16 ASSOCIATIONS
10 . T & P valves were found where no discharge pipes were fitted at all to direct safe discharge ( Figure 6 ).
11 . Instances were found where the discharge of these pipes are not visible outside the building where it can be readily observed .
12 . Instances were observed where the discharge pipes are not sloping continuously downwards over the total length of the discharge pipe which may / will cause water traps resulting in blockages .
13 . The geyser had a 600kPa instead of a 400kPa which is the pressure rating of the geyser ( Figure 7 ).
14 . Access to the geyser and all components for maintenance and repair purposes :
15 . In one of the installations inspected where the three geysers are installed , it will be impossible to maintain or replace the third geyser because of its positioning .
16 . It is positioned underneath the stairs and in such a small space that the two geysers before will have to be dismantled and removed to gain access to the third ( Figure 8 ).
17 . Geyser installations were observed where the anti-siphon loop was incorrectly installed in that the horizontal pipe of the antisiphon loop is lower than the top of the geyser ( Figure 9 ).
18 . Safety valve discharge pipes were observed which were installed with 90 degree bends instead of 45 degree bends as prescribed by the safety and installation standard . ( See box and Figures 10 and 11 ).
19 . Furthermore , where the pipework was connected they were soldered instead of fitted with union or compression fittings to ensure ease of repair / maintenance / replacement ( Figures 12 and 13 ).
20 . Also , no vacuum control valve was installed on the hot water outlet of the geyser ( Figure 14 ).
21 . Pipes installed for water reticulation were not sufficiently anchored or secured , which may cause dislodgement of joints ( Figure 15 ).
All in all , no person can even remotely accept this installation . The problem is clear and goes back to the heady days of democracy when the then Minister of Water Affairs who shall also remained anonymous to protect family , in response to a question posed by me regarding controlling unqualified persons doing such work , was , “ I will not stop anyone from earning a living .” This despite the Bill of Rights , Chapter 2 section 22 clearly stating :
Freedom of trade , occupation , and profession – every citizen has the right to choose their trade , occupation , or profession freely . The practice of a trade , occupation or profession may be regulated by law .
A recent study revealed that , 126 000 people in the built environment self-identified themselves as ‘ plumbers !’, Sadly , the question was not followed by ‘ What is your qualification ?’
Further integration of the survey data and applying a bit of common sense tells us that this country has in the region of 10 000 up to 15 000 qualified plumbers .
This gives us all an idea of the enormity of the problem out there , and yes , why we need control and management of these situations . PA
www . plumbingafrica . co . za January 2021 Volume 26 I Number 11