About ASPE

Home » About ASPE

About ASPE

The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) is the international organization for professionals skilled in the design, specification and inspection of plumbing systems. ASPE is dedicated to the advancement of the science of plumbing engineering, to the professional growth and advancement of its members and the health, welfare and safety of the public.

The Society disseminates technical data and information, sponsors activities that facilitate interaction with fellow professionals, and, through research and education, expands the base of knowledge of the plumbing engineering industry. ASPE members are leaders in innovative plumbing design, effective materials and energy use, and the application of advanced techniques throughout the world.

Worldwide Membership ASPE was founded in 1964 and currently has more than 7,000 members. Internationally, ASPE members are located in the United States, Canada, Asia, Mexico, South and Central America, the South Pacific, Australia,  Europe, Africa, Caribbean and the Middle East. They represent an extensive network of experienced engineers, designers, contractors, code officials, manufacturers, and manufacturer representatives interested in advancing their careers, their profession, and the industry. ASPE is at the forefront of technology. In addition, ASPE represents members and promotes the profession among all segments of the construction industry.

ASPE Chapters  All members belong to ASPE worldwide and have the opportunity to belong to and participate in one of the 60+ state, provincial, or local chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada. ASPE chapters provide the major communication links and the first line of services and programs for the individual member. At chapter functions, members can network with others who represent all segments of the plumbing engineering, design, construction, and services industry. Chapters produce newsletters, conduct monthly technical meetings, and provide opportunities for education, professional development, and information sharing to help the membership stay abreast of current trends, code changes, and technologies in the plumbing engineering profession.

Membership Communication Communication with the membership is enhanced through the Society's news site, ASPE Pipeline, and its biweekly e-newsletter. Members and ASPE Committees also communicate directly with each other via our online community, ASPE Connect.

Continuing Education ASPE offers a variety of ways for members to learn about new technologies, gain new skills, and earn continuing education units (CEUs) through ASPE Education, including webinars, workshops, and other on-demand and live events.

Technical Publications The Society maintains a comprehensive publishing program, spearheaded by the profession's basic reference text, the Plumbing Engineering Design Handbook. The Plumbing Engineering Design Handbook, published in four volumes, encompasses 50+ chapters providing comprehensive details of the accepted practices and design criteria used in the field of plumbing engineering. ASPE's published library of professional technical manuals and handbooks includes the Domestic Water Heating Design Manual, Engineering Plumbing Design, and The Plumbing Engineering and Design Handbook of Tables, the only plumbing reference tool of its kind. Visit our Bookstore to see our entire library of technical publications.

Convention & Expo and Tech Symposium  The Society hosts biennial Conventions on even-numbered years and Tech Symposium on odd-number years for professional plumbing engineers, designers, and contractors to improve their skills, learn original design concepts, and make important networking contacts to help them stay abreast of current trends, codes, and technologies. In conjunction with each Convention is the Expo, the largest gathering of plumbing engineering and design products, equipment, and services. Everything from pipes to pumps to fixtures, from compressors and computers to consulting services is on display to allow engineers and specifiers to view the newest and most innovative design materials available to them. In addition, the Society conducts a number of one- and two-day technical and professional development seminars in conjunction with our Chapters.

Certified in Plumbing Design ASPE sponsors a national certification program for engineers and designers of plumbing systems, which carries the designation "Certified in Plumbing Design" or CPD. The certification program provides the profession, the plumbing industry, and the general public with a single, comprehensive qualification of professional competence for engineers and designers of plumbing systems. The CPD, designed exclusively by and for plumbing engineers, tests hundreds of engineers and designers at centers throughout the United States annually. Created to provide a single, uniform, national credential in the field of engineered plumbing systems, the CPD program is not in any way connected to any state-regulated Professional Engineer (PE) registration.

Codes and Legislation The Society maintains liaisons with all plumbing industry and engineering-related organizations, as well as provides code and representative liaisons with various federal, state, and local governmental agencies and departments. ASPE code and legislative liaisons are members of the coordinating committees for the many organizations promulgating national model codes and, when appropriate, coordinate code and legislative representation at the state and local level.

Industry Affiliations In 2011, ASPE became a Full member of the World Plumbing Council, an organization dedicated to uniting the worldwide plumbing industry to advance plumbing education and research and to ensure the public's health, safety, and welfare through safe water and sanitation practices. ASPE also is a member of the Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition, which was created to conduct research projects that will support the development of water-efficient plumbing products and systems.

ASPE Education & Research Foundation The ASPE Education & Research Foundation, established in 1976, is the only independent, impartial organization involved in plumbing engineering and design research. The science of plumbing engineering affects everyone . . . from the quality of our drinking water to the conservation of our water resources to the building codes for plumbing systems . . . our lives are impacted daily by the advances made in plumbing engineering technology through the Foundation's research and development.

Scroll to Top