<![CDATA[Cape Town's Leading Plumbing and Drainage Company. 24 Hour service. - Blog]]>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:46:14 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[BEE Plumbers - Cape Town]]>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:15:54 -0800http://www.plumbingthecape.co.za/1/post/2011/12/bee-plumbers-cape-town.htmlClyde Bosman Plumbing recently obtained a Level 4 BEE status by an independent BEE assessment company. Please click the link below to view our certificate or contact us for further assistance.
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]]><![CDATA[Twitter updates]]>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:57:38 -0800http://www.plumbingthecape.co.za/1/post/2011/12/twitter-updates.htmlHey Everyone 

Just a reminder to follow us on twitter for up to date happenings - http://twitter.com/#!/plumbingthecape

]]><![CDATA[Upgrading of new Business Premisses]]>Sat, 12 Nov 2011 23:49:44 -0800http://www.plumbingthecape.co.za/1/post/2011/11/upgrading-of-new-business-premisses.htmlClyde Bosman Plumbing has recently decided to up the ante and commence a much needed renovation to the 190 Main Road Lakeside premisses. From next year March the Clyde Bosman Plumbing team will be operating from 190 Main Road Lakeside, still offering 24 hour emergency plumbing service but reducing the waiting period down to 20 minutes (to most areas) as the new premisses will be centralised to all major free-ways in the southern suburbs. The new 100 square meter workshop gives us plenty of space to manufacture specialised plumbing tasks that would normally need to be sent away to an engineering workshop- thus saving our customers money by eliminating the "middle man" and cuts their down time in half. We are very excited about the move and look forward to introducing a few specials next year to celebrate the move. 

]]><![CDATA[Plumbing Certificate]]>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 02:57:01 -0800http://www.plumbingthecape.co.za/1/post/2011/04/plumbing-certificate.htmlAnyone selling a house in Cape Town must not only provide the buyer with an electrical compliance certificate but will also have to get a certificate from a certified plumber stating that the plumbing in the property is sound and in good working condition.


According to Anton du Plessis of Vineyard Estates, plumbing certification has become law and will be enforced by city officials. He says that without the compliance certificates the sales process will be delayed.


He says that homeowners who are thinking of putting a property on the market can conduct a few basic checks to ensure that the plumbing system is sound.

Du Plessis says that all the taps in the house and garden should be firmly shut off and that toilets should not be used for about 15 minutes to ensure that they are full.

Then, the homeowner should check the water meter at the start of an hour and, 60 minutes later check it again. If the water meter has moved it indicates that there is a leak on the property and a plumber will have to be called in to find and seal the leak.

He advised homeowners to also check that the water meter is running correctly. To do this, a standard 10-litre bucket should be filled with water and the meter checked to ensure that it moves by one digit (as most metres reflect 10-litre increments).

If it moves by more or less than that the metre is not accurate and should be reported to the council.

Du Plessis says that the City of Cape Town is concerned that private houses are discharging waste-water into the storm water drainage system, posing a health hazard for all residents.

A spokesman for the council points out that the storm-water system is not able to handle organic material such as food particles and these decay, causing the health hazards.
taken from: www.property24.com/articles/plumbing-certification-needed-in-ct/13372

]]><![CDATA[Alterations]]>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 12:14:14 -0800http://www.plumbingthecape.co.za/1/post/2011/04/alterations.htmlWhen planning an alteration or having the plans drawn, check with a plumber that what you want will work.

You will be linking into old sewerage drain lines and it is very important to check that levels are correct and that you have enough depth to ensure the correct falls for your sewage to flow. Also check that your water pressure is sufficient to handle any additional usage that your alterations may cause.


Starting on the ground:

This might be be the time to replace old sewer pipes.

It’s true they made things to last in those days, but your old glazed earthenware drainpipes will not last forever, especially if there are lots of tree roots around.

So if you are installing a fair amount of new drainage, get your old pipes checked at the same time, and replace if necessary with PVC. Ensure that the correct grade of pipe is being used and remember any sewer pipes passing under the building must be encased in concrete.

Your new drainage should also be checked and signed off by the building inspector.

In the roof space:

With the cost of electricity continually on the rise, consider solar heating. The initial expense will be recouped with the saving in electricity.

Ensure that you have a geyser that will supply enough hot water for the needs of the family.

If, like me, you have children who arrive for a few days then leave, it may be more economical to install two smaller geysers and only switch on the second one when the house is full. Timer switches are a great money saver – my wife and I manage comfortably on 2.5 hours of heating a day.

