DESIGN: DEAR MR PLUMBER
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materials is critical and it is also important for the health and
safety of the owners of the buildings.
A basic element of the National Building Regulations is health
and safety. The integrity of the sanitary drainage piping is vital to
ensure that the piping complies with the compulsory regulations.
SAPPMA, the South African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers
Association, is a haven for manufacturers to propagate and
ensure decent quality piping and the products of their members
should be recommended.
We have good South African standards and norms, but it is a
general problem that it is not always properly and appropriately
implemented and ‘policed. Hence, the PIRB plays a key role to
carry out inspections and certify the installations.
The large projects are mostly designed by engineers. They are
responsible for ensuring that the contractor institutes a quality
assurance system, of which the requirements must include
ensuring that the pipe materials and equipment comply with an
acceptable standard; that the materials and systems are tested,
approved, and guaranteed; and that the completed system will
last for the minimum design horizon of 20–25 years.
You must ensure that you use and install only the best quality
of piping that complies with an appropriate standard; that the
piping carries an appropriate guarantee; and that the system is
appropriately tested and certified — both in your interest and that
of your client.
It is imperative that your workmanship is of the best standard,
because in many cases we have found that poor workmanship is
the cause of pipe failures of systems.
Good workmanship comes from proper training and education,
and for this the manufacturer can play a key role, as they are
always willing to assist with the training of plumbers, both on and
off site.
I always recommend that the plumber should insist that the
manufacturer not only demonstrates, but also trains its staff
to order, store, and install the piping correctly and to the
requirements of the manufacturer, and to conduct inspections at
certain agreed upon intervals, and definitely at completion. They
should also issue certificates of completion and satisfaction.
The pipe manufacturer must be regarded as a ‘partner’ of the
specific project and be co-responsible for the success of
the installation.
I hope you will make sure that you use only the correct piping
manufactured with the correct material and in compliance with
appropriate approved material. PA
August 2017 Volume 23 I Number 6