Fifteen plumbing trends to keep an eye on for 2023
ASSOCIATIONS 7
By
IOPSA
Nova Qualified plumbers are navigating a rapidly changing industry that is also fraught with many challenges that , in some instances , are being turned into opportunity with the help of the Institute of Plumbing South Africa ( IOPSA ).
Plumbing Africa Rory Macnamara
Sello Mokawane , vice-president of IOPSA .
1 . Material shortages and supply chain disruption One of the biggest challenges the plumbing industry continues to face is the shortage of plumbing materials due to the disruption of supply chains . Bear in mind that most plumbing materials are imported from other countries with only a small portion of products manufactured locally . However , in 2022 , the operations of South African manufacturers were severely disrupted by industrial action , civil unrest , loadshedding and rapidly declining service infrastructure . This trend is expected to continue this year , further disrupting already-volatile supply chains . IOPSA has therefore advised its members to plan very carefully to avoid shortages of materials .
2 . Declining quality of materials Sello Mokawane , vice-president of IOPSA , says that with the increase in imports and lack of control at the ports of entry and by municipalities , there has also been a notable decline in the quality of plumbing materials in the country . “ We are seeing an increase in premature failure of plumbing installations due to sub-standard materials that do not comply with South African standards . This can result in damage to property and even injury . Therefore , one of IOPSA ’ s focus areas is to ensure that our members are equipped with the knowledge that they need to make informed purchasing decisions that will enable them to continue delivering excellent workmanship at a fair price .”
3 . A skills shortage Another challenge with which the industry continues to grapple is the dire shortage of qualified plumbers who have the skills that are needed to correctly install , maintain and repair modern plumbing systems . This is not to mention the advanced proficiencies that companies need to service the growing demand for “ smart ” and “ green ” plumbing systems . Generally , training institutions have failed to keep pace with the ever-changing skills needs of modern plumbing businesses . This will continue to stifle companies ’ ability to respond quickly and efficiently to new opportunities for growth and diversification . IOPSA is , therefore , preparing to take a more central role in training moving forward .
4 . A growing DIY market It is important that plumbing companies diversify and find new growth markets . This is considering that the traditional basic domestic maintenance market has been shrinking for many years and , therefore , cannot possibly sustain all of the plumbers operating in the country . As plumbing products become easier to install , consumers have been able to increasingly bypass the services of professional plumbers . Large retailers are also pushing this agenda and even offer advice and guidance to consumers on how to “ do it yourself ” ( DIY ). Considering the financial pressure most South African households are facing , he believes that the DIY plumbing market will continue to grow at the expense of the plumbing profession .
5 . Sustainable solutions The specialised eco-friendly and off-grid plumbing solutions market is one area that provides immense growth opportunity for plumbers moving forward . This trend is being driven by severe energy and water-supply interruptions in the country . Technologies in high demand include tankless / instant water heaters , as well as solar water heater and heat pumps . This is in addition to water-efficient technologies , counting greywater and rainwater harvesting systems among others .
6 . Back up water solutions More traditional backup water systems are also increasingly being requested by property owners . These include storage tanks that are connected to the main water supply line and fill automatically when municipal supplies are available . Plumbers will also need to become skilled in providing borehole water supplies to properties . Supplementing , augmenting and even replacing water supplies in this manner is also a viable source of business for qualified plumbers . In
March 2023 Volume 29 I Number 1 www . plumbingafrica . co . za