Ensure that the right geyser is installed to suit your water pressure and that all the necessary valves are in place.

Most importantly, ensure that the geyser is installed on an adequately reinforced section of the roof and that a drip tray has been properly fitted with an overflow hose. Although the price of gas is going up, I would look at heating water by means of gas, especially in a busy holiday home where the inconvenience of running out of gas is far less than the inconvenience of no hot water.

Piping:

There will never be a perfect substitute for copper, but the cost is making it a more expensive option, assuming, of course, it isn’t stolen before it is even installed.

For any other type of pipe the plumber may want to use, ask to see proof that it has been subjected to proper testing and is recognised by the major suppliers.

Lagging all pipes will certainly lead to savings on the hot water bill.

If you are having new plumbing done, ensure that you know where the main stopcock is, just in case.


Handy hints: Internal wall problems, plumbing damp

It is co-incidental that both sections of the article this week are on plumbing, but maybe that’s not a bad idea, as what we are about to discuss usually starts off with faulty installation.

There is little that is more unsightly, smelly and embarrassing in your house than plumbing damp. We have all seen it at some stage or another on the bottom of the wall adjacent to the bath or shower, usually right in your eye in the passage or next to the bed in your guest bedroom and, unfortunately, because it is expensive to repair, it tends to get left or, at best, we scrape off the paint and quickly cover it up for a few more months.

But the longer you leave it, the worse it will get and the more it will cost to repair.

Before you summon the plumber, whose meter will be running from the moment he gets your phone call, do some basic checks yourself.

Start by ensuring you do not have a continual leak in a pipe. Make sure all your taps are switched off and that nothing that uses water is running, then go outside, find your council meter, and check to see if any of the little wheels or numbers are moving.

It might be a good idea to switch on a nearby tap for a minute so you can see how the things move.

No movement equals no continual leak, so then you know the damp is appearing after you start using an appliance like the shower.

You should check your meter once a month to ensure that you do not have another leak that is not manifesting as damp, because this would be water you are wasting – and paying for.

Also use this test to ensure that your toilet cisterns aren’t continually running. Often the valve does not close properly and there is a continual flow of water through the cistern.

If the wheels are turning, inspect all visible pipes for signs of leaks, especially in the roof void, I have seen leaking pipes in the roof, where the water has run down the side of the pipe in the wall, until it finds a weak spot in the brickwork or plaster and begins to form damp spots.

While in the roof, ensure that the geyser, drip tray and overflow pipe are not leaking, as this water could also be dripping down a wall and causing damp. Check that the overflow pipe is also discharging on the outside of your external walls; it is amazing how many are not quite long enough and are left to discharge into the outer wall.

If these checks draw a blank and all the evidence points towards a leaking pipe, then it’s time to call the plumber, but hopefully you’ve saved some money by isolating the problem.

In closing, here are two easy things to check. First, in your shower, make sure that the holes behind the tap cover-plates have been properly sealed and closed up. Second, I have seen instances of damp caused by over-filling or excessive bath playtimes with water flying everywhere, and if the back of the bath is not properly sealed, water can leak out there and cause damp on the adjoining wall.



Taken From- www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/home-garden/home/do-your-homework-for-hassle-free-plumbing-1.1042008 ]]><![CDATA[Renovations]]>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 12:07:39 -0800http://www.plumbingthecape.co.za/1/post/2011/04/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit2.htmlNobody wants to end up with their knees beside their ears when using the loo, or with a handbasin that lets you wash just one finger at a time, or having to give up the spa bath because the room is just too small.

So make sure you know what fittings you want and instruct your architect accordingly. And check with a plumber to ensure you have the correct water pressure to run your fittings or taps.

With sanitaryware and taps you get what you pay for.

Expensive will look better and the chances are that it will last a lot longer, but we all can’t afford imported luxury, so make sure you have enough time to visit all the merchants to establish that you are getting the best deal for the best product.

Remember, cash is king, and folding notes in your hand will get you a much better deal than allowing your plumber or builder to buy it on his account.

Let’s take a slow walk through your house for few tips for different rooms.

Kitchen/pantry: This is the cook’s domain so make sure it’s user-friendly for cooking. A prep bowl for preparing vegetables etc and ensuring that there is a water supply near the cooking area is important.

Having decided that you want one, make sure it’s big enough to use and that the flow of tap water is not so strong that it bounces up towards the ceiling. Check this with all taps and basins.

