International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) was founded on May 17, 1926 with the mandate “to advance the latest and most improved methods of sanitation; to promote the welfare of and harmony between the owner, the builder, and the craftsman; to accomplish a uniformity in the application of the provisions of the ordinances; and to promulgate the mutual benefit of the members.” The IAPMO Group focuses its comprehensive capabilities in the technical aspects of the plumbing and mechanical industries through its extensive knowledge base, which includes regulators, professional contractors and manufacturers.
The founding members of IAPMO first gathered to begin writing a model code to protect the health of the people they served from inept plumbing practices. There were 39 Southern California plumbing inspectors in the first group including Charles Collard, the association’s first president, and Stephen Smoot, who served as association secretary from 1926 to 1954. Since then, IAPMO has grown to be recognized the world over for its Uniform Codes. With offices in 11 states and seven countries, IAPMO has assisted with code development in such diverse places as Saudi Arabia, China, India, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Venezuela, Columbia, and the United Arab Emirates and, in support of the World Plumbing Council, has also worked with the World Health Organization to help bring sound, efficient plumbing systems to developing nations.
Comprised additionally of six different business units, The IAPMO Group is truly the one-stop shop for all plumbing and mechanical code and product compliance.
The IAPMO Group’s future is equally bright with the commitment to grow core competencies within the code development and product certification arenas. As new products are brought onto the market, IAPMO continues to expanding the capabilities of its testing lab to anticipate client needs. By maintaining the leadership position, IAPMO supports research on new and emerging plumbing technologies. As many of the new products and systems are designed with increased sustainability within the built environment, these changes require the codification of plumbing and mechanical system design. The cycle comes full circle: IAPMO’s focused commitment to safe, innovative plumbing and mechanical systems.
The Indian Plumbing Association
The Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), established in 1993, is the apex body of plumbing professionals in the country. Set up with an objective to promote advancements in plumbing and the building service industry, IPA has successfully created a forum for exchange of ideas and dissemination of information amongst its members. As a member of the World Plumbing Council, it encourages its members to achieve and maintain high standards of workmanship.
IPA’s membership includes architects, builders, plumbing consultants, plumbing contractors, plumbing product manufacturers, traders and planners.
IPA also conducts conferences and exhibitions throughout India and publishes the monthly magazine Indian Plumbing Today. The idea is to make local plumbing professionals aware of issues, problems and prospects in the industry. IPA has succeeded in creating awareness about the need for safe plumbing, and is now ready to assist the Indian professionals with improving their skills and expertise.
Indian Institute of Plumbing
In order to improve the skills and expertise of the professional plumbers the Indian Institute of Plumbing (IIP) was set up as the training arm of the Indian Plumbing Association.
The new Uniform Plumbing Code – India has the benefit of years of practical global industry experience and will improve the standards to be consistent with other developed nations. The IIP provides educational and vocational training institutes to meet the large demand for plumbing engineers and technicians.
The quality of plumbing work has long been an issue in India. Plumbers are often unqualified or have graduated from being casual laborers with no education or training. The IIP also provides training for the tradesmen to code adherence and quality of workmanship. This will allow the domestic plumbing industry to grow beyond its inherent limitations based on the shortage of skilled labor.