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As a homeowner you do carry risk in almost if not every part of your home. Therefore you need to minimise that risk to ensure the safety and health of your family, friends and all visiting your home.

One the potentially biggest risks is plumbing or more so plumbing not correctly done.

The World Plumbing Council (WPC) of which the Institute of Plumbing of SA (IOPSA) is a member promotes four simple principles for the plumbers and it works just as well for consumers.

Known as the Four Pillars of Plumbing which are;

PRACTICES: this relates to compulsory standards, regulations and accountability. Plumbing is heavily regulated for the purpose of seeing that design and installations are done to protect health, safety of consumers and the environment. The accountability of the plumber is to ensure that he/she is correctly qualified, offers added value by their registration with a professional body (giving you recourse) and installs according to standards as well as using product approved by a recognised certification body. Membership of a voluntary association like IOPSA is an added benefit to reduce risk and provide you with comfort.

PRODUCTS: must be of quality accepted by the recognised SA National Standard. Inferior and sub standard products increase your risk of disease and is hazardous to safety. Indeed, these products will cost more as more is invested in their manufacture and ongoing process of ensuring manufacturing maintains its quality. Besides a cheap product will be replaced many times more than a quality one – so buy quality first and be hassle free. Also if there are problems with quality products the manufacturer will stand by the guarantee/warranty.

“Goedkoop is Deurkoop” is good to remember.

PROTECTION: sadly even the best installation or product can fault. As stated earlier quality and recognised product and manufacturer will stand by their reputation. Equally so will a qualified plumber and you have recourse to the professional body (Plumbing Industry Registration Board) and IOPSA.

PARTICIPATION: this is the pillar that grows the plumbing industry with qualified plumbers and being part of the process of providing safe water to all – a basic human right. As a consumer you can be part of the participatory process by NOT employing unqualified people and using only qualified plumbers. Again, Goedkoop is Deurkoop, and when using an unqualified person your RISK INCREASES and you endanger the lives of all on your premises.

No amount of public liability will cover the death of people when your geyser explodes, a potential bomb, when installed incorrectly. And husbands please leave plumbing to the plumbers. It usually ends up costing more -ask me I know!

Both IOPSA and PIRB will assist when you need a plumber or word of month is also a good reference.

Question for you: how is you risk management now?

Simply put there are two kinds of plumbers – one you can rely on and you will have no need to call back to fix the job he had ‘originally fixed’ or the one who charges incredibly low prices, is not qualified as a “plumber” and will rip you off if you can get hold of them after they have messed up your plumbing job. There is a third one but is not the plumber but the husband/DIYer that thinks plumbing is easy. Once finished they must call in the qualified plumber to a - repair the mess created by the DIYer and then b - fix the plumbing problem!

Let’s get rid of the negatives first.

The unqualified plumber cares or knows nothing about your health and safety that he/she is responsible for. YES the plumber is responsible for health and safety and that of you and your family. They know nothing about the disease that is caused by incorrect plumbing, water pressure, hydraulics and the damage that boiling hot water can do to you. He just wants your money and runs to catch another consumer who also works on price only.

So if you work on price alone you are your own worst enemy.

Lets look at the positives;

You must pay a fair price for work to be done according to the plumbing regulations that are compulsory by a qualified plumber. A plumber is not an idiot who could not get a degree but a skilled craftsman with knowledge learned over three or four years under the guidance and direction of an experienced plumber. He/she therefore is entitled to ask a fair price for work done. The regulations ensure that he/she does the work according to tried and tested methods that are continually improving as materials become more sophisticated.

Such a plumber will show you his qualification by virtue of his/her membership of voluntary body like the Institute of Plumbing SA (IOPSA) and/or the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB)

These are voluntary bodies so common sense does show that plumbers and plumbing companies are prepared to put their reputations on the line. Because some qualified plumbers choose not to belong to such voluntary bodies does not make them poor but one needs to check their qualification.

MORAL: don’t skimp on the HEALTH & SAFETY of you and your family – it is not just unblocking a drain but moving away waste that can, if allowed to linger longer, will cause disease to spread. Even the installation of a ‘geyser’ or hot water storage vessel must be done correctly, failing which it could explode and cause untold damage and death.

PAY YOUR PARTNER IN HEALTH & SAFETY -THE PLUMBER – TO DO THE BEST JOB WITH THE BEST PRODUCTS.

