Plumbing Water Systems

About This Event

Format, Schedule, and Structure

The Plumbing Water Systems seminar runs from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT, followed by a complimentary on‑site luncheon. There is no charge to attend the seminar or the lunch.

The program is organized into four distinct courses, each eligible for 0.1 ASPE CEU. Completion of the full seminar provides a certificate of attendance for four (4) PE PDH credits. This makes it a practical choice if you are planning your Durham NC activities around both professional development and networking.

Key structural elements:

• Four topical courses presented back‑to‑back
• Technical content geared toward commercial and domestic water systems
• Time built in for questions and discussion
• Free lunch on site at Frontier RTP, offering informal networking with peers and instructors

How This Seminar Fits into Broader Things to Do in Durham, NC

While many Durham NC events this weekend focus on entertainment, food, and sports, the Plumbing Water Systems seminar occupies a different but important niche: professional, technical education. For engineers and building professionals, this can be one of the most impactful free things to do in Durham NC, because it simultaneously:

• Advances your technical competence
• Helps maintain professional licensure through CEUs and PDHs
• Connects you with regional peers working in similar roles
• Takes place in a location that is easy to pair with an afternoon or evening of leisure Durham activities

You might schedule your morning at Frontier RTP, then head into downtown Durham for a game at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, an evening show at DPAC, or a concert such as Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton or Lucinda Williams & Her Band. For more structured ideas, Trifecta’s curated list of things to do in Durham can be a helpful planning tool.

Who Is Organizing and Teaching?

The seminar is organized by James M. Pleasants Company (JMP), a well‑established manufacturers’ representative and solutions provider in the HVAC and plumbing space. Their work commonly spans hydronic systems, pumps, and water heating solutions for commercial and institutional facilities.

Two senior leaders from JMP will serve as instructors:

• Chris Edmondson, CEO of JMP
• Chris Norwood, VP of JMP

Both instructors bring direct field experience working with design engineers, contractors, and owners on system selection, troubleshooting, and optimization. For attendees, that typically translates to case‑based examples, design “rules of thumb” that are grounded in codes, and practical guidance on how to avoid common design and installation errors.

Core Technical Topics Covered

The seminar is designed as a broad yet technically detailed overview of plumbing water systems in commercial and large residential applications. The agenda is divided into four main topic areas.

1. Domestic Water Pressure Booster Systems

Domestic water pressure boosters are central to delivering adequate pressure to fixtures in mid‑rise and high‑rise buildings, hospitals, hotels, and campuses. The seminar covers:

- Introduction to Pressure Boosters
Attendees will review why pressure boosters are needed, typical system configurations (e.g., variable‑speed pump sets with pressure sensors), and how municipal water pressure, building height, and friction losses affect design.

- Sizing Pressure Booster Systems
This section addresses determining required flow and head, diversity factors, and how to use fixture unit counts or demand estimates to size the booster correctly. The implications of oversizing (short cycling, energy waste) and undersizing (insufficient pressure at peak time) are likely to be discussed.

- Specification Suggestions
Engineers will receive guidance on what to include in project specifications—pump type, controls, redundancy, pressure relief, vibration isolation, and details that help avoid change orders and performance problems.

For consulting engineers and plumbing designers, this portion directly supports better construction documents and more robust systems. For facility owners and managers, it helps in evaluating replacement and retrofit options.

2. Domestic Hot Water Heating

The domestic hot water portion is broad, with several subtopics that are especially relevant for events in Durham focused on building performance and health.

Key components include:

- ASHRAE Standard 188‑2021 – Legionella
This segment examines the role of hot water systems in Legionella control, including temperature setpoints, system design considerations, and risk management practices aligned with ASHRAE 188‑2021. Attendees can expect discussion on how system layout, storage tanks, and recirculation affect microbial risk.

- Traditional Water Heater Types
Coverage of standard gas and electric storage water heaters, tankless systems, and commercial boilers with indirect water heating. The focus is on how to choose between these options based on load profile, efficiency, and maintenance factors.

- Heat Pump Water Heaters
With growing focus on decarbonization and electrification, heat pump water heaters are becoming central in many projects. The seminar will discuss their operating principles, ideal applications, and key design constraints (ambient conditions, recovery rates, space requirements).

- Water Heater Sizing
Attendees will be taken through sizing methodologies—both code‑driven and usage‑based—so that systems can meet peak demand without excessive oversizing.

