PGDB warns installation can come at a high price

Pump product alert – PGDB warns installation can come at a high price

The conviction of a Levin man yesterday serves as a warning to consumers and has highlighted issues relating to pump product installation.

Daniel Robertson was charged with doing, or assisting in doing, sanitary plumbing when not authorised in the Levin District Court on Thursday 16 June 2016. Mr Robertson was sentenced to a $1,000 fine and ordered to pay $132 in court costs.

Consumers should be aware that if a pump is set up as part of the plumbing system on a residential property that is taking water to sanitary fixtures and appliances (e.g. kitchen sinks, shower units etc), then the fixing or unfixing of such a pump is sanitary plumbing.

Sanitary pumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying are regulated industries in New Zealand and it is illegal for anyone to do this work unless they hold authorisation from the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).

However, no particular qualification is required to service or repair a pump, provided the pump is not connected as a component of a sanitary plumbing system.

PGDB Chief Executive, Martin Sawyers said; “It is important for homeowners to know that work undertaken by unlicensed people not only risks their family’s health and safety – but may also invalidate insurance policies.

The Board wants to ensure consumers stay safe and avoid any risk.

“If you are ever in doubt, a good start is to contact the Board. We have technical staff available to help with any product installation queries you may have.”

“To help you, the Board has also published a consumer guide to the right steps to take when building or renovating and sanitary plumbing is involved”, Martin added.

Copies of the Board’s consumer guide can be requested through the Board’s website at www.pgdb.co.nz/consumer or by phoning 0800 743 262.

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