GIZ / SD4GE commissioned two studies aimed at deepening an understanding of the trends and dynamics of plumbers and electrical contractors in South Africa. The objectives of this study included the imperative to strengthen the range of institutions (public, private and not-for-profit) that impact these trades. An additional aim of the research was to provide an overview of current development in these trades, both at industry level and firm level.

The findings are useful for better planning informed by greater awareness of the transformations and changes emerging in the specific contexts of industry.

The study produced three publicly available reports. This first report provides a high-level overview of the available statistics. The research aimed to scan the publicly available statistics to understand better what is available, what is being tracked, and what is changing. This high-level overview also revealed how the two industries are structured, which organisations support these industries and what the dynamics are.

GIZ/SD4GE commissioned PEM Consulting and Mesopartner Africa to conduct the industry diagnosis. Dr Shawn Cunningham and Annelien Cunningham from Mesopartner led and coordinated the industry diagnosis. A team of researchers from TIPS (Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies) conducted research and statistical analysis. The TIPS team included Asanda Fotoyi, Sajid Sherif, Mbofholowo Tsedu while Saul Levin provided policy insight and guidance.

The research would not have been possible without the help and support of the industry bodies and their members. The Institute of Plumbing (SA) (IOPSA) and Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB) contributed and supported the plumbing analysis. Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa (ECASA) and the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry (NBCEI) supported and contributed to the electrical analysis.

GIZ / SD4GE would like to thank all the stakeholders and industry members for their valuable contribution.

The outcome of this survey resulted in two reports which can be downloaded by clicking below. 

REPORT 1 - High-level statistical analysis of the plumbing and electrical trades.

REPORT 2 - Industry analysis of the plumbing industry

Most people think that plumbing is dirty work or a non-skilled profession. This is false. To be a plumber you need to possess many different skills and competencies. Without plumbing, modern life would not exist. Even Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in history said: “If I had my life to live over again, I would be a plumber.”

One of the advantages of becoming a plumber is the reliability of this career choice. Regardless of the economic situation in the country there will always be a need for plumbers. By working your way up the designation tier, you control the ability to advance your career in a single field. There is massive scope for growth within the industry as specializing in different fields from part of the career ladder in plumbing.

Generally, plumbers are good at problem solving, possess the ability to follow technical plans, and understand the importance of health and safety. People skills are also important as dealing with consumers, municipalities and various other professionals are required daily. Plumbing will never be a mundane office job and the opportunity to up-skill or study further in the field always exists.

Plumbers do not need to have a university degree but industry-recognised training is required to become a qualified practitioner. A common entry into the plumbing industry is through an apprenticeship with a licensed plumber or plumbing company. During training you will learn how to install water supplies, find faults, fix domestic appliances and attend to emergency call-outs, among other things.

There are a variety of plumber apprenticeships and courses available in South Africa. It is just a matter of searching for opportunities available on Google.

Once you have joined a plumber or plumbing company, you can earn while you study, therefore student finance may not be a burden. Many families do not possess the funds to study once their children leave high school and this makes the plumbing industry the perfect gateway into the working world.

The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) and the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO) are responsible for evaluating and accrediting all suitable training courses for use by prospective plumbers. You will need to complete CETA or QCTO accredited training in order to become a licensed plumber.

Once you have the required skills you will be in demand and own the ability to earn a decent wage as a plumber in South Africa.

The best way to start your career is as an assistant or learner plumber where you will work alongside an experienced and qualified plumber while servicing residences. As you gain experience you will be able to explore opportunities within the industry.

There are many opportunities for plumbers in South Africa. Some plumbers work for companies in the construction industry, as well as for plumbing companies, while others are independent contractors working on a self-employed basis.

Plumbing also has specialisations which would require proper training and accreditation. Plumbing is not just working with pipes and taps in bathrooms and kitchens, it is so much more! Plumbing is a huge industry with many different aspects involved.

Fortunately, in South Africa there are organisations that support the plumbing industry and plumbers such as the Plumbing Industry Registration Board/PIRB and The Institute of Plumbing South Africa/IOPSA and the Joint Acceptance Scheme for Water Services Installation Components/JASWIC. With these organisations supporting and encouraging the upliftment of plumbers and the industry as a whole, being a plumber is not only a rewarding job but one which is recognized as a valuable pillar of society.

