Before you can register as a Licensed Plumber you must adhere to the following designation requirements must:

• Must have completed and passed the relevant plumber trade test as specified in the Manpower training act section 28 or 13.
• and/or have obtained a plumber qualification in terms of the Skills Development Act
• Pass PIRB’s written board assessment in the 5 Core PIRB designation levels.
• Must possess a Copy of the SANS Codes of Practice, Building Regulations and Local Water Bylaws documentation.
• Obtain CPD points over the 12-month cycle within the CPD Rewards Program
• Re-register every 12 months.

 

Before you can register as a Learner Plumber you must adhere to the following designation requirements must:

• The Learner candidate must be at least 18 years of age and not more than 35 years of age
• The Learner candidate must have successfully attended and passed the PIRB’s applicable Induction programme
• The Learner candidate must provide details of the Licensed/Qualified Plumber under whose supervision and/or mentorship he/she will be doing their plumber training
• The Learner candidate must provide a training/apprenticeship contract or confirmation letter from the applicable training provider
• The Learner candidate will not be allowed to hold a Learner Designation for more than 4 registration cycles i.e. 48 months
• All Learner candidates must obtain CPD points over their respective 12-month registration cycle within the CPD Rewards Program
• The Learner candidate will be required to re-register every 12 months and pay the prescribed fee

*T’s and C’s Apply*

It is important for the Plumbing Industry Registration Board to support both the consumer and the plumber within the plumbing industry, to ensure a safe and healthy environment. The Consumer Protection Act ascertains for the promotion of a fair, accessible, and sustainable marketplace for consumer products and services. In addition, the Act makes provision for improved standards of consumer information to prohibit unfair business practices. The PIRB’s Complaints Procedure creates a platform for consumers to raise concerns in cases of incorrect plumbing installations, which in turn gives an opportunity for those concerns/complaints to be addressed in a professional manner. This process should only begin once every attempt has been made to resolve the matter with the plumber who completed the work/installation. For the PIRB to address consumer grievances, the following ought to be considered:

• Complaints are registered only on receipt of a completed complaints form. Consumers are urged to fully complete the complaints form with as much detail as possible and to attach all supporting documents.

 

• To enable PIRB to implement its Complaints Procedure, the complainant must be willing and able to submit relevant evidence supporting the complaint.

 

• It is important to note that PIRB assists in facilitating a resolution between the complainant and the plumber. Ultimately, the plumber remains responsible for fixing any non-compliant plumbing work if such non-compliance is confirmed.

 

• If the complaint is received within the first six months of the initial plumbing work, the PIRB can authorize an audit depending on the merits of the complaint. Once the audit report is completed, the PIRB will engage with the responsible plumber about potential refixes.

 

• Should the complaint be received more than 6 months and less than 3 years after the initial plumbing work, the PIRB can only compile an audit report that the complainant may use if they wish to take further action in accordance with the CPA.
• For work done more than 3 years prior a motivation may be submitted to the PIRB to justify evaluation of the complaint. Such requests will be evaluated based on the merits of the motivation.
• All the communication between the plumber, the consumer and the PIRB is kept confidential. In addition, it is required that consent is given by the homeowner before any form of investigation is conducted.

For the purpose of resolving matters in a timeous manner, the PIRB requires the consumer to contact the plumber directly to resolve the matter before involving a third party (i.e. the PIRB). Should a matter not be resolved directly, then complainants are invited to formally register their complaint by completing the Complaints Form, which may be requested from the PIRB via email from pirb@pirb.co.za On receipt and validation of the completed complaints form, the PIRB will inform the plumber of the complaint and offer the plumber an opportunity to comment on the contents outlined in the complaint. In the case where the complaint is valid and requires further action, a compliance auditor may be allocated to inspect the installation. For installations that were done less than 6 months prior to the complaint, a PIRB audit report will be provided to the responsible plumber to attend to the non-compliances as noted on the audit report. If the plumber fails to rectify any non-compliance, disciplinary action will be taken against the plumber. The complainant will be provided with a report listing all outstanding non-compliances. Compliance of a plumbing installation is verified against the requirements of the applicable South African National Standards and local bylaws. All decisions, regarding the application and interpretation of PIRB’s Complaints Procedure, rest with the PIRB. The PIRB is committed to ensuring a satisfactory outcome for parties involved, and as such, there is a need to address complaints in a just, consistent, and methodical manner. The length of this process is dependent on the nature of the case which means resolution times vary on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please contact the PIRB on 0861 747 275 or email pirb@pirb.co.za.

