Plumblink, South Africa’s leading plumbing merchant, and Ariston, which is at the forefront of water-heating technology, have partnered with the Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA) to provide professional plumbers with refresher courses in the correct installation of domestic geysers. In keeping with the water heating theme, Franke also provided training on the installation of HydroBoils and gave a very informative presentation on its extensive range of high-quality stainless-steel products.

The event was held on the 23rd of June 2022 at Pumblink’s technical showroom in Glen Anil in Durban. Technical displays practically demonstrate the use and correct installation of a variety of plumbing products. They include geysers, concealed cisterns, flush masters, stainless steel products and working showers with pumps, as well as piping systems for all applications. It was, therefore, the ideal environment in which to provide formal and structured training in the correct installation of water-heating systems. Plumblink makes the technical showroom available as a training facility for qualified plumbers as a value-added service.

The technical showroom is located adjacent to Plumblink’s state-of-the-art distribution centre. Boasting 5 000m2under roof, this facility allows for seamless distribution to stores throughout KwaZulu-Natal. The company recently opened four more stores in-and-around Durban to cater to the high demand for quality plumbing products, including geysers. Plumblink is one of the largest suppliers of quality geysers in South Africa, selling them via a network of more than 130 branches located throughout the country.  

Craig Greenland, Plumblink’s KwaZulu-Natal Regional Manager, says that Plumblink and Ariston support all initiatives undertaken by the industry to maintain the highest possible standard of plumbing workmanship in South Africa. 

“Part of the training is to impress the importance of training and upskilling in order to deliver quality workmanship. Plumbers being the core of Plumblink’s customer base, we see this training as vital. It provides these professionals with the ideal opportunity to hone their proficiencies and stay abreast of the latest developments in water-heating technology. In this way, they can also confidently issue Certificates of Compliance for work that they undertake on a geyser and inform property owners of any compliance issues with their heating systems – as is required by the law,” Greenland says.

Individuals who attended and companies that sent their employees for training earned 2 Continuing Professional Development points. The training focused on installing smaller domestic geysers according to SANS 10254 standards. 

Geysers that have been installed, maintained, repaired and replaced according to these quality standards will operate safely and efficiently. Some of the health and safety risks associated with non-compliant water-heating systems include scalding and electrocution. Non-compliant installations are also a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and pathogens. An incorrectly installed water heating system can also burst. Moreover, non-compliant installations are not energy efficient, placing additional pressure on an-already strained electricity grid and increasing the carbon footprint of properties. 

According to IOPSA, there has been a marked increase in non-compliant geyser installations in the country. The situation can be attributed to a severe shortage of qualified plumbers in the country and scant enforcement of municipal bylaws by the authorities to safeguard consumers. Greenland believes that it is the responsibility of all participants in the plumbing industry to help uphold the highest possible standards through initiatives such as this training day.

The training was very well attended by members of IOPSA, emerging plumbers and employees of plumbing companies. Greenland was also particularly impressed with the large turnout of young professionals who have just started their careers as plumbers. “It is always encouraging to see that the industry is managing to attract talented young individuals who are passionate about their trade. This will help alleviate the dire shortage of qualified plumbers in the country. I am sure that our next training day in Howick in July will also be a resounding success,” Greenland says.