Original article can be found on the PIRB website here

This week we’re exploring the characteristics of a sought-after plumber, to not only get the job, but pump the referrals. PIRB represents the best of the best, whether you’re starting your career or looking for the right guy for the job, look no further as we draw out a list of attributes that are essential to keeping your plumbing in good shape.

1.PIRB Registered

Increasingly more municipalities, local authorities and insurance companies require that any

person working on plumbing works within their jurisdiction must be registered with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB). These authorities require PIRB Plumbing certificates (CoC’s) when installing, repairing or doing plumbing works. A licensed PIRB plumber is also guaranteed to have the right certification and qualifications necessary.

2. Experience

As with anything, the more you work at it the better you will become. Experienced plumbers will have seen and solved a vast array of problems over the years and are more likely to know the right thing to do. While younger plumbers can still offer a great service, look out for those that have completed apprenticeships.

3. Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are important when listening and understanding a client’s problem and explaining the best way to solve it. A calm and easy manner of communication is essential to ease the client’s concerns and avoid chances of misunderstandings and potential conflicts.

4. Punctuality

Great plumbers are always on time. Punctuality is associated with good customer service and a great work etiquette. It will contribute to earning you a level of respect within the community.

5. Coordination Skills

Coordination skills come in handy when working in small spaces with many tools. Often, plumbers will find themselves negotiating tight, unfamiliar spaces and in order to do the job most efficiently, coordination can be the best tool of all.

6. Safety First

It is essential that plumbers have a strong regard for safety in their practice. Problems need to be tackled in a skillful way while still following safety procedures accurately.

7. Dedication

A great plumber is a dedicated plumber. Plumbers that are dedicated to their customers and maintaining a level of quality will always outshine ones that do not. Dedicated plumbers are enthusiastic, ready to solve a problem and willing to put their best foot forward, no matter the hour. Real dedication to work and dependability is the fast track to success.

8. Mechanically Inclined

There are many mechanical and technical aspects to the plumbing trade. Plumbers need not only be good with their hands, but with their analytical and mechanical sides too. Knowing what type of tubing is most efficient, or how the water valve works are essential components to ensuring a job well done. Great plumbers are mechanically inclined, naturally navigating the minefield of plumbing troubleshooting.

9. Good shape

Being in good physical form is essential when navigating some of the tight spaces plumbers might find themselves in. A job may lead you to a rooftop, or a tight space under a sink, and in order to reduce injury it’s important to be in good shape so that exerting yourself physically is not the biggest problem you have to fix that week.

10. Problem Solving

Problem solving is important to any industry, but plumbers that are naturally problem solvers make for great ones. Often a job will call for a quick evaluation, great plumbers are able to navigate the options efficiently and find the best course of action to follow.

If you’re looking for a plumber, keep an eye out on our website as we have a section specifically designed for that purpose coming soon. If you are a plumber and you are not registered yet, do the right thing for your career and register now. Here is everything you need to know. We hope these top 10 characteristics of a great plumber helped you put your best foot forward today.

You’ve found your calling, you’ve got the certification and you’ve registered with the PIRB. You’re ready to go, but you’ve found yourself at the crossroads of plumber and entrepreneur, and you’re only the expert of one of these. It’s one thing to be a great plumber, it’s a whole other thing to start a plumbing business. Don’t worry, we’re going to help you through this by giving you some helpful tricks on how to start a plumbing business, with as minimal expenditure as possible.

#1 Decide What Kind Of Plumbing Company You Want To Be

The first question you need to ask yourself is do you want to build things or do you want to fix things? Are you interested in building new constructions, or do you want to do service and repair work? Do you want to work in residential or commercial plumbing? Figure out what you like most, and pursue that.

#2 Establish Your Business’ Core Values

First thing every new business owner should do is decide what is going to set them apart. So you’re a great plumber, are you always on time? Are you personable? Are you reliable and trustworthy? Establish your core values, and write them down so that you never waver. These are the things that get you referred for your next job, and the next…

#3 Never Stop Learning (Continuous Professional Development)

Ensure that you know plumbing better than your competitors. Study more, learn more, develop more and do more. Build your knowledge by spending just 30 minutes a day learning something new, whether it’s about tools, local laws or a new technique, continuing to grow and develop is what will put you ahead of your competitors.

