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  • 27 Jul 2017 9:07 AM | Anonymous

    Over the past two years Gary Macnamara has been the executive director for The Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA). Within his role at the organisation, he has achieved and conquered any challenge put before him and this is a trait of his that will be dearly missed.

    Pictured: Chris Burgess, Craig Preston, Steve Brown, Lea Smith and Gary Macnamara

    Every beginning has an end. And every end is a new beginning. Macnamara leaves the IOPSA team to relocate his family to New Zealand and tackle new adventures that may lay ahead.

    At a small farewell gathering, Macnamara was given a multitude of gifts from the organisation to help him on his new adventure to New Zealand.


    Gary Macnamara pictured at his farewell dressed in his gifts


    IOPSA would like to wish Macnamara and his family best of luck for their new chapter and every success in their future.

    For the IOPSA offices, it is still business as usual. 


  • 26 Jul 2017 11:09 AM | Anonymous

    The IOPSA KZN committee Travelled up to Richards Bay to hold a Plumbers evening on 19 July and were met with some old and new faces. The evening was informative and as always, Gopal Bissessur of Aqua-Tap Plumbing Richards Bay was a phenomenal host and sponsor. One of the highlights of the Evening was the story of a keen plumber who, along with his assistants, travelled a round trip of approximately seven hundred kilometres to join in on the evening. Some commendable commitment from Simphiwe Cele of Plupacati Plumbers. The evening was an informative session, followed by Questions and Answers from the Plumbers pertaining to industry.


    Pictured; IOPSA Representatives, Gopal Bissessur of AquaTap and Plumbers enjoying their Prizes. 


  • 12 Jul 2017 11:24 AM | Anonymous

    IOPSA KZN was fortunate to Host Mr Domenico DiGregorio at the Grohe Dawn Lifestyle Design Centre in Durban on 29 June. Patrick Gordon of Grohe Dawn lead with an Informative talk, thereafter Plumbers were treated to shared experiences and insight into the Plumbers Without Borders journey along with some of the interaction on Local matters. Mr DiGregorio and the team at Plumbers without Borders have been growing from strength to strength, being instrumental leaders in the upliftment and reestablishment of many disaster and rural areas. To join Plumbers without Borders from any type of participatory level, visit their website; www.plumberswithoutborders.org


  • 04 Jul 2017 9:25 AM | Anonymous

    IOPSA (Institute of Plumbing South Africa) has compiled a short document explaining the fundamental differences between UG (underground) piping and SV (soil-vent system - above ground) piping, and why the two should be used absolutely correctly. Many plumbers don’t understand how different the two are, and installation requirements are often neglected. It is imperative that the pipes meet the SANS requirements before installation occurs.

    Below are just a few key points explaining the differences, as well as why UG piping systems cannot be used above ground:

    • 1.       The basic difference between the pipes and the fittings is the colour and thickness. UG piping is manufactured in a cream/beige colour and SV piping is white. The SV piping also may have a wider inner wall to that of a UG pipe.
    • 2.       As per the requirements of the relevant SANS standards, the pipe and its fittings are tested as a complete system and will be required to operate as such. So, although you can connect a beige UG pipe with the white SV fitting and the system may work, it doesn’t comply with the required standards. Thus, the installation will not be compliant.
    • 3.       Fittings and angles required on the installation:
    • a.       UG piping and fittings are manufactured for below-ground use only, as the fittings are calculated for the correct slope as required in an underground installation.
    • b.      SV piping and fittings are manufactured for a system above ground, and the fittings are cast for horizontal and vertical installations to provide the correct gradient on the slope as required from SANS 10252-2.


    UG Bend at 92.5˚


    SV Bend at 95.0˚





    • 1.       As per SANS 10252-2 the correct piping is required to be used in above-ground installations. Only PVC piping that is SANS approved for above ground use is the white SV piping and fittings.
      • 2.       UG piping is not UV resistant and becomes very brittle in sunlight. Plumbers make the mistake of thinking it can be used in an above-ground duct or stack; this is incorrect as per point 1. The pipes and fittings are tested as a system and if you use the incorrect piping with the SV fittings, the installations will not be compliant to SANS installation standards. It is clear in SANS 10252-2 that the above-ground piping needs to be used for duct work.

      The below table has been taken from SANS 10252-2 further explaining the requirements for the installation in a duct, it makes clear reference in point 2 as to the pipe required in an installation.



    TABLE 20 – MAXIMUM SPACING OF PIPE SUPPORTS FOR STRAIGHT PIPE LENGTHS


  • 03 Jul 2017 8:23 AM | Anonymous

    The Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA) has facilitated with industry-leaders and geyser manufacturers, the development of a guideline to alleviate confusion in the industry relating to fixed electrical water heating (geyser) cylinder failures. The confusion & frustration has been created due to a very high percentage of non-compliant installations verse actual product failure and whether poor installation has resulted in the product failure.   

