ASSOCIATIONS 9 areas where there are protracted water interruptions , IOPSA members are even becoming involved in bulk water deliveries to residences and businesses . It is a profitable field that provides tremendous growth prospects for plumbers .
7 . Water treatment and filtration There is also a necessity for plumbers who are skilled in the installation , maintenance and repair of filtration and treatment technologies . This is amid growing concerns around the quality of drinking water in some areas of the country . Certainly , the global move towards tap water from bottled water for environmental reasons is also a major driver of this trend . The fact that South Africans are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious bodes well for plumbers who have the skills and expertise to cater to this need .
8 . Smart plumbing technologies Meanwhile , the Internet of Things continues to disrupt the plumbing industry as it is doing to most other sectors throughout the world . Forward-thinking plumbers have already equipped themselves with the skills and knowledge that they need to correctly install sophisticated plumbing technologies , such as touchless toilets , taps and mixers .
These “ smart plumbing ” technologies cater to the growing demand for convenience , as well as healthy and hygienic living and work spaces . They also help property owners to better manage their water demands ; lower the total operating costs of their plumbing installations ; and reduce their water footprint . A case in point is the absolute control over water consumption that smart water meters provide property owners . These systems use wireless technology to enable remote monitoring of water use , providing accurate data around the clock . Meanwhile , “ smart ” water-management systems facilitate early leak detection and water outages , in addition to their ability to report faults automatically .
Mokawane says that the growth in demand for “ smart plumbing ” systems , such as touchless technology , is also being driven by a growing elderly population . More people are living longer than ever before . In their senior years , people require plumbing solutions that offer convenience , comfort and safety . This is over-and-above other plumbing technologies that are also appropriate for frail people , such as thermostatic mixing valves that protect against scalding and simple to use single-lever taps and mixers .
9 . Specialised plumbing equipment Meanwhile , plumbing equipment is also becoming more specialised , requiring advanced skills and experience to operate . The modern plumber is now expected to know how to work with pipe inspection cameras , in addition to specialised drain cleaning and leak detection equipment . This is over-and-above various types of pipe location technologies , including infrared , thermal and sonar . Pipe freezing machines , as well as various “ no-dig ” or “ trenchless ” solutions are also fast becoming a staple of the plumbing profession . This is considering that they provide a faster ; more cost-effective ; and less intrusive means of installing , repairing and maintaining plumbing systems .
10 . New disruptive technologies “ New ‘ disruptive ’ technologies are being introduced to the global plumbing industry at an unrelenting pace – so much so that laws , regulations , standards , as well as education and training are struggling to keep pace . Thus , another major focus for IOPSA is to ensure that our members are always at the cutting-edge of industry practice and , therefore , not at risk of being left behind ,” Mokawane says .
11 . Professionalism He explains that among the major driving forces behind the widespread uptake of sophisticated technology in the plumbing industry is the growing demand for professionalism . Large corporates are increasingly expecting nothing less than excellence from their supply chain partners to mitigate their liability . Similarly , government is embarking on a drive to significantly raise the quality of services delivered to citizens and other state departments . A case in point is the push by the Department of Public Works to professionalise contractors in its employ . IOPSA is currently training many plumbers on behalf of this department . This is in addition to the plumbing training that the association is providing to municipal workers as part of government ’ s drive to raise the skills of civil servants .
12 . Millennials demand convenience Certainly , these technologies are also enabling plumbers to respond to the demand for convenience and service . These are slowly replacing price and quality as the main criteria for buying products or services . This trend is expected to continue indefinitely as more millennials become consumers of plumbing services . Convenience and service are on top of mind for these South Africans aged between 23 and 38 when they buy products and services . They are also a digitally connected generation that prefers to communicate via apps and social media as opposed to other more traditional methods , such as email and telephone calls .
13 . A digital presence is essential Thus , plumbers will also have to ensure that their businesses are able to respond appropriately to these consumers if they intend servicing this growing market . Among others , this includes having a strong digital presence , as well as providing easy and efficient digital payment methods .
14 . More educated consumers Considering the wealth of information that is available via the internet , generally most consumers are also more educated than ever before . They are , therefore , not baffled that easily by technical jargon and know exactly what the best solutions are for their needs .
15 . Standing out from the crowd In the increasingly cluttered landscape , it is becoming very difficult for plumbers to differentiate themselves from everyone else . It has , therefore , become even more important than ever for reputable plumbing businesses to be part of recognised industry bodies such as IOPSA . This helps plumbers to stand out from the crowd and gives consumers a sense of security in dealing with a legitimate organisation .
“ It is vitally important that plumbers adapt and respond quickly to these new opportunities for growth which can be described as a silver lining to an otherwise very challenging time for most businesses . We look forward to continuing to assist existing and new IOPSA members navigate change and the many obstacles that lie ahead of their business journey ,” Mokawane concludes . PA
March 2023 Volume 29 I Number 1 www . plumbingafrica . co . za