A change brought on by the recent adoption of the 2015 edition of the International Building Code caused several plumbers to speak out against a portion of it at the Jan. 2 commissioners’ meeting.

The code, which is updated periodically, replaces the 2012 edition previously in use at South Whitehall.

Attorney Joseph Zator explained it is a three-year process for the code to be updated, accepted by the state, and made available to municipalities.

Plumbers objected to the section stating a permit may be issued to someone who does not have a license to do plumbing work.

Carmine Pompa said he received a license as a plumber in the township in 1989 after examination by Bob Koch.

Pompa said if a license is no longer needed, anybody can pull a permit.

Pompa expressed pride in his license and said it gives him some standing in jobs not only in South Whitehall but in other municipalities also.

Commissioner David Bond offered comments.

“That license was good in South Whitehall and should not be used elsewhere,” Bond said. “It was from 30 years ago. There was no re-testing and no re-certification. We don’t know what you’re doing. It’s a liability issue for us.”

Larry Shoemaker, from a plumbers’ organization, expressed his views.

“You’ll have more of a liability with unlicensed plumbers doing the work,” Shoemaker said. “The inspectors aren’t plumbers. How’s a non-master plumber going to inspect things?”

Ralph Uff stepped forward to mention a different plumbing matter.

He objected to the township’s lack of a requirement for a house sewer trap.

“I was the first plumbing inspector for South Whitehall,” Uff said. “When you don’t have a house trap, you’ll have sewer gas coming in the house.”

Uff said people are experts in their own profession, and those with proper training should be involved in upholding standards.

He told a story of a doctor who was impressed by Uff’s explanation for the sewage smell in his basement.

After listening to the plumbers’ remarks, board president Christina “Tori” Morgan stated people have to get together to find a process that works for plumbers, residents and the township, and a way to evaluate credentials.

A meeting for township representatives and plumbers will be scheduled to discuss the issues and come up with suggestions to benefit everyone.