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.

A rectification notice is a notice that may be given by an auditor after an audit has taken place. The rectification notice will denote any particular findings of the relevant plumbing works. The notice may outline the failures and the rectifications required by yourself.

In the case of newly built installation undertaken by yourself, there should never be any non-compliance, and therefore no non-compliance notice should have to be issued. In the case where you are working on a pre-existing installation, the actual work undertaken by yourself must be complaint and as part of meeting that compliance requirement, you must notify the homeowner in writing of any non-compliance. Also Read: <<Frequently indicated non-compliance notices>>

The rectification must be corrected within five working days, however, if a request is made to the auditor with valid reason and/or proof, extensions can be provided.

If a plumber does not complete the remedial action concerning the rectification notice or provide substantiated reasons as to why the rectification was not undertaken, disciplinary action will be taken against the plumber, which may lead to suspension of registration with the PIRB.  To safeguard the homeowner the PIRB may also need to provide the homeowner with the findings, and they may choose to take legal action against the plumber.

Certainly, yes. The Auditors themselves are also audited to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency.

An auditor may not engage with or attract work from your customer resulting from the PIRB audit process. If you find that an auditor has done this, please inform PIRB immediately so that it may be investigated and if required, the necessary corrective action will be taken.

Established as a Non -Profit Organisation, headed up by a 10 Independent member industry representative board, the PIRB purpose is to proactively work to promote plumbing practices in an open forum, free of any political or commercial agenda, so as to protect the health and safety and well-being of the South African public, and protecting the integrity of the South African Plumbing Industry and Practices for ALL persons working in it and wishing to work in it. The PIRB is the formally recognised Professional Body for the Plumbing Industry.

It is important for the Plumbing Industry Registration Board to support both the consumer and the plumber within the plumbing industry, to ensure a safe and healthy environment. The Consumer Protection Act ascertains for the promotion of a fair, accessible, and sustainable marketplace for consumer products and services. In addition, the Act makes provision for improved standards of consumer information to prohibit unfair business practices. The PIRB’s Complaints Procedure creates a platform for consumers to raise concerns in cases of incorrect plumbing installations, which in turn gives an opportunity for those concerns/complaints to be addressed in a professional manner. This process should only begin once every attempt has been made to resolve the matter with the plumber who completed the work/installation. For the PIRB to address consumer grievances, the following ought to be considered:

• Complaints are registered only on receipt of a completed complaints form. Consumers are urged to fully complete the complaints form with as much detail as possible and to attach all supporting documents.

 

• To enable PIRB to implement its Complaints Procedure, the complainant must be willing and able to submit relevant evidence supporting the complaint.

 

• It is important to note that PIRB assists in facilitating a resolution between the complainant and the plumber. Ultimately, the plumber remains responsible for fixing any non-compliant plumbing work if such non-compliance is confirmed.

 

• If the complaint is received within the first six months of the initial plumbing work, the PIRB can authorize an audit depending on the merits of the complaint. Once the audit report is completed, the PIRB will engage with the responsible plumber about potential refixes.

 

• Should the complaint be received more than 6 months and less than 3 years after the initial plumbing work, the PIRB can only compile an audit report that the complainant may use if they wish to take further action in accordance with the CPA.
• For work done more than 3 years prior a motivation may be submitted to the PIRB to justify evaluation of the complaint. Such requests will be evaluated based on the merits of the motivation.
• All the communication between the plumber, the consumer and the PIRB is kept confidential. In addition, it is required that consent is given by the homeowner before any form of investigation is conducted.