    To avoid such confusion, industry has collaboratively created a document that aims to support plumbing installers and manufacturers, clarifying critical areas that determine where incorrect installation can be used as technical reason to void a warranty claim.

    Geyser manufacturers are within their right to void a warranty claim based on an installation not been compliant, however also have the responsibility to support their product in the industry if failure is determined to be a manufacturing fault.

    This guideline will provide critical standards that, if followed correctly by the plumber, will help to prevent product failure from happening. On the other hand, this the document will provide information that supports technical reasons as to why a manufacturer may void a warranty due to a non-compliant installation.

    It is important to note that this guideline is an ongoing document, and will be updated as necessary as and when IOPSA and industry reconvene. It is also critical for installers to understand that compliance to all regulations & standards applicable to a fixed electrical water heating system are to be adhered to.

    The following table advises those areas that are critical to the fixed electrical water heating (geyser) cylinder failure. All points of reference are to be verified with the relevant manufacturer in terms of warranty conditions to alleviate confusion/ liability or uncertainty.

    Installation items that may lead to failure of water heating cylinder in an electrical geyser. (15 items extracted from SANS 10252 & 10254 Standards discussed as points relating to water heater cylinder failure)

    No.

    Description of fault cause

    Cylinder failure

    Critical safety

    1

    Temperature Pressure Valve (TP valve) rating is higher than water heating cylinder installed

    Yes

    Yes

    3

    Installation of reconditioned valves.

    NOTE: Some manufacturers do not allow for the installation of a reconditioned valve onto the cylinders so warranty will be void. Confirm with the Relevant manufacturer if this point is applicable to the Manufacturer.

    No, if compliant

    Yes

    4

    Un-balanced pressure of water system

    No, may lead to failure of PCV expansion valve

    Yes

    5

    Safety valve is restricted (blocked or damaged)

    Yes

    Yes

    6

    T&P overflow piping is incorrect size or smaller than the minimum requirement of 22mm

    No

    Yes

    7

    Isolating or non-return valve is installed between hot water cylinder and the pressure control valve (PCV), expansion relief (ERV) valve or vacuum breaker.

    Yes

    Yes

    8

    Where no T&P valve is installed

    Yes

    Yes

    9

    Where no pressure control valve is installed

    Yes

    Yes

    11

    Back-siphonage of hot water into the cold-water supply  - tank warranty intact – element void

    Note: This may however effect copper tanks and tanks that have a PEX lining.             

    No, may lead to failure of element

    Yes

    12

    Vacuum breakers are installed incorrectly or not above the top of the water heater (the anti-siphon loop) tank warranty intact – element void

    Vacuum breaker should be installed 300mm above the cylinder, if it is not possible it can be installed more than 700mm of hot water supply directly on the line.

    No, may lead to failure of element

    Yes

    13

    Discharge pipes that are obstructed and not open to the atmosphere

    Yes

    Yes

    15

    Limited or no access to hot water heating system installation

    No

    Yes

    Guideline to manufacturers items that may lead to product warranty void

    • 1.      Indoor hot water cylinder installed outside (must be identified on the cylinder)
    • 2.      Electrical element burnt in air – element warranty only
    • 3.      Limited or no access to hot water cylinder installation (maintenance and replacement purposes) – replacement product provided but installation labour for customers account. Manufacturer will only provide the cylinder.
    • 4.      Required isolating valves not installed – Cylinder will be provided and customer must install the cylinder using his own plumbing contractor.
    • 5.      Water heater cylinder has been tampered with
    • 6.      Water heater cylinder serial plate has been tampered with or missing
    • 7.      Water heater cylinder has been removed from installation
    • 8.      All components installed in conjunction with the hot water cylinder must be approved components as per manufacturer specifications, if grey product components are used; the warranty will be void.
    • 9.      If the incorrect support structure is in place, the manufacturer will only provide a cylinder replacement. The installation cost will be for the consumers own account using his own plumbing contractor. The same goes for cylinders mounted on incorrect wall support.

    NOTE:

    • 1.      This is a guideline to industry and users must always refer to current regulations and standards.
    • 2.      This guideline does not exclude the supply chain from liability of compliance in any manner. Installers must issue Notice of Non-compliance to property owners as required by regulation.
    • 3.      Solar geyser and heat pump installations have been excluded from this guideline at this point.
    • 4.      This guideline is subject to the manufacturers (water heater cylinder and valves) installation instructions.

