The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials^[1] (IAPMO) coordinates the development and adaptation of plumbing, mechanical, swimming pool and solar energy codes to meet the specific needs of individual jurisdictions both in the United States and abroad.

Overview

IAPMO develops and publishes the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC);^[2] Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC); Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (USPSHTC); and the Uniform Solar Energy and Hydronics Code (USEHC), which as of 2018 is known as the Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (USHGC).

History

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."^[3]

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.^{[citation needed]}

IAPMO's Uniform Codes are now utilized worldwide.^{[citation needed]}