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to the Spring edition of Australian Plumbing Welcome
Decisions made in Canberra are impacting our industry more than ever before. The bureaucrats and policy makers at the national level strongly shape our industry whether it’s changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) or Australian Standards (AS); policies impacting the workplace, business regulation, taxation, housing, training of apprentices, or payment terms; or funding decisions that impact our pipeline of work.
And while it may not always be immediately apparent, many of the decisions made at a federal level filter down to all state and territory jurisdictions, ultimately affecting the day-to-day operations of every member’s business.
As we head toward a Federal Election (between now and next May), it is critical that our industry has a national voice, and that voice is heard.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind our readers of the incredible body of work undertaken by Master Plumbers associations across the country. Your associations influence agendas and outcomes in favour of our industry and the communities we proudly serve.
At the national level, Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand (MPANZ) represents all associations across the two countries, with Master Plumbers (Victoria) currently the Secretariat.
In August this year, MPANZ released Plumbing Industry Priorities, outlining the key national issues facing our industry and the path forward, as shaped by research, industry intelligence and views of the tens of thousands of businesses collectively represented through its constituents. Plumbing Industry Priorities shines a light on the key issues facing our industry, challenges current approaches and identifies workable solutions in three critical areas:
• Championing consistent, evidence-based regulation;
• Securing the sustainability and integrity of the plumbing industry; and
• Future proofing our skilled workforce
Download a copy at https://masterplumbersanz.com/
In August, a delegation of MPANZ representatives headed to Canberra to directly champion issues including the energy transition, the skills shortage, wage subsidies and the cost of business.
On a Victorian front, Master Plumbers is working hard with both sides of politics to seek a more practical gas-transition pathway. The flawed nature of the Victorian Gas Substitution Roadmap and its rushed implementation is leading to poor outcomes for customers. Master Plumbers’ view is that plumbers should always feel empowered to initiate open discussions around the best energy solution for their customer’s situation and to ensure consumers are fully aware that gas appliances can still be installed and remain a very effective option in many situations. Master Plumbers supports Australia’s goal to move to a low-carbon emission economy. But we take issue
when governments and green lobby groups willfully mislead consumers and the community about the benefits of rapid electrification, the real cost to make the change and the ‘whole of life’ impact. Keeping Australia’s energy options open is key to the best possible transition.
In June, the Victorian Government released a new Roadmap for Heat Pump and Hot Water Systems in Australia. Master Plumbers believes the roadmap is a workable component in encouraging all leading industry associations to unite and work toward net zero in a practical way.
We have called for a more balanced and orderly approach to the energy transition through government submissions, including the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) outlining Minimum Standards for Rental Properties and Rooming Houses, which seeks to remove gas heating and hot water systems from rental and rooming properties. This is expected to be followed later in the year with a further RIS, which will probably mandate end-of-life gas appliances with electric replacement in all households.
Master Plumbers views have also been relayed in the Victorian Parliament with questions on the record by Hon. David Davis MP (Opposition) and Mr David Limbrick (Libertarian Party) as a direct result of our advocacy. Our interstate colleagues, especially in NSW, have been similarly vocal on this critical issue.
On page 8, readers can find out about the rollout of further restrictions on lead products in our water systems from 2026, a discussion Master Plumbers has been part of over the past five years. Master Plumbers has been particularly concerned about an increase in lead in products coming into our market and strongly supports this move to ensure consumers continue to have access to the safest drinking water in the world. But we also want the Victorian Government to ensure point-of-sale legislation prohibits retailers from selling nonconforming products to ensure the change works.
If you want to have more of a say on the issues that matter most to you, please get involved. Attend Master Plumbers technical meetings and take the opportunity to share your voice through the various surveys, forums and submissions that we release. Our collective experience and insights are what help shape better, fairer, more practical policy decisions.
Norm Anderson President, Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia
Stop the silent killer
As Australia prepares to enforce further restrictions on the use of leaded plumbing products within our drinking water systems in 2026, it is important to know the law and prepare for any potential pitfalls.
Australia is among the world’s best in terms of water quality, yet there is still an invisible killer leaching into our drinking water, which is preventable and must be stopped.