For the purpose of resolving matters in a timeous manner, the PIRB requires the consumer to contact the plumber directly to resolve the matter before involving a third party (i.e. the PIRB). Should a matter not be resolved directly, then complainants are invited to formally register their complaint by completing the Complaints Form, which may be requested from the PIRB via email from pirb@pirb.co.za On receipt and validation of the completed complaints form, the PIRB will inform the plumber of the complaint and offer the plumber an opportunity to comment on the contents outlined in the complaint. In the case where the complaint is valid and requires further action, a compliance auditor may be allocated to inspect the installation. For installations that were done less than 6 months prior to the complaint, a PIRB audit report will be provided to the responsible plumber to attend to the non-compliances as noted on the audit report. If the plumber fails to rectify any non-compliance, disciplinary action will be taken against the plumber. The complainant will be provided with a report listing all outstanding non-compliances. Compliance of a plumbing installation is verified against the requirements of the applicable South African National Standards and local bylaws. All decisions, regarding the application and interpretation of PIRB’s Complaints Procedure, rest with the PIRB. The PIRB is committed to ensuring a satisfactory outcome for parties involved, and as such, there is a need to address complaints in a just, consistent, and methodical manner. The length of this process is dependent on the nature of the case which means resolution times vary on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please contact the PIRB on 0861 747 275 or email pirb@pirb.co.za.

With any regulations, standards or laws, if the policing of such is left unchecked it will result in the regulations, standards or laws, become meaningless. Just imagine if speeding on our roads or drinking and driving is left unchecked. Carrying out a physical inspection or audit ensures that plumbing the regulations, standards, and laws are upheld which creates a fair, accountable and an equitable environment for us all to operate in.

The PIRB auditing process is subject to the number of PIRB CoC’s that have been issued and logged. 5% of all PIRB CoC’s that are issued and logged are randomly audited. Furthermore, complaints received from the public or a random review of a licensed plumber may result in an audit been undertaken.

There may be a time that you may disagree with an auditor’s findings. You are welcome and encouraged to raise these concerns with the PIRB. This must be done by completing the disagreement with an audit form, however, you must submit the necessary evidence to substantiate your disagreement. The PIRB assures that unless it may be necessary, you will remain anonymous and will be protected throughout the investigation.

There may come a time that you feel that you may have been treated unfairly during the audit process. You are welcome and encouraged to raise your concerns by placing your concerns in writing substantiating it with the necessary facts. The PIRB gives the undertaking that unless it may be necessary, you will remain anonymous and will be protected throughout the investigation.

An audit will be carried out based on the relevant plumbing standards and regulations applicable to the installation and the local municipal by-laws.

A rectification notice is a notice that may be given by an auditor after an audit has taken place. The rectification notice will denote any particular findings of the relevant plumbing works. The notice may outline the failures and the rectifications required by yourself.

The rectification must be corrected within five working days, however, if a request is made to the auditor with valid reason and/or proof, extensions can be provided.

If a plumber does not complete the remedial action concerning the rectification notice or provide substantiated reasons as to why the rectification was not undertaken, disciplinary action will be taken against the plumber, which may lead to suspension of registration with the PIRB.  To safeguard the homeowner the PIRB may also need to provide the homeowner with the findings, and they may choose to take legal action against the plumber.

No, a plumber doesn’t need to attend an audit. However, it is highly recommended that all plumbers attend the audits as it allows for a valuable learning experience.

It is not the responsibility or mandate of an auditor to train you. This is like you asking the traffic enforcement officers to train you if he/she stops you for speeding. The responsibility for training or continuously developing yourself (CPD) lies with yourself. However, the auditor, whilst on-site with the plumber – if requested, may assist and guide you.

The PIRB auditing process is undertaken by an outsourced third party. In allowing the audit process to be carried out by a third party allows for the PIRB to be impartial and unprejudiced (i.e. being judge, jury, and executioner). Currently, IOPSA fulfils this function.

If you think that you have the necessary skills and experience you may apply to become a Compliance Auditor by submitting your request to the IOPSA compliance audit office.

Certainly, yes. The Auditors themselves are also audited to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency.

