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Meet the hot tapping man See the future of plumbing Working with perfections and perils Your industry magazine
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Put your Gold Fleet discount to work. Save $3,8001 on HiLux Rogue, Rugged or Rugged X.
As a Master Plumbers Association member, you can now use your Gold Fleet discount to save thousands on selected Toyota HiLux models. The HiLux Rogue, Rugged and Rugged X models offer powerful 2.8L turbo diesel engines and up to 3.5 tonnes of braked towing capacity2 (manual transmission variants), as well as advanced safety features and all the latest tech. Job to job, weekend to weekend, HiLux can handle anything you throw at it. To find out more, visit your Toyota Fleet Specialist or call 1800 444 847.
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Contents
14
22
Features
Regulars
10 The future is now
8 Industry news
All homes at the new Aquarevo urban development will harness three different sources of water – drinking, recycled and rainwater
14 Snapshot around the nation
22 Increasing plumbing success worldwide Women have a role to play in the plumbing industry and can build successful careers
26 Tropical island plumbing Kendal Nash’s lightbulb moment
28 A pioneer in sustainable design Dr Steve Cummings has dedicated himself to developing products that minimise water consumption
38 Australian Plumbing Industry magazine
36 Marsh Insurance
15/306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3056 australianplumbingindustry.com.au
38 Member news
Subscription changes
41 Product news
To change your details or to unsubscribe, call 1800 133 871 or email info@plumber.com.au Print post number: PP100019076
When technology meets plumbing the future is bright
See page 10
Contacts Publisher The Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) E australianplumbing@plumber.com.au
Advertising Julianne Ingram T (03) 9329 9704 E julianne.ingram@plumber.com.au
Suppliers All Pipes Plumbing Services is one of only a handful of businesses in Victoria that provides hot tapping services, in addition to live diversions and pipe freezing. Meet Dale Wilkinson, who established his Melbourne business 32 years ago. Full story, page 20.
Disclaimer API is published for the Plumbing industry and Master Plumbers Members by the Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) ABN: 56 296 473 997. Responsibility for comment in respect of elections in Master Plumbers is taken by Peter Daly of 15/306 Albert Street, Brunswick, VIC, 3056. Advertising: No responsibility is accepted by the publisher for accuracy of information contained in advertisements in API. Publication of any advertisements does not constitute endorsement by the publisher of any product, nor warrant its suitability. Advertisements are published as submitted by advertisers. Copyright: No part of this magazine may be produced without the publisher’s written permission Contributors: The views of external contributors and advertisers are not necessarily the views of Master Plumbers. Master Plumbers supports green printing initiatives. This magazine has been printed on FSC certified paper using vegetable based inks by Southern Colour under ISO 14001 environmental certification.
4 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
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Welcome
from the President and CEO
Representing members on critical industry issues
Safer and more diverse workplaces
As members in Victoria would be aware, a new registration/ licence for thermostatic mixing valves (TMV) came into force in November. This requires practitioners to have undertaken recent training or otherwise prove their knowledge/ experience to safely undertake this high-risk work. Master Plumbers believes it is important plumbers are up to date with changes and we are committed to better continuing professional development. It’s important to retrain in our ever-changing industry to ensure public confidence in our industry.
In September we were privileged to experience a world-class program of events and activities, as part of the World Plumbing Conference in Melbourne. More than 500 delegates engaged with over 30 high-calibre presenters from nine countries.
Master Plumbers ran additional TMV training courses in 2019 to address this demand for training. We worked hard to highlight industry concerns and to develop improved phase-in of the new requirements with VBA, which I am pleased to report we achieved. This involved removal of duplication in assessment, scheduling of additional training and refresher sessions this year and next, and ensuring that businesses and plumbers who have done the right thing can continue to service TMVs after November 18. The very late VBA notice of transition arrangements was disappointing but we applaud the overdue changes being made to its culture and capability, which will benefit our industry in the future.
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Kevin and Ja
On a lighter note, I would like to recognise the achievement of our very own Kevin Shinners; in the Victorian Premiers Volunteer Champions Awards. Kevin has made a massive contribution to our industry over many years and we congratulate him on this accomplishment.
I would also like to congratulate all who contributed to an incredible September with the World Plumbing Conference, the opening of our Narre Warren facility and the Plumbing and Fire Industry Awards. My thanks especially to PICAC, CEPU, and the United Association for their contributions and to winners of PFIAs.
Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand was a major sponsor of the conference and arranged a very special session on Women in Plumbing. It was standing room only for participants, who heard some fantastic women leaders in our industry share their stories on where our industry is headed. One of these, Swathi Saralaya from India reports on the conference (page 24). On this topic, we have also welcomed the recent announcement by the Victorian Government of its Women in Construction Strategy and its investment in attracting more women into the plumbing and construction industry. This strategy targets three points of intervention: attraction, recruitment and retention. It is founded on evidence, the experience of women and men within the industry, and the knowledge of industry stakeholders who can influence change. It recognises that the challenge cannot be the sole responsibility of the small number of women in the industry. The inclusion of women workers by their male peers, as well as addressing gendered cultures, norms and practices, are key to its success. Master Plumbers’ Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (PAV) and Plumbing Staff Solutions (PSS) services already have a number of women apprentices and qualified plumbers on their books and we are acting on the strategy to become an even better place to work for all staff. Speaking about workplaces, many businesses are not fully aware that the greatest serious injury risk for your workers might be the use of vehicles. Master Plumbers has produced a straightforward guide to help plumbing businesses manage their exposure to safety risks on the road. It can be downloaded from our website.
In closing, I look forward to catching up with you all at our Annual Members Christmas Cocktail Function on 4 December and I wish members, their employees and families the very best for the holiday season and New Year.
With the end of another busy and productive year, I take this opportunity to wish members, their staff and families a safe and enjoyable break over the Christmas and New Year period. Master Plumbers office will be closed from 23 December to 1 January, and arrangements will be in place to assist members with urgent matters over this period.
Scott Dowsett President, Master Plumbers
Peter Daly CEO, Master Plumbers www.plumber.com.au | 7
Industry news Maintain your vehicles The greatest serious injury risk for your workers might be the use of vehicles. And just as you have a responsibility for their safety on site, any vehicle they use as part of their work is a workplace and the same legal obligations apply. Many businesses use vehicles as part of their everyday routine. Whether it be to transport materials, tools and plant or even for employees to get from point A to B, most will see this as an essential part of everyday being and perhaps take it for granted.
While everyone has a responsibility to use the roads in accordance with the law, an employer’s responsibility goes further to ensure that its workers are not exposed to hazards and that they are as safe as practicable. It’s not just your work utes and vans. Any vehicle that one of your workers, sub-contractors, visitors or others use in the course of your business can be a workplace. Your obligations will vary according to how much you can control that use, but you need to consider them.
There can sometimes be a complex arrangement between your business, your workers, labour hire firms or other contractors you supply labour to. Whatever work health and safety responsibilities you have in these arrangements also apply to the use of vehicles. Master Plumbers has put all of this information into context by producing a straightforward guide to help plumbing businesses manage their exposure to safety risks on the road. This guide provides a step by step process to help you meet your obligations which, in turn should result in a safer and more productive workplace. You can download the guide at http://bit.ly/MP-vaawg
Commercial building approvals surge The surge in commercial building approvals in Australia will keep the plumbing and construction industry busy into 2020. “During August, the value of commercial building jobs receiving approval reached $6.14 billion, easily the strongest-ever monthly performance,” Master Builders Chief Economist Shane Garrett said. “Commercial building work has been one of the Australian economy’s star 8 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
performers in the recent past, with activity surpassing previous all-time highs. The environment of low financing costs along with robust employment gains and brisk population growth in some centers has underpinned strong demand in those markets,” Mr Garrett said. “The remarkably strong figures for August were driven by big gains in approvals for building work in the health sector as well as for offices. The lion’s share of the growth in
commercial building related to publicly funded social infrastructure projects such as hospitals, demonstrating the positive role that can be played by government investment at a time of below par economic growth,” he said. It usually takes at least six months from approval to the start of actual building work. Today’s figures mean that new commercial building activity will continue to rise for the rest of this year and well into 2020.
Commercial building approvals
Fast Fact
89.2%
year-on-year increase in commercial building approvals
Gasification for waste disposal On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $6.2 million in funding to Logan City Council (LCC) to develop the Loganholme Wastewater Treatment Plant Gasification Facility in Queensland. Once complete, the $17.28 million project will be the first time gasification has been incorporated into a wastewater treatment plant in Australia. The facility will help to reduce the volume of sewage sludge (known as biosolids) waste disposal at Logan’s largest sewage treatment plant by about 90 per cent. LCC’s largest wastewater treatment plant at Loganholme serves 300,000 people and produces approximately 34,000 tonnes of biosolids each year. Biosolids are currently dewatered via an energy-intensive mechanical drying and treatment process before being transferred for land application.
system will also help to support the facility to be almost entirely renewable and energy neutral. ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project will offer significant opportunities to be replicated by other councils. “Logan City Council’s demonstration project is expected to deliver a commercial business case for the gasification of biosolids for similarly sized wastewater treatment plants across Australia. The key knowledge learned from this installation will be significant given the first-of-kind deployment. “This innovative process will reduce energy costs, emissions and significantly reduce
the volume of waste from the sewage treatment process,” he said. Acting Road and Water Infrastructure Director, Daryl Ross said Logan City Council was committed to finding a more viable and sustainable management solution that also lessened the environmental impact. “At present, six truckloads of biosolids are taken 300 kilometres to Darling Downs for land application each day. That costs $1.8 million annually and accounts for 30 per cent of the operating costs of the plant,” he said.