#4 Build A Network

By word of mouth, social media or advertising in your local supermarket, get the word out there that you are a reputable plumber. Let people know who you are and what you’re doing. You don’t need to hire a billboard, just set up a Facebook page. Ask one or two previous clients to write a review. This establishes you’re real, you’re reliable, and you’re professional.

#5 Build A Bigger Network

Look at networking with other business owners. Building trusted relationships with companies operating in the same area can lead to referrals, for both them and you. Look out for people that you’d like to work with, or who you’d be interested in sharing business with. From estate agents, to carpenters, to mechanics, build a wider network in your area.

#6 Marketing

If you can set aside a small budget, look for small-scale marketing companies that can help get your name out there. If not, don’t worry, there are several tools available to start a plumbing business without investing in a marketing company: social media. As mentioned before, set up a Facebook page. Get friends and family to like and follow you, create a community. If you have a knack for it, look into other avenues like LinkedIn and Youtube. Just make sure you have one reliable place that potential customers can refer to when deciding whether to hire you.

Armed with these 6 tips on how to start a plumbing business, your plumbing certification and your PIRB Registration – you’re all set to go! Get out there and good luck.

The original article can be found on the PIRB website here

Various charity ‘boxers’ recently handed over their cheques to their chosen charities after stepping out of the Champions 4 Charity boxing ring.

One of these champions includes Lea Smith from the Plumbing Industry and Registration Board (PIRB). He recently handed his donation over to the Sutherland High School’s charity of choice, Dimphonyana Tsa Lapeng in Olievenhoutbosch, Centurion.

Dimphonyana Tsa Lapeng is a home that is mainly focused on the welfare and development of underprivileged women, youth, and children of the local community. Dimphonyana Tsa Lapeng mainly cares for children referred to them by social workers until they are grown-up and independent.

The donation comes after Smith took part in the Champions 4 Charity white-collar boxing that formed part of the plumbing industry’s commitment to Mandela Day earlier in July. The event which was organized by the plumbing industry through the auspices of The Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB) and The Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA), ultimately raised over R90 000 for charity.

All funds raised by the fighters was put forward for ‘prize money’ for the particular boxing bout. In the end, 80% of the ‘prize money’ went to the winning fighter’s charity while 20% went to the losing fighter’s nominated charity. Any remaining funds coming out of the event were divided equally among the fighter’s charities.

“Thank you so much for supporting us,” said Shalate Ngobeni, Managing Director at Dimphonyana Tsa Lapeng. “The donation will contribute to the renovations needed for our tuckshop which is one of our income revenues.”

Shalate said that they have a lot of renovations to do at the center and this donation allows them to start. They also have a pre-school and a children’s church at the center to maintain as well.

“We are further committed to creating a safe space for children and also provide skills development programs to help upskill the community.”

Photo: Lea Smith from the PIRB donating money to Dimphonyana Tsa Lapeng.

Another contender of the night, Robert Schoeman also donated almost R10 000 to AfriForum’s Wilmien Potgieter fund which ultimately aims to financially support children whose lives have been affected by farm attacks.

Schoeman said he wanted to do something for victims of farm attacks and murders. He and his wife, Wendy, also personally know people who have been victims of these gruesome attacks.

“We did not know who to contact at first, and then called AfriForum who told us about the Wilmien Potgieter fund. We are glad to contribute to this cause.”

Photo: Robert Schoeman handing over his donation to the Wilmien Potgieter fund.

Nico Jooste also recently handed over his cheque to the Woodrock Animal Rescue center in Johannesburg which assists homeless, abused, neglected, stray, injured, ill, geriatric and unwanted animals that would otherwise have miserable lives and premature deaths.

Photo: Nico Jooste donating money to the Woodrock Animal Rescue center in Johannesburg.

Original article can be found on the PIRB website here

IOPSA has established a community of experts (CEP) in plumbing training to assist the QCTO to develop training programmes for entry level plumbing learners.

This CEP met on the 19^th and 25^th of February at the IOPSA National office and compiled two programmes for submission to the QCTO.

The one programme is called “Domestic water and drain repairer” at NFQ Level 2 and should be completed within two months. The second programme is called “The plumber’s hand” at NFQ level 3 and could be completed within 4-6 months.

Although the defined policy guiding these developments has not been approved. This ground-breaking work has been completed to the highest standard and with the industries best interests at heart.