I like big sinks for washing up, so if you have enough space and cash, get the biggest, deepest, double or triple sink you can find, with enough space to get those big pots in, and remember, draining areas covered in stainless steel will outlast anything else.

If you have a dishwasher, make sure the plumbing is correct for the make you are choosing, and that there is more than enough space to get to the stopcock and drainage outlet.

I am not a fan of having dishwashers built in under counters.

Finally, if you really want to spoil yourself, don’t forget the garbage disposal unit or an instant water heater if you have pressure on your geyser usage.

Laundry: As with dishwashers, I like to be able to see my stopcock and drainage outlet. In case of problems you need to be able to act fast, so stay away from under-counter units. Remember, many washing machines also need a hot water supply, so again check first and have the correct piping fitted.

The other handy item in the laundry is an old-fashioned wash tub, preferably with a wash board side for rubbing those mud-stained sport clothes, and also great for cleaning rugby boots or golf shoes. As the wash tub tends to be left full of water and clothing overnight to soak, ensure that it has been fixed securely to the wall and is not hanging precariously on inadequate brackets.

Don’t forget to make sure that there is the correct outlet or ventilation for your tumble dryer.

Handy hints: Internal wall problems, plumbing damp

Last week we checked out the obvious causes of plumbing damp, but now it’s time for the less obvious.

The main culprits for plumbing damp are baths and showers. Leaks around handbasins or toilets are often easy to spot. Just remember to keep an eye on the shelving in vanity cupboards under handbasins – melamine is sensitive to damp and swells easily. If you notice this appearing, check that the waste is not leaking and that the seal between the basin and vanity top is sound.

Bath: Overfilling and too much splashing can be fun but damp. If the bath is not properly built in and seated correctly, the combined weight of you and the water will cause movement, which will cause the joint between bath and wall to open up. This will also happen if you have a shower fitted over the bath; just standing in an incorrectly fitted bath will cause movement at the joints. However, the main cause of damp from baths is a badly fitted or leaking trap. Easy to spot if you have a free-standing bath, but difficult if the bath is built-in.

Back in the day, built-in baths were fitted with removal access panels so that access to the trap was easy, now of course the plumber is going to have to break through your tiles. Before letting him go ahead, check if it is easier to break through under the bath from the adjoining room or from outside, as plaster and paint are easier to repair than trying to replace tiles that may no longer be available.

Showers: Probably the most common cause of plumbing damp, there is an interface of three trades, builder, plumber and tiler, none of whom wants to take responsibility for the finished article and each just as likely to damage the other’s work. Also most clients believe that tiles fixed with waterproof adhesive and grout will not allow water to penetrate, but I beg to differ.

Showers should be fully waterproofed and “tanked” before the plaster is applied. Plastering over the waterproofing gives the tiler a much smoother surface to tile on and protects the waterproofing membrane, whatever it may be.

Like baths, most shower leaks occur around the waste or at base level. If you have a half-decent tiling job, with no holes left around taps, the chances of water getting through are much less on the walls than at the base. If you are going to the expense of removing the shower base, ensure that all materials are removed down to concrete level and that the area is properly waterproofed, including the walls.

Preformed shower bases, like baths, will move and cause leaks. Before allowing the plumber to hack everything out, check to see that the shower doors are not leaking, plug the drain and fill up the base, check for leakage around the door, and if you can spare the time, leave the water in the base and see if it soaks away.

It would be remiss of me not to mention that modern technology has made it much easier to detect leaks and there are now many reputable companies that can isolate the cause of your leak using dye, gas or pressure tests.

If your leak is not obvious it may be well worth your while to use one of them, before the plumber or builder demolishes your house trying to find the leak. - Weekend Argus
taken from- www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/home-garden/home/cash-is-king-1.1049419

]]><![CDATA[Cape Town's water bylaw lauded]]>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 11:58:17 -0800http://www.plumbingthecape.co.za/1/post/2011/04/cape-towns-water-bylaw-lauded.htmlThe proposed new regulation that all properties sold in Cape Town must be issued with a certificate of compliance by a registered plumber is considered a "breakthrough for the property market".

Rael Levitt, chief executive of Auction Alliance, said: "It is a sign of a well-controlled municipal environment that they do look after these critical issues."

The Cape Argus reported last week that the City of Cape Town's amended water bylaw, which will soon go to the council for approval, contains a new clause which will oblige property sellers to obtain a clearance certificate confirming that all water and sanitation installations on the property conform to national building regulations, and bylaws pertaining to water and wastewater.