This innovative process will reduce energy costs, emissions and significantly reduce the volume of waste from the sewage treatment process
Trials to prove concept will be completed in February 2020 and construction is set to begin July 2020.
A gasifier works by creating gaseous fuel from the biosolids which have been dewatered, dried and treated at high temperatures. The material produced is a biochar containing carbon, phosphorus and potassium that could be used as an environmentally friendly soil conditioner. LCC intends to market this biochar once the facility becomes operational. The gasifier used for the process would reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted by the plant. Gas produced during the process will be utilised within the system as part of the biosolid drying process. An onsite solar power www.plumber.com.au | 9
The future is now
When technology meets plumbing the future is bright as Kathryn Kernohan discovered when she investigated a state of the art development. What do you get when you combine a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment site, rainwater tanks with technology capable of receiving weather forecasts directly from the Bureau of Meteorology and six-star accreditation for EnviroDevelopment by the Urban Development Institute of Australia? The answer is Aquarevo, an innovative new urban development located in Lyndhurst, about 36km southeast from Melbourne’s central business district. A collaboration between the country’s leading property developer Villawood Properties and South East Water, which delivers water and sewerage services to 1.8 million people across Melbourne, Aquarevo is on track to become Australia’s most energy and water efficient 10 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
residential community. This is very important at this time due to the combined pressures of climate change uncertainty and increasing population. The first residents of the 460-home development moved in in June, and about 100 homes are currently under construction with over 300 lots sold. “We’re at the beginning of the construction period, and the development is on track to be completed in three to four years,” says Steve Muir, Integrated Water Delivery Manager at South East Water. “What is pleasing is that the sustainability features are an add-on to most buyers. We have found that for most people, the location is what attracts them to Aquarevo but when they understand the features and
initiatives at the estate, they get more interested. “We would like to think this development will make people realise how cost-effective water-saving and solar systems can be,” he says. For South East Water, being closely involved in a residential development is something new. The project was initiated because South East Water owned the land, which was previously the site of the Cranbourne Water Purification Plant. “The land was excess to our needs and we were looking into what to do with it. South East Water was keen to develop an example of how watersaving features could be built into a standard urban development, and that is how Aquarevo began,” he says. Aquarevo’s water-saving features are
This development will make people realise how cost-effective water-saving and solar systems can be
expected to reduce the use of potable water by up to 70 per cent on each of the estate’s 460 properties. Each home within the estate will be plumbed to harness three different sources of water – drinking, recycled and rainwater. All homes will be connected to a pressure sewer system that pumps wastewater to a 12m wide, 20m long water recycling plant, located within a greenhouse, adjacent to the railway line. Here, wastewater will be treated using the Organica Food Chain Reactor, which combines natural roots such as local native plants and artificial substrate to recycle wastewater to the highest quality class-A standard. The recycled water will then be sent back to each home in the estate where it can be used for non-drinking purposes such as for use in washing machines, toilets and gardens.
The Aquarevo development will be the first time the Organica Food Chain Reactor has been built in Australia, despite being widely used in more than 50 urban developments across Europe, Asia and North America. “We always intended for the development to have a local treatment plant on site, and in 2014 we went to market looking for an innovative technology to match the innovative water and energy-saving features we had planned,” says Steve. “When Hydroflux came along with this model, it looked great and the examples from overseas indicated it was exactly what we needed. We expect it will be operational within 18 months to two years.” The Organica Food Chain Reactor will be built following EPA Victoria approval, and after at least 40%
of the houses in Aquarevo are built and occupied. Each property in the development will also be fitted with a 2,400 litre capacity rainwater tank, to capture water from the roof. After filtration, UV and heat treatment, this water will be used in the home to supply hot water in showers, baths, laundry and washing machine. Rainwater tanks will be equipped with South East Water’s Tank Talk® technology to provide storage data during heavy rainfall events. TankTalk® gathers weather forecast data from the Bureau of Meteorology, and ensures water is released ahead of predicted heavy rainfall to minimise overflows or moderate flooding in local waterways. Aquarevo also features an innovative pressure sewer system, rather than a traditional gravity sewer network. Each home will have a sewer pod www.plumber.com.au | 11
The OneBox® is the brain of the development
Local water recycling plant
OneBox® controller
Power supply meter and switchboard
Lid to sewer tank (pod) to terminate 50 mm above finished ground level Below ground Pressure sewer main to local recycling plant
Non-return valve
To toilets, laundry, irrigation Power supply to property
Property service line Pressure sewer pod with pump and level sensor
unit sitting underground in the front yard, controlled by South East Water’s OneBox® device. OneBox® also tracks and monitors household water and energy use, and controls and monitors hot water supply and temperature. Its technology also allows South East Water to remotely monitor and control the pressure sewer network and regulate sewer flows. Steve describes the OneBox® device as “the brain of the development,” and says that there is scope for the technology to be rolled out to other developments in Australia and abroad. In addition to the water-saving initiatives, Aquarevo homes will feature rooftop solar systems and many will receive batteries by Sonnen. South East Water has recently commissioned Aquarevo House 12 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
Dual check recycled water meter Isolating valve
at the development. Built by Arden Homes from sustainable and recycled materials, the 8-energy starred house features a 5kw solar power system, a 7.5kwh Sonnen battery, double glazed energy advantage windows and doors and an all-electric heating and cooling system that can be powered by the solar panels and battery storage. Aquarevo House will be used to showcase the water-saving initiatives within the estate, as well as for research, development and education purposes.
South East Water has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by 45% by 2025 systems, a pressure sewer system and other features.” South East Water is also involved in Australia’s largest urban renewal project, Fishermans Bend. Covering approximately 485 hectares of land in the heart of Melbourne, the project is expected to be home to approximately 80,000 people by 2050.
The company is taking a hands-on approach to the development, working closely with over a dozen building partners, including Arden Homes and Porter Davis Homes.
For this project, the company has proposed an integrated water system, which leverages the entire water cycle, to reduce the reliance of the rapidly growing region on the existing water and wastewater systems.
“We are on-site during construction to work with the builders – this is a completely different approach to what large-scale builders are used to in terms of catering for rainwater
South East Water has also pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2025, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability in other parts of the organisation.
www.plumber.com.au | 13
Snapshot
from around the nation Master Plumbers – Victoria PICAC Inauguration More than 400 plumbing and fire protection industry professionals from across the world attended the PICAC Narre Warren Inauguration to mark the centre’s official opening in September.
The state-of-the-art facility at Narre Warren is the first Net Zero Energy usage training centre in Australia and houses IAPMO R&T Oceania’s research centre and product testing laboratory. It is also the first facility in Australia to utilise building foundation
Applications open for the world’s best Would you like the opportunity to represent Australia at the United Association International Apprentice Skills Contest in the USA? This is your chance! PICAC’s 2020 World Plumbing Day Apprentice Skills Contest will be held on or around March 11. This one-day competition, designed to test apprentices’ skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities is the first step in becoming eligible to represent Australia in the US. Apprentices who are in their 4th year or have recently finished their apprenticeship are eligible to apply. The contest is open to apprentices who train at any institution across Australia. There are 10 places 14 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
available in the plumbing contest and six in the sprinkler-fitting contest. The finalists of the contest will be invited to interview for the chance to be selected to travel to the United Association International Skills Contest in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA in August 2020. Patrick Wright (QLD) and Nicholas Frydas (VIC) both competed at the PICAC Apprentice Skills Contest 2019 and were the finalists selected to compete at the International Apprentice Skills Contest. They spent five days competing against the best apprentice plumbers and sprinkler fitters from America, Canada and Ireland. “To be a part of the UA Apprentice Contest was honestly one of the best experiences I have ever had. Not only to gain skill and knowledge about the industry, I made lifelong
screw piling to source geothermal energy for its heating and cooling requirements. The first generation of Net Zero Energy plumbing professionals will be trained at PICAC Narre Warren, with classes to begin in February 2020.
friends and met some amazing people. The encouragement for apprentice plumbers to be successful is absolutely incredible. Everyone I spoke to genuinely believe apprentices are the future leaders. I loved every minute of it, a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget.” Patrick Wright (Plumbing Apprentice). If you’re interested, email events@picac.vic.edu.au for more information.
Far left: Patrick Wright (Plumbing). Above: Glenn Menzies (PPTEU), Nicholas Frydas (Sprinkler Fitting), Mark McManus (General President of the United Association), Patrick Wright (Plumbing), Brendan Slater (PICAC) and Gary Bath (Master Plumbers).
