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A very dangerous situation

During some of our site visits we often come across extremely dangerous installations where so called "plumbers" without much knowledge of the systems they are installing or maintaining are convincing clients that they can do the job. We often receive phone calls from "plumbers" who are asking us questions over the phone on how to install a specific unit for his client, we end up answering- surely if you are a plumber and have taken the work on you should be able to complete the job. Insurance companies are becoming more aware of these fly by nighters who are operating without any qualifications, knowledge or consideration to the time and effort required to become a competent knowledgeable plumber.  Many insurance companies are now requesting that any plumber who completes or attends to work for the insured is firstly qualified and registered with a plumbing board. Many might ask why? Well the answer is fairly simple. The board regulates and acts as a third party, checking that the plumber requesting to become registered has the following-

 

·         Qualified

·         Has the relevant insurance

·         Can read and write

 

Once the PIRB has done the relevant research they will issue the plumber with a registration card which he is to carry on himself at all times. The PIRB is out there to benefit both the plumber and client, ensuring that the client is receiving a service from a qualified plumber who has the relevant insurance. All our plumbers are registered to write certificates of compliance which are issued by the PIRB and registered on their website. Don't forget the age old saying goed koop is duur koop. Get the professionals to get the job done right the first time.

 

 

The following information has been extracted directly from the PIRB website:

 

Registered Plumber:

Persons applied for this category of registration has passed the relevant plumber trade test as specified in the Manpower training act section 28 or 13 and/or have obtained a plumbing qualification in terms of the Skills Development Act. Persons applied for this category of registration has write and pass the PIRB's Licensed Plumber and is required to have the relevant insurance in place. Only Licensed Plumbers have the right to purchase and issue Plumbing Certificates of Compliance. 

 

 

 

Objectives of the P.I.R.B

  • To effectively administer a live and updated plumbing registration system in South Africa
  • To promote and encourage the upliftment of the training and skills development at all levels in the plumbing sector, in terms of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
  • To promote, monitor and maintain expertise and competencies among industry professionals
  • To work with the community to address concerns and resolve complaints about work carried out by plumbers
  • To monitor compliance to technical standards of plumbing work through professional industry plumbing inspectors and there by assisting authorized local and central government bodies with the enforcement of plumbing compliance.
  • To promote plumbing practices that protect the environment, the health and safety of consumers; and the integrity and sustainability of the water supply, waste water, hot water heating and solar water heating systems; through the application and enforcement of South African National Standards and Codes of Practice.
  • To actively promote and support a consistent and effective regulatory environment throughout South Africa
  • To regularly consult and liaise with the plumbing industry and with authorized bodies related to the industry, in an open forum free of any political or commercial agenda for the discussion of matters affecting the plumbing industry and the role of plumbing for the safety and well being of the whole community and protecting the integrity and sustainability of the water supply and waste water systems
 

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Leak detection has always been a specialised field which Clyde Bosman Plumbing takes very seriously. We have recently invested in some state of the art leak detection equipment imported from Germany, allowing us to trace leaks faster, more efficiently and in the end saving our clients money. We offer complete 24 Hour leak detection service in Cape Town, at the most competitive prices.


We cater for all clients from residential to high rise buildings, corporate clients to insurance companies. All detections come complete with official comprehensive written reports  detailing the work completed and what was found at the time of inspection, helping you with council rebates and insurance claims.


Our equipment can detect leaks in:
  • Concrete Slabs
  • Walls
  • Dry Walls
  • Landscapes



We can detect leaks on pipes of all sizes and types from HDPE, poly-cop, copper, pex, to hybrid pipes. If you have a leak we will find it, its that simple.
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Choosing a plumber is not exactly the easiest task, especially if you have not had good  experience in the past. I like to relate choosing a plumber to how we choose a dentist- If you have bad experiences you try and find a new one, but if you find a dentist that is not too bad, you tend to stick with them BUT there here are a few ways help you when choosing a new plumber in Cape Town or any other town/ city for that matter.


There are many plumbers out there that charge very little hourly rate but forget to mention their very high "call out fee". Or quite simply are not qualified or competent enough to complete the job quickly, efficiently and in a professional manner.


All of our plumbers carry a fully stocked van with the correct tools, equipment and materials to complete most jobs without having to leave your home, hence saving you money and stress. We are VAT registered, insured and qualify for a LEVEL 4 BEE certificate. 


Here are a few questions to ask when calling a new plumber or plumbing company:


1) What is your charge per hour?
2) Do you have any call out fees or any hidden costs?
3) Are you insured for faulty workmanship?
4) How long has your company been in operation for?
5) Do you offer any forms of workmanship guarantees? If so how long?
6) Do you have any contactable references?


If the plumber is still on the phone, and not hot under the collar by the time you have asked the above questions you should be able to gauge a bit more about the company, how the company is run, and what sort of service you can expect from the plumbing company.
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I would just like to welcome everyone to Plumbing The Cape's online Blog :)



With over 45 years in the plumbing industry it's no wonder Plumbing The Cape is Cape Town's leading plumbing company.

Plumbing The Cape has been in operation since 1995 and has grown from strength to strength and now has 3 active fully stocked plumbing vans on the road at any given time of the day.

There is a 24 hour emergency team available for those nasty middle of the night burst pipes and burst geysers.

With the Plumbing The Cape website fully functional and up and running now, you can view all of or services here .

Call us now on 021 789 2796 or 082 707 6898

OR

Visit our website www.plumbingthecape.co.za
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