No. An auditor may not differentiate between specific products and may not refer or impose any products onto you. If you find that an auditor has recommended or imposed a product on you, please inform PIRB immediately so that it may be investigated and if required the necessary corrective action will be taken.

An auditor may not engage with or attract work from your customer resulting from the PIRB audit process. If you find that an auditor has done this, please inform PIRB immediately so that it may be investigated and if required, the necessary corrective action will be taken.

The PIRB does not have or set any plumbing standards or regulations. The PIRB adheres to the South African National Standards (SANS) and the respective regulations. The SANS is developed through a consultation process with the plumbing industry, through various committees, which is administrated by the South African Bureau of Standards or SABS.

Please see your audit status by clicking on the ‘AUDIT STATEMENT’ option after logging in to your profile.

Yes, by clicking on the ‘AUDIT STATEMENT’ option after logging onto your profile. Here you will see if your audit is in progress, pending or complete.

You will be able to communicate with each other through the PIRB’s new system.

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

Auditors can log into their profiles and click on ‘My Report Listings’, fill in the necessary details and click on the ‘add’ button.

Audit@pirb.co.za will be able to assist.

It is more about what the PIRB does for the Plumbing Industry as a whole. The objectives of the PIRB are:

• Effectively administering and maintaining a live and updated plumbing industry registration system.
• Monitor and re-enforce compliance to the national technical application of plumbing regulations, standards and best practices.
• Promote compliant plumbing practices that protect the environment, the health and safety of the public, and the integrity and sustainability of the South African Plumbing Industry.
• Promote and monitor expertise and competencies among the PIRB registered professionals.
• Increase awareness of the PIRB and effectively communicate the vision, mission, objectives, and activities to all its stakeholders.

A professional body is an approved organisation that maintains an oversight of the skills, conduct, and practice of a specific profession or occupation.

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act requires the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to recognise professional bodies and register their professional designations on the NQF. This only happens if the professional body meets the SAQA Policy and Criteria for recognising professional bodies and registering professional designations.   A SAQA professional body is a body constituted to represent and/or regulate a recognised community of expert practitioners. PIRB is the Plumbing industry registered Professional Body with SAQA – http://pbdesig.saqa.org.za/viewProfessionalBody.php?id=831

The PIRB is not a Private Company and thus does not have any shareholders. PIRB is formally registered as a Non-Profit Organisation with CIPC.

The PIRB is the Professional Body for the Plumbing industry and is a registrar of individuals that have to meet the stated requirements of registration. The Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA) is a member association that provides an industry forum for plumbing companies, suppliers and manufacturing members. Unlike IOPSA, PIRB is not a member organisation.

The PIRB is not owned by any individual. It is a Non-Profit Organisation that is governed and guided by a Constitution and an elected board of trustees. Further oversight of the PIRB is done through third party yearly audits and bodies such as The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

The majority of the PIRB’s income is generated through its yearly registration fee which pays for the administrative and functions of the PIRB. Further income is derived through the sale of the plumbing certificate of compliances. Income derived from the COC is used solely for the auditing related process and activities to uplift the plumbing industry to drive accountability and compliance into the sector.

CPD can be defined as the systematic maintenance, improvement, and broadening of knowledge and skills, and development of personal qualities necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout a person’s plumbing career.

CPD forms part of the PIRB’s professional registration. CPD is important as it ensures that you continue to be competent in your profession.

The PIRB does not engage in delivering any actual CPD, PIRB merely facilitates the process. Developmental CPD activities are mostly undertaken by third parties such as suppliers, manufacturers, training providers, private individuals, etc. In many cases these activities are free and in other cases, there are costs involved. It is up to each of these 3rd parties to make the decision, to charge for the CPD activity or not. Similarly, it is your choice to attend any of the developmental CPD activities, free or not.

CPD is a by-product of what a person does naturally i.e. we learn and develop daily in some form or another. CPD is not limited to the traditional “classroom” or “book learning” activities but also the development/improvement of oneself as a person and within one’s work environment. The CPD process is there to simply help and manage a person’s development through an ongoing basis, keeping a record, reviewing and guiding what is learned, and in turn improving plumbing as a professional industry.

