I know the story all too well. Some guy has a cousin that can do the job at half the price. I land up fixing more botched pluming jobs in Cape Town than you would belive. When you are talking about your biggest asset you have to understand professional plumbing is important work because it affects how a house actually works. It is possible, for instance, for sewage to back up in a poorly installed sewage line, leading to flooding, waterborne illness, or even foundational degradation (among other issues). A plumber’s expertise can be verified by looking at their licence, reducing you likelihood of shoddy service and bad workmanship.
Some of the potential issues that could arise from using an unqualified plumber are listed below.
Poor Quality Work
Fixing a leaky pipe is not a simple task. The most commonplace jobs, like “snaking” a drain, require specialised equipment and extensive practise. For renewal purposes, a plumber’s licence requires proof of continued education and examination success. Although the specifics vary from state to state, most plumbing licences include mandatory continuing education requirements. Like other states, Minnesota mandates that its residents complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.
All of that is unnecessary for an unqualified plumber. They won’t bother with school or testing, but they’ll happily dig up your yard or breach your walls. That has to be a risky proposition. After all, we’re discussing the water supply to your own house.
Extra Expenses
In the event that the unlicensed plumber makes a mistake and more money needs to be spent to fix the problem, who is responsible? person who owns the house. You may be out of luck if an unqualified plumber leaves you with leaking pipes, faulty fixtures, or a partially completed job. You can file a formal complaint with the licencing board if a plumber who has been granted a licence fails to meet your expectations. A reward like that is a strong motivation to maintain honourable conduct.
No Insurance
In order to get a plumber’s licence in most states, you must show proof of liability insurance and a surety bond. This ensures that the plumber will be taken care of in the event of an accident on the job. This policy also protects your possessions from accidental loss or damage.
In the event of damage or injury, hiring an unlicensed plumber could leave you open to significant liability. The unlicensed plumber could file a lawsuit against you if he or she sustains any kind of injury while working on your property.
You will, of course, be responsible for covering the cost of any repairs to damaged property. Because of this, your home owner’s insurance and/or property insurance policy could be affected.
Regulatory Infractions
In order to guarantee safety and conformity with local rules and regulations, many major plumbing jobs require various permits. A qualified plumber can simply walk in and apply for the necessary permits. However, this is not something that can be done by an unqualified plumber. They won’t be able to secure the required building permits due to a lack of appropriate licencing. One plumber might refer you to a licenced competitor, but a less scrupulous firm might go ahead and complete the job without a licence. Even if everything goes smoothly, you may still be held responsible for breaking the building codes and paying the associated fines.
Against the Law
It is against the law in Cape Town to employ a plumber who is not licenced, and it is also against the law to hire an unregistered plumber to do the job. One can be fined, sued, or even taken to court if an unlicensed plumber messes up the community’s water supply. Keeping a plumber’s licence requires them to be knowledgeable about and adhere to all applicable rules and regulations. Put differently, you may be held legally responsible for an unlicensed plumber’s mistakes. There is no risk to you if you hire a professional plumber.
Diseases and Ground Water Pollution
Water in the Cape Town is among the safest you can find in South Africa. However, more work needs to be done. Hundreds of thousands of South Africans fall ill each year due to contact with waterborne diseases. A licenced plumber can help reduce the likelihood of water contamination. If you hire a professional who knows what they’re doing, you won’t have to worry about any of the water, waste, or petrol lines being installed in the wrong place. An unauthorised plumber may not have the proper education to handle these crucial jobs.
Cape Town’s Famous Plumbing Scammers are Everywhere
Keep in mind that not all plumbers will have your interests in mind. Make sure your plumber has a valid licence to protect yourself from common plumbing scams. If you report an unlicensed plumber, they could face a hefty fine or even lose their licence if they attempt fraud or a scam.
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur."
- Isabel G - 1 July 2023
- Jonathan H - 1 July 2023
- Miriam J - 1 July 2023