DESIGN : DEAR PLUMBERS 19
Dear Plumbers
By
D . S ( Vollie ) Brink Pr . Eng . MSAICE , MPMISA
“ Somebody ” contacted me and asked me about a certain pipe and asked if I can recommend that he use it on a project , as “ somebody else ” used it and was satisfied with it – what do I think ?
Any advice that you give has legal implications and one should not get involved with such a “ question ” if it is not your project .
There are standards for the manufacturing of piping and the installation of the piping .
There are also Institutions such as the SA Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association ( SAPPMA ) for plastic piping where information is available and there are international and local standards available , and all these institutions render excellent information , advice , training and guarantees , etc .
The Polymer Hot & Cold Technology Group ( PHACT ) also exists to advise on pipes in buildings and standards .
The JASWIC list also provides assurance of the accepted pipes and these are listed on their website with conditions if applicable .
The piping material and quality of the piping and how it is installed and what it is going to be used for , is important and the manufacturer must support the contractor with all information and guarantees and in compliance with all legal requirements and the applicable standards .
The designer is responsible to specify the piping to suit the duty and conditions for which it is going to be used , but the contractor is ultimately responsible for the installation and to guarantee the installation .
Therefore , it is very important to allow the contractor to submit a pipe material for approval . It is also essential to work with pipe that has been approved by any of the four SANAS accredited certifications bodies . Bear in mind there is a big difference between a test report and a certification approved according to SANS standards .
Don ’ t rely on an “ other person ”. www . sappma . co . za www . sabs . co . za www . phact . co . za www . jaswic . co . za PA
Vollie Brink is one of the industry ’ s longest-serving wet services engineers . He continues to serve on SABS committees and has been involved in the Green Building Council ’ s Green Star rating system . Brink continues to consult for various organisations while enjoying a wellearned retirement .
“ Any advice that you give has legal implications …”
Plumbing Africa Rory Macnamara ( photos from Tyrwhitt and Median projects )
Look to standards for pipe requirements . Many standards exist to ensure the right installation .
June 2022 Volume 28 I Number 4 www . plumbingafrica . co . za