That is the long-standing opinion of Master Plumbers locally, and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) globally.
Now, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has issued an advisory notice about the new National Construction Code limitation on the allowable content of lead in plumbing products used in our drinking water systems. From May 1, 2026, the allowable lead in plumbing products, which contain copper
alloys and are intended for use in contact with drinking water, must have a weighted-average lead content of no more than 0.25%.
At this time only products WaterMark certified as conforming to the lead-free provisions will be authorised for use in plumbing installations.
Graham Clark, General Manager of the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), sums up the rationale behind the tighter rules.
“Lead cannot be consumed at any level and be safe; with exposure known to cause neurological and cognitive health issues,” Graham says. “So, we must all play our part in
reducing the amount of lead in the plumbing products we manufacture, sell, install and, most importantly, use in our drinking water systems.”
A tasteless and odourless contaminant, lead is present in drinking water worldwide. Exposure to lead in childhood or during pregnancy can cause lifelong harm, yet globally about one in three children have elevated levels of lead in their blood.
From the 1970s Australian states and territories started to ban lead in many products, including petrol, paint, roof flashings and lead pipe. Other interventions for drinking water have included water treatment, water testing standards and a maximum
Australia is among the world’s best in terms of water quality, yet there is still an invisible killer leaching into our drinking water
A tasteless and odourless contaminant, lead is present in drinking water worldwide
4.5% lead-content restriction for some plumbing products.
These have contributed to Australia sitting in the top 15% for water quality in the world. However, where lead is present in drinking water in quantities above that permitted by AS/NZS 4020, Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water (10 μg/L), the probable cause is plumbing products that are used in water supply delivery system within the property.
Unfortunately, lead is found at above the allowable rate far too often and researchers at Macquarie University have found that the most effective means in further reducing lead content in drinking water are interventions targeted at its source, through the use of low-lead plumbing products and materials.
“This is the tail end of restrictions and will ensure public health and safety,” Master Plumbers Senior Technical Advisor Gary Bath says.
Lead is a common additive to the manufacture of brass tapware and fittings as it increases the machinability of the brass. Brass is a common product in a drinking water supply system most commonly in the form of tap bodies, final connection points and threads.
Master Plumbers are particularly concerned about an increase in lead in products coming into our market. Gary says, in some cases manufacturers are adding more lead as they recycle brass products.
“So, we are potentially getting more lead than ever coming back into our systems,” he says.
“Master Plumbers strongly supports these latest restrictions as a means to ensure consumers continue to have access to the safest drinking water in the world and we have been part of these discussions for the past five years.”
IAPMO’s Graham Clark adds it is important that the continued reduction of the use of lead in drinking water supply system componentry is adhered to nationally and he is hopeful these limitations become the norm internationally.
“Consistency across jurisdictions is critical for all parties within the supply chain. To have different sets of rules across Australian state and territory borders would unnecessarily hinder travelling practitioners, regulators and manufacturers of plumbing products,” Graham says.
“The changes to the Plumbing Code of Australia and the WaterMark Certification Scheme bring Australia somewhat in line with the US and Europe, so we are on the path to harmonisation.”
What is the impact on plumbers?
Current WaterMark Certification requirements are policed at the point of installation. Graham explains: “This means that even if the plumber who installs the product in the system did not purchase the product, they are responsible for ensuring it meets any WaterMark conditions required.”
Lead is a common additive to the manufacture of brass tapware and fittings as it increases the machinability of the brass
Key facts
A three-year transition period to support Australia’s path to reducing allowable lead levels in many plumbing products commenced on 1 May 2023.
“We recognise that this is another responsibility being put at the feet of plumbers,” Gary Bath says. “Plumbers are expected to say no to the consumer if it does not carry the Lead-Free WaterMark trademark,” he explains. “If it does not comply with the Lead-Free WaterMark after 1 May 2026, it is illegal to install and that will be on the plumber not the customer.”
While this is no different from the current WaterMark Scheme, Gary says, Master Plumbers is not standing idle.
“We will continue to lobby for a highly visible, Lead-Free WaterMark label and POS (point-of-sale) marketing so that consumers can be made aware.