CPD is not limited to the traditional “classroom” or “book learning” activities but also the development/improvement of oneself as a person and within one’s work environment. You can accumulate CPD points by undertaking various CPD activities within the various CPD streams. Sources may include but are not limited to, local and international training by CPD providers, local and regional conferences, meetings, association notices, writing of plumbing articles, completing quizzes for publications, surveys, mentoring, taking part in association activities, etc. The list is endless. PIRB professionals, who participate in an activity provided, should ensure that the activity is approved by the PIRB before the activity is undertaken so that the points awarded will be recognised by the PIRB. You can click here to access the PIRB CPD menu showing an example of current activities.

CPD Points are the “points” that you obtain in completing any of the respective activities. The points are accumulated throughout your registration cycle and the number of CPD points required for your registration cycle.

With the Rewards Programme, you can share in a range of rewards available to all. The higher you keep your CPD points, the better the rewards e.g. discount on COC’s and Re-registration.

A CPD registration cycle is aligned to your yearly PIRB registration. For example, if your yearly PIRB registration is from June 2021 to May 2022 your CPD registration cycle will be the same.

The easiest and simplest way to track your CPD points is by logging into your PIRB online profile. You can also contact the PIRB directly and ask for the CPD Department, or by sending an email to cpd@pirb.co.za, with the subject line reading: CPD Status PIRB Reg No: (add in your registration number).

CPD activities for points can be logged on the PIRB website through the online CPD submission portal, or it can be loaded directly onto the plumber’s PIRB profile on the Audit-It system.

Third Parties wishing to submit their CPD activities may do so by submitting their CPD activity to the PIRB CPD committee for evaluation and approval. The PIRB – application for approval for a CPD activity can be downloaded from the PIRB website

To obtain CPD points, registered PIRB professionals can engage in a wide variety of CPD activities divided into three streams: Stream 1: Developmental: Core Knowledge and/or Non-Core Knowledge Development CPD Activities are activities that are related to structured educational and developmental meetings, seminars and training programs. All development activities must be approved and accredited by the PIRB before CPD credit(s) may be allocated to the relevant activities and be awarded to the relevant registered person. Stream 2: Work-Based Work-based CPD Activities are activities that are related to any work-related plumbing activities. All work-based activities should be done in an approved manner, according to a planned program approach, and will be subject to verification upon submission for CPD points. Stream 3: Individual As the name implies individual CPD activities are activities that are undertaken by each relevant individual. All individual activities should be done in an approved manner, according to a planned program approach, and will be subject to verification upon submission for CPD points. Mentor a learner plumber and issuing of COC’s are two examples of the stream.

PIRB Professionals are required to be proactive and imaginative in searching for useful CPD information. Sources may include but are not limited to, local and international training and CPD providers, local and regional conferences, meetings, association notices, writing plumbing articles, publications with quizzes, surveys, mentoring, taking part in association activities, etc. Examples of the current CPD activities are available on our PIRB Website, and can be found under the CPD tab where the CPD menu is listed. There may be other activities that are not reflecting on the PIRB website, and PIRB professionals, who intend participating in an activity, should ensure that the activity is approved by the PIRB before the activity is undertaken so that the points awarded will be recognised by the PIRB.

All activities are evaluated and approved by the PIRB CPD sub-committee.

In most cases, the time and the content being delivered will be taken into consideration when evaluating the number of points that should be awarded to an activity.

If a registered professional plumber does not keep their CPD points in order and high, than they will not benefit from any of the CPD rewards.

Yes, when new activities are received for review, they will be added once approved. Examples of the current CPD activities are available on our PIRB Website. There may be other activities that are not reflecting on the PIRB website, and PIRB professionals, who intend participating in an activity, should ensure that the activity is approved by the PIRB before the activity is undertaken so that the points awarded will be recognised by the PIRB.

