Plumbing Certificates of Compliance can be purchased by licensed plumbing practitioners through any of the following methods: Directly from the PIRB: COCs can be purchased at the PIRB offices, or telephonically or digitally via the PIRB's Audit-IT system. From nation wide Resellers:

Gauteng
Reseller Name	Contact Nr	Address
Plumbalot	(011) 568-5325	7 Terrace road, Eastleigh, Edenvale
Plumberama cc	(011) 953-6312	Cnr Albertina Sisulu & Luipaard street Wentworth Park, Krugersdorp
Plumb Station PTY Ltd	(087) 822-1131	Unit A4, Canero Business Park, Jacaranda ave, Olivedale, Randburg
MRM Plumbing	(011) 450-2593	19 North reef road, Rietfontein Germiston
LJR Plumbing Supplies	(012) 333-0910	1232 Lawrance street, Queenswood, Pretoria
Unlimited Solar PTY Ltd ta Conschef	(011) 656-4530	Unit A, Woodmead Commercial Park,17 Waterfall Crescent , Woodmead, Sandton
Conschef pty ltd ta Premier Plumbing Supplies	(011) 485-1169	426 Louis Botha Avenue Highlands North, Bagleyston, Johannesburg
Water ways Vanderbijl Park ta Gir Trading cc	(016) 981-5001	9 Edison Boulevard , Vanderbijlpark CE6, Vanderbijlpark
Water Ways Northriding	(011) 794-4828	254 Honeydew West Road, Sundowner, Randburg
Waterways Alberton	(011) 907-4820	Shop 7, Alberton Lifestyle Centre, New Redruth, Alberton
Plumblink Springs	(087) 158-1615	198 Nigel Road,Selcourt View, Springs
Plumblink Krugersdorp	(087) 087-4591	Shop M07B Keywest Shopping centre cnr Paardekraal & Andries Pretorius, Krugersdorp
Plumblink – Germiston	(078) 285-5522	Shop 5 The Lake shopping center, Germiston
Plumblink Blackheath	(011) 793-1071	309 Pendoring street, Blackheath, Johannesburg
North West
Reseller Name	Contact Nr	Address
Plumblink Klerksdorp	(087) 285-9489	N12 Cnr Jolene avenue, Klerksdorp, Nort West
Plumblink Potchefstroom	(087) 2852488	BULT BOULEVARD STEVE BIKO STR CNR CHIEF ALBERT LUTHULI STR, Potchefstroom
Kwazulu Natal
Reseller Name	Contact Nr	Address
Plumblink Stranger	(076) 846-9803	8 Hayson road Ushaka Mall, Stranger
Plumblink Ladysmith	(087) 159-1475	389 Murchison Street, Ladysmith
Plumblink Manaba	(087) 285 – 0521	226 Marine drive, Manaba
Plumblink Kokstad	(087) 285-9525	1A Railway street, Kokstad
Plumblink Pinetown	(087) 285-6851	31 Oppenheimer road, Pinetown
Plumblink Riverside	(031) 579-9600	590 Riverside Road
Ontap Pietermaritzburg	(033) 394-0870	231 Greyling street, Pietermaritzburg
Western Cape
Reseller Name	Contact Nr	Address
One Stop Plumbers Shop Parklands	(021) 569-2888	22 Columbus Crescents Rivergate Business Park, Parklands Blouberg
Sunningdale Sanitary and Plumbing	(087) 997-1055	Block A Building 1 The Emporium, Parklands Blouberg
Durbanville Plumbing and Sanitary	(021) 975-1930	8 Cattle Baron centre Marais cres, Durbanville
One Stop Plumbers Shop	(021) 982-7480	BF01 Orion Park,cnr Orion &Old Paarl Road, Brackenfell
Bathroom4U Stellenbosch Pty Ltd	(021) 883-9861	15 George Blake Avenue, Stellenbosch
Megador 121 cc ta Stiles Plumbing and Sanware	(044) 871-3222	12 Commercial Close, George
CP and B Stilbaai	(028) 754-1548	Indraf sentrum, hoofweg wes, Stilbay
On Tap – Paarl	(021) 871-1656	25 Jan van Riebeeck Road, Paarl
On Tap Mosselbaai	(044) 695-2047	Gericke street, Mosselbay
On Tap George	(044) 873-0340	5 Market street, George
Plumblink Plettenberg Bay	(087) 283-2458	Shop 1 A and DU3 Upper Level, Market square, Beacon way, Plettenberg Bay
Plumblink Worcester	(087) 310-8425	Windpomp Motor City,Mountainmill drive, Worcester
CP and B Stilbaai	(028) 754-1548	Indraf sentrum, hoofweg wes, Stil bay
Eastern Cape
Reseller Name	Contact Nr	Address
Plumblink Beacon Bay	(071) 676-3272	Unit 9 Building 4 The Hub, Bonza Bay road, East London
Plumblink King Williams Town	(087) 285-7809	99A Cambridge Street, King Williams Town
Plumblink – Grahamstown	(043) 722-2531	4 and 6 High street
On Tap Port Elizabeth	(041) 367-5135	2 Springfield Road, Port Elizabeth
CP and B Cape Plumbing and Bathroom Supplies PE	(041) 364-0919	58 Pickering street
North Cape
Reseller Name	Contact Nr	Address
Vermeulens Build it Kimberley	(053) 832-9666	42 – 50 George street
Limpopo
Reseller Name	Contact Nr	Address
Plumblink Bela Bela Express	(087) 758-7858	Extention 20 ,R101  Bela Mall Shop No 59, Bela – Bela
Plumblink Mokopane	(015) 292-1604	35 Thabo Mbeki Drive Shop 5, Mokopane
Plumblink Louis Trichardt	(087) 285-1200	89 Kruger street, Limpopo
Plumblink Burgersfort	(087) 086-1186	Shop  Platcorn Building Cnr of R 555 & R 37, Burgersfort
Plumblink Tzaneen	(087) 288-0475	Shop 2 Veritas Building 34 Skierving street
Plumblink Thohoyandou Express	(087) 158-1783	Shop 15 & 16 Phangani Mall c/o R 524 Pundamana road
Freestate
Reseller Name	Contact Nr	Address
Plumblink Langenhoven Park	(087) 106-7270	The Towers Complex Shop 1, 1 Koppie road, Bloemfontein
Plumblink Welkom	(087) 288-4033	190 Jan Hofmeyer road, Welkom