“We are about empowering our members so that they can pass the information onto their customers. This is the best way to create value as the conversation with consumers is one-to-one and therefore the most impactful way.
“The supply of training and information, and the retooling of plumbers, all comes at a cost to the industry.”
And for consumers? The new Lead-Free WaterMark certification extends to only those products that are to be installed into a drinking water system. So, in effect, nonWaterMark Certified products can continue to be made available for irrigation or other systems and be available for the public to purchase, in many cases sitting alongside Certified products in a retail situation at a lesser cost.
“The public cannot look to the cheapest item,” Gary says. “For their own safety they need to look for the WaterMark Certification symbol on all plumbing products, such as taps, that their drinking water touches. I strongly advise against buying cheap products online or in stores that do not comply with WaterMark, not only is illegal to install them for drinking water, but they may also have an even higher lead content than is currently allowed.”
The Lead-Free WaterMark trademark has been registered and will be required on all products used in the drinking water systems from 1 May 2026.
Clause A5G4 of NCC 2022
Volume Three (Plumbing Code of Australia) specifies that copper alloy plumbing products in contact with drinking water must limit the allowable lead content to a weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25%.
Manufacturers and suppliers of impacted products should contact their WaterMark
Conformity Assessment Body, such as IAPMO, to arrange certification to these requirements.
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Know the answers
Master Plumbers’ technical advice team share their answers to your frequently asked questions.
Q Must the sanitary junctions be 15° to the branch drain?
A Yes. It is prescribed under AS/NZS 3500.2 Clause 4.9.1.2
Where a junction is used to make the connection of a DN 100 branch drain to another DN 100 drain, the entry level of the branch drain shall be elevated at an incline of not less than 15° above the horizontal. The reason for the change in the way we install junctions is that a minimum of 15° above horizontal removes the probability of the partial backwash of a discharge into the branch causing stranding that can lead to blockages in the drain.
Z3500.0 Glossary of Terms defines branch drains as the section of a drain that is intended to receive the discharge of fixture-discharge pipes, but that has a lower fixture-unit loading and that may be of smaller nominal size than the main drain at its point of connection.
Under the NCC there is an exemption for Victoria that states where the 15° requirement cannot be achieved, the incline must be as close as possible to the 15° to avoid stranding. The understanding we have from the VBA is this only applies to above-ground sanitary installations.
Q Do valley gutters have a minimum roof pitch?
A Yes. AS/NZS 3500.3 Section 3.6, has roof slopes at no less than 1:4.5 (12.5°).
When sizing up your valley gutter, the nominal valley gutter side angle shall be 1:3.4 (16.5°). You should also not have any more than 20m² of roof discharging into the valley gutter. The outlet of valley shall only discharge into an eaves gutters or box gutter with a minimum of 50mm overhang with the end of the valley turned down into the gutter. On completion the valley gutter is to have a minimum effective discharge width of 150mm. Valley gutters are to be fixed with galvanized nails bent over or cleated at the outer edges of the gutter at intervals not exceeding 500 mm.
Q Can an overflow from a box gutter system connect back into the stormwater system?
A No. AS/NZS 3500.3 stipulates they must discharge to the atmosphere. Still, there are a few points to be mindful of, including:
• The size of overflows must be calculated in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.3.
• Overflows are to terminate to atmosphere in such a way as to prevent any damage to buildings and property.
• The hydraulic capacity of overflow devices should be not less than the design flow for the associated gutter outlets.
• Overflows can also discharge to a stormwater pit, as long as there is an air gap and the installation can be seen if a blockage occurs.
Q Is there a maximum grade I can install sewer on?
A There is no maximum grade but as AS/NZS 3500.2 2022 clause 3.4.3 states, where it is necessary to install a drain on grade between 20% and vertical, anchor blocks shall be installed:
(a) At the bend or junction at the top and bottom of the inclined drain; and
(b) At intervals not exceeding 3m. If the grade changes, it must go at the top and bottom of the change of grade.
Anchor points
Floor waste
alert
Confused about whether floor waste is required?
You are not alone. To assist, Master Plumbers technical advisor Sam Welsh will delve into the requirements, standards, and best practices surrounding floor waste gullies in Australia.