There may be a time that you may disagree with an auditor’s findings. You are welcome and encouraged to raise these concerns with the PIRB. This must be done by completing the disagreement with an audit form, however, you must submit the necessary evidence to substantiate your disagreement. The PIRB assures that unless it may be necessary, you will remain anonymous and will be protected throughout the investigation.

There may come a time that you feel that you may have been treated unfairly during the audit process. You are welcome and encouraged to raise your concerns by placing your concerns in writing substantiating it with the necessary facts. The PIRB gives the undertaking that unless it may be necessary, you will remain anonymous and will be protected throughout the investigation.

A rectification notice is a notice that may be given by an auditor after an audit has taken place. The rectification notice will denote any particular findings of the relevant plumbing works. The notice may outline the failures and the rectifications required by yourself.

The rectification must be corrected within five working days, however, if a request is made to the auditor with valid reason and/or proof, extensions can be provided.

If a plumber does not complete the remedial action concerning the rectification notice or provide substantiated reasons as to why the rectification was not undertaken, disciplinary action will be taken against the plumber, which may lead to suspension of registration with the PIRB.  To safeguard the homeowner the PIRB may also need to provide the homeowner with the findings, and they may choose to take legal action against the plumber.

Certainly, yes. The Auditors themselves are also audited to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency.

No. An auditor may not differentiate between specific products and may not refer or impose any products onto you. If you find that an auditor has recommended or imposed a product on you, please inform PIRB immediately so that it may be investigated and if required the necessary corrective action will be taken.

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.

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.

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It is important for the Plumbing Industry Registration Board to support both the consumer and the plumber within the plumbing industry, to ensure a safe and healthy environment. The Consumer Protection Act ascertains for the promotion of a fair, accessible, and sustainable marketplace for consumer products and services. In addition, the Act makes provision for improved standards of consumer information to prohibit unfair business practices. The PIRB’s Complaints Procedure creates a platform for consumers to raise concerns in cases of incorrect plumbing installations, which in turn gives an opportunity for those concerns/complaints to be addressed in a professional manner. This process should only begin once every attempt has been made to resolve the matter with the plumber who completed the work/installation. For the PIRB to address consumer grievances, the following ought to be considered:

• Complaints are registered only on receipt of a completed complaints form. Consumers are urged to fully complete the complaints form with as much detail as possible and to attach all supporting documents.

 

• To enable PIRB to implement its Complaints Procedure, the complainant must be willing and able to submit relevant evidence supporting the complaint.

 

• It is important to note that PIRB assists in facilitating a resolution between the complainant and the plumber. Ultimately, the plumber remains responsible for fixing any non-compliant plumbing work if such non-compliance is confirmed.

 

• If the complaint is received within the first six months of the initial plumbing work, the PIRB can authorize an audit depending on the merits of the complaint. Once the audit report is completed, the PIRB will engage with the responsible plumber about potential refixes.

 

• Should the complaint be received more than 6 months and less than 3 years after the initial plumbing work, the PIRB can only compile an audit report that the complainant may use if they wish to take further action in accordance with the CPA.
• For work done more than 3 years prior a motivation may be submitted to the PIRB to justify evaluation of the complaint. Such requests will be evaluated based on the merits of the motivation.
• All the communication between the plumber, the consumer and the PIRB is kept confidential. In addition, it is required that consent is given by the homeowner before any form of investigation is conducted.

For the purpose of resolving matters in a timeous manner, the PIRB requires the consumer to contact the plumber directly to resolve the matter before involving a third party (i.e. the PIRB). Should a matter not be resolved directly, then complainants are invited to formally register their complaint by completing the Complaints Form, which may be requested from the PIRB via email from pirb@pirb.co.za On receipt and validation of the completed complaints form, the PIRB will inform the plumber of the complaint and offer the plumber an opportunity to comment on the contents outlined in the complaint. In the case where the complaint is valid and requires further action, a compliance auditor may be allocated to inspect the installation. For installations that were done less than 6 months prior to the complaint, a PIRB audit report will be provided to the responsible plumber to attend to the non-compliances as noted on the audit report. If the plumber fails to rectify any non-compliance, disciplinary action will be taken against the plumber. The complainant will be provided with a report listing all outstanding non-compliances. Compliance of a plumbing installation is verified against the requirements of the applicable South African National Standards and local bylaws. All decisions, regarding the application and interpretation of PIRB’s Complaints Procedure, rest with the PIRB. The PIRB is committed to ensuring a satisfactory outcome for parties involved, and as such, there is a need to address complaints in a just, consistent, and methodical manner. The length of this process is dependent on the nature of the case which means resolution times vary on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please contact the PIRB on 0861 747 275 or email pirb@pirb.co.za.