A PIRB CoC is a self-certification and declaration by the PIRB licensed plumber that the work undertaken by them is up to standard and professionally conducted as per their training.

A Certificate of Compliance (COC) is required for most plumbing work where the total value of the work, including materials, labor, and VAT, exceeds R1500.00. It is also required, regardless of cost, with the installation, repair, or replacement of Electric Water Heating Systems, Hot Water Solar Water Heating Systems, Heat Pump Water Heating Systems; and the construction, installation, or alteration of any above or below-ground sanitary drain.

Part of the PIRB purpose is to monitor compliance of a plumber works. Through the CoC process, 5% of all plumber’s work is physically audited and if required the plumber is notified of any non-compliance. This physical audit and the associated administration functions bear a cost that is recovered through the associated cost of the PIRB CoC. The cost of the CoC has always been kept as low as possible without jeopardising the mandated functions of the PIRB and that of being a registered professional body. Click HERE to view costs

Licensed plumbers have not only met the prescribed requirements of PIRB registration but have undertaken and passed the required PIRB assessment. Furthermore, licensed plumbers have maintained their prescribed 25 CPD points throughout their registration cycle.

In terms of the PIRB requirements and a licensed plumber maintaining their PIRB registration, a licensed plumber must issue a CoC on all plumbing work undertaken by them which, includes but is not limited to geysers, solar water installations, heat pumps, etc.

Contact the PIRB as soon as possible to discuss the matter. If you suspect that it was stolen, or if it has already been fraudulently used by another party, please make sure you obtain all details about the incident.

All PIRB CoC’s are uniquely numbered. Once you have requested a PIRB CoC(s), the CoC will be allocated to you. A certificate allocated but not issued or associated with work undertaken by you is referred to as an “unlogged” certificate. Once a certificate is written out, issued and captured on the PIRB auditing system this certificate is referred to a “logged” certificate.  The action of capturing the details on the PIRB auditing system is referred to as “Logging”. A PIRB certificate is only logged once it is issued and captured on the PIRB auditing system.

Without logging a PIRB CoC, the PIRB considers that CoC to be unissued (although it has been allocated to you). You can only have a limited number of unlogged CoC’s in your possession, and in turn, limiting the practice of issuing without logging. It is a requirement that a CoC is logged within five days of issuing.