- Pitfalls
This section flags common issues: mixing valve misapplication, inadequate circulation, underestimating low‑flow fixture impacts, and control strategies that conflict with Legionella mitigation measures.

This topic block is highly relevant for both design professionals and owners seeking to improve reliability, safety, and energy performance in domestic hot water systems.

3. Domestic Hot Water Recirculation Basics

Hot water recirculation is often misunderstood but is critical for energy efficiency, comfort, and water conservation.

The seminar addresses:

- Code Requirements
Attendees will review relevant plumbing code provisions requiring or shaping recirculation systems, including requirements for maximum wait times, insulation, and temperature maintenance.

- Sizing Example
A worked example demonstrates how to size recirculation flow and pipe diameters, showing how heat loss and loop length influence pump selection.

- Balancing Multiple Risers
In multi‑riser systems, hydraulic balancing is essential to ensure all branches receive proper flow and temperature. The seminar explores methods such as balancing valves and dynamic balancing devices.

- High Rise Recirculation
Special focus is given to tall buildings where static pressure, elevation changes, and vertical zoning complicate recirculation design.

For engineers and contractors, this segment helps translate code and theory into practical design details. For owners, it explains why poorly designed recirculation systems can lead to long wait times, high energy bills, and comfort complaints.

4. Commercial Sump and Sewage Lift Stations

The final course addresses sump and sewage lift stations, which are critical but often overlooked components in complex facilities.

Topics include:

- System Components
An overview of pumps, basins, control panels, floats/level sensors, check valves, and venting requirements.

- Sizing Sewage Lift Stations
Attendees learn how to select basin volume, pump capacity, and cycle times based on fixture counts, anticipated flows, and code requirements.

- Recommendations
Best‑practice design and maintenance recommendations are covered, including redundancy, alarm strategies, and access for service.

- Elevator Sump Pumps
The session also covers specialized elevator sump pump requirements and how they differ from standard sump systems.

For anyone responsible for Durham NC events this weekend within commercial facilities—or more broadly for ongoing operations—understanding these systems helps prevent failures, basement flooding, and code compliance issues.

Benefits for Different Types of Attendees

Whether you attend as an engineer, contractor, or facility owner, this seminar offers distinct benefits:

• Engineers and Designers
• Earn ASPE CEUs and PE PDHs
• Refine sizing methods for boosters, heaters, and lift stations
• Clarify code interpretations and specification language

• Contractors and Installers
• Understand design intent and how to implement it in the field
• Learn common pitfalls to avoid during installation and startup
• Improve communication with design teams and owners

• Facility Owners and Managers
• Gain a clearer picture of how systems work and where risks lie
• Better evaluate proposals and maintenance plans
• Enhance decision‑making on upgrades and replacements

If you share whether you are primarily an engineer/contractor or a facility owner, you can easily focus on the portions most relevant to you—such as Legionella and code issues, equipment sizing, or system selection when planning what to do in Durham NC that also advances your professional skills.

Frontier RTP: The Venue

Frontier RTP sits in the heart of Research Triangle Park, one of the largest research parks in the United States. The venue houses flexible meeting spaces designed for technology meetups, professional education, and community‑oriented events in Durham.

Features that matter for this seminar:

• Modern, configurable meeting rooms with AV support
• Ample free parking in adjacent lots
• Proximity to major highways (I‑40, NC‑147) and the RDU Airport
• Nearby cafés and food options for pre‑ or post‑seminar networking

Because this is a morning event with lunch provided on site, Frontier RTP makes it easy to plan an efficient day that still leaves time to explore other Durham NC activities in the afternoon or evening.

Getting to Frontier RTP

• By Car: Frontier RTP is easily accessed from I‑40 (look for the Durham Freeway/NC‑147 and Davis Drive exits). Traffic is typically lighter mid‑morning, but allow extra time for the commute if you’re driving in from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or downtown Durham.
• From Downtown Durham: The drive is roughly 10–15 miles, commonly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Rideshare options are readily available.
• Parking: Frontier RTP generally provides free surface parking close to the buildings. Arriving a bit early ensures you can park near your specific meeting space.

Making the Most of Your Day

To turn this seminar into a full day of Durham NC activities:

• Attend the morning session and stay for the provided lunch.
• Afterward, drive into downtown Durham for coffee or dessert at one of the local cafés.
• Consider booking an evening event such as a live show at DPAC—like On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan—or a themed experience such as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ in Concert if it aligns with your visit dates.
• For more relaxed social time, look for family-friendly events in Durham like trivia, art events, or casual music nights.