Find your local association
Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of Western Australia T (08) 9471 6661
Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia T (03) 9329 9622
Master Plumbers Association ACT Inc T (02) 6112 8630
Master Plumbers Association of Queensland T (07) 3273 0800
Plumbing Industry Association of SA & NT Inc T (08) 8292 4000
Master Plumbers Association of Tasmania T (03) 6272 2199
Master Plumbers & Mechanical Contractors Association of New South Wales T (02) 8789 7000
Labour hire providers must act
OHS compliance
The Victorian government recently implemented legislation to regulate labour hire. The Labour Hire Licensing Authority (LHLA) began operation in October 2018, following the passing of the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 (LHL Act).
Master Plumbers notes that many
A core element of this legislation is that organisations which are deemed to be providing ‘labour hire services’, will be required to be licensed and must apply for a labour hire licence before 31 October 2019. Organisations that continue to hire out labour without a licence or hire labour from unlicensed organisations may be fined.
not apply for labour hire licences or
Figures tell the story
the Building Gender Equality: Victoria’s Women in Construction Strategy 2019-2022.
Although the number of female students participating in construction and trade courses is increasing, women comprise just two per cent of workers in the Australia construction industry. These low levels of employment are attributed to factors including limited career progression for women in construction, inflexible recruitment processes and rigid work practices. To boost the number of women working in traditionally maledominated industries, the Victorian Government has just launched
of the standard labour sharing and subcontracting practices in the plumbing and construction industry could be ‘caught’ under the legislation. This means that many businesses may be fined if they do change their operating practices. As such, Master Plumbers recommends that organisations review the new licensing requirements and the implications for your business. If you are unsure how this applies to your particular circumstances, you should also seek legal advice.
It highlights strategies to attract, recruit and retain women to the construction industry. Some of the hands-on proposed strategies include gender-sensitive funding of apprenticeships, training and education opportunities, programs providing targeted support to women apprentices, and changes to workplace practices such as job-sharing and provision of childcare. The Strategy also identifies the
Master Plumbers has been upgrading its safety management system, with the improved Work Health Safety Management System (WHSMS) due to be released early November. The WHSMS provides a complete framework of policies and procedures for a business that, when integrated successfully, assists you to achieve compliance under the OHS Act 2004 and the OHS Regulations 2017. The WHSMS also includes a 90min onsite assessment, 90 min office audit with our OHS Manager, a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) package and attendance for 2 people at an OHS workshop. need for greater visibility and promotion of female role models in the industry, women’s networks and mentoring programs and a campaign to shift attitudes that contribute to gender inequality – targeting workers through to managers and employers. The Strategy was developed in partnership with the Building Industry Consultative Council, an advisory council of employers, industry associations, unions and government that provides advice on relevant issues to the Minister for Industrial Relations.
Read more: https://www.vic.gov.au/victorias-women-construction-strategy
Fast Fact
2%
the level of women participating in the construction industry
www.plumber.com.au | 15
Snapshot
from around the nation Master Plumbers – Tasmania Fruitful discussions Master Plumbers Tasmania welcomed discussions with the state’s Minister for Building and Construction, Elise Archer, and the new Executive Director of Consumer, Building and Occupational Services, Peter Graham. “We discussed some concerns we have with a view to getting some resolutions,” Executive Officer Angela Bennett said. “Of significance is the lack of point-of-sale legislation in Tasmania that results in hardware / DIY stores selling non-watermarked fixtures with the onus on the plumbers to identify the noncompliant products at installation.
Member profile We caught up with Paul and Pip Bottomley from Professional Plumbing to get an insight into their successful Tasmanian plumbing company and ask a few questions about work and family. How long have you been in business? Professional Plumbing began in March 1989. What do you like about the plumbing industry? Primarily, the difference that it makes to peoples lives and the knowledge it takes to do the job properly. 16 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
“We have always maintained that the lack of point of sale legislation for plumbing products, that ensures all products are compliant, puts consumers at risk and places responsibility onto contractors to do the job of regulator. We look forward to receiving the Regulator’s advice on how we can address this problem effectively and ensure that responsibility rests with the retailer and not the plumber.”
In early 2018, the Regulator introduced a Restricted Roof Endorsement that builders could apply for. Suffice to say that we
have always been opposed to licencing of trades that allow individuals to undertake work they have no training or qualification in, and the Regulator is aware of our position on this. Subsequently the Regulator has agreed to ensure that independent audits of all roof works undertaken by builders with the endorsement are audited for compliance. Hydraulic engineers will be undertaking these audits and the Regulator has advised that they will be discussing those audit results with us early in the new year. We will remain vigilant on this issue to ensure our trade and consumers are afforded the protections they should be entitled to under the occupational licensing regime.
What challenges do you see for the plumbing industry?
making a positive difference for our members.
The biggest challenge is preventing deregulation and upping the skill set of our apprentices. The industry needs to also ensure that there are enough quality tradespeople to fill positions, so we can keep up with the workload. As with other businesses, there are other challenges such as keeping up to date with HR, ensuring clients are paying bills on time and red tape – all of these issues take time but it’s important to get them right.
Has being a member of Master Plumbers Tasmania helped your business?
Restricted roofing endorsement
Why did you join Master Plumbers Tasmania? We feel that as employers we need a strong united voice representing all plumbing contractors. Master Plumbers is that collective voice. I was recently elected to the Board and I’m really looking forward to
Absolutely! The contacts made within the Association, HR advice, information on training events, and general up to date industry information is invaluable. What do you and the family like to do outside of work? Work hours are long and relentless however, Pip and I enjoy keel boat sailing cruising and racing, bike riding and bush walking. We also enjoy dinners out with a nice bottle of red wine. Our eldest daughter has a strong interest in sailing her 29er skiff, basketball, AFLW and our youngest daughter loves ballet, band and soccer. We have two dogs who demand long walks, so it’s a busy life but we love it.
www.plumber.com.au | 17
Snapshot
from around the nation Master Plumbers – Queensland The world’s largest green ammonia plant powered by renewable hydrogen could be built in Queensland, thanks to support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). On behalf of the Australian Government, ARENA announced $980,000 for Dyno Nobel Moranbah Pty Ltd (Dyno Nobel), a business of Incitec Pivot Limited, to conduct and assess the feasibility of building a renewable ammonia facility at its existing Moranbah ammonia plant. This project is aligned with ARENA’s new investment priorities focussed on accelerating the use of hydrogen in Australia and helping industry to reduce their emissions, which are geared towards future proofing our energy system and economy and helping to further unlock the vast renewable resources Australia has on offer. If feasible, the proposed green ammonia facility would include up to a 160 MW electrolyser and 210 MW solar farm co-located at Moranbah. Dyno Nobel’s Moranbah facility currently operates a modern ammonia plant employing 50 people and manufactures more than 360,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate annually for supply to mining customers. The company currently uses natural gas as its feedstock to make hydrogen for ammonia. The $2.7 million feasibility study will look at the potential to use renewable hydrogen produced via electrolysis to increase ammonia production at its facility to meet increased demand in the region for ammonium nitrate. Ammonia production is the largest use of hydrogen, consuming half of total global hydrogen supply. This is the second ARENA-funded feasibility study looking at how 18 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
renewable hydrogen could produce ammonia, after it was also announced today that Queensland Nitrates would also investigate building a renewable hydrogen ammonia plant at their existing facility in Moura. ARENA CEO Darren Miller said this was the first step to decarbonising the ammonia sector, and would also help to progress the commercialisation of renewable hydrogen for domestic and international use. “Hydrogen is a huge opportunity for Australia, both for domestic use and as an export opportunity - and we believe that you cannot realise the export potential without a domestic market, which is why ARENA is looking to fund renewable ammonia and other domestic applications.” Mr Miller said ARENA has identified the ammonia sector as a key user of hydrogen and one that represents a significant opportunity to deploy renewable hydrogen technologies. “As ammonia already uses hydrogen, ammonia production at large scale is an ideal opportunity for us to begin exploring the pathway to lowering emissions through the use of renewable hydrogen as it already uses hydrogen in an industrial application, and has existing supply chains and end users,” he said. “Given ammonia production is an energy-intensive industry that accounts for one per cent of global emissions, this project could also help the ammonia industry to reduce its emissions by switching to renewable hydrogen,” he said.
Tim Wall, President Global Manufacturing Incitec Pivot Limited said: “The aim of the feasibility study is to determine whether renewable hydrogen can be produced in a way that makes commercial sense to support expanding our Morandbah manufacturing facility in central Queensland. “We are pleased to be working with ARENA to determine whether we can lower the cost of producing renewable hydrogen at industrial scale, which would support local industry and jobs, and reduce our carbon footprint.”
Awards for Excellence The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Qld Awards of Excellence honoured a plumbing apprentice in its first Apprentice Tradestart award. Natalie Christian from JRW Plumbing and Gas in Brisbane took out the award, which will contribute $1,500 towards her studies, a $500 voucher for tools, and a NAWIC mentor among other things, allowing her to complete the apprenticeship without greater financial risk to her or her family, including three boys under the age of 14.
