When installing a BioSeptic system or a Sydney Water Tank you will often need to source a plumber. It is vital to find a plumber that is highly-skilled, professional and adheres to strict legislated Australian standards and has appropriate insurance.
Here are some helpful hints on helping you to select and work with a plumber:
- Always use a licensed plumber
- Licensed plumbers can legally carry out plumbing and drainage work. It is illegal for anyone who is unlicensed to carry out any plumbing work.
- Ask your plumber for identification
- Make sure you site their license card, which will have photo identification, a license number, the plumber’s name and an expiry date.
- Make sure that the type of work you are hiring them to do it ticked on their card.
- Request a compliance certificate
- A compliance certificate will help to protect you against any defective work by licensed plumbers. It is your right as a consumer to see this certificate.
- Ask about your manufacturer’s warranty conditions
- A number of appliance manufacturers necessitate that a licensed plumber install them. If this does not occur, then the warranty and insurance could be jeopardised.
- Get a written quote before starting work
- Always ask for a written quote for the total cost and a detailed description of the work to be undertaken.
- Make sure the work is insured
- To be issued with a plumbing license, every licensed plumber must be covered by insurance. Without a license, you bear the cost of any repairs.
- If you are not happy with the work done – speak up
- If you are dissatisfied with the work carried out, it is recommended that you:
- Contact the tradesperson, giving them the opportunity to rectify any problems
- If this does not resolve the issue, contact the plumbers licensing board
- If this process does not settle the issue, then a formal complaint can be lodged with the NSW Department of Fair Trading
- If you are dissatisfied with the work carried out, it is recommended that you:
Plumbers who comply with the above basic requirements mean your installation for either your BioSeptic system or Sydney Water Tank will be smooth and error free. It also means that a properly installed system will comply with all council requirements for installation, maintenance, service and operation.
Sources:
The Plumbing Industry Commission: http://www.pic.vic.gov.au/resources/documents/1.061806_Top_ten_tips_for_using_a_licensed_plumber_PMc.doc
The Building Commission WA
http://www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au/docs/consumers/uselicensedplumberbrochure.pdf