    Recommendations

    • 1.      Compliance of an electrical water heater system installation should be included in manufacturer warranty conditions going forward. Change behaviour of entire supply chain to ensure requirements of regulation are met, therefore ensuring the protection of the public and the environment.
    • 2.      Clear guideline to industry of how to bring an existing electrical water heater system installation to be compliant.
    • 3.      Understanding installations where specific conditions may affect voiding a warranty claim:
    • a.      Amendments of regulation / standards related to installation date.
    • b.      Water heater cylinder not been SANS 151 accredited (SABS approved) at time of installation.
    • c.       Solar Water heater system not being SANS 1307 accredited (SABS approved) at time of installation.
    • d.      Requirements of all solar system panel and cylinder configurations being SANS accredited (SABS approved).

    For more information, please visit the IOPSA website at www.iopsa.org. Or contact 08610 PLUMBER


  • 03 Jul 2017 8:19 AM | Anonymous

    IOPSA (the Institute of Plumbing South Africa) has noticed an increase in confusion, due to the number of different plumbing Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued within South Africa. The local municipalities are responsible for the enforcement of the national Building & Water Regulations. Individual local authorities have their own form of a CoC if their bylaws require one to be issued by a plumber.

    For the purpose of this article, IOPSA will focus on the City of Cape Town CoC and the Plumbing Industries Registration Board (PIRB) CoC to give an understanding of why there are different CoCs and what the differences are.

    The City of Cape Town have implemented that a Certificate of Compliance is to be issued on the sale of a property in the same vein as the Borer and Electrical Certificate of Compliance. However, in terms of the requirements of the document, there are only specific points raised and required for the plumber to check:

    • ·         The Hot Water Cylinder installation complies with SANS 10252 and SANS 10254
    • ·         The water pipes in the plumbing installation (especially within the roof space) are properly saddled as per SANS 10252
    • ·         The water meter records the flow when water is drawn, and does not register when consumption stops.
    • ·         The private isolating valve as per subsection 23(2) (a) or (b) is in place and functioning.
    • ·         None of the terminal water fittings leak and they are correctly fixed in position.
    • ·         No storm water is discharged into the sewerage system.
    • ·         There is no cross connection between the potable supply and any alternate supply.

    The document has been amended since inception. A concern relating to the City of Cape Town CoC is that new property owners are under the impression that the entire plumbing system is compliant. As you can see by the points indicated; the plumber does not check all points of a Plumbing System relevant to the Regulations & Standards of plumbing. Complaints arise when service calls initiated for repairs and issues of non-compliance become apparent by the responding plumber. This reverts to Western Cape however in other regions; Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Southern Cape, a CoC is now being requested by the buyer.

    Due to the lack of registration and poor quality plumbing installation, IOPSA initiated the Plumbing Industry Registration Board not only to register all plumbers but to proactively check quality of installations by means of the issuing of PIRB CoC’s.

    This was initially a voluntary industry driven solution that is now been included in plumbing regulations since the PIRB has become a Professional Body. The value of the PIRB CoC is explained below:

    The PIRB registered plumber is required to log CoC within five days of the installation, which, through the automated services, may result in an audit carried out on the installation. In the event of a failed audit, the plumber would be required to carry out rectification. It’s a controlled, measured system and process. Should the plumber not wish to rectify the issue, they will be removed from the PIRB register. It is important to understand the difference between a local CoC and PIRB CoC.

    The PIRB CoC is seen as credible because it is:

    • a)      independently audited
    • b)      a pro-active approach rather than a reactive; they don’t wait for the consumer to complain
    • c)       linked to a register that is maintained on a regular basis which, if you aren’t compliant, you will be removed from

    The local certificate is still a requirement in specific local authorities.  This is a local government requirement so it’s compulsory. The PIRB is a voluntary requirement, except for solar geysers, heat pump and soon, fixed electrical geysers. If you install a solar geyser or heat pump, you must issue a PIRB certificate in addition to the local government certificate.

    The consumer is looking for credibility and support, which they can get through the industry-driven solution that is the PIRB CoC. It has been implemented to assist the municipality.

    A PIRB CoC is brought in and implemented for the self-certification of plumbing works carried out by the registered plumber. The various categories in terms of the CoC are denoted on the Certificate, and the plumber will define the specific work carried out on site e.g.: A new build:

    •          all categories of work done and then specified what was done, or
    •          in the event of a Repair/ Replacement/ Solar Installation, plumber will issue solely on work carried out.