Floor waste gully requirements and standards are split between the National Construction Code (NCC) and The Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3500.2 2021).
Let’s start with when it is a requirement under the NCC to install a floor waste gully. NCC states that in a Class 2 or 3 building, or Class 4 part of a building, a bathroom or laundry located at any level above a sole-occupancy unit or public space must have a floor waste gully. Class 2 buildings are apartment buildings. They are typically multiunit residential buildings where people live above and below each other. The NCC describes the space as an apartment/sole-occupancy unit. Class 2 buildings may also be single-story, attached dwellings with a common space below.
For example, two dwellings above a common basement or car park. Class 3 applies to residential buildings other than Class 1 (stand alone houses) or Class 2 buildings, or a Class 4 part of a building. Class 3 buildings are a common place of long term or transient living for a number of unrelated people. Examples include a boarding house, guest house, hostel or backpackers (that are larger than the limits for a Class 1b building). Class 3 buildings could also include dormitory-style accommodation, or workers’ quarters for shearers or fruit pickers. Class 3 buildings may also be ‘care-type’ facilities such as accommodation buildings for children, the elderly, or people with disabilities, which are not Class 9 buildings.
A Class 4 part of a building is a sole dwelling or residence within a building of a non-residential nature.
An example of a Class 4 part of a building would be a caretaker’s residence in a storage facility.
A Class 4 part of a building can only be located in a Class 5 to 9 building.
Now, let’s have a technical look into floor waste gullies.
Where a floor waste is installed, the minimum continuous fall of a floor plane to the waste must be 1:80, and the maximum continuous fall of a floor plane to the waste must be 1:50. Floor waste gullies should be installed with an accessible removable grate and have a riser of not less than DN 80 to the finished surface level. Where the sole function of the floor waste gully is to dispose of water spillage and wash-down water, a minimum DN 50 riser may be used as per AS/NZS 3500.2 2021. Floor waste gullies
should not be installed in any refrigerated cool room, air conditioning return air plenum or similar structure.
Do you need a floor waste when installing a urinal?
When one or more wall-hung urinal is installed, a floor waste gully must be installed in the same room and the floor must be graded towards the gully. If you have a floor- or slab-type urinal you do not require a floor waste gully, regardless of whether it has a step or not, unless the specific building requires one.
If you find a floor waste gully drawn on plans, when you know, from the information above, that it is not required, make sure you discuss this with the builder before you make a final decision. The builder may have other requirements outside the regulations and standards that mean a floor waste gully is a wise decision.
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Apprentice profiles
key Connection is
For more than
20 years, Master Plumbers’ group training scheme, Plumbing Apprenticeships
Victoria, has given the next generation of plumbers their start in the industry. In this edition, two apprentices talk about how PAV has provided vital training and connections, which gives them a head start in their industry of choice.
It is not often you start in an industry and you instantly have the opportunity to get in front of more than 250 employers but this is exactly what happens when apprentices join Plumbing Apprentices Victoria (PAV). If that is not enough, Michael and Sera tell of how PAV has opened the door to expert teachers, great support networks and strong mentors.
Michael’s story
Michael Macdonald was happily working as a licensed electrician, running his own business, until COVID hit.
“When COVID happened, things got very quiet and I was stressing about
work. My father was a plumber and was in the game for a very long time, he did his apprenticeship when he left school at age 15,” he explains.
“So, I began doing some electrical work for him – power points through hot water services, helping him with air conditioning, and doing the copper side of things.
“One day, he turned around to me and said, ‘you’re already doing a bit of the work, you may as well start your apprenticeship and see how far you go.’”
The uncertainty of the pandemic meant Michael was already thinking about his family and his career.
“My son was born in 2018 and he has an incurable lung disease.
During COVID, it was a really uncertain time. I was worried about my son, my family, my business and lockdowns. I had dad egging me on to start plumbing, so I began thinking that the broader a skillset I have, the more employable I am.”
Michael started a plumbing apprenticeship with his father and signed up with Master Plumbers’ Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (PAV) program in his second year after his father retired.