Lodging Near the Event

If you’re traveling for the seminar and need lodging, areas to consider include:

• Downtown Durham – walkable, full of restaurants, bars, and entertainment
• Research Triangle Park / RTP – closest to Frontier RTP, more car‑oriented
• Southpoint / Fayetteville Road area – retail and dining center between RTP and Durham

For flexible, apartment‑style stays that can work for individuals or small teams, short‑term rentals and airbnb durham nc options in downtown often provide more space and amenities than standard hotels.

For detailed lodging suggestions and neighborhood breakdowns, the Visit Durham, NC guide is a strong resource.

Distances from Trifecta’s West Village Locations to Frontier RTP

Event venue address: Frontier RTP, 800 Park Offices Drive, Durham, NC 27713

Approximate distances:

• Trifecta Corporate Housing at West Village – 604 West Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701
• Driving distance: roughly 11–12 miles, about 15–20 minutes by car depending on traffic.
• Walking is not practical due to highway segments and distance; expect a drive or rideshare.

• Trifecta Corporate Housing at West Village – 610 West Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701
• Driving distance: also about 11–12 miles, typically 15–20 minutes to Frontier RTP.
• Like 604 W Morgan, walking is not realistic; driving or rideshare is recommended.

From either West Village building, you can easily drive to the seminar in the morning and return to downtown afterward for dinner, shows, or other Durham NC events this weekend around your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Durham

Durham is a compact city with a strong mix of research, culture, and food—ideal if you’re combining professional Durham NC activities with leisure. Frontier RTP sits between Durham and Raleigh, but you’re only a short drive away from many of the most searched things to do in Durham, NC.

Key nearby areas and amenities:

- Downtown Durham
About 10–15 minutes by car from Frontier RTP, downtown features the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), Durham Bulls Athletic Park, historic tobacco warehouses converted into offices and housing, and a dense cluster of restaurants and bars.

- Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)
DPAC regularly hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts, and live events—ideal for pairing with an educational seminar. Past and current programming includes major touring acts like On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, which is covered in depth in Trifecta’s guide to that show, as well as special performances like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ in Concert and comedy events like Eddie B or Ben Schwartz & Friends.

- Music and Arts Venues
Durham’s arts scene brings in performers like Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton and Lucinda Williams & Her Band, along with local art showcases such as Women on the Wall. These types of events in Durham provide strong evening options after a technical seminar.

- Food Halls and Social Spots
Places like Durham Food Hall combine multiple local vendors in one space and host recurring activities such as Trivia at Durham Food Hall. There are also creative events like Paint & Sip: Winter Wonderland Cardinal or BYOV w/ Jaffar (Bring Your Own Vinyl Night) that highlight more casual, family-friendly events in Durham or adult‑oriented social activities.

For a broader planning resource, the Visit Durham, NC guide offered by Trifecta Corporate Housing is a useful jumping‑off point when you’re deciding what to do before or after the seminar.

Stay in Durham

Other Things to Do in Durham, NC

Around the time of the Plumbing Water Systems seminar, you can expect a robust calendar of Durham NC events June 2026 across arts, sports, and culture. When people search for things to do in Durham, NC, some of the most common categories include:

- Live Music and Concerts
Durham frequently hosts touring artists and tribute acts. Events similar in style to Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton or Lucinda Williams & Her Band are typical of the area’s concert offerings, often split between downtown venues and nearby theaters.

- Performing Arts and Theater
DPAC is a hub for touring Broadway shows, special events like On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, and unique experiences such as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ in Concert that blend film and live orchestra.

- Comedy and Spoken Word
Comedy shows such as Eddie B or improv nights like Ben Schwartz & Friends add more evening options to the landscape of events in Durham, especially appealing if you attend the seminar with colleagues and want a lighter, social capstone to the day.

- Creative and Social Experiences
Hands‑on events like Paint & Sip: Winter Wonderland Cardinal, rotating art exhibits like Women on the Wall, and music‑driven gatherings like BYOV w/ Jaffar (Bring Your Own Vinyl Night) are examples of how Durham mixes culture and community engagement.

- Ongoing Social Events
Activities such as Trivia at Durham Food Hall or similar recurring gatherings are ideal Durham NC activities if you prefer informal, drop‑in style events.

When planning your schedule around the seminar, pairing one technical morning with one or two of these leisure activities gives you a balanced experience that covers professional development and personal enjoyment.

For a curated overview, use Trifecta’s things to do in Durham resource to cross‑reference specific dates with your trip.