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FEATURES
Plumbing : A first choice
By
Tanya Olckers
Plumbing was the first – and only – choice for Kenneth Shone . He tells us why he chose plumbing as a profession .
Kenneth Shone from Shone ’ s Plumbing in East London always knew he was going to end up working with his hands . “ I have been around plumbing my entire life ,” he says . “ My father was a plumber and taught me most of what I know .”
Shone used to tag along with his dad on some of his plumbing callouts . Watching his father work , he could envision himself taking on the job as plumber himself . He even spent time apprenticing with his father and completed his apprenticeship with other plumbers after his father ’ s untimely passing . His perseverance led to him qualifying as a plumber in 2014 .
However , it ’ s not just about helping people out with their plumbing needs that gets Shone up in the morning . He is keen to help others as a plumber with the knowledge and experience he has gained over the 16 years he has been in the industry . He says , “ I enjoy helping other plumbers who have not yet been in the industry as long as I have .”
Images supplied by Kenneth Shone
1 and 2 : Kenneth Shone .
Shone ’ s advice to plumbers is to keep learning and adapting as the industry is continually changing . New methods and technology are always popping up and it ’ s important to stay on top of these trends . “ We live in tough economic times , and we have to work harder in order to stay on top of the game ,” he says , “ In order to keep work coming back , your clients need to be kept happy , you need to make sure you are giving them the best possible service . Achieving this is done by having a good work ethic and continuing to learn as you grow .”
Shone feels that planning is of high importance in running a plumbing business . This helps to ensure that the plumber has all of their bases covered . “ The market for plumbing is definitely oversaturated with plumbers . In a smaller town this is definitely felt .” He feels that another challenge he and other plumbers face is time . “ There are never enough hours in a day ,” he says .
Plumbing is certainly a great passion for Shone , and it ’ s one that seems to run in his blood . As he puts it , “ Even though the industry is not easy I cannot imagine doing anything else .” PA
What are the strangest things you have found on the job ? “ We have found cutlery blocking sewer lines and dentures in toilets . All the strange things keep my job very interesting indeed !”
“ Even though the industry is not easy I cannot imagine doing anything else .”
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline July 2024 Volume 30 I Number 5