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There’s a genuine problem that has the potential to cost you thousands of dollars and unnecessary heartache. It’s the dodgy tradie epidemic that is getting worse, not better.
To stay abreast of industry updates and news, I follow a couple of Facebook plumbing-related pages. While scrolling through the most recent posts, I saw some pictures and comments that instantly made me feel for the customer and angry. A dodgy tradesperson was getting away with illegal and dangerous work.
A plumber on the Gold Coast posted the picture on Facebook who was asked to repair a hot water system. The new hot water system had been installed two months prior by another tradesperson. He was no longer answering or returning the calls of the upset homeowner.
Faulty Hot Water System Installation
A dodgy tradie had installed the hot water system in question, and it was a ticking time bomb. The significant faults were as follows:
The installation did not comply with Australian standards for hot water systems. And the pipework looked like my dog had fabricated it (no offence intended Ebony, my lovely kelpie).
Most hot water systems, when installed correctly, will provide hot water on demand without further thought. They require a minor service every few years to ensure the relief valve is operational. And replacement of the sacrificial anode, usually every five years. However, when certain unfavourable conditions align, a hot water system can turn into a dangerous bomb inside your home.
The television show Mythbusters conducted an experiment where they removed all safety valves from a hot water system and then pressurised the unit. The subsequent explosion launched the tank over a hundred meters and peppered the surrounding area with dangerous shrapnel.
I’m a business owner, a tradesman and an employer, but foremost I’m a person who wants to help people with plumbing problems and provide quality solutions.
I believe that it’s my duty as a business owner to prevent consumers from having a similar experience to the poor customer referred to above. It is the responsibility of reputable business owners to call out dodgy tradies who should not be in business.
In my opinion, there has been a severe decline in the standard of workmanship and gaps in the fundamental knowledge of tradespeople. Furthermore, I regularly see a blatant disregard for the law and regulations from dodgy tradespeople.
It would be best to get a sense of trustworthiness from the trade business. And there should be plenty of customer reviews to support the satisfaction of others who have tried the company before you.
Hot Water System Installed By Our Team
The size of the business is also an important consideration. If there is a problem with the hot water system in the future, the company you chose should have the personnel available to attend and perform a warranty repair.
The following picture is a hot water system we installed inside a customer’s home the day before I wrote this article.
The customer left a 5 star Google review stating the following:
“All the guys are friendly and professional. I had my Hot Water System replaced within 24 hours of my call. They arrived on time, did a professional job, and cleaned up after themselves. Made the whole trauma of dealing with tradesmen a pleasant experience.”
I genuinely hope that this helps you decide on repairing or replacing your hot water system and prevents you from having a potentially dangerous and costly experience.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your needs on 1300 390 361.
Regards,
Dane
Owner of Gold Coast Plumbing Company