22
FEATURES
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19
Another common installation mistake is the use of non-compliant products:“ If you consider that we ' re in a country that ' s supposed to be well regulated, the approved equipment should go in. But at times, you do run into situations where people were able to put in unapproved equipment,” says Atterbury. Although it is ultimately the building owner who is responsible for the equipment chosen for installation, the plumber should be able to advise them which products are compliant. The plumber in the installation can also be left with the responsibility to choose the equipment – the biggest compliance gaps by plumbers in fire installations are not actually about the installation itself, but rather in sub-standard products being used. For example, there are hydrants being imported that do not meet the 1 200l / m requirement at 3 bar and the plumber will not be able to verify this requirement. They will however be involved in the liability if they are found to have procured and installed substandard products.
owner can nominate somebody to do this on their behalf – such as a safety officer, fire technician or even a plumber with knowledge of the equipment, as long as the inspection and maintenance is being done, and done correctly in accordance with the standards. Neglecting maintenance can lead to property damage and loss of stock( in businesses). PA
Phenomenal Clicks | Pexels
Most common causes of failure of fire systems The most common cause of failure is most certainly a lack of maintenance. Fire systems do need to be maintained – consider the infrastructure of South Africa, with leaking pipes and unreliable water systems, fire equipment systems can be left vulnerable if they are not correctly maintained. So, the plumber is responsible for ensuring that the piping system of private properties are in working order:“ Once through the gate, that private infrastructure also needs to be taken care of” emphasises Atterbury.
Maintaining fire equipment Maintenance is done annually in accordance with SANS 1475 by approved fire technicians; however the owner is responsible in SANS 10105 for the monthly inspection of fire equipment. The
What the general plumber CAN do � Install fire water pipework � Connect hydrant feeds � Install isolation valves � Pressure test pipes � Follow approved drawings The scope of the plumber in a fire equipment installation.
The role of the plumber in terms of fire protection and fire installation lies in the integrity of the water supply.
What the general plumber CANNOT do � Design fire systems � Determine hydrant spacing � Commission fire systems � Certify fire compliance � Deviate from the design plan without approval
Background image by Rawpixel | Freepik. com
“ The most common installation mistakes include incorrect pipe sizing and the use of non-compliant products”
Atterbury’ s advice to plumbers Verify, verify, verify. The verification role that a plumber uses cannot be overlooked.
• Verify the installation is compliant with local by-laws
• Verify that the products being used are compliant – request test certificates of products procured to ensure that the manufactured items meet requirements and have been tested accordingly
• Verify that you have the correct pipe sizing and length
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline April 2026 Volume 32 I Number 02