Many South Africans choose to go the cheaper route than the more expensive when calling in plumber services because of the financial pressures placed on them by the local economy. Sometimes, unqualified plumbers are called to complete the job at a lower rate or even try to fix it ourselves.
In many cases, however, the initial savings will end up costing you more long-term, not just in monetary terms, but also in terms of your health.
Brendan Reynolds, Executive Director of the Institute of Plumbing South Africa, warns that poor plumbing repairs can lead to costly calls and increased costs. This could also expose you to many safety and health hazards.
Reynolds warns that an unqualified plumber does not have the knowledge to fix problems with water pressure, hydraulics, or other health issues that can be caused by improper plumbing.
You get what you pay
It’s worth paying a little more, but you can rest assured that the work is done according to the official plumbing regulations.
“A plumber is a skilled craftsman who has learned his trade over the course of three to four years working under the direction and guidance of an experienced plumber. Reynolds urges that a plumber is entitled to demand a fair price for the work performed.
These regulations allow Qualified Plumbers to offer work that is based upon tried-and-true methods that are constantly improving with the advancement of materials.
Do not use the unqualified
To find out if a plumber is qualified, visit their website.
You can ask the plumber to show you proof of being a member of a voluntary organization such as IOPSA or the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB) when he/she arrives at your home.
“However, there are some qualified plumbers who do not wish to be a part of such voluntary organizations. This does not mean that they are not competent at their jobs. Reynolds notes that customers should ask Reynolds for proof of qualification in such cases.
He reiterated that customers should not compromise on their safety and health. “It’s not about unblocking a drain, but moving away any waste that, if left to linger, can spread disease. Even a poorly installed geyser/hot water storage vessel could cause it to explode and cause untold damages.