25 Mar 2013 / Latest News

Tips on working with plumbers

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:

  1. Always use a licensed plumber
    1. Licensed plumbers can legally carry out plumbing and drainage work. It is illegal for anyone who is unlicensed to carry out any plumbing work.
  2. Ask your plumber for identification
    1. Make sure you site their license card, which will have photo identification, a license number, the plumber’s name and an expiry date.
    2. Make sure that the type of work you are hiring them to do it ticked on their card.
  3. Request a compliance certificate
    1. 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.
  4. Ask about your manufacturer’s warranty conditions
    1. 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.
  5. Get a written quote before starting work
    1. Always ask for a written quote for the total cost and a detailed description of the work to be undertaken.
  6. Make sure the work is insured
    1. 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.
  7. If you are not happy with the work done – speak up
    1. If you are dissatisfied with the work carried out, it is recommended that you:
      1. Contact the tradesperson, giving them the opportunity to rectify any problems
      2. If this does not resolve the issue, contact the plumbers licensing board
      3. If this process does not settle the issue, then a formal complaint can be lodged with the NSW Department of Fair Trading

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

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