Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association

What Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association does

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) is a 501(c)(6) trade association founded in 1883 and headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, serving approximately 3,300 plumbing and HVACR contractor businesses and 65,000 technicians across the United States and Canada. The organization operates a federated structure comprising 39 state chapters, 127 local chapters, and three Enhanced Service Groups (Quality Service Contractors, Construction Contractors' Alliance, and Union-Affiliated Contractors), delivering legislative advocacy, education and training, technical standards, and peer networking to the p-h-c industry.

PHCC's product and technology portfolio centers on PHCC Academy (an online learning management system for apprentices, technicians, and business owners), the National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) created in 1933 and continuously maintained, the PHCC Water Supply Calculator mobile application, and the PHCC Labor Unit Database (delivered through a partnership with Harrison Publishing House's CINX platform). Supporting assets include the PHCC Educational Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing scholarships and apprenticeship competitions), Solutions Magazine (quarterly print and digital), and Business Intelligence publications.

The association generates revenue through four principal streams: federated membership dues (local, state, and national tiers across contractor, associate, auxiliary, and union-affiliated categories), publications and advertising (reaching approximately 3,500 decision-makers), events and conferences (including the CONNECT Annual Conference, Legislative Conference, and specialized training workshops), and corporate partnerships with major manufacturers (Bradford White, A.O. Smith, Bernzomatic, Kohler, Rheem, Milwaukee Tool, Zoeller, and others). Distribution occurs primarily through the federated chapter network and digital self-serve channels such as phccweb.org and phccacademy.org, with a planned leadership transition underway as CEO Cindy Sheridan retires at end of 2026 and COO Dan Quinonez assumes the CEO role on November 1, 2026.

Name

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association

Legal name

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association

Website

https://phccweb.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1883

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

PHCC is a 140+ year-old U.S. trade association representing 3,300+ plumbing and HVACR contractor businesses and 65,000 technicians, delivering federated membership services, legislative advocacy, technical standards (NSPC), and workforce education through its academy and educational foundation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (813920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction & Trades Licensure (Contractor, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC CE) (EDAAALAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Continuing Education (CE/CPD) & Provider Accreditation Bodies (EDADACAF)

Keywords

• Trade association services
• Plumbing contractor education
• HVACR workforce training
• Plumbing code standards
• Industry legislative advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Falls Church

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Federated membership structure with local, state, and national dues from approximately 3,300 plumbing and HVACR businesses and 65,000 technicians. Multiple membership categories including contractor, associate (manufacturers/distributors), auxiliary, union-affiliated, and educational associate.
2. Publications and Advertising: Solutions Magazine (quarterly print and digital), PHCC Online e-Newsletter, website advertising. PHCC sends messages to nearly 3,500 decision-makers in the $188 billion plumbing, heating and cooling industry.
3. Events and Conferences: CONNECT Annual Conference, Legislative Conference, R.E.A.C.H. Conference, AEC Spectrum, Foremen Workshops, state conventions, and chapter events generating registration, sponsorship, and exhibit revenue.
4. Corporate Partnerships: Strategic corporate partner program with manufacturers including Bradford White, A.O. Smith, Bernzomatic, Kohler, Rheem, Milwaukee Tool, Zoeller, and others providing sponsorship, advertising, and exclusive member benefits.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

PHCC is a 501(c)(6) trade association serving approximately 3,300 plumbing and HVACR member businesses and 65,000 technicians across the United States. It provides membership-based services including apprenticeship and technician education (PHCC Academy), publication of the National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC), legislative and regulatory advocacy, peer networking, business intelligence, scholarships, and annual events such as the CONNECT conference and Legislative Conference.