To log a CoC, log onto your profile on the PIRB system or the Plumbers App and navigate to the “CoC Statement” function for a list of your CoC’s logged and unlogged. Select an unlogged CoC and after completing all the necessary fields, click “Log CoC”.

A PIRB CoC’s must be “logged” within 5 working days after completion of the work. The physical issuing of the PIRB CoC must be done within a reasonable time frame or as agreed by the owner of the property where the work was undertaken.

You are not limited to the number of PIRB’s CoC’s that you can purchase, but rather limited to the number of “unlogged” PIRB CoC, that you may have in your name. This prevents a plumber from just purchasing CoC’s without logging and not allowing for the 5% auditing process to take place. For example, assuming your limit of unlogged PIRB CoC’s is 10, to be able to purchase 5 more you need to issue and log five, which will reduce you unlogged count down to 5 and put you in a position to purchase five more.

If you have your “own” driver’s license, it does not mean that you are legal to drive. Similarly, you can have and issue your own CoC, however subject to the requirements for issuing a PIRB CoC, a PIRB CoC must still be included and issued on all plumbing work undertaken by a Licenced plumber which includes but is not limited to geysers, solar water installations, heat pumps, etc. Furthermore, there are no real substances to a plumber having their own CoC. If this is the case they would be acting as the “Judge, Jury and Hangman”.

Because you can drive a motor car does not mean you can legally drive. In the same way just because you have a qualification in plumbing does not necessarily mean you can do plumbing work and or, more importantly, that you are complying with the respective South African National Standards and regulations. Your qualification merely denotes that you have met the requirements at a point in time. The PIRB process including that of the PIRB CoC and CPD denotes ongoing checks and balances of you as a professional. Only PIRB Licensed plumbers can issue PIRB CoC. Licensed plumbers have not only met the prescribed requirements of PIRB registration but have undertaken and passed the required PIRB assessment. Furthermore, licensed plumbers have maintained their prescribed 25 CPD points throughout their registration cycle.

If you can prove that the work undertaken by another “plumber” was done under your adequate supervision, then as the professional and accountable plumber you are allowed to. We do however like to draw your attention to the fact that once you have signed a PIRB CoC you are not only self-certifying that the work is done correctly and compliant, but YOU are personally and legally accountable for the said works. Signing a CoC without doing the actual work and or under your adequate supervisors is fraught with dangers, so beware.

A PIRB CoC’s must be “logged” within five working days after completion of the work. The physical issuing of the PIRB CoC must be done within a reasonable time frame or as agreed by the owner of the property where the work was undertaken.

Unless a contract prescribes and/or your client agrees otherwise, you may withhold the issuing of the physical PIRB CoC for payment, however, it does not detract from the fact that you must still “log” the PIRB CoC within five workings days after completion of the work.

No, each installation should have its own CoC issued. In terms of issuing a PIRB CoC on installation, the PIRB’s defines an “installation” as any plumbing works that is downstream of any installed water-meter. For example, in the case of a complex or group of houses, it is a legal requirement that each unit or house in a complex or group of houses must be individually metered with a water-meter. As such, each unit or house constitutes an installation and a CoC must be written out for every unit/house.

In terms of issuing a PIRB CoC on installation, the PIRB’s defines an “installation” as any plumbing works that is downstream of any installed water-meter. For example, in the case of a complex or group of houses, it is a legal requirement that each unit or house in a complex or group of houses must be individually metered with a water-meter. As such, each unit or house constitutes an installation and a CoC must be written out for every unit/house.

1. PURPOSE

This is PIRB’s Complaints Procedure for consumers to follow when lodging a concern about plumbing work that was done by a PIRB-registered plumber. The procedure itself serves as a platform for consumers to raise abovementioned concerns with the PIRB, so that their concerns can be addressed in a professional manner.

It is important for all consumers to note that this procedure should only be followed once every attempt has been made by the consumer to directly resolve the matter with the plumber who completed the work.

The Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB) strives toward finding satisfactory resolutions when disputes arise between consumers and PIRB-registered plumbers, in support of both the consumer and the plumber. However, there exist clear guidelines about the extent of the PIRB’s involvement in such matters, both in its internal policies and as prescribed by legislation and regulation.

The PIRB respects the jurisdiction of the Consumer Protection Act in all matters subject to this act, which include but are not limited to, contractual and monetary disputes, misleading representation, failure to deliver committed services etc. The consumer remains responsible to address such matters directly with the consumer commission. When relevant, the PIRB may attempt to assist with technical evidence to support the resolution of a case with the consumer commission.

2. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the PIRB’s Complaints Procedure are as follows:

• • • Offering a platform for consumers to raise concerns about plumbing work that was done by a PIRB-registered plumber, once every attempt has been made by the consumer to resolve the matter with the plumber who completed the work.
    • For the validity of abovementioned concerns to be considered by the PIRB, so that valid concerns can be addressed in a professional manner.
    • Assisting with trying to resolve matters of dispute between consumers and PIRB-registered plumbers, according to guidelines that determine the extent of the PIRB’s involvement in such matters.
    • To determine the requirement for improvement or disciplinary actions.
    • To encourage and enforce accountability, in accordance with applicable limitations and restrictions, so that public trust in the plumbing trade and industry, in PIRB-registered plumbers, and the PIRB itself is retained and maintained.
    
    

    3. FACTORS THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED

    The consumer must consider the following factors when registering a compliant or raising a concern with the PIRB:
    1. Consumers must complete, in full, the applicable PIRB Complaints Form, to officially lodge a complaint or raise a concern with the PIRB.
    
    2. To enable PIRB to properly address concerns raised and complaints registered, the complainant must be willing and able to submit sufficient and relevant evidence.
    • • • Consumers are urged to add as much as detail on the Complaints Form and attach any applicable supporting documents therewith.
    
    3. It is important to note that, although the PIRB assists in facilitating a resolution between the complainant and the PIRB-registered plumber, said plumber remains responsible for fixing any non-compliant plumbing work done by them if such non-compliance is confirmed.
    
    4. Eligibility and validity of complaints include the following:
    • • • Complaints about plumbing work that was done 3 years or longer prior to the date of registering the complaint, are not eligible for evaluation and validation. The consumer may, however, submit to the PIRB a motivation to justify evaluation and validation. Such motivations will be evaluated on the merit thereof.
        • Complaints about plumbing work that was done less than 3 years prior to the date of registering the complaint, but more than 6 months after the initial work was done, is eligible for the PIRB to only compile an audit/inspection report that the complainant may use if they wish to take further action in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act.
        • Complaints about plumbing work that was done less than 6 months prior to the date of registering the complaint, and for which a PIRB Certificate of Compliance have been issued by the plumber, is eligible for evaluation and potential remedy.
        • Complaints about plumbing work that was done less than 6 months prior to the date of registering the complaint, but for which a PIRB Certificate of Compliance have NOT been issued may be evaluated by the PIRB based on the merit of the case.
        • If the plumber who completed the work concerned is not registered with the PIRB, the compliant or concern cannot be addressed by the PIRB.
        • Complaints about matters relating to contractual disputes cannot be addressed by the PIRB. Contractual disputes include but is not limited to, pricing, payments, completion of work etc.
    
    5. All communication between the PIRB-registered plumber, the consumer, and the PIRB itself, will be kept confidential.
    • • • In addition, it is required that consent be given by the consumer before any form of investigation on their complaint or concern is conducted.
    
    

    4. STEPS TO FOLLOW

    1. DIRECT RESOLUTION BETWEEN CONSUMER AND PIRB-REGISTERED PLUMBER
    • • • Try to resolve the matter directly with the PIRB-registered plumber, before involving a third party (i.e. the PIRB).
        • Should a matter not be resolved directly between the consumer and PIRB-registered plumber, then complainants are invited to formally register their complaint or raise their concern with the PIRB.
    
    2. COMPLETE THE PIRB COMPLAINTS FORM
    • • • The form is available online. To access the form, please click HERE
        • Complete the form in full, and please do not leave out any information.
        • Give as thoroughly as possible a description of the matter, and please be very specific.
        • Attach applicable supporting documents and evidence.
    
    NOTE: You are welcome to engage with the PIRB for assistance with completing the form, by contacting the PIRB on 0861 747 275 or email pirb@pirb.co.za
    
    3. EVALUATION & VALIDATION OF COMPLAINT/CONCERN
    • • • On receipt of the completed PIRB Complaints Form and any support documents and evidence, the PIRB will evaluate and validate the complaint or concern.
        • If the complaint is eligible and fall within the extent of which the PIRB may become involved, the PIRB will proceed to the next step.
        • If the complaint or concern is not eligible and does not fall within the extent of which the PIRB may become involved, the PIRB will notify the complainant accordingly.
    