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.

Before you can register as a Licensed Plumber you must adhere to the following designation requirements must:

• Must have completed and passed the relevant plumber trade test as specified in the Manpower training act section 28 or 13.
• and/or have obtained a plumber qualification in terms of the Skills Development Act
• Pass PIRB’s written board assessment in the 5 Core PIRB designation levels.
• Must possess a Copy of the SANS Codes of Practice, Building Regulations and Local Water Bylaws documentation.
• Obtain CPD points over the 12-month cycle within the CPD Rewards Program
• Re-register every 12 months.

 

Before you can register as a Learner Plumber you must adhere to the following designation requirements must:

• The Learner candidate must be at least 18 years of age and not more than 35 years of age
• The Learner candidate must have successfully attended and passed the PIRB’s applicable Induction programme
• The Learner candidate must provide details of the Licensed/Qualified Plumber under whose supervision and/or mentorship he/she will be doing their plumber training
• The Learner candidate must provide a training/apprenticeship contract or confirmation letter from the applicable training provider
• The Learner candidate will not be allowed to hold a Learner Designation for more than 4 registration cycles i.e. 48 months
• All Learner candidates must obtain CPD points over their respective 12-month registration cycle within the CPD Rewards Program
• The Learner candidate will be required to re-register every 12 months and pay the prescribed fee

*T’s and C’s Apply*

Copy of the SANS regulations can be obtained from South Africa Bureau of Standards (SABS) and or the Institute of Plumbing of South Africa (IOPSA).

To become a registered plumber with the PIRB, you must meet the stated requirements of PIRB. To register, fill and complete all the details necessary by following this link: https://audit-it.co.za/login/plumber#register. Alternatively, the registration form can be found at www.pirb.co.za or you can email registration@pirb.co.za.

To view registration costs, click HERE.

If your application and paperwork are in order and subject to verification of your certificates it will take on average ten to 12 working days to become registered as a qualified plumber, learner or technical assistance or operating practitioner. Qualified Plumbers wishing to become Licensed and issue COC’s will still be required to write and pass the relevant PIRB assessments.

A licensed plumber designation refers to a category or designation of registration with which the plumber can be registered with the PIRB. Other designations include learner, assistant practitioner, operating practitioner, qualified plumber, and Master Plumbers. The importance of registering as a licensed plumber allows you to issue the PIRB certificate of compliance.

If you are serious about your profession and you want to be recognised as a professional, it is in your best interest to do so. Further to this: In terms of the SAQA Professional Body requirements: A professional designation indicates registration of the individual with a professional body, and where relevant, the right to practice in the particular field of expertise governed by the professional body. For all plumbing works completed, plumbers are required to issue a PIRB plumbing certificate of compliance. Only PIRB Licensed Plumbers can issue these certificates.

While both designations require that a plumber must be qualified, the licensed plumber designation allows the plumber to issue the PIRB certificate of compliance.

The assessment allows the PIRB to ascertain your knowledge and understanding of the respective plumbing South African National Standards and regulations. Once you have passed the assessment you will be allowed to issue the PIRB certificate of compliance. The PIRB reserves the right to call you up for an assessment at any time if it feels that you do not have the necessary knowledge and understanding of the respective plumbing South African National Standards and regulations.

The PIRB registration cycle refers to the yearly cycle of registration with the PIRB. The registration cycle for each registered plumber is different as it will start on the month in which you registered with the PIRB. For example, if you registered in July your PIRB registration cycle will be from July to June the following year.

As an example, if your registration cycle is July to June and you renew two months late in August, your registration date will remain July to June and will not change to an August to July cycle.