Product overview

PHCC (Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association) is a trade association offering a unified portfolio of membership services, training products, and member tools. The core offerings include PHCC Academy (online learning platform), the PHCC Educational Foundation (scholarships and training), and the National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC). Supporting products include the PHCC Water Supply Calculator App, PHCC Labor Unit Database, Business Intelligence publications, and Solutions Magazine. Enhanced service groups include Quality Service Contractors (QSC), Construction Contractors' Alliance (CCA), and Union-Affiliated Contractors (UAC). The organization hosts major events including the CONNECT Annual Conference and Legislative Conference.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Quality Service Contractors (QSC): An Enhanced Service Group of PHCC providing specialized business management resources, services, and training for plumbing and HVACR service and repair contractors.
• Construction Contractors' Alliance (CCA)
• Union-Affiliated Contractors (UAC)
• PHCC Academy
• PHCC Educational Foundation
• Solutions Magazine
• PHCC CONNECT
• PHCC Legislative Conference
• PHCC-PAC

Products and services

• PHCC Academy Online learning management system delivering plumbing, HVACR, and business courses tailored to apprentices, technicians, and business owners who are members of PHCC.
• National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) Model plumbing code maintained by PHCC since 1933, providing a regulatory reference for plumbing installations and adopted in multiple U.S. jurisdictions.
• PHCC Water Supply Calculator App
• PHCC Labor Unit Database Database of plumbing and piping labor units for accurate material pricing and estimating, delivered through a partnership with Harrison Publishing House's CINX platform to PHCC members.
• PHCC Business Intelligence Subscription-based business intelligence service providing monthly reports, environmental scans, and economic charts to inform PHCC members about industry market conditions.
• CONNECT Annual Conference PHCC's flagship annual conference held October 19-22, 2026 in Milwaukee, offering three days of educational programming, peer networking, and a Product & Technology Showcase for plumbing and HVACR contractors.
• Legislative Conference Annual Washington D.C. advocacy event for PHCC members to engage directly with legislators and congressional staff on workforce development, energy policy, and regulatory issues.
• Solutions Magazine Quarterly print and digital publication of PHCC delivering industry news, technical content, and advertising to nearly 3,500 decision-makers in the plumbing, heating, and cooling industry.
• Visionary Peer Groups Monthly coach-facilitated peer group meetings for PHCC member service and repair business owners covering business growth, leadership, operations, customer service, and innovation.
• Quality Service Contractors (QSC) Enhanced service group within PHCC that delivers specialized business management resources, services, and training for plumbing and HVACR service and repair contractors.
• Construction Contractors' Alliance (CCA) Enhanced service group within PHCC that provides networking events and training for plumbing and mechanical contractors focused on residential, industrial, commercial, or institutional new construction.
• Union-Affiliated Contractors (UAC) Enhanced service group within PHCC representing signatory contractors working directly with the United Association (UA), providing a unified voice for union-affiliated plumbing and HVACR contractors.
• In-Person Construction Management Workshops In-person intensive interactive workshops delivered through the PHCC Educational Foundation for plumbing and HVACR owners, project managers, estimators, and foremen on real-life construction scenarios.

Quantifiable outcome

• $168,500 in scholarships awarded to 76 students at CONNECT 2025; $180,000 available in 2026 scholarship program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, regional and minor.

• HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026Joint legal challenge filed June 25, 2026 against EPA's Technology Transitions Reconsideration Rule. HARDI and PHCC also filed joint Supreme Court Brief to protect consumer choice in home heating. Represents wholesale distributors and contractors in the HVACR industry working together on regulatory advocacy.
• ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026Joint legal challenge filed June 25, 2026 with HARDI and PHCC against EPA's Technology Transitions Reconsideration Rule. ACCA represents heating and cooling contractors; joint petition argues extended deadlines for commercial refrigeration violate the AIM Act.
• BernzomaticmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2026Corporate partnership announced May 2026 focused on delivering value to contractors and strengthening future workforce. Bernzomatic committed to funding 50+ scholarships through PHCC Educational Foundation through 2029 for students pursuing plumbing or HVAC apprenticeships, service technician training, or industry-related college degrees. Partnership includes engagement at national events, educational programming, and collaborative initiatives.
• American Supply Association (ASA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 May 2026PHCC and ASA conducted joint 2026 Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. on May 5-6, attracting over 120 industry professionals who conducted 127 meetings with legislators and congressional staff. The partnership focuses on workforce development and energy policy reform affecting the PHCP-PVF supply chain and plumbing/HVAC industries.
• Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026Strategic collaboration launched March 2026 to deliver enhanced value to members and position the sector for long-term growth. Joint Steering Committee evaluating collaboration in events, education, workforce development, and legislative partnerships. ACCA will participate in PHCC's legislative fly-in in 2026 and 2027. Members receive registration discounts to each other's major events.
• Baton Rouge Community CollegeregionalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 December 2025Partnership with PHCC of Louisiana to launch Plumbing Apprenticeship Program as early as Spring 2026. First-of-its-kind program in the capital area requiring 222 classroom credit hours and 3,500 on-the-job hours for $1,500 total cost.
• Bradford White CorporationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate Strategic Partner providing product donations and financial contributions to training centers nationwide through Industry Forward initiative. Supports PHCC workforce development through equipment and funding for training facilities.
• A.O. SmithmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing advertising and sponsorship support to PHCC member base of 3,300+ plumbing and HVACR businesses.
• KohlermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting PHCC member benefits through product donations, sponsorships, and advertising at CONNECT conference and other events.
• RheemmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing sponsorship, advertising, and exclusive member discounts. Sponsors PHCC HVAC Contractor of the Year award.
• Milwaukee ToolmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner offering member discounts and sponsorship support for PHCC events and programs.
• Zoeller Pump CompanymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerNew corporate partner announced March 2026, strengthening shared commitment to supporting professional contractors and advancing the plumbing and HVAC industry. Zoeller manufactures sump, effluent, sewage, grinder and battery backup pumps.
• SkillsUSAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership supporting the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference plumbing championship. PHCC Educational Foundation serves as the dedicated supporter, partnering with SkillsUSA and allied industry organizations to promote trades. 2026 championship drew 48 top plumbing students from across the U.S.
• Delta Faucet CompanymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner sponsoring PHCC Plumbing Contractor of the Year award and providing advertising and member discounts.
• Insinkerator (Emerson)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing member discounts and advertising support through PHCC's associate member program.
• ScorpionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing digital marketing services and advertising to PHCC member base.
• Federated InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing insurance products and services to PHCC members with association member benefits.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): Largest U.S. trade association for residential construction industry. Overlaps with PHCC's residential plumbing and HVAC contractor members as a broader construction industry association with significant lobbying resources.
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): Largest U.S. trade association for the commercial construction industry including plumbing and HVAC subspecialties. Comparable in scale, advocacy intensity, and apprenticeship training but broader in scope across all construction trades.

Direct peers

• Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI): National trade association for HVACR wholesalers; PHCC's joint legal challenger against EPA HFC rules. Closely aligned on regulatory advocacy and member services within the same p-h-c industry ecosystem.
• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC): National trade association for open-shop electrical contractors. Comparable as a peer trade association with apprenticeship programs, continuing education, advocacy, and corporate partnerships serving independent contractors in a skilled trade.
• American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE): International association for plumbing engineers and designers. Closely overlaps PHCC's plumbing domain from the engineering/design side rather than contractor side; comparable education, code development, and technical resource offerings.
• Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA): National trade association for HVAC contractors; PHCC's March 2026 strategic collaboration partner. Directly comparable as a federated, membership-based trade association serving residential and commercial HVAC contractors with education, advocacy, and networking.
• National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA): Largest national trade association for electrical contractors. Closely analogous operating model: federated chapters, apprenticeship training, NSPC-equivalent standards, congressional advocacy, and corporate partnerships with manufacturers.
• American Supply Association (ASA): National trade association for PHCP-PVF distributors; PHCC's 2026 Joint Legislative Conference partner. Comparable federated advocacy model serving the same p-h-c value chain from the distribution side rather than the contractor side.
• Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA): National trade association for sheet metal and HVAC contractors. Comparable federated structure, apprenticeship training, advocacy, and standards development serving union and open-shop contractors in overlapping HVACR markets.
• Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA): National trade association representing mechanical contractors including plumbing and HVAC firms. Comparable federated structure, advocacy focus, and continuing education offerings for union and open-shop mechanical contractors.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/phccnatl
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/NationalPHCC
• Facebookfacebook.com/PHCCNational
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/phccnational
• Instagraminstagram.com/naphcc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association