    4. NOTIFICATION TO THE APPLICABLE PLUMBER
    • • • If the complaint or concern is eligible and falls within the extent of which the PIRB may become involved, the PIRB will proceed to inform the applicable plumber of the complaint or concern.
        • The plumber will then be offered the opportunity to respond to notification, including giving comments of feedback regarding the contents outlined in the registered complaint/concern.
        • The complainant will be informed accordingly.
    
    5. APPOINTMENT OF AN AUDITOR/INSPECTOR
    • • • If the registered complaint or concern is eligible and valid to justify further action, a compliance auditor may be allocated to inspect the applicable plumbing work.
    
    6. AUDIT/INSPECTION REPORT
    • • • In the instance where complaints are about work that was done less than 3 years, but also more than 6 months prior to the complainant registering it with the PIRB, the PIRB will provide the complainant with an audit/inspection report that they may use if they choose to proceed to register the matter with the CPA.
        • In the instance where complaints are about work that was done less than 6 months prior to the complainant registering it with the PIRB, the PIRB will liaise directly with the applicable plumber to correct any non-compliances that might have been identified.
        • The complainant will be informed accordingly.
    
    7. PLUMBER ACTION (RECTIFICATION)
    • • • If it is required for the plumber to return to site to rectify any non-compliances, the complainant will be informed accordingly. It is responsibility of the plumber to make the necessary arrangements with the complainant.
        • It may be necessary for the plumber to return to site more than once, depending on the extent of rectification required and availability of the parties involved. The plumber will be required to keep both the complainant and the PIRB informed of progress
    
    8. FINALISATION
    • • • Should the plumber not have rectified all the non-compliances they were informed of through the audit/inspection report, the complainant will be provided with a report that lists any applicable non-compliances that were not rectified by the plumber. The complainant may use this report should they choose to then escalate their complaint or concern to the CPA.
        • If the plumber fails to rectify any identified non-compliances, the PIRB will initiate disciplinary action against such plumber in accordance with the PIRB disciplinary policy. Disciplinary action allows for corrective behaviour but may lead to suspension. Such disciplinary action is subject to privacy legislation and may not be disclosed.
    
    

    5. COMLIANCE

    Compliance of plumbing work is verified against the requirements of the applicable South African National Standards and local bylaws.
    
    

    6. APPLICATION & INTERPRETATION

    All decisions regarding the application and interpretation of PIRB’s Complaints Procedure rest with the PIRB.
    
    The PIRB is committed to assisting in facilitating resolution between the consumer and the PIRB-registered plumber and will aim to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the parties involved. As such, there is a need to address complaints and concerns in a just, consistent, and methodical manner. The length of this process is dependent on the nature of the case, which means times by which a resolution may be achieved will vary on a case-by-case basis.
    
    For further information, please contact the PIRB on 0861 747 275 or email pirb@pirb.co.za.
    
    Complaints can be registered by clicking HERE, or typing the following URL address into the search bar of your internet browser: https://wkf.ms/3ECOgNz

As the name implies, a non-compliance notice is a notice that will give notice of any non-compliance issues. In the case of plumbing, it is a requirement that a plumber undertaking plumbing works, is required as part of the work to notify the homeowner (consumer) of any issues of plumbing non-compliance. This notification must be done in writing.

The homeowner is responsible. Your responsibility as a professional plumber is to draw attention to the pre-existing non-compliance and the risk associated with it.

First and foremost, all notifications of non-compliance are a requirement of both the Consumer Protection Act and the mandatory standards. Not issuing the notice means you are falling foul of the regulations and further you will be issued with a rectification notice by the PIRB. Secondly, in the case of any future liability, you may be held jointly and severally liable for claims resulting from the installation.

Your duty as a professional plumber is to notify the homeowner of non-compliance. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to rectify the non-compliance. If the homeowner wishes for you to quote on the rectifying of the non-compliance and make use of your services, you are free to do so. You are not precluded from doing this in any way. We do however caution you that the notification and quoting should be done before any work been undertaken as this will most likely lead to a dispute if done after.

http://audit-it.co.za/login/resellers

The purpose of the non-compliance notice is twofold: firstly, so as to protect the consumer of any and or potential dangers and performance issue that are or may arise from the existing installation, and secondly, so as to protect the you the plumber in terms of any future liability of the homeowner of any pre-existing items of non-compliance. It is therefore critical that the licensed plumber is aware of the standards to notify accordingly. Notification of non-compliance is a requirement of both the Consumer Protection Act and the mandatory standards.