Meeting Public Comments

Brian Hamner [Iowa Chapter of International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials ]

I'm writing in favor of HF640. As a licensed plumber for 25 years, and a Plumbing inspector of a large city for 14 years, it is important that all plumbing and mechanical systems are inspected by competent individuals that have been trained on systems that protect the health of Iowans and those that visit the state. With the current COVID pandemic we are facing it makes it so much clearer how important it is now to have proper plumbing and mechanical systems installed. I have been told by Plumbers and HVAC technicians from throughout Iowa that they can't wait for the day the state provides Statewide plumbing and mechanical inspections. It will level the playing field for those installing the systems per standards and regulations from the unlicensed "handyman" that under bid their work that at times doesn't meet the minimum standards. Often Licensed persons are hired after the unlawful installation fails or causes harm to fix the issues. Hiring another contractor to resolve these add additional cost to Iowans.