• By Hanover Plumbing
• In Gas, Plumbing, Tips
• Tags NZ Homes, Plumber Gasfitter, Plumbing Advice, Qualified Tradesperson, Renovations

Plumber Gasfitter – Choosing The Right One

Plumming and Gasfitting is complicated work and while there are many people out there offering their plumbing services, not all of them may be authorised to do your Plumber Gasfitter jobs.
For tradies who do plumbing, gas and drainage work, a NZ practising licence issued by the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB) is required before they’re allowed to perform restricted work. Add to that different authorisation levels, with a Certified Plumber being the highest, finding the right tradesperson can be a bit of a challenge.

Before you hire a tradesperson – get the information you need.
When hiring a plumber, gasfitter, or drainlayer, it’s imperative you do your research to avoid disappointment.

Here are some points to consider:

• Are they authorised to work?
  Did you know that in New Zealand, most sanitary plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying work is ‘restricted’? That means it’s illegal to do it yourself because of the health and safety risks. You also risk expensive mistakes and could even end up voiding your insurance. That’s why calling an authorised plumber isn’t just a nice idea – it’s a must. Make sure your hire has all the right credentials.
• Get estimates/quotes
  Plumbing costs can add up quickly and when you don’t know upfront how much things cost, you can easily get stuck with an unexpected bill. To avoid any nasty surprises, it’s always best to get a quote before you commit to hiring a plumber for the job.
• Ask questions
  Do you have public liability insurance? Do you guarantee your work? Do you charge for travel time? Do you have an adequate health & safety policy? If you’re not sure of specific terms or products, make sure to ask all your questions and carefully check for things you’re not clear about. Getting all your ducks in a row can seem an effort, but getting answers to all your questions will reduce headaches later on in the process.
• Make sure the brief is clear
  Clear communication and ensuring both you and your plumber are on the same page is crucial to completing the project right. Be clear about what you want, but also trust that the plumber has the practical know-how to advise you on whether things will work for your specific circumstance.

Getting all your ducks in a row can seem an effort, but getting answers to all your questions will reduce headaches later on in the process.

Make it easy – hire a Plumber Drainlayer who is a Master Plumber
When you hire a Master Plumber, rest assured that you’re getting someone who is authorised to do the work. Every member of Master Plumbers has a Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and/or Drainlayer in their business. These people have the highest qualification available and are responsible for making sure the company’s work is done competently.
Members also pass a robust Quality Assurance process.

Excellence in trade
Master Plumbers is a national membership organisation that represents excellence in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying trades. It all started in 1901, when a dedicated group of plumbers got together to ensure the very highest standards in New Zealand’s plumbing industry. Today, with 18 associations and branches up and down the country, the organisation continues to support member businesses to be the best.

The Master Plumbers Guarantee
When you hire a plumber for a residential job, you get the backing of the 12-month residential Master Plumbers Guarantee; protecting you in the event of substandard workmanship and loss of an advance payment to a contractor should they go into liquidation or bankruptcy. Up to $20,000 including GST; terms and conditions apply.
Clear communication and ensuring both you and your plumber, gasfitter, or drainlayer are on the same page is crucial to completing the project right.

Quality assured
To be accepted for membership, Master Plumbers undergo an ongoing Quality Assurance review of their business practices. This sets Master Plumbers apart from others in the trade.

But it doesn’t stop there. All Master Plumbers must comply with a code of conduct as a fundamental condition of membership, and follow a code of good practice. No matter the scope of your project make sure your Plumber Drainlayer is a Master Plumber. Find a Master Plumber.