Pipeline
Pipeline (not to be confused with The Pipeline with Tom Roberts) is a plumbing non-profit organization newly established through the leadership of Mark Falcon and with support from the wider plumbing industry. Many will know Falcon from his episode on Season 3 of American Plumber Stories (see episode). The idea for Pipeline came to Falcon after watching Martin Porte’s episode of American Plumber Stories (see episode) in Season 5, where through sponsorship from the International Code Council (ICC), the show went international and featured plumbers from Alaska, Hawaii, Australia and Canada.
This season showed how important plumbing is to communities all over the world, and Porte’s episode demonstrated his dedication to helping these communities, regardless of the location or challenge.
At the ICC’s Annual Conference in Long Beach, Calif. in 2024, Falcon, Martin Porte, Tom Roberts, Ross Wakefield, Jorge Arias (see episode) and many others from the plumbing industry around the world met in person and little did they know at the time this would be the first meeting of the International Plumbers Network. This industry meeting also inspired Falcon to pack his bags and leave South Dakota to travel all the way to Australia.
This was no vacation though – during the trip Falcon and Porte teamed up to provide essential plumbing services to a remote indigenous community on a small island off the coast of Tasmania. Like any community, plumbing is essential to ensure proper sanitation, clean drinking water and a hot shower. Access in this area is a major challenge, as both personnel and plumbing materials must be flown in by light aircraft.
Remote areas of Australia aren’t the only places where communities lack essential plumbing services, and this inspired Falcon to continue to give back and start Pipeline.
Pipeline’s First Project
A critical infrastructure need in Rapid City, South Dakota, has recently been identified by OneHeart, a nonprofit organization. Pipeline is working with OneHeart to restore a damaged sewer line which is vital to protecting the health and dignity of families in the area.
Equally essential is the development of a sustainable source of clean drinking water, as access to safe water is foundational to health, hygiene and overall quality of life, especially for those facing tough circumstances. Together, a reliable sewage system and a consistent supply of potable water are key to preventing illness and fostering a safe, supportive environment.
Additionally, OneHeart efficiently, effectively and collectively helps those in the Rapid City community without homes move into permanent housing and achieve a better quality of life. The first stage of work has already started but there is much more to be done. 
“We welcome support in many forms,” said Falcon. “Financial contributions are especially needed to help cover project costs. We’re also seeking plumbers who are willing to volunteer their time and expertise, whether to give back or gain hands-on experience. Additionally, we invite manufacturers and suppliers who can contribute materials to help bring our projects to life.”
Together, we can drive real change by guaranteeing access to clean water and safe sewage disposal.
What’s Next for Pipeline? New Pipeline of Plumbers Transforming Lives in Zimbabwe
There is something profoundly rewarding about watching a young person discover that they have value. At Pipeline Zimbabwe, that transformation often begins in a trench rather than a classroom. Young men who once lacked opportunity are learning an essential trade that protects public health and creates lifelong careers.
Through a six-month practical plumbing program, trainees receive real on-site experience under skilled mentors. Many come from vulnerable backgrounds, including homelessness or limited family support. Our partnership with Simbarashe Trust (Zim Kids) helps identify these young people and connect them with a future they may never have imagined.
The selection process for students is based on a review of the applicant’s character and background checks. Plumbing work often requires working within people’s homes, so it is important that Pipeline applicants are vetted and trustworthy. This was identified through an interview process and Zim Kids is a fantastic support in this process having already worked with and supported the applicants.
Ensuring applicants have the willingness and time to dedicate to the program was also an important consideration, but the main selection criteria is passion. The selected applicants were the ones with a strong desire to enter the plumbing trade and grasped many of the concepts discussed in the classroom.
While there is time dedicated to the classroom, not everything can be taught there. Students are immersed in a real work environment and get to experience many different sides of plumbing. A house needs a plumber to ensure that the equipment that provides drinking water and sanitation is functional. This has the students supporting the installation of water supplies, bathroom fixtures and water heaters, where students can be deeply involved in these important projects, getting their hands dirty and supporting the work.
Throughout the day, the students are guided and quizzed on the tasks being undertaken and knowledge gained is validated through questions, quizzes and practical tests, before reentering the classroom after several months of practical experience.
Why is This Work Important?
One of Pipeline’s greatest privileges is having the opportunity to develop plumbers from the ground up. This does not simply include teaching plumbing – this program is developing character, discipline, teamwork and confidence in the students. Every correctly installed drain represents another lesson mastered and another life moving in a positive direction.
This program is significantly different to other charitable projects as it is not focused on simply providing infrastructure for a community and leaving, but on empowering the community to continually serve the community with the skills necessary to provide and maintain essential plumbing services.
Passing the Baton
The first intake of new students into Pipeline welcomed approximately twelve trainees. Following assessment, three outstanding candidates were selected for advanced training. As each trainee progresses, they will be assessed to identify those with exceptional potential and worthy of future investment in their development and may go on to lead training initiatives in the future.
“We see this as passing the baton to the next generation of plumbers,” said Tapedza Masanganise, Pipeline leader in Zimbabwe. “Plumbing is an irreplaceable profession that health, sanitation and safe living in homes, commercial buildings and industrial facilities across the world. By preparing skilled tradespeople today, we are ensuring healthier communities tomorrow.”
Looking Ahead
Pipeline Zimbabwe has partnered with the International Plumbers Network to gain international support for their projects and hope the program will continue to build employment opportunities in Zimbabwe while improving essential services and raising professional standards throughout the region.
The vision is simple: train competent plumbers, restore dignity, create opportunity and build futures. Every trench dug, every pipe installed and every trainee mentored is another investment in people who will one day serve communities across the world and change lives, one plumber at a time.