________________ Date_________ 






(410) 461-5977 • fax: (410) 750-2507 

e-mail: phccmd@aol.com 

32-Hour Backflow Certification Course 

Cost: $425. Maryland PHCC Members / $550. Non - Member 

APPROVED AS A PROVIDER OF TRAINING BY THE MARYLAND STATE BOARD OF PLUMBING 

ACCEPTED & APPROVED AS A PROVIDER OF TRAINING BY THE COMMONWEALTH OF 

VIRGINIA AND WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION (W.S.S.C) 

32-Hour Training Course leading to Certification as a Backflow Prevention Tester/Mechanic 

January 11, 12, 13, 2019 

Hours: 7:30 a.m. start. 

Thos. Somerville Co. 

1510 Tilco Drive 

Frederick, MD 

January 25, 26, 27, 2019 

Hours: 7:30 a.m. start 

Dundalk Community College 

7200 Sollers Point Road 

Dundalk, MD 

February 8, 9, 10, 2019 




Frederick, MD 

February 22, 23, 24, 2019 




Dundalk, MD 

March 8, 9, 10, 2019 




Frederick, MD 

March 15, 16, 17, 2019 




Dundalk, MD 

April 5, 6, 7, 2019 




Frederick, MD 

April 26, 27, 28, 2019 




Dundalk, MD 

For additional information on available dates contact our office (410) 461-5977 

NOTE: To reserve your space in the class please be sure to register early. Applicants are accepted on a first-come first serve 

basis. Call (410) 461-5977 for a new schedule or visit us at www.marylandphcc.org. 

Re-Certification schedules are available by calling the MPHCC office at (410) 461-5977. Re-certification classes are offered at 

all of the above listed locations. 

The Maryland State Board of Plumbing requires the successful completion of an approved 32 Hour Backflow Training 

Course as a pre-requisite for the Journey/Master Plumber examination. The focus of this course shall be to develop a 

working knowledge of the causes and principles of the backflow and backflow prevention. Recognizing proper backflow 

prevention assembly application and operation is stressed. A complete understanding and ability to perform accepted field 

test procedures for all backflow prevention assemblies are required for Certification. 

BOOKS.. The University of Florida (TREEO) “Backflow Prevention Theory and Practice” book is used for the course. The 

book is included in the registration fees and is yours to take home. 

CERTIFICATION. A passing grade on the final written examination and a satisfactory completion of the “hands on” 

performance test will result in Certification. Certification is good for three (3) years. If you fail the course and are required 

to re-test you will be notified by the office, there is no additional charge for the re-test. 

REGISTRATION: Applicants are accepted on FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED basis. Class size is limited to 15 persons. 

PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY APPLICATION. We accept the credit cards listed below. 

American Express Discover Master Card VISA 





(410) 461-5977 • fax: (410) 750-2507 

e-mail: phccmd@aol.com 

32-Hour Backflow Prevention Certification Course 

Cost: $425. Maryland PHCC Members / $550. Non - Member 

APPLICATION: 

1. APPLICANT please provide identification (listed below) along with your completed application 

and registration fees. 

2. ATTENTION: PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING IDENTIFICATION WITH YOUR 

APPLICATION 

APPRENTICES - Copy of a valid Maryland Apprentice Plumber License 

JOURNEY - Copy of a valid Maryland State Journey License 

MASTER PLUMBERS - Copy of a valid Maryland Master Plumber License 

WSSC - OUT OF STATE PLUMBERS - Copy of your WSSC or State License 

STATE/FEDERAL GOVERNMENT - Copy of State/Federal issued ID card 

Name_________________________________________ Home Phone: ( 

)____________________________ 

Home Address _______________________________Last 4 Digits of Social Security No._____________________ 

e-mail address:___________________Plumbing License held 0 Baltimore County 0 State 0 WSSC 

Please check 

City _________________________________________ State __________ Zip Code _________________ _____ 

Signature: ___________________________________ Work Phone: ( 

) ______________________________ 

Company Name: ______________________________ Fax Number: ( 

) ______________________________ 

Class Location Requested:__________________________ Class Date: ____________________________ 

Enclosed is my check made payable to Maryland PHCC in the amount of $__________. 

Credit Card # _____________________________ Expiration Date:__________ Security Code_________ 

Name as it appears on Credit Card_________________________________________________________ 



AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE OF CARDHOLDER:__________________________________________ 

PAYMENT: Payment must accompany the completed application. Please make check payable to Maryland PHCC. 

Mail to: Maryland PHCC, Suite 205, 10176 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Enclosed is my check 

in the amount of $________. 

CANCELLATION: What if I need to cancel? Applicants who cancel up to 10 days prior to the start of the course will 

forfeit 25% of the total fee to cover administrative fees. Cancellations less than seven (7) days prior to the start of 

class will forfeit all fees.

Maryland PHCC Contractors Winter 2018

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