NEWS 9
Letter to the Editor
By
Charles Engelbrecht
How not to do the job !
Have you ever gotten the wrong person to do a job and ended up paying way more than you were supposed to ? This was my experience as a qualified plumber .
A Client requested us to repair a leaking water pipe in her bathroom which was leaking for more than a month after she had paid someone else to repair the same pipe . She had paid for the repair and hadn ’ t gotten any satisfaction as the pipe was still leaking .
As I started inspecting the problem , I noticed that the pipe was not replaced but ‘ repaired / joined with an epoxy adhesive known as Pratley putty . These types of adhesives are not made to seal leaking water pipes .
I explained to the client what the problem was and that the pipe needed to be replaced . At this point she mentioned that the job done by a paver and not a plumber . Long story short , she ended up paying double the price for a simple pipe replacement , because it was done incorrectly by someone without the necessary knowledge .
As a qualified plumber , this is my advice to you : When you need an important job done and need a plumber , electrician or even an electric fence installer , always ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and qualifications to do the job . In the end it will cost you more to get the same job done twice .
Editor ’ s comment : Whilst Mr Engelbrecht ’ s comments are aimed at the consumer , we felt it worthwhile publishing his letter as no doubt many qualified plumbers have had similar experiences . Feel free to share these with us . Email rory @ interactmedia . co . za . PA
January 2021 Volume 26 I Number 11 www . plumbingafrica . co . za