“I think the group training model is invaluable because it gives you a wide experience. It gives the employer flexibility to hire, and when the work dries up, they don’t have to make people redundant, they can just send the apprentices back and
Monash University’s Fishcore facility is the largest zebrafish facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere, consisting of 1000 quarantine tanks and 5200 main facility tanks (non quarantine). If the plumbing for the plant goes down on Michael’s watch it risks the survival of the fish, which puts at risk millions of dollars of vital research.
they get redeployed,” he says.
“One of the things I realised about plumbing compared to electrical work is that it’s very diverse. One day you can be in the ground, knee deep in mud, laying a drain and the next day you can be laying a roof. A benefit of the PAV program is experience, you get to move across the streams and hopefully by the end of four years have a pretty good understanding of the depth of the trade.”
Michael’s final deployment through the program was to Port Melbournebased Reliable Plumbing, a leading commercial plumbing business that services the education sector.
“I’m currently based at Monash
University doing commercial maintenance there, I’ve got full-time employment, so the whole thing has been a pretty good experience for both them and for me.”
The above-industry conditions offered by PAV – including aboveaward wages in the domestic sector and paying for fares and travel –has Michael encouraging others interested to get on board.
“There’s a lot of security and a lot of diversity in the trade, and with six different streams, you can specialise in whatever you want to.”
Sera’s story
When Sera Cifuentes was young, she harboured an ambition to
become a plumber. But, in the early 2000s when she finished school, there were significant barriers for women to enter trades.
“I ended up looking around at other trades and then becoming a qualified panel beater because I figured I was more likely to crash my car than to build a house! But there were a lot of barriers, more so than now, for a female to enter a male-dominated trade. I couldn’t find anyone that was willing to give me a job, and there was a lot of prejudice.”
Sera’s career then took a few different turns, working at Bunnings and as a night manager at an indoor sports centre. When COVID hit, she was doing maintenance work at a hotel.
Access to world-class facilities like those at Narre Warren is part of the attraction of training and belonging to the Plumbing Apprentices Victoria community.
“My work was on pause and obviously nobody knew how long it was going to go for. I started thinking about starting a plumbing apprenticeship and the main thing was that we were locked down for two years so I knew I wouldn’t be better or worse off financially by giving it a go,” she says.
“I had a bit of savings and I thought this was my opportunity if I really wanted it. Being financially able to do this was a big factor in my decision.”
“I got online and started Googling, and I found Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (PAV).
I figured working with a bigger organisation was safer for a number of reasons including that if I had a bad environment or bad experience
with a co-worker, big companies have high standards for how they deal with these things. So, overall, it was really appealing to me.”
Through PAV, Sera has had the chance to work for “heaps of companies” and while she has experienced some challenging situations, she says overall it’s been a positive experience.
“I’ve surprised some people in terms of how physically capable I am, and I’ve worked with some really good people who’ve treated me equally.”
Having the support of PAV’s Field Officers, who help to troubleshoot problems and monitor an apprentice’s progress, has been valuable as has connecting with the Women in Plumbing network to meet other women in the trade.
Sara recently passed her journeyman’s exam – the average pass rate for PAV apprentices is well above 90 per cent, far above the state average – and is excited about what may be next.
“I know that I never want to work for myself because I am terrible at asking people for money, if the customer was a nice old person I’d just be like ‘don’t worry about it’,” she says with a laugh.
“I’d ideally like to get into a commercial environment as the facilities are great and the conditions would be awesome on a big Government-funded project.”
For news on the lack of apprentices, go to page 32 and 34, or for more information visit plumber.com.au
Do the right thing: Wage theft is a crime
Intentional underpayment of wages by employers will become a criminal offence under new laws introduced to the Fair Work Act.
The amendment to the Act, Closing Loopholes, limits the presumption of innocence by imposing absolute liability for certain offences, which could result in a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and/or fines of up to $7.8M.
Under the new law, the prosecution will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intended that their conduct would result in a failure to pay the required amount to, on behalf of, or for the benefit of, the employee in full on or before the day when the required amount is due for payment.
Master Plumbers Senior Workplace Relations Advisor Phil Eberhard said:
“These fault elements should ensure that only serious conduct involving underpayments is caught by the offence provision, which justifies the corresponding sanctions.”
