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IOPSA PRACTICE NOTICE 1/2016
Manufacturers are within their right to void any warranty/guarantee claim on their products in terms of non- compliance of an installation in terms of the relevant SANS standards, as professional practicing plumbers we are required to ensure that we follow and apply the standards
To this end, the Institute of Plumbing have seen a steady increase in terms of warranty/guarantee claims being voided by the respective Manufacturers due to non-compliant installations, specifically in terms of geyser installations.
The Institute of Plumbing wish to advise all practising plumbing contractors of their legal requirements in terms of pre-existing non- compliant plumbing installations so as not to be caught foul of being held accountable for warranty/guarantee claims due to pre-existing non-compliant installations.
All contractors must take cognisance of the following:
SANS 10254 The installation, maintenance, replacement and repair of fixed electric storage water heating systems; Section 4.3.1.2 states
The water heater and its ancillary components shall be maintained, replaced, or repaired to comply with this standard, and ANY NON COMPLIANCE shall be reported to the OWNER and USER in WRITING by the PERSON who carries out the maintenance, replacement or repair.
It is imperative that a full inspection of the pre-existing installation be conducted prior to any repairs or replacement being carried out. When and where applicable the owner and user should be noted of all the pre-existing non-compliance in writing before the work is to be commence. It is further advisable in terms of the Consumer Protection Act to inform the owner/user that if the pre-existing non-compliance is not rectified and the installation is carried out the warranty/guarantee of the respective product maybe voided. It is important to note that the onus for the repairs of the pre-existing installation and the cost thereof is for the owner/user and not the practicing plumber. It is simply YOUR DUTY as the professional plumber to make the owner/user aware of the non-compliance in writing.
It is highly recommended that one complete the Plumbing Industry Registration Board’s, plumbing COC as this has a clear section for a Licensed practicing plumber to indicate non-compliances in writing, which will serve as a record of the notice of non- compliance for future reference.
As a professional practicing plumber we are confident that you are aware of the relevant SANS installation standards so that you are able to draw non-compliance in terms of the applicable SANS standards to the owner/users attention. In the event of your not being confident or unsure about yourself we highly recommend that you attend the Institute of Plumbing CPD SANS training programs so that you are able to bring your self-up to speed on the SANS installation standards.
Should you have any queries or require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the Institute of Plumbing SA.
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