Ask for Credentials

Ask for Credentials

Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers says homeowners should safeguard themselves by asking to see a plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer’s license before they carry out any work.

The industry marks World Plumbing Day on Friday the 11th March and Master Plumbers Chief Executive Fiona Gavriel says it is a chance to focus on how crucial plumbing is to New Zealanders’ health and safety.

“That has been dramatically reinforced by the two Christchurch earthquakes. Our members have been working around the clock to restore supplies of drinking water and wastewater systems to hospitals, homes, schools and businesses.

“They are working long hours in stressful conditions and making a huge contribution to the city’s recovery,” she says.

Ms Gavriel says it is crucial to use one of New Zealand’s 9,000 fully licensed tradesmen to carry out plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying.

“Not only do home and business owners deserve to have work completed by a trusted tradesman, they also risk losing the right to claim insurance if they don’t use a fully registered plumber.”

She says while it might feel awkward to ask to see tradesmen’s credentials, the move reduces risk.

“There are too many people working in this space who are fraudulently presenting themselves as licensed practitioners when they are not. Consumers don’t need that.”

Consumers can also check business owners’ listings in the phone book and on the Masters Plumbers website (www.masterplumbers.org.nz) and can check accreditation by going to the website of the body responsible for registration and licensing, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (www.pgdb.co.nz).

The New Zealand industry is rigorously regulated to ensure the highest standards of sanitation and safety. New legislation came into effect last year to ensure best practise around safeguarding public health, preventing damage to properties and protecting consumers.

To mark World Plumbing Day, the industry training board for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers has sent information about careers in the industry to all New Zealand secondary schools.

New Zealand’s top master plumber for 2011 will be announced at the end of March.

ENDS

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