Understanding Plumbing Systems in Commercial Buildings

Plumbing systems are critical to the functionality and safety of commercial buildings, yet they are often underrepresented in formal education. This course explores the full scope of plumbing infrastructure, from municipal supply and drainage to lab and healthcare-specific systems. Through code analysis, system design, and real-world applications, participants will develop the skills to manage plumbing projects with confidence and precision.

• Mechanical and plumbing design engineers involved in commercial and institutional projects.
• Construction managers, contractors, and estimators responsible for plumbing system implementation.
• Facility operators, inspectors, and consultants working in labs, healthcare, and office environments.

This course has been approved by the State of WI Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) for 20 hours for: Commercial Plumbing Inspector, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber license holders.

Day 1

Welcome and Student Introductions

Tab 1 – Plumbing Design Criteria

• Historical context, fixture counts, materials, valves, and equipment layout

Tab 2 – Municipal Water Supply

• Backflow prevention, pressure, quality, and treatment requirements

Tab 3 – Codes and Standards

• Overview of DSPS, IPC, IFGC, NFPA, ADA, UPC, LEED, WELL

Tab 4 – Domestic Water Piping (Part One)

• Water treatment, softeners, and hot water generation

Day 2

Tab 5 – Domestic Water Piping (Part Two)

• Distribution, sizing, recirculation, pressure zones, and Legionella prevention

Tab 6 – Drainage and Venting

• Pipe layout, vent stacks, sump pumps, and odor control

Tab 7 – Storm and Rain Water

• Runoff management, catch basins, irrigation, and stormwater harvesting

Day 3

Tab 8 – Natural Gas Requirements

• Pressure, metering, appliances, and gas-fired equipment

Tab 9 – Plumbing Estimating

• Scope, plans, takeoffs, budgeting, and scheduling

Tab 10 – Science Lab Considerations

• Lab sinks, emergency fixtures, RO/DI systems, and special waste

Tab 11 – Healthcare Facility Issues

• Medical gas systems, certification, decontamination, and temperature control

Tab 12 – Appendix (excerpts for reference)

• 2015 IPC Chapter 4 – Fixtures, faucets and fixture fittings
• 2015 IPC Chapter 6 – Water supply and distribution
• 2015 IPC Chapter 7 – Sanitary drainage
• 2015 IPC Chapter 9 – Vents
• 2015 IPC Chapter 11 – Storm drainage
• 2015 IPC Appendix B – Rates of rainfall for various cities
• 2015 IPC Appendix E – Sizing of water piping system
• 2016 Wisconsin SPS 382.40 Appendix
• LEED reference guide for building design and construction
• 2018 NFPA 54 and ANSI Z223.1 – Pipe sizing
• 2018 NFPA 99 – Annex A

"It was a very interesting course that covered a broach spectrum of topics in a way that allowed everyone in the room to comment, which was outstanding and very productive to provide different points of view."
—Dave, Master Plumber, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, Wisconsin

"I came in with only moderate plumbing knowledge picked up on one or two projects. I feel that I have a good store of general system knowledge that I can apply going forward."
—Clayton, TKDA, St. Paul, Minnesota

"It was good to focus on plumbing principles and hear experiences from others in the industry...I can use many aspects of this course daily in my job, especially for design-build projects."
—Brian, Assistant Project Manager, J.F. Ahern Co., Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

"I came in with the hope I would learn about all the different kinds of systems and their related equipment, and I now have a much better understanding of both."
Brad, Sherman Mechanical, Cary, Illinois

"Learned all of the basics of plumbing systems, as promised...Very good course, glad I took it."
—Teddy, Mechanical Engineer, Kohler Co., Kohler, Wisconsin

"I liked how there was a lot of knowledgeable people within the class, and created some great dialogue...Learned a lot from instructors and classmates."
—Greg, Plumbing Estimator, Butters-Fetting Co., Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mark Malkin

Mark P. Malkin, PE, is a program director in the Office of Interdisciplinary Professional Programs in the College of Engineering at UW-Madison. He is a registered Professional Engineer with over 25 years of experience in university facilities project management and HVAC systems design. His course offerings include HVAC, plumbing and fire protection fundamentals, building code reviews, and design and operation of science labs, data centers, museums and libraries. Mark received his bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, and his MS in Mechanical Engineering from UW–Madison.

Jill Imig

Jill Imig, PE, EDAC is an Associate Vice president with HGA in Milwaukee and has over 15 years of experience in the design of plumbing, medical gas and fire protection systems for healthcare, corporate, higher education and science & technology.  Jill also serves as the Milwaukee office’s mechanical engineering department leader. She has a passion for working as part of an interdisciplinary design and construction team to create designs that best suite client’s needs, considering cost, efficiency, and sustainability. Additionally, she is highly involved with the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), American Society of Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), and the Medical Gas Professional Healthcare Organization (MGPHO).

Christoph Lohr

Christoph Lohr, PE, CPD, has over a decade of experience in designing plumbing systems for healthcare, laboratory, hospitality, sports, and university projects. Christoph's current responsibilities as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for IAPMO is to identify long term, high impact projects, develop a business case for them, bring resources to bear, and execute them for maximum results. Christoph's professional activities in the industry extend into multiple volunteer associations, of which he has also assumed leadership roles setting strategy and direction for teams including ASPE Phoenix Chapter, ASPE Society, ASPE Legionella Working Group, ASHRAE Committees, PIPE Trust of Arizona, and IAPMO's Safe Building Reopening Best Practices. Christoph consistently looks to find long-term, holistic solutions that positively impact public health and safety, particularly in the world of water and plumbing.

Doug Nelson

Douglas Nelson, PE, has passion for developing engineers to be successful in the marketplace. He wants all students to be job-ready when the arrive at their chosen career. He does this as an Assistant Professor in the Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Department at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He has been involved in various aspects of the plumbing industry for approximately 40 years. In addition to teaching plumbing and fire protection he manages learning in both the Civil Engineering and Construction Management areas.

Cory Powers

Cory Powers, CPD, is an engineering principal at HGA in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a background in mechanical design, having specialized in plumbing, medical gas and fire protection systems. A ready source of knowledge and information, Cory provides leadership, planning and coordination to make sure clients receive long-term benefits for their investment. He focuses on sustainable outcomes, researching and analyzing available and new technologies that provide energy-efficient, long-lasting and cost-effective solutions. Cory is a Certified Plumbing Designer, a registered Designer of Engineering Systems in the State of Wisconsin, and a member of ASPE. He is currently a lecturer at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, having earned a BS in Architectural Engineering Mechanical Systems there.

Zac Rockendorf

Zac Rockendorf, MP, is a Senior Project Manager at JF Ahern company in Milwaukee Wisconsin, with a background in commercial plumbing construction.  With a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering and over 15 years of industry experience in plumbing design, estimating, and construction, he focuses on innovation and efficiencies to bring value to his projects.  Zac is a credentialed Master Plumber in the State of WI and is an active member of the WI ASPE.