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
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man I was the first one in Victoria to get live copper hot taps approved
20 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
There aren’t too many other people that do hot tapping‌ it requires a certain mindset
Keeping a business running, let alone thriving, for more than 30 years is no mean feat. For Dale Wilkinson, who established Melbourne’s All Pipes Plumbing Services 32 years ago, the achievement is even more significant. Kathryn Kernohan discovers why. Dale Wilkinson is a specialist and, some might say, a man whose work is on the edge. “I was the first one in Victoria to get live copper hot taps approved, and in fact it was the (now defunct) Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria that asked me to get involved in this space because they were seeing the demand for it but nobody was providing the service,” he says. All Pipes Plumbing Services is one of only a handful of businesses in Victoria that provides hot tapping services, in addition to live diversions and pipe freezing. Hot tapping involves the attachment of a branch connection and valve onto live and operating pipework, cutting holes into the operating pipeline and removing the wall section through the valve. One of the key reasons it is used is to repair areas that have been damaged or corroded, however hot tapping is also a method to add branches to modify the system. Because the connection is made without shutting down the system, there is no interruption to the gas or water flow and no release of the product. “From the point of view of a business, they cut shut down periods which saves them time and money. Also, if you have to shut down the system altogether, it adds additional time for testing to the end of the process,” says Dale.
Gas line
There is no doubt hot tapping is a potentially dangerous intervention, given that workers are creating an ignition source in a combustible environment. All Pipes Plumbing Services has four team members that are accredited and trained in hot tapping, and strong safety processes in place to support them. The business also works closely with Energy Safe Victoria, the state’s technical and safety regulator responsible for the safe generation, supply and use of electricity, gas and pipelines. Energy Safe Victoria must authorise any project that requires hot tapping before it commences. “There aren’t too many other people that do hot tapping and I think that’s because it requires a certain mindset. You have to be a bit of a forward thinker. There’s not demand for these services every day of the week but you need to be prepared for when there is demand,” says Dale. Another specialty area of All Pipes Plumbing Services is pipe freezing, which enables a water pipework system to be plugged, allowing work to be carried out on a particular section of the pipework. This means that it is not necessary to isolate or drain the entire water piping system. Dale has been the sole proprietor of All Pipes Plumbing Services since he established the business. His career in the industry goes back even further, to when he began an
Tapped lines
apprenticeship in 1973, aged 16. “My father was a carpenter so I grew up having exposure to the building trade, and even as a young boy I was never really interested in exploring anything else,” he says. At age 28, he purchased a factory in Dandenong South and, in 2018, a factory in Somerton. Before then, his career had already taken him to different parts of Victoria including Fisherman’s Bend and the former Ford headquarters in Geelong, specialising in welded pipe fabrication and onsite welding. The business now has a team of 14 staff members, including some who’ve been with Dale for close to 30 years, since the early days of All Pipes Plumbing Services. Dale is also a strong advocate for welding as a career pathway, and hopes to see more young people entering the industry. “Unfortunately there’s a lack of apprentices in the welding industry and over time our industry will suffer. It’s a great business to be part of but we need to be promoting it so people look at welding as an option over other pathways,” he says. As for his own future, Dale says that despite having spent more than 45 years in the industry, he is not considering retirement anytime soon. “I still enjoy what I do, so I’ve got no need to stop – I’ll keep working on.”
Frozen plug www.plumber.com.au | 21
Increasing plumbing
Swathi Saralaya Project Manager, IAPMO India & IWSH came to the World Plumbing Conference (WPC) in Melbourne to talk about the importance of women in plumbing and the issues they face.
It is observed that women have a role to play in the plumbing industry as well and that they can build successful careers within the sector. However, it is not easy to work in this industry given various barriers to enter such a gender-based discrimination, the harsh work environment of the construction site, the lack of sufficient knowledge about the industry itself and the shortage of successful women role models.
Plumbing” during the WPC’s Triennial World Plumbing Conference in Melbourne in September.
To stimulate debate about how the low representation of women in plumbing can be addressed and how construction careers for women can be promoted and encouraged, Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand (MPANZ) hosted a session called “Women in
Being a keynote speaker, I spoke about my role in IAPMO India, managing various plumbing education and training projects and as a team member of International Water Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH), focusing on delivering clean
22 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
The biggest highlight of the conference for me was being a part of this session. MPANZ had assembled a panel of female leaders from across the plumbing industry to discuss topics specific to attracting more women into trades and into leadership roles within the industry.
water and sanitation to developing communities all over the world. On 25 September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as the agreed framework for international development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The Goals interconnect and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that we achieve each Goal and target by 2030. To achieve ‘Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all’,
success worldwide
Women have a role to play in the plumbing industry and can build successful careers within the sector
Above: Kimberley Smyth, Penny Cornah, Swathi Saralaya, Peter Daly, Lisa Cutler, Jasmine Garner, Ainsley Middleton and Sue Eddy
IWSH has been designing and implementing projects in India, South Africa, Indonesia and USA, by bringing various skilled persons in the construction industry from across the world. It is to be noted that access to clean water is critical for achieving gender equality and enhancing women empowerment. Skills such as plumbing can change lives of disadvantaged people and it is important that young people are encouraged to learn these skills irrespective of their gender. IWSH has been able to facilitate over 100 skilled volunteers in providing their unique expertise and experience in support of water and sanitation initiatives benefiting communities in Nepal, South Africa,
India, Indonesia and United States. The other speakers shared their stories and journeys of how they came to work in the plumbing industry and provided practical tips and advice on how to engage more females in the industry. Lisa Cutler who is a coach, speaker and facilitator dedicated to helping women progress in leadership, and organisations spoke about Gender Smarts. Gender Smarts creates happier, healthier workplaces with better business results, through increased awareness and appreciation of gender differences. Lisa stressed on the fact that it is definitely time to start breaking
down those gender stereotypes that are holding women and men back in the plumbing industry. Penny Cornah, Chief Executive, Master Plumbers Association of Queensland, spoke about the role of women in building economies and how when women are not integrated as both beneficiary and shaper – the plumbing community loses out on skills, ideas and perspectives that are critical for addressing global challenges. As the Chief Executive Officer of Victoria’s principal building and plumbing regulator, Sue Eddy sits at the forefront of the construction industry and leads the Victorian Government’s response to the inappropriate use of non-compliant www.plumber.com.au | 23
Skills such as plumbing can change lives of disadvantaged people and it is important that young people are encouraged to learn these skills irrespective of their gender
Employers need to create an environment that is clean and safe to help motivate women
combustible cladding materials in the building industry. In the wake of London’s Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, governments and construction industries worldwide have been forced to grapple with the issues posed by combustible cladding. In Victoria, the Government began auditing the built environment, inspecting and working with the industry to remove potentially dangerous materials from buildings across the state. Sue conversed about the growing involvement of women in the plumbing industry. Kimberley Smyth runs Hey Sista Plumbing, a business that prides itself on being a female-led business. She is a proud plumber and urged everyone to support and encourage their sons and daughters to be happy in any career they choose. The panel also included Jasmine 24 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
Garner, an elite Australian Rules Football Women’s (AFLW) player. Jasmine recently commenced her plumbing apprenticeship with Cooke & Dowsett and is currently working on the new netball and hockey stadium. The stadium will be receiving a $64 million make-over from Minister for Women and Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins with the majority going towards creating Victoria’s first Women in Construction Strategy in conjunction with the Building Industry Consultative Council. Overall, the session aimed to explore the role of women in the plumbing industry. To encourage women participation in plumbing, they must be provided with support and encouragement for nontraditional choices at an early age. The way forward is for employers and the government to provide adequate facilities to women
employees. All employees should be provided with a clear growth path based only on merit without bias. For resolving issues specific to the construction industry, women need to be supported and properly trained through legal and social interventions so that associated social customs can also be addressed. Employers need to create an environment that is clean and safe to help motivate women. Another method to help facilitate women employees is by improving workplace flexibility and using working models that help mitigate problems faced by women who want to work. Greater participation of women in the workforce is important not only for achieving higher growth but for attaining an overall social development and should be a top priority for the country.
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Tropical island plumbing Perfection to perils The way Kendal Nash puts it, he walked out of the kitchen and into a plumbing apprenticeship. Kathryn Kernohan looks a little further into the life of this tropical island plumber. One day, Kendal Nash was working as a chef in a restaurant on the beautiful Hamilton Island, where he says the heaviest thing he ever needed to carry was a bag of flour.
because the skills you need to be a good plumber are completely different to what you need as a chef, and I’ve enjoyed every second of the journey.”
The next day, feeling “a bit burnt out” from the hours and pressure of his career in the kitchen, he accepted a job opportunity from a friend to try some laboring work on a building site.
Kendal says his natural progression as a plumber led him to form his own business, KNP Plumbing and Gas, in 2005.