    The PIRB Certificate was not designed for usage on the sale of property; the issuing plumber may be held liable for any areas of non-compliance not noted. There have been instances where a registered plumber has certified, and not listed the areas of non-compliance, and was therefore held liable. The standards are very specific in terms of the responsibility of the plumber; they must advise the owner of any non-compliance in writing. With the inclusion of the checklist, this will alleviate uncertainty in terms of non-compliance and defective areas. It is to be noted that only a registered PIRB plumber may issue a PIRB Certificate of Compliance.

    For more information, please visit the IOPSA website at www.iopsa.org. Or contact 08610 PLUMBER


  • 27 Jun 2017 11:16 AM | Anonymous

    We are finding that in all the new upmarket developments the bathroom design does not allow for the bath access panels, this is due to the aesthetics of the bathroom and the property owner not wanting to see an access panel that stands out.

    But as plumbers we need to assist our clients to understand that the access panel is required as per the SANS standard. We also need to look at the best possible solution to ensure the aesthetics of the bathroom can comply to the standards and keep the client happy with the end product.

    Below are some ideas of how you can create an access panel for the bathroom that complies to the standards and is still easy on the eye.


  • 27 Jun 2017 9:17 AM | Anonymous

    Over the past four years a number of companies have lost tens of thousands of Rands due to alleged fraudulent request for quotations (RFQS) and orders, supposedly from government departments.

    The fraudsters would send a fictitious RFQ from what would seem to be a governmental email address, use a fake RFQ form with a logo and contact details of the contact person. These requests are usually urgent and the whole process is concluded within a short period of time. During the process the “SCM officials” will be in contact with the unsuspecting service provider until the goods are delivered either outside the building or at an agreed address.

    How does it work?

    Fraudsters make use of department letterheads to send out fake tenders to businesses. They then request these businesses to supply them with equipment and goods. Sometimes, business owners are even asked to pay a deposit to secure their tender. At first glance, everything looks above board. But upon closer inspection, you soon realise that all isn’t as it seems.

    The department and Cart Blanche have provided guidelines on how to spot a fake tender:

    §  While it’s difficult to determine whether the letter from the department is indeed authentic, there are other smaller details that could help you avoid a very costly mistake.

    §  Compare the names and contact numbers as shown on the letter to that published on the relevant Department’s website. If they’re not the same, be careful. If they are the same give them a call to ensure they represent who they say they do.

    §  Do a simple online search of the company name as shown on the letter. If there is a website, look up the address and call the company to confirm they do exist.

    §  The banking details provided with the tender document belong to a private individual and are not in the company name.

    §  Remember that Government will never ask you to pay any money to secure a tender.

    §  Check the email address of the sender. If the address contains a .org it is not from the government. Look out forimpersonation addresses like the ones below:

    – doh@treasury-gov.org.za

    – ghd@gautenghealth-gov.org.za

    –  health@mphumalang-gov.org.za

    – NDOH@nationalhealth-gov.org.za

    §  Check the contact number provided on the tender letter. Government warns that although the numbers look valid, they are often not even connected to any property. Give the number a call to check.

    §  Look for the purchase or order number. “Government will never send an email asking you to supply equipment and goods without a purchase or order number,” Government warns.

    While Government is working closely with authorities to thwart these fraudsters, it still remains the responsibility of the business owner to ensure the tender is legal. Should you fall victim to a tender scam, you cannot hold the relevant Department liable for your losses.

    If you do receive a tender request, and you are still unsure about its legitimacy, it’s always wise to give the mentioned Department a call (use the contact number as listed on the Department’s website) to verify.

    If you know of any fraudulent tender activities please be report to the Tender Fraud hotline 0800 701 701. Confidentiality is guaranteed.


  • 27 Jun 2017 8:17 AM | Anonymous
    Nick Joubert comes from a long history of training and education. Nick started lecturing at the Technicon Witwatersrand in the building management department in 1974, he then went on to obtain his BCom Degree in General management from Unisa and completed his post graduate BCom (Hons) studies at the rand Afrikaans university in training management.

    He has filled many high profile roles within his career from Divisional director of Primeserve Training to CEO of Chamdor Group and MD for TJEKA Training to name a few.

    Nick started his career with IOPSA in 2013 where he was appointed as the National Training Advisor for IOPSA, a position which he still fills to this day. In 2014 IOPSA appointed Nick as an assessment quality manager (AQP within QCTO Framework) where he has been involved in many projects such as Skills for Green Jobs.

    In Nick’s spare time, he enjoys time with his family and playing with his grandchildren. 


  • 05 Jun 2017 2:14 PM | Anonymous

    IOPSA runs a wide range of CPD activities on a monthly basis for PIRB registered plumbers to earn their points.

    See below calendar for June 2017


    Download the calendar here

* Please note that all articles are dated and content was valid at the time of publication. 

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