Currently, sellers require a certificate of electrical compliance and a beetle certificate, and they are responsible for the rectification of any problems identified during inspection.

Once passed, the new water bylaw will mean that property transfers in the city may only take place once problems identified with a property's plumbing have been rectified.

The certificate of compliance will guarantee that a property has no water leaks, that there is no discharge of stormwater into sewer systems, and that the water meter is functional and the sewer system intact.

The amendment was suggested during the public participation process by Peter Silbernagl, of consulting engineering firm PD Naidoo and Associates.

Both Silbernagl and Levitt said the provision was a first for South Africa, and that it would benefit property buyers and the people of Cape Town.

Silbernagl said the amount of stormwater people discharged into sewer systems caused major flooding of sewer pump stations, treatment works and overflows.

Non-compliant plumbing posed public health risks, while many ageing water meters no longer worked properly and in other cases people purposely bypassed meters.

"As a buyer, you don't buy a property for its problems," said Silbernagl, adding that if built properly, a property's plumbing "should be in order".

"Over time it (the new requirement) will save the citizens of Cape Town vast amounts of money," he predicted. Levitt said there needed to be far more comprehensive reports to protect South African buyers.

In the UK and most American states, properties were also inspected for their structural integrity, he said, adding that the plumbing certificate meant the city was "getting one step closer" to a position where a property was fully assessed to protect the buyer.

"I am fully supportive (of the measure) and delighted to see it," he said.

Cape Argus


info taken from - www.iolproperty.co.za/roller/news/entry/cape_town_s_water_bylaw ]]><![CDATA[Registered and qualified plumbers]]>Sun, 26 Dec 2010 10:17:59 -0800http://www.plumbingthecape.co.za/1/post/2010/12/registered-and-qualified-plumbers.html
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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
 

]]><![CDATA[Leak Detection Cape Town]]>Sat, 06 Nov 2010 02:59:26 -0800http://www.plumbingthecape.co.za/1/post/2010/11/leak-detection-cape-town.html
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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.
]]><![CDATA[Property transfer to require plumbing certificate]]>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 22:37:29 -0800http://www.plumbingthecape.co.za/1/post/2010/09/property-transfer-to-require-plumbing-certificate.htmlA new requirement for the transfer of property, which will oblige sellers to submit a certificate from an accredited plumber as proof that water installations comply with national building regulations, has been included in the City of Cape Town's draft water bylaw.

Currently sellers need to submit a certificate of electrical compliance and a beetle certificate, and ensure that any problems identified during the inspection of the property are addressed.

The amended water bylaw will soon head to council for approval. It includes a range of additions to, and clarifications of, the bylaw, promulgated in 2006.

Included in the new bylaw are sections confirming that indigent people will not be denied access to water services, and that access to premises is required at all times; a clause regarding water theft; sections on the installation of water management devices and the "resale" of water; and one making provision for rebates in the event of leaks.

It was during the public participation process that a submission by consulting engineering firm PD Naidoo and Associates led to the inclusion of the new property transfer requirement.

The firm proposed that upon transfer of a property, the seller should submit a certificate from an accredited plumber that the water and sanitation installation on the property conforms to national building regulations and bylaws pertaining to water and wastewater.

Such a certificate would also confirm the absence of leaks, that there is no discharge of stormwater into sewer systems, and that the water meter is functional and the sewer system intact.

"The current arrangement would allow a new owner to continue with an illegal installation.

"After all, there can be no moral ground for selling or transferring a property which does not comply with the law," the firm argued.

Although PD Naidoo and Associates suggested that the transfer of the property should not be held up by the delivery of the compliance certificate or remedial work, the city included the requirement as proposed, but opted to make transfer subject to compliance.

"The seller must, before transfer of a property, submit a certificate from an accredited plumber certifying that: a) the water installation conforms to the National Building Regulations and this bylaw; b) there are no defects; c) the water meter registers; and d) there is no discharge of stormwater into the sewer system," reads the new clause.

The city has already drawn up the form that will have to be completed.

Meanwhile, the amended bylaw will make provision for city officials to access any premises for any purpose connected with the implementation and enforcement of the bylaw - a point that concerned some of those who submitted comments during the public participation period.

The maximum prison term of five years for contravention of the bylaw was criticised as being "absolutely ridiculous", "especially seen in the light of current sentences handed down for violent crimes".

Cape Argus



Source: http://www.iolproperty.co.za/roller/news/entry/property_transfer_to_require_plumbing]]>