“Honest mistakes or miscalculations should not be caught by the wage theft offence.”
A small business, with 15 or less employees, found to have underpaid staff, may not be criminally prosecuted, if they comply with the Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code that the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is currently developing.
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), responsible for investigating underpayments, will refer matters to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions or the Australian Federal Police for prosecution under the new law.
These changes will commence on 1 January 2025 (or the day after the Code is first declared by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations).
For more information on the new law or on any IR matters, call Phil on (03) 9321 0720 or email phil.eberhard@plumber.com.au
Heat pump acceleration
Master Plumbers, on behalf of its members, has thrown its support behind the new Roadmap for Heat Pump and Hot Water Systems in Australia.
Master Plumbers CEO Peter Daly said the roadmap was fundamental to ensure all leading industry associations could unite and work toward net zero in a practical way.
“We know domestic hot water use is responsible for about a quarter of household energy use in Australia,” Peter said. “This is about one fifth of our homes’ greenhouse gas emissions. Heat pump hot water systems are a critical technology to help Australia achieve net zero and as an industry, I am proud we have come together to agree on a roadmap that will work to reduce emissions and drive down energy bills for households.”
As a signatory to the roadmap, Master Plumbers along with 28 other industry leaders from across the country and supported by the NSW
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Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and Solar Victoria within the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, have collaborated on a set of principles and recommendations to transform the hot water market in Australia.
Congratulating the industry bodies, Energy Efficiency Council CEO, Luke Menzel said the roadmap created meaningful industry commitment to actions that will support the scale-up of the Heat pump hot water systems (HPHWS) market. Importantly, he said, the roadmap allows this to happen over time, “as Australia builds more capacity during this critical decade for action to reduce emissions”.
“Heat pump hot water systems will be an important feature in the smart energy homes of the future,” Solar Victoria CEO Stan Krpan said. “The prosperity of this growing industry requires leadership, so we are pleased to support the industry in its shared commitment to collaborate and work in partnership with government, so we can continue to meet the interests of consumers.”
Next gen awards
Matthew Hrkac (pictured below) and Lara Smyth (below, right) are just two of the 20 apprentice plumbers to receive a $3,000 grant as part of the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants. Rheem also awarded five individuals an extra $1,000 Recognition Award, bringing the total value of grants to $65,000. The judging panel, who reviewed more than 1000 apprentice applications from every state and territory, saw greater gender and age representation this year. In a significant step forward, 30 per cent of this year’s grant beneficiaries are women, a 50 per cent increase on 2023, and half of this year’s
Rheem Australia’s John Collignon said: “This year’s participants reflect a new wave of plumbers entering the industry, showing great tenacity and diverse thinking. When combined with their strong work ethic and focus on self-growth we know they will have a lasting impact on our sector.”
President’s report
Kicking off the Spring season has seen Master Plumbers Association Tasmania join the High Vis Army Project to work on initiatives, over three years, alongside our partners NECA, HIA, Master Builders Tasmania, Civil Contractors Federation, Keystone Tasmania and the State Government.
These initiatives will include the employment of an Industry Engagement Officer (IEO) to support increasing workforce awareness and the attraction and retention of participants in the Tasmanian plumbing industry. Further, we will be launching an Industry Expert Pilot Program to attract our industry’s experts into the TasTAFE framework to provide expert learning experiences to our future tradespeople. We have a lot of work to do but we are prepared and committed to the High Vis Army project and we congratulate the State Government for the inclusion of the plumbing and electrical trades.
On a regulatory level, we are pleased to support the regulators’ introduction of the Occupational Licensing (Administrator’s Assessments – Plumbing) Determination 2024. (Go to www.cbos.tas.au and search Occupational Licensing Administrators Assessment Plumbing Determination 2024) This Determination endorses the Administrator’s discretionary power to request an additional assessment to verify the competence of a person making an application for any class of plumbing licence. This is extremely important given the ease of obtaining qualifications in some instances via RPL and online providers, which undermines the true learning and competency model. Our regulator, the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services, has also introduced a new licence class available for Hydraulic Services Designers. More information on the scope of work and minimum qualification requirements for this class can be found. (Go to www.cbos.tas.au and search Occupational Licensing Building Services Work Determination V-2.2)
Lastly, an incredibly special congratulations to our member, Overeem Gas & Plumbing, who won the 2024 Kingborough Business Award for Manufacturing, Construction, Export & Trades Services. Michael and Andrea Overeem (pictured) run a strong business and are heavily involved in our Association. This is welldeserved recognition of your work and commitment to our industry.