Once through the internal processes the details will be shared with IOPSA members for input and comment.

Watch this space and participate actively in the new developments for our industry and encourage quality plumbing for all.

Skills development is central to the sustainability of plumbing as a relevant trade.

For more information on this project, please contact Nick Joubert on nick@iopsa.org

Written by Nick Joubert - IOPSA National Training Manager

We would like to draw your attention that the latest version of SANS 10252-1 2018 Edition 3.2 is now available.

Unfortunately we cannot distribute any copies due to copyrights and therefore request that you purchase your own copy via www.sabsstore.co.za

The new version of SANS 10252-1 mentions a few important changes and updates that you need to be aware of.

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We do however feel it important to bring a few of these important changes to your attention.

5.2.3 Plastics

All SANS standards for plastic polymer piping systems for hot and cold water supplies are approved for use inside buildings only. All plastics pipes used in hot and cold water installations near external doorways and windows, shall be protected from sunlight. Unlike metal pipes (steel and copper) that have generic pipe and fitting standards, thermoplastic pipe systems are required to be installed using the fittings and tools that are tested and approved as a complete system, The use of pipes, fittings and tools from other manufacturers or suppliers, that are not the same as the approved system, shall not be acceptable.

5.3.3.2 Showers

Showers shall be of a type that can operate effectively at the internal water pressure recommended by the manufacturer. The maximum discharge flow rate shall be 10 L/min.

6.6.2.2 No flow control fitting of any sort other than a draining valve shall be installed direct in the pipeline between any fixed water heater and its associated expansion control valve or vacuum breaker.

7.1.2 Water supply quality — Human consumption

Conditions unfavorable for the development of the bacterium Legionella pneumophila shall be maintained as far as possible in installations where cold water is stored for drinking purposes, or where hot water could be used for drinking purposes. For this reason,

f) the stored hot water shall be maintained at a temperature of at least 55 °C, but shall reach 60 °C for at least 1 h a day,

* Effectively this means that the minimum water set temp is now 60 and no longer 55

6.7.5.7 Piping to be insulated includes all flow and return piping, cold water supply piping within 1 m of the connection to the heating or cooling system and pressure relief piping within 1 m of the connection to the heating or cooling system. Where possible lengths of pipe runs shall be minimized.

7 Design 7.1.1.1 An approved competent person shall accept the responsibility for the design of a) a structure that supports a water heater or storage tank of which the nominal capacity exceeds 250 L, or

7.5.1.4.2 Maximum supply temperature Unless otherwise required, the temperature of water that discharges from any terminal water fitting supplied from a hot water installation shall not exceed 60 °C, however thermostatic mixers may be required to achieve a lower supply temperature.

7.7 Hot Water piping

8.4.6.5 Only water heaters or storage tanks of capacity ≤ 200 L shall be attached by means of brackets or hangers to a load-bearing masonry or concrete wall or to any other vertical structural element. Tanks and water heaters larger than 200 L shall not be wall mounted.

8.5.1.3 All pipework connected to, and all protective valves associated with, water heaters shall be connected by means of flush unions or similar connectors (such as caps and linings), to facilitate the replacement of such fittings. If compression fittings are used for this connection, sufficient provision shall be made for the pipework to be sprung, it shall not be between rigid fixed points. It shall not be required to cut the pipe to affect repair or removal or replacement of the component.

8.6.3.3 Pipes installed within a cavity dry wall shall be securely fixed. No pipe shall pass through concrete expansion or concrete joints, unless acceptable provisions have been made to the pipework for movement.

8.6.3.7 To prevent unwanted heat transfer, hot and cold water pipes shall not be laid against each other. Pipes chased and fixed in solid walls shall be at least 100 mm apart.

Please note that this doesn’t include all the changes and therefore we strongly recommend that you purchase your own copy and familiarise yourself with the contents therein .

Deadline: 31 March 2019

This survey is meant for plumbing business owners. Even if you are not a member of IOPSA or are PIRB registered, you are invited to complete the survey.

The survey will assist IOPSA and PIRB to better understand the context that plumbing businesses operate in. The results of this survey will be used to improve the service and support to the plumbing industry.

We value your privacy and comply with all laws and regulations on data collection and will not use the information you provide to create any unfair advantage to any party. We acknowledge the funding support of the GIZ Skills for Green Economy project in this survey.