It was a lightbulb moment. “I just loved it right away – being outdoors which I’d always enjoyed, being busy with my hands and working with people in a team environment. They’re still the things I love about the job today,” he recalls. “The guy I was working with offered me an apprenticeship, I said yes, and I’ve never looked back. Along the way I had to get fitter and stronger, 26 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
The business is based in the picturesque coastal town of Airlie Beach and services the neighbouring regions of the Whitsundays, Proserpine and Cannonvale. “We provide a broad range of residential and commercial plumbing and gas fitting services, including fit-outs, repairs, maintenance and renovations,” he says. KNP Plumbing and Gas currently has a team of three full-time
plumbers and one apprentice. “My wife Alice leads our team in the office and she’s an integral part of the business and how we’ve grown over time – running the business backend, paying bills and managing accounts and invoices. “It’s been a learning process for me along the way to understand everything that goes into running a successful business, and we’re now in a position where we’ve become more efficient. “Technological advancements have really transformed my business and mean we’re less reliant on old-school paper forms and invoices, and we can get things done more quickly.” While it sounds idyllic to live and work near the beach, and enjoy the Whitsundays’ tropical climate all year
When I started the business, I wanted our point of difference to be that we had clean, tidy blokes working for us and we got jobs done on time.
round, Kendal has also been forced to confront some of Queensland’s dangerous extreme weather events. The most notable was Cyclone Debbie in March 2017, which lashed the Whitsundays and surrounding areas, and eventually caused around $3.5 billion of damage. Some parts of the Whitsundays, including Hamilton Island, were left without electricity or running water for days after the categoryfour storm. “It was incredibly scary to be here for the cyclone. I’m 42 years old and I’m not scared or shaken easily but when you’ve got 200-plus kilometre winds above your head for two days straight, you can’t help but feel it,” says Kendal. The aftermath of the disaster meant there was increased demand for plumbing services as the community began the slow rebuild. “We dealt with blocked and silted drains, storm water and sewage drains that were blocked, drainage
and septic overflows… there were plenty of homes with roofs missing so we were up there with chainsaws trying to remove trees and branches and finding make-safe solutions. “The cyclone was almost three years ago now but there is still residual work being done across our communities. It was devastating but it was great to see how the cyclone really brought our community even closer together. We have always been really tight-knit towns, and we all came together to support each other and help each other rebuild.”
“I always say, if you booked a plumber to come on a Monday and they don’t show up on time and then when they do they have their butt crack hanging out and they’re wearing ripped shorts, you’re not going to be inclined to book them again.” “We have newer utes for our plumbers to drive, we have newer toolboxes, we have uniforms for the team. It’s really important to us that we provide quality and cost effective services to our customers but the customer service side of things is just as important.”
Kendal is also proud that his business has gained a reputation for quality customer service, which he says is vital in an ever-competitive market. “When I started the business, I wanted our point of difference to be that we had clean, tidy blokes working for us and we got jobs done on time. The rest takes care of itself if you have that reliability to begin with,” he says. www.plumber.com.au | 27
Innovation drives sustainable design A pioneer in sustainable design and research, Dr Steve Cummings has dedicated himself to developing products that minimise water consumption. He’s recognised internationally as an authority in this field, is an associate of the Institute of Sustainable Futures and collaborates in Australia and internationally with universities, industry experts, governments and standards representatives. He recently spoke with Daniel Carroll on Master Plumbers Radio.
28 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
DANIEL You’ve been involved in design for more than 40 years. How did it all start? STEVE I started in the industry in
1976 when I joined Doulton Australia in designing sanitaryware. I became chief designer there before I moved on to Caroma, who took over Doulton. DANIEL There’s no doubt been significant development in the time since you started. What would be some of the challenges that you’ve faced in your time? STEVE When I started, my
expectations of what we should be doing was limited by our capability of doing it, and that was in manufacturing. So, concurrently with the development of what we were doing, we were then increasing our capacity to develop the products that made us competitive internationally.
DANIEL Can you share a little bit about the importance of good design and how that contributes to delivering more efficient products? STEVE If I go back to the work we
did originally on dual flush, in the early ‘80s when we released it, we were flushing with 11 litres for the full flush. We moved to dual flush, which made 11 and five and a half. Then, I went on a journey to investigate further reductions in water use and started to look at the toilet pans and what we could do there. The limitation on the performance of the cistern was the pan. You had the cistern that can drop the water, but you had to actually do things in the pan, so once you start reducing the water going into the pan, then you had to really look at the pan design. In 1993, we released the 6/3, which was a total redesign of the pan and cistern.
DANIEL The dual flush toilet is a great example of evolutionary production. Can you share some of the experience in designing and developing a product that’s constantly evolving? STEVE The thinking comes locally,
but it’s influenced by what’s going on overseas. The latest evolution of the toilet pan, for us, was the Cleanflush where we eliminated the rim with the cistern to make it easier to clean, and we did a lot of work on the flushing technology around to make sure that we didn’t lose the efficiency. We saw the trend coming from overseas, in Europe mainly, then we looked at what we could do to make it fit with our system and provide the flushing performance that was to be expected. We didn’t want to reduce the flushing performance of the product, so we spent a considerable amount www.plumber.com.au | 29
of time in researching and getting the cistern operating correctly so that it gives us the similar flush performance to what we’ve been used to. DANIEL The quality of the items that we use in the construction industry is always in focus, and more so in plumbing over the last few years with the introduction of the WaterMark scheme in Australia. I believe you were part of the group that was responsible for the implementation of that scheme. How important is it that a scheme like this exists? STEVE Well, I think for products that
can affect the public health and safety of Australians, it really needs to be regulated and come under a scheme like the WaterMark scheme. Other major economies around the world have got regulation to varying extent, some are highly regulated, some are not so much, but I think it’s just fundamental for the industry that we’ve got a product that we can trust in with the WaterMark name on it. We know that it’s been tested and developed correctly and is meeting the requirements for Australia. DANIEL What does the future hold, do you think, in the plumbing industry and the design of products? STEVE I’m a believer of using the
gravity to flush the system and operate the systems. Vacuum systems have got their place and they’ll be used in varying areas where there’s issues, but I think, overall, the system will remain gravity. Maybe assisted by some special technologies that will come. 30 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
I see the digitalisation of the plumbing industry is going to be widespread. We’re going to get a lot of data coming from the sensors that we’ll be using throughout the plumbing systems. From the data, we’ll be able to make valuable decisions on things that we don’t know about now, which is exciting, I think. DANIEL As you know Master Plumbers has introduced Continuing Professional Development for its members and the wider plumbing community to help keep up to speed with what’s happening in the industry and keep yourself fresh. How do you stay up to date with what you do? STEVE Well, I’m regularly going
overseas to industry exhibitions, conferences, and talking to overseas suppliers that have got knowledge of the developments that are in place internationally. So I think I’m right up to speed with what’s happening internationally. Don’t underestimate the work that we’re doing in Australia, either. It’s internationally competitive, and I think we’re in the forefront as well. I’m looking for opportunities, what can we do, how can we be better, how can we be as good as them or better, rather than when I first started going, where they were so far in front of us in the ‘70s and ‘80s, it wasn’t funny. DANIEL Do you find people, at an international level, coming back to Australia to see what we’re doing and use the knowledge of the people here to influence what they’re doing abroad?
STEVE I think we’ve got a lot of
respect in Australia for what we do. There’s a quality element of how we look at things, we like things to perform well and be able to be serviced well. That’s general across the industry, I think the good guys in the industry are really making great products, and I think that’s taken up by the suppliers because they know that it’s difficult to come in with products that aren’t competitive to the products available here.
Dr Steve Cummings is a renowned industrial designer and fellow of The Design Institute of Australia. He was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia’s Hall of Fame in 2012, and since has held senior appointments in the bathroom product design industry and has had a longstanding participation in standards development in Australia and internationally since 1981.
You can listen to the full podcast by scanning the QR code below with your phone camera or by searching for Master Plumbers Radio on Google, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
www.plumber.com.au | 31
A GeoFlow Australia Promotion
Big problem, big reality check Australians love big things. We enjoy our big V8 super cars, we have our big icons (the Big Banana, the Big Prawn and the Big Koala), and we have the biggest average house size in the world. In this edition, GeoFlow Australia’s Dr Amir Kivi and Elliot Watson tell us about a big solution. Australia is in the grip of a crippling upward energy price spiral. This has caused many businesses to struggle to maintain their profitability and competitiveness, with some even being forced to shut their doors. Higher energy costs also puts downward pressure on any potential wage increases. Luckily, Australians like big things, especially big solutions to big problems.
Big solar heating and cooling opportunity Australia has a natural advantage up its sleeve to help solve this crisis. While parts of Europe suffer from low solar irradiation, most of Australia is blessed with about twice the levels of solar irradiation. Successive state and federal governments have leveraged this atmospheric phenomenon, and have financially cajoled energy consumers to adopt solar electricity to the point where, according to the ABC’s 7.30 program’s three part series – Power Shock, we now have the highest uptake of rooftop solar electricity per household in the world. But have our political leaders fully thought this approach through? Taking advantage of Australia’s sunshine certainly sounds like a good 32 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
move, but has anyone stopped to actually ask the question whether the optimum solution is to prodigiously populate our roof tops and paddocks with ever-increasing numbers of subsidised solar electricity panels?