A plumber who does not re-register will become inactive with the PIRB until they renew their registration. Inactive licensed plumbers will not be able to obtain or issues the PIRB certificates of compliance. Late registration may also result in administration penalty fees being charged.

Late renewals result in additional administrative work and costs. This allows for the PIRB to recover these costs.

Previously the PIRB yearly registration fee included a physical card and the postage thereof. As a result of plumbers not wishing to have a physical card and rather just using the electronic card, the PIRB decided to remove this fee from the yearly registration fee. It is now the choice of the plumber if they would like a physical registration card and pay the associated cost thereof.

Due to the high number of misrepresented certificates received by the PIRB, verification of certificates is required. This verification is done by a third party.

A plumber can add to their personal development and expertise by specialising. To obtain a PIRB specialisation a plumber must undergo the necessary approved and accredited training and then undergo the relevant PIRB specialisation assessment.

Updating of certain registrations details can be done directly on your PIRB online profile.

Visit the PIRB’s website to download the renewal form (and send it to renew@pirb.co.za) if your details have changed, otherwise please check your plumber’s profile to see your invoice. Alternatively, please email renew@pirb.co.za.

Visit the PIRB’s website www.pirb.co.za, click “Plumber Login” and enter your username (your email address) and password.

All items of the plumbing works that do not comply with the plumbing installation must be written on the non-compliance notice. Further to this, the notice must be clear and understandable and detailed in such a way that the consumer is made aware of the risks about the items that are non-compliant.

Designation Requirements: The following designation requirements must be observed to hold and/or maintain a Technical Assistance Practitioner designation;

• 3 Years proven practicing experience in the plumbing industry.
• Obtain CPD points over the 12-month cycle within the CPD Rewards Program
• Re-register every 12 months.

Designation Requirements: Any applicant for the Master Plumber Recognition program must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a qualified and Licensed plumber in good standing with the PIRB
• Must hold at least 2 PIRB specialization designations: For example, solar and heat pump;
• Must have completed an appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) training course or can show the relevant SHE experience
• Must submit a comprehensive CV that gives evidence and support that the above requirements have been met;
• Must have paid the initial application Fee (See PIRB Rate Card);
• Must have a minimum of 5 years* post plumbing qualification experience in both the maintenance and contracting fields of the plumbing industry;

*Consideration may be given to applicants who have less than 5 years post qualification experience. The applicant will be required to have proof of at least 10 years of plumbing experience (maintenance and contracting) prior to them obtaining their qualifications. WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM ENTAIL? The PIRB Master Plumber Recognition Program (MPRP) is not a training program. The program is a recognition program of an individual’s previous learning and years of experience. This designation recognizes prior learning by the candidate in the 5 key areas identified by the PIRB as the areas that is a Master Plumber. This program requires participants to provide proof of competence, knowledge and understanding in these 5 key areas. The program will also guide a candidate in the direction if they need to upskill themselves in the respective areas. Should an applicant meet the entry requirements for this designation (see section B) above, the applicant will register on the program, which consist of the following two phases: Phase 1: During this phase of the program a candidate will be required to demonstrate their knowledge, skill, experience and competency in the 5 key areas of a Master Plumber. These include:

• Business Management
• Leadership & Ethics
• Contract Management
• Training & Mentoring
• Applied Plumbing Principles

Details of each area can be found on the PIRB website under Master plumber tab. Once the candidate has completed their online portfolio of evidence via the PIRB learner management system, their portfolio will be reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts. Upon successful completion of the board’s review, the candidate will move onto phase 2. Phase 2: This Phase is an evaluation and an interview by a panel of master plumbers. During this phase the candidate will be required to complete a thesis on a specific topic related to the plumbing or building industry. As part of the evaluation and interview process the candidate will be required to do a presentation on their topic. Candidates will be required to complete this final phase successfully before being awarded the Master Plumber designation and enter the Master Plumbers Guild. *A final evaluation fee will be levied on the applicant, at the time, as a part of this phase (See PIRB Rate Card)