Anthony Balik
Application Service coming soon
Since its launch in February 2022, PlanBuild Tasmania Enquiry Services has garnered significant attention and received over 110,000 enquiries via the portal. PlanBuild Tasmania is now ready to roll out the next phase – Application Services.
Within council areas that have adopted Application Services for the lodgement of Planning, Building, Plumbing, and related Environmental Health applications, building professionals will soon be able to submit applications and forms (such as Start Work Notifications), track form status, and interact with relevant authorities via PlanBuild Tasmania’s Application Services portal.
City of Hobart, TasWater, and Heritage Tasmania will be the first to adopt the solution on 12 August 2024. The timing and extent of adoption will depend on individual councils’ readiness and needs.
Tailored eLearning courses are available for Plumbers, with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points offered to professionals who complete the relevant eLearning courses.
For more information, visit www.planbuild.tas.gov.au
Tasmanian news
Know your staff
There is nothing is as important to Paul Francis, Managing Director of Hobart’s Aqua Line Plumbing and Gas, than his staff, Kathryn Kernohan finds out why he puts his people first.
“At the end of the day, without our staff we wouldn’t have business,” Paul Francis says. “We treat everyone as family and work hard to create a good environment for everyone so you can have a laugh and enjoy yourself at work, but also get the work done.”
It’s that philosophy that has served Aqua Line well for the past 20 years – with the business celebrating the milestone throughout 2024.
“We’re looking forward to taking all of our staff, their partners and family members out on a cruise later in the year when the weather gets a bit better, to celebrate the 20-year anniversary,” he says.
For Paul and his wife Emma, who began the business together in 2004, the past two decades have been “a pretty good ride.”
“I’ve been a plumber since I was 16,” Gary explains “I started my apprenticeship with my dad, Gary, and the company he was working for at the time, before moving to a larger commercial plumbing business doing a few of the bigger projects around the place,” he says.
“When I was around 29 or 30, I started thinking about going out by myself. I took some long service leave. Emma and I went to Bali to have a bit of a rest and when we got back. I took the plunge.”
The couple were living in the Huon Valley, around 40-minutes’ drive from Hobart, and Paul began working on new home builds and picking up local maintenance work.
“I started to get busier and busier, and put on an apprentice. I always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to get back into commercial work because that’s where I cut my teeth, and I always enjoyed it. We started doing a few smaller commercial jobs and I put on some full-time employees, and then we started to grow quickly from there.”
Along the way Paul and Emma had two sons, Daniel and Luca, and moved the business twice,
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eventually settling in Huntingfield where they had a 300sqm workshop.
“We still do domestic work, like new homes, renos and maintenance, but we’ve branched off into mainly commercial-type work ranging from renovations in schools and apartments to hospitals, dental clinics and doing maintenance for retirement villages and fish farming companies,” he says.
“In the last five or six years we’ve had some pretty big projects in Hobart, like the Vibe Hotel and the University of Tasmania’s performing arts centre, the Hedberg. At those points we had about 18 staff. We’ve scaled that back a little bit now; we’re at 11 or 12 guys.
“Over the last 18 months, we’ve also started to do some work for
TasWater. Initially, we were doing some flow meters for them and now we’re doing some domestic water rollouts, which has been really good. It’s another type of work we can have on our books rather than just being stigmatised to one area of work.”
As Managing Director, Paul’s role is mainly office-based, but he still enjoys getting back on the tools where he can.
“Sometimes I’ll jump on the excavator or do a bit of labouring and give the boys a hand if we’re getting a bit busy. I enjoy it, but I find that I get behind in the office, so it’s a balancing act,” he says.