Energy use reality check According to the Department of the Environment and Energy (2018), 62% of Australia’s energy demand (non-transport related) is used for heating and cooling. The remaining 38% is used for electrical purposes. What then, is the most cost efficient and sustainable solution to supply our largest energy demand category of heating and cooling? Of course any answer may have various caveats, but recent research has identified that for heating and cooling energy users in Australia, solar heating systems are now the best solution. In late 2018, Sustainability Victoria commissioned an energy audit for one of Victoria’s biggest greenhouse growers. The audit identified that a large proportion of the farmers high gas heating energy costs could be virtually halved through the adoption of the world’s most efficient, large
flat-plate solar heating technology from Savosolar, Finland. The solar heating system would generate and store hot water (up to 95oC) to heat the air inside the vast greenhouses, particularly during night time and throughout the winter months. No water is wasted at all, as it uses closed-loop technology, and any excess heat can be used to chill the cool rooms by adopting an absorption chiller. The calculated payback period (using detailed hour-by-hour analysis, with no government subsidies whatsoever) was just 5.5 years, with a potential of millions of dollars of accumulated net savings over the life of the solar heating system. The audit also found that an alternative government subsidised solar electricity system couldn’t come close to delivering cheaper heating or cooling energy than the solar heating system! The stark cost and performance benefits of using the latest solar heating technology over traditional energy sources, such as electricity and natural gas, are best exemplified when compared with solar electricity technology.
Big benefits Solar heating systems are much more energy dense. The best solar heating systems generate 1,100 kWh per m2 p.a. of heating energy at 60oC, which is more than five times as much thermal energy (in Victoria) compared with tier 1 solar electricity panels. This means that for a fixed size roof area, businesses can generate more than five times as much thermal energy to meet their needs. Even if solar electricity is combined with efficient heat pump technology, solar heating systems provide 66% more output. The cost of solar heating energy storage is far cheaper. Thermal energy (in the form of hot water) is simply stored in insulated hot water tanks. The tanks provide unlimited storage/discharge cycles, and no regular periodic replacement is required. Other energy storage technologies, such as electric batteries have a very limited number of storage/discharge cycles; performance declines with age and they need expensive periodic replacement. Solar heating systems provide the cheapest cooling solution for large commercial cooling users. Hot water generated by a solar heating system can generate 7oC chilled water through using an amazing absorption chiller. An absorption chiller has one just moving part – a small water pump, which electrically operates for next to nothing! Solar heating systems can provide district/utility scale energy solutions. Solar heating systems have an unlimited maximum size, and can provide whole communities (including residences, businesses and industry) with much of their heating and cooling needs, over many kilometres. Furthermore, as one customer generates more heat than required, another customer on the heating/cooling grid can turn that excess heat into needed cooling. District heating and cooling is now an integral part of mainstream living in Sweden, with 270 of 290 municipalities utilising it. Solar heating system efficiency increases when outside temperatures rise. The hotter it gets outside, the more efficient the solar heating system becomes. Solar electricity panels, on the other hand, become less efficient as the ambient air temperature increases.
Solar heating systems have a longer life expectancy and higher life-long efficiency rating. Solar heating systems are inherently designed to last longer and to significantly better maintain their design efficiency compared with solar electricity systems. The 25 year degradation of leading large scale solar heating collectors is only 8%, versus 20% for tier 1 solar electricity panels. Solar heating collectors’ off-centre solar incidence performance is very high. The best modern flat-plate solar heating collectors maintain up to 98% performance when the sun is at +/- 50o from perpendicular. This is now as good as solar electricity panels. Solar heating systems are more environmentally friendly as a whole. As well as significantly reducing CO2 emissions, they also have the advantage of not creating massive e-waste problems (i.e. hazardous/ toxic materials) at the end of their life cycle, unlike solar electricity panels do. This is currently another big headache for governments, with only one recycling plant located in Adelaide, and a swag of solar electricity panels now becoming due for replacement en masse. Solar heating systems are fit for use by most types of large scale energy users. Typical users include greenhouses, abattoirs, dairies, manufacturers, breweries, councils, miners, shopping complexes, educational facilities, sporting hubs, retirement villages and large scale residential developers. In January 2019, Europe’s largest solar heating industrial process heat system was commissioned in Condat-sur-Vézère, France, to deliver on average 4,000 MWh/Year. It will cover 32% of the heated water needed for the steam generation required at a local paper mill, with a very high solar yield – more than 1,000 kWh/m2/p.a. Solar heating systems can help solve the electricity grid issues. Whereas solar electricity (and wind power) adds to the woes of the over-burdened electricity grid infrastructure, solar heating technology reduces the demand for electricity in the most cost effective way.
Big energy consumers in sunburnt Australia can readily side-step the politically led energy cost crisis that has haunted a quick succession of Prime Ministers. This can be achieved by firstly recognising that the majority of end-use energy requirements is actually for heating and cooling, not for electrical purposes. The plumbing industry stands at the centre of this big, no – revolutionary opportunity in Australia. It has a key role to play in raising community and government awareness of the best solution to significantly address our energy crisis through adopting the latest solar heating technology.
The majority of end-use energy requirements is actually for heating and cooling, not for electrical purposes
www.plumber.com.au | 33
Cbus Promotion
Imagine…
Buildings that capture energy from the wind and sun through their external walls, to be stored in on-site batteries…
Exteriors that open to allow drone deliveries, bring in fresh air and reduce the use of air conditioning…
Technology that enables a building to achieve net positive carbon emissions by using less energy than it produces
How Cbus Property is building for the future While such technologies are not readily available yet, Cbus’ subsidiary and developer, Cbus Property* is leading the way in green building design. In large scale developments like Collins Arch in Melbourne, work spaces are being created to enhance the wellness of the people who will work there.
Examples include improved energy consumption through reduced air flow and lighting sensors that determine when spaces are not being used and incorporating greenery as part of an urban forestry strategy to reduce the heat island impact that occurs in large cities. These are important aspects of green building design.
It’s also about futureproofing buildings to enable retrofitting as technology changes such as converting traditional plant rooms into battery storage.
spaces and human-centric design will help us attract the best tenants over the entire lifecycle of the building and in turn maximise returns for our members.
In future, Cbus will own many of these finished buildings as longer-term assets. Developing buildings with WELL ratings, functional and flexible workplace
This article was brought to you by Cbus, the industry super fund for building, construction and allied industries.
*Cbus Property Pty Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cbus and has responsibility for the strategic performance and management of Cbus direct property developments and investments. This information is about Cbus. It doesn’t take into account your specific needs, so you should look at your own business needs, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement and related documents to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au for a copy. Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262.
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Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement and other related documents to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au for a copy. Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262. 34 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
Off-grid water heating direct from solar PV The ROSC20 solar water heating system from Energy Smart Water uses ROTEX thermal storage and patented my-PV water heating technology from Europe. This sustainable energy system utilises photovoltaic (PV) electricity to reduce CO2 emissions, installation cost and complexity with minimal thermal losses compared to traditional solar thermal. The system delivers high solar energy yield, independent of temperature differential, and even performs in low solar conditions and cold ambient temperatures. NO PIPES, NO PUMPS, NO REFRIGERANTS equals low maintenance and reliable hot water from the sun!
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Celebrating 25 years in Australia
Marsh Advantage Insurance Promotion
Residential water damage claims are on the rise What does this mean for plumbers? According to a recent report by underwriter Chubb, instances of residential water damage are rising rapidly and are now the most common and costly risk for Australian households. In fact, the average claim for water damage has increased by a staggering 72% in the past 5 years from just $17,637 in 2014 to $30,361 in 20181. Even more alarming, homeowners in Victoria and Western Australia are 20% more likely to make a claim for internal water damage and although the specific reasons behind this are still under investigation, differences in construction methods and building codes could be a significant contributing factor2. Australian households utilise more plumbed-in appliances than ever before, and new home builds see more bathrooms and wet areas being included on upper levels, which is expected to contribute to the spike in water damage claims and above two-storey exclusions included in policies for plumbers. So what are the implications of this on the plumbing industry and what do you need to know for your own business insurance? Undoubtedly, rising residential water claims place greater pressure on the
plumbing profession by increasing demand for services to rectify or prevent these issues. However, this can also have implications on your own personal business insurance, with many plumbers experiencing increasing premiums making much needed insurance costly and less accessible, particularly for sole traders and small businesses. You might also be experiencing or have recently experienced a reduction in cover, where above two-storey exclusions are in place, or perhaps you have not been able to secure appropriate cover altogether. This can be detrimental, particularly in Victoria, where plumbers are required to have a specific level of cover in order to obtain or renew their licence. And what if one of these costly residential claims finds you liable for the damage caused to the property?
Insufficient or inappropriate cover could have a significant financial impact on you and your business. Fortunately, at Marsh Advantage Insurance, we arrange cover which offers automatic errors & omissions cover, no height restrictions and policies satisfy the licensing requirements under the Victorian Building Authority3. Our team has arranged insurance for thousands of plumbers across the country and has come to understand the unique requirements of the industry. We have strong experience in the market, allowing us to obtain the appropriate cover on your behalf. For more information on the implications of rising residential claims or to ensure you have appropriate insurance cover in place, please contact our expert plumbers team at 1300 300 511.
1 Source: Chubb, 2019. Get Smart About Water Leaks. Page 5 2 Source: Chubb, 2019. Get Smart About Water Leaks. Page 8 3 Marsh can arrange insurance policies which comply with the minimum insurance requirements contained in the Licensed Plumbers General Insurance Order 2002, Licensed Plumbers (Type B Gas fitting Work) Insurance Order or Licensed Plumbers (Private Plumbing Work) Insurance Order 2002
Notice: Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (Aust) (MPIB) is a trading name of Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL 238 369). MPIB arranges the insurance and is not the insurer. This article contains general information, does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs and may not suit your personal circumstances. Any statements concerning actuarial, tax, accounting, or legal matters are based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and are not to be relied upon as actuarial, accounting, tax, or legal advice, for which you should consult your own professional advisors. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers and before making any decision about whether to acquire the product, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available from Marsh Advantage on request. The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) receives a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by Marsh Advantage, enabling it to continue to provide further services to the plumbing industry. LCPA 19/135
36 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
UNDER PRESSURE At the moment, the trades industry is exposed to numerous challenges. From a reduced uptake in apprenticeships1 potentially limiting resources and creating an exposure to faulty workmanship, to collaborative worksites potentially exposing you to damages that a general public liability policy may not cover, day to day encounters could result in costly claims. Fortunately, Marsh Advantage Insurance is here to help. Stick with a partner who has worked with plumbers just like you for over 10 years and understands the unique pressure that you face.
Call Marsh Advantage Insurance on 1300 300 511 or visit trades.marshadvantage.com.au/plumbers Marsh Advantage Insurance is endorsed by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia 1
Alex Underwood. Tough Tradie Market: Why Australia is Experiencing a Tradie Shortage. Forsythes Recruitment. May 14, 2018.
Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL 238 369) (‘Marsh Advantage’) t/a Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (Aust) a trading name of Marsh Advantage, arranges the insurance and is not the insurer. This advertisement contains general information and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) which is available from Marsh Advantage. Marsh Advantage uses the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) logo under license from MPMSAA (ABN 56 296 473 997). MPMSAA receives a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by us, enabling it to continue to provide further services to the plumbing industry. LCPA 19/209. 19-1391.
Member news Industry winners The fifth annual Plumbing and Fire Industry Awards (PFIA), held in September as part of the World Plumbing Conference, welcomed more than 750 local and international plumbing and fire protection industry attendees. Geelong Fire Services and Wilson Plumbing and Drainage claimed joint honours for the prestigious Project of the Year Award. Geelong Fire Services was recognised for work on the Australia 108 building. Wilson Plumbing and Drainage was recognised for work on Stage Two of the Melbourne and Olympic Park refurbishment, which includes Rod Laver Arena. A highlight of the night was the inaugural presentation of the Lou Maglio Australian Apprentice of the Year Medal. Lou Maglio was an industry champion who tragically passed in late 2018. The medal has been created to honour his legacy in the Fire Protection industry and is presented to the Australian Fire Protection Apprentice of the Year. Jack Carter from Combined Fire Systems in South Australia was selected as the inaugural winner of this prestigious award out of a pool of five state finalists. General President Mark McManus of the UA received the William P. Hite Leadership Excellence Award for his commitment to the relationship between the UA and the PPTEU. Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients. From top: NA Smith Gas Award, Joel Anderson, Commercial Hot Water and Maintenance; Tradelink Women in Plumbing Rose Curtis Award, Kimberley Smyth, Hey Sista Plumbing; Mechanical Services Award, Victoria Tomkins, Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria; The team from Geelong Fire Services
38 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
The new find-a-plumber
where members are listed against their areas of expertise, and work they are qualified to complete.
The problem
Have peace of mind in the fact that:
People often underestimate the importance of the role plumbing plays in the health and safety of our community. A properly maintained, reticulated water supply and functioning sewerage system are for the most part taken for granted. When you turn the tap, drinkable water comes out, and when you flush your toilet it sends all your nasties far, far away. It just works… until it doesn’t! Then who you gonna call? (cue: Ghostbusters theme) As a Plumbing Association, it’s frustrating to hear about people doing the wrong thing and casting nasty shadows that muddy the waters of our otherwise amazing industry. A quick Google search will reveal a pandora’s box of horror stories that detail the shocking experiences of consumers sourcing tradespeople online. Most on-demand work platforms, while great for so much, have a lot to answer for when providing the right type of tradie for some jobs. Allowing the humble ‘handy-man’ and others in search of a quick buck to appear in searches for tasks that they aren’t qualified to carry out, puts the health and safety of the community at risk. Just pick the ones with good reviews I hear you say? Um, well… let’s just say that there’s a lot of ‘paranormal online activity’, which surrounds the authenticity of reviews. In December last year, the ACCC took tradie website
ServiceSeeking to court for allowing users to provide misleading reviews, including a feature that allowed companies to pick their own ratings.1 And when you consider that more than 90% of consumers say that online reviews do impact their purchasing decisions2, it’s important that we have a system that we can trust. We’re not alone, this is happening around the world.
1 Plumbers are only eligible to
apply for membership to Master Plumbers when they have provided a valid licence and registration; 2 Members are then vetted by
industry representatives to make sure they are of sound character and have a positive reputation amongst their peers;
BBC Inside Out carried out an investigation into local platforms and was astounded at how quickly and easily it was able to establish itself as a handyman on Rated People and MyBuilder. No qualifications, just an email and a website.3 It was also able to pretend to be its own customer and submitted glowing reviews for extra credibility.
3 Master Plumbers members must
Our solution
Found on the homepage of plumber.com.au, Find-a-plumber asks a few simple questions about the job you have before presenting you with Master Plumbers that are closest to you.
So how do we find a plumber online? With understanding of the global issue, and feedback from our members and the wider community, we began building an online tool to cut through the crap (pun intended) to connect consumers with reputable plumbers. Master Plumbers is proud to present, Find-a-plumber, the finder tool managed by the peak industry body. We’ve been around for 128 years representing, training and accrediting plumbing companies and working with governments and regulators to safeguard public health and protect consumers. Find-a-plumber is a directory of Master Plumbers’ members monitored by Master Plumbers,
adhere to a strict code of conduct to maintain their membership; and 4 The reviews generated through
the platform can only be completed by the consumer who requests the service and are monitored by a select Master Plumbers performance committee.
You can opt to call the plumber straight up or request a call back. Plumbers can have their hands full, be up a ladder or under a floor so the system initiates an SMS alert sequence to make sure your request is dealt with fast. Don’t just take our word for it… try it for yourself! 1 https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumeraffairs/serviceseeking-in-court-for-misleadingreviews-20181214-p50mbl.html 2 https://www.thedrum.com/news/2017/03/27/ online-reviews-impact-purchasing-decisionsover-93-consumers-report-suggests 3 https://www.bbc.com/news/ukengland-42783279
www.plumber.com.au | 39
Member news Local lad recognised ODM Plumbing’s third-year plumbing apprentice, Will Moxey, took out the Casey Apprenticeship/ Trainee of the Year Award in October. Will was among hundreds of nominees within the Casey electorate and one of 10 finalists – all representing different trades and backgrounds. Will’s nomination described the young plumber as a “quality team member who has continued to show a solid work ethic throughout his apprenticeship. Will has not taken an unplanned day off since he began in 2017. Not bad for someone in their early 20’s.” The nomination also highlighted Will’s willingness to learn, and his respectful and professional attitude. After the award Will told API: “It was a big honour to win. I felt very proud and grateful to ODM for the nomination. It has definitely spurred me on to be the best that I can. “The best part of my apprenticeship has been working with a team of great blokes,” Will said. “They’ve really helped me learn the trade and develop my plumbing skills. When I first started, I was bit unsure of what was expected of me, but everyone was really patient and gave me the confidence to do my best.” ODM Managing Director Owen Morcombe said: “I have seen Will develop from a shy, thoughtful, young kid to a confident and self-assured employee. Will is an example of when apprentices are encouraged and supported in the right way they can bring bountiful benefits to the workplace and their community.”
40 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
The article, Plumbing in Paradise, published in the spring edition of the Australian Plumbing Industry magazine was not endorsed by its stakeholders and does not accurately reflect the engagement surrounding the Kiribati Facility program. API apologises for the wrong draft of the story being run on the innovative partnership between Melbourne’s Chisholm Institute and Kiribati Institute of Technology.
The BBC has described Kiribati as ‘the poster child for climate change’ It’s a long way to get there, but it’s a beautiful place. Culturally, I loved it, and everyone is extremely welcoming.
Plumbing
in paradise Kiribati’s only Certificate III-qualified plumber Tetarae Inatio spent three weeks in Melbourne working closely with Bryan and his team at Chisholm, and undertaking industry visits, including to Reece’s distribution centre.
Employment pathways are unlocked in this innovative partnership between Melbourne and Kiribati. Kathryn Kernohan reports.
Bryan Ornsby, Manager Plumbing at Melbourne’s Chisholm Institute, doesn’t hesitate when asked to reflect on his visit to Kiribati. The first word that comes to mind is “gorgeous.”
The BBC has described Kiribati as ‘the poster child for climate change,’ and scientists believe some of the nation’s islands may become uninhabitable this century due to rising ocean levels.
The Micronesian independent Republic of Kiribati comprises more than 30 atolls and reef islands – just over 20 are inhabited – and the raised island of Banaba. About 120,000 people call Kiribati home, with around half of them residing in the capital Tarawa, located roughly halfway between Australia and Hawaii.
Bryan says the impact of climate change was unavoidable during his visit. “There is already damage to the atolls – the tides are higher, higher seas, parts of land are flooded. Some houses are already isolated and can only be accessed when the tide is out.
“It’s a long way to get there, but it’s a beautiful place. Culturally, I loved it, and everyone is extremely welcoming,” says Bryan.
“That’s why we want to do everything we can to support the people of Kiribati, including helping them to develop their plumbing skills to provide services to their communities.”
“Sadly though, they are facing lots of challenges in terms of overpopulation which is difficult in a plumbing context, as well as logistical challenges in terms of getting fresh food, sanitation and energy.”
Through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia is the largest bilateral aid donor to Kiribati, and provides about 20 per cent of the state’s total Official Development Assistance.
30 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Spring 2019
Last year, a partnership was established between Chisholm Institute, a Victorian vocational education and training provider, and Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT), which runs a range of accredited and non-accredited courses across trade and non-trade industries, to assist skill development and open up pathways to employment. Representatives from Chisholm visit Kiribati twice a year to provide mentoring to students and teachers and to run a program which formally recognises prior learning across areas including business, accounting and plumbing. More recently, in June, Kiribati’s only Certificate III-qualified plumber Tetarae Inatio spent three weeks in Melbourne working closely with Bryan and his team at Chisholm, and undertaking industry visits, including to Reece’s distribution centre. Tetarae is Kiribati Institute of Technology’s Plumbing Lecturer
and took part in a Training and Leadership Fellowship at Chisholm alongside the institute’s Accounting Lecturer, Head of School Business and Deputy Director of Quality. “I have been in the plumbing industry for about five years. We have a lot of people at home who want to become plumbers, but we can only teach 18 students each year. We have lots of applicants so we select the top ones,” she says. “I learned a lot from the team in Melbourne, especially comparing things with the plumbing industry at home and the teachers we have on the island. The mentors I have been working with are very experienced and I will take these skills and techniques back to teach people in Kiribati”. Kiribati Institute of Technology currently offers two Certificate II qualifications in Plumbing which cover drainage, metal roofing and cladding.
Thanks to the partnership with Chisholm Institute, these courses are now recognised in Australia and around the world, and also meet the Australian VET Quality Framework standards. The Australian Government also funds the Kiribati Facility, which is operated by Scope Global as appointed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Kiribati Facility in turn operates the Skills for Employment Program at Kiribati Institute of Technology, which offers demand-driven skills training. Between initiatives like this and the partnership between Kiribati Institute of Technology and Chisholm Institute, I-Kiribati people have more access to internationally recognised training opportunities and employment pathways than ever before. Brendan Gould, General Manager Training and Industry Development, Master Plumbers says that the
partnership complements other international training offered by Australian providers. “There have been many examples of training by Australian providers in the pacific, across the VET sector, and this is in addition to those programs. “Master Plumbers sees the partnership as a recognition of the quality that the plumbing training program offers. The positive benefit to Kiribati and its people will be seen for years to come and will assist in improving life on the island.” Bryan says that Chisholm’s partnership with Kiribati Institute of Technology will continue until at least 2020, and his team looks forward to continuing to develop relationships with Tetarae and the team at Kiribati. “Both parties have a lot to gain and to learn from this partnership, and my team and I love knowing we are making a difference to the lives of people in Kiribati.” www.plumber.com.au | 31
Product news Put your Gold Fleet discount to work Over the years, Toyota HiLux has helped hard-working Aussies get the job done. And the latest range of premium models are no exception. The head-turning HiLux Rogue, Rugged and Rugged X all boast the strength and durability HiLux is renowned for. With a robust 2.8L turbo engine, advanced safety features and a stack of top-notch
tech, these new models can handle anything you throw at them. While the Rogue takes strength and style to whole new level, the Rugged is built to tackle the toughest terrains. And with top-of-the-line performance both on site and off road, the Rugged X boasts added strength and durability.
Members of Master Plumbers in Victoria can use your Gold Fleet discount to save $3,800* on these premium workhorses today. For more information, speak to your Toyota Fleet Specialist or call 1800 444 847.
*Offer applies to 2019 HiLux Rogue, Rugged and Rugged X models for Gold Fleet customers only until 31/12/2019, unless offer is extended. Offer may be extended or amended at any stage.
Water heating direct from solar PV Hot water and spacing heating from photovoltaics. The ROSC20 solar PV hot water system from Energy Smart Water provides hygienic and reliable off-grid water heating using quality ROTEX heat exchange thermal storage and my-PV direct water heating technology from Europe. No inverter, no pumps, no piping and no refrigerants! This makes the ESW ROSC20 system easy and cost effective to install with only cables to the roof. Reliability is also improved with no moving parts in an unpressurised system that can heat up to 85°C. Using solar PV also reduces thermal losses and improves
performance in colder conditions with no need for solar collector frost protection. 300L and 500L ROTEX storage sizes are available with modular designs scalable to suit any water heating application. Various auxiliary heater options are available including AC immersion element, continuous flow gas or heat pumps. This product is also registered with the Clean Energy Council as Power Conversion Equipment (PCE) for creating STCs from the PV array to reduce upfront costs. For more information, visit www.esw.net.au or call 1800 0 ROTEX. www.plumber.com.au | 41
Product news Abey MacValve solution
More Efficient FLOW
Design and construct
When installation space is an issue and traditional traps won’t fit, Abey’s McAlpine Self Closing One-Way Waterless Waste Valve is the answer.
Sewerquip is excited to announce the introduction of the NEW 3FLOW nozzle range.
D&C contracts are becoming more and more prevalent in the construction industry. Plumbing contractors are routinely given 20–70 % completed plans and are asked to fill in the blanks. These are commonly referred to as shop drawings; they give the contractor the ability to design the system in the most cost-effective way possible and provide the site team with a set of drawings that reflects individual company protocols and practices. MJI Design is a drafting firm specialising in hydraulic design.
It can be fitted horizontally or vertically with a one-way flow valve that prevents back flow and seals out odours and gases. It is a relatively low-cost solution that avoids messy and timeconsuming fabrication work. Best of all, it is Watermark approved and comes in a variety of sizes, including 40mm and 50mm. For more information, www.abeytrade.com.au or call 1800 809 143.
What is FLOW? 3FLOW is a new concept developed with flow direction optimisation. Water flows into the rear of the nozzle and is directed through optimised flow channels to minimise pressure loss and exit smoothly through the jet holes. This minimises energy loss and delivers more jetting power and faster results. Testing has shown that 3FLOW nozzles with internal flow direction can be up to 30% more efficient than conventional nozzles. 3FLOW nozzles come in four jet configurations to tackle any blockage. For more information, visit www.sewerquip.com.au or call us on 1800 816 830.
MJI Design help plumbers Australia wide with the design and documentation of shop drawings, as builts, penetration drawings, block plans, value management and more. For more information, call 03 9084 7481.
30% INTRODUCING THE NEW 42 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2019
MORE POWER
FROM YOUR EXISTING JETTER
Unpaid invoices plague plumbing industry An international study by Market Invoice found that in Australia the average amount of time it takes for an invoice to be paid is 26.4 days AFTER the due date!* This delay can have a detrimental effect on cash flow. On-site payment processing systems can facilitate faster payments for plumbers and create consistency in cash flow that is needed to keep a business running comfortably. They come in the form
of a card reader provided by a third-party merchant, like Square Payments, and are supported by an online account. When coupled with a job management app like simPRO Mobile, the system enables plumbers to record job details, generate and send invoices to customers, and take card payments, all while still on-site. To learn more, head to simpro.com. au/solutions/simpro-mobile
*Read the rest of the 2016 report by the UK finance group here: http://www2.marketinvoice.com/ l/310601/2017-11-15/4hfjg/310601/19775/MarketInvoice_The_State_Of_Late_Payment2016.pdf
Aussie’s Jetters reach further Plumbers report fantastic results from drain cleaning jetters, compared to hard to handle and potentially lethal mechanical systems. The big difference is not just convenience but the extra range from Aussie’s Cobra Jetters. 60 metres of high pressure hose provides 60 metres of pipe clearance capability! The new Class A machines from Aussie Pumps are now available as a special package to get plumbers who haven’t converted yet into the game. A new package that can include a finance deal through major plumbing houses is the big news hitting the industry. “Aussie’s Class A Cobra comes with a 4000 PSI pump performance, 20 lpm flow and is powered by a Honda twin cylinder GX630 electric start engine. The unit comes in a heavy duty galvanised steel frame,” said Aussie Pumps Chief Engineer John Hales. Further information is available from Reece, Tradelink or other authorised plumbing distributor of the Aussie Cobra range. www.plumber.com.au | 43
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Taylor 3rd Year Apprentice Area: North-West Melbourne Water Sanitary Gasfitting Drainage Roofing Mechanical
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Alex Qualified Plumber Area: South-East Melbourne Experience: Water Sanitary Gasfitting Drainage Roofing Mechanical
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