MATT SCHMIDT
CITY OF LINCOLN,NEBRASKA,
PLUMBING INSPECTOR
When did you first get involved with an IAPMO committee and why?
I got started with IAPMO in 2017 while I was helping with the Nebraska chapter meetings. I wanted to become more involved, and in 2018 I applied for the Publications Committee. Rex Crawford, who was my boss before he retired, suggested the Publications committee because he thought it would be a good fit. I was fortunate to be selected; it’s been a great experience and I have learned so much. I really enjoy being able to help others understand the code and the study guides.
What does the Publications Committee do?
The Publications committee puts together the Illustrated Training Manual (ITM) and the study guides for Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC). With the ITM, we take major code changes and write commentary about them. We explain what the code is and how it works, and sometimes illustrations are also provided. At times they reference ASSE, ANSI, NFPA, and IAPMO. We read all these standards and explain what they are and how they relate to that part of the code. When we are done with the ITM, we go through the study guides. Along with the code changes we make sure all the questions are correct by updating and revising some of the old questions.
How does your particular expertise lend itself to your committee’s work?
I am a plumbing inspector for the city of Lincoln in Nebraska. When I need to explain codes to plumbers and engineers, it is easier for me to do so thanks to be background and expertise. I can give them a better answer for their questions.
Have there been any unexpectedly pleasant benefits of participating on an IAPMO committee?
Finding out that our committee would be the town hall meeting at the national conference in San Antonio. It was a great time explaining what we do and participating in a question-and-answer session.
Moving forward, which topic(s) do you see as being the most important your committee will tackle?
Our committee will need to understand what changes will happen with the code so we can adapt the ITMs and study guides.
What would you say to someone thinking about serving on a committee?
It is a great way to get involved with your trade and learn the code a lot better. For me,
it makes me think deeper into the code and helps me explain it better to others. It’s
always really interesting working with plumbers and mechanical tradespeople from
all over and learning about what’s going on in different parts of the country.
Last modified: December 20, 2023