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FEATURES

By

Tanya Olckers

The guys from Biggs Plumbers tell us why they joined the profession in this two part Tell Me Why special edition .

David Inch became a plumber as a teen , following in his father ’ s footsteps . The weirdest thing he has had to do as a plumber is pull rats out of drains . He offers this advice : “ Be kind , gentle , honest and hardworking . Be yourself and make the most of every day .”

Grant Stanford loves his job . He became a plumber because he liked working with his hands and describes the industry as hard work , but fun at the same time . He says , “ If other plumbers are stuck , I can always give a helping hand .” Grant once found a 2l Coke bottle in a drainage pipe right by an IE elbow .

Ian Peters was interested in the trade , which led him to become a plumber . He also enjoys helping other plumbers but finds difficult clients a challenge . He admits that he has seen too many weird things as a plumber to name . “ Be committed ,” he says , “ Be prepared to work hard .”

Ismail Maart believes that being able to help others by fixing their water systems and making things easier for them is part of being a highly skilled plumber . “ Plumbers are highly skilled professionals that do a job others can ’ t because of their specialised knowledge ,” he says . “ Plumbing professionals are faced with a lot of environmental regulatory and technical challenges every day .” The funniest thing he says he sees are systems and components incorrectly installed by other plumbers .

Gideon Slabber was driven to become a plumber because of a desire to help people in need and not be office bound . His advice to those wanting to become plumbers is , “ Have hair on your teeth and be willing to work hard .” He finds it challenging when people look down on the plumbing profession . He also finds it frustrating when clients instruct him how to do his work instead of letting him get on with it .

Mark Wilken loves being a plumber and enjoys every moment of it . The most fun part of his job is jetting . He also believes that being a tradesman would be an advantage in the future . His advice to those interested in plumbing as a career : “ Go for it . You won ’ t be disappointed .”

Johan Nel became a plumber to help people . He says , “ Never give up your dreams . Always work hard .” As a plumber , he feels he helps to make the lives of others easier . What he finds weird in the industry is rude people .

After seeing how plumbers make a difference in the lives of others , James Kruger decided to become one himself . His advice to others is “ Be willing to learn from those who are qualified , and work hard .” The funniest thing he has seen in his career so far is watching someone get splashed with sewerage . PA

Brendan Strydom Caid Rodocanachi Christopher Vosloo David Inch

Dylan Hull

Gideon Slabbert Grant Stanford Ian Peters Ismail Maart James Kruger

www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline August 2024 Volume 30 I Number 6