“Emma gives me a hand, picking things up or running around helping out. We also have Sheree who’s been with us for 10 years in the
office, doing everything from pay runs and invoicing to a bit of project management. It’s a great team and we all work together really well. Some of our other staff have been with us for a fair while now, it’s Sean’s 15th year with the company this year.
Even Paul’s Dad still lends a hand: “Dad is retired now but he’ll come around to the workshop now and then, helping to sweep things up and talking to the boys, which is always nice.”
Reflecting on almost 35 years of experience in the industry, Paul says there have been significant changes over the past decade, including a continued shift towards green plumbing.
“There’s a push for water saving tools and on the commercial side we install solar and heat pump hot water systems these days. Across the board, tapware and fixtures are a lot more complex and modern now, and materials have changed a bit especially over the last 10 to 12 years, with copper press fittings and PEX pipes.”
At the end of the day, the one constant was the importance of relationships, amongst the team and with clients.
“A fair few projects come about through relationships, where we might have done a job previously and now the clients want an extension, and because we’ve been there previously and hopefully did a good job the client or builder will get us back.
“Like I always say to my guys, as long as we do things and do them right, we will get repeat work.”
Understanding people
Plumbing has always been in Andrew Butler’s blood but what has made Butler Plumbing what it is today? Kathryn Kernohan finds out.
“I’ve worked with my brother-in-law, my nephew was a plumber, I’m a plumber and now both of my sons work in plumbing,” laughs the founder of Melbourne’s Butler Plumbing.
“Our eldest son Will works part time in the office with us, and our younger son Henry works as an apprentice for us.
I think he’s enjoying it more than he thought he would!”
Andrew and wife Jennifer run the Fitzroy-based business, which has grown over the past three decades from the “classic man with a van” to a close-knit team of 20 people.
“Like so many plumbers, Andrew worked for other people, then started going out sub-contracting before forming his own company when things got more serious,” explains Jennifer.
“In the late 1990s we moved to Fitzroy, and we saw that as a great opportunity. Over time, we have grown organically, each year over the past decade. Things dropped back a little bit during COVID but then came back quite well after that.”
“We’ve recently had one of our staff members, Ally, celebrate 10 years with us which is amazing. We have a number of long-serving staff, which makes us feel like we are doing something right.
Butler Plumbing has a reputation as one of Melbourne’s best domestic and commercial maintenance businesses in both general plumbing and roofing. They pride themselves on being respectful, working as a close-knit team, having great communication and a focus on “getting it done.”
“We pretty much have a guaranteed 11 plumbers on the road at any given time because we’re focusing on reactive maintenance work, and sometimes we go to change a tap washer but we end up being there all day,” says Andrew.
“We want to provide a really good maintenance service, both preventative and reactive, which means we need flexibility and a really strong office.”
That’s where Jennifer, who joined the business in 2010 after more than 20 years of experience working as an accountant and management consultant in the corporate sector, comes in.
“We’re really strong on back-office systems and processes. I joined the business knowing about the importance of getting a good job-management system and being able to do strong reporting. It was good I’d come from that [corporate] world because I understood budgets and compliance,” she says.
The couple say that plumbers who can explain problems as well as fix them are worth their weight in gold.
“When we talk to clients, we promise to take their plumbing problems away so they can get on with the more important things in their lives. The concept of understanding what a customer’s pain point is and then communicating with them every step of the way has
always been a really important part of what we do,” explains Jennifer.
“We’ve always had a really strong focus on employing plumbers who are good talkers and who like to have a chat, because communication is so key to what we do. They can solve more with their mouth than with their hands by asking the right questions, which at the end of the day means solving problems quicker, more effectively and in a way that is better financially for the client.”
Butler Plumbing services a number of major clients including Marriott Hotels and UniLodge, predominately in Melbourne’s CBD and inner suburbs, but with Andrew says they still service regular customers who’ve been with the business for more than three decades.
“We still have a lot of customers in and around this area that we’ve had for 30 years, jobs like fixing Mrs. Brown’s washer. We mainly work close to the city but we do go as far as Frankston depending on the day and the workload. We don’t do renovations or new work, just plumbing maintenance and roof maintenance.”
Jennifer’s role as General Manager of the business has her focused on the strategic direction of the business, driving performance and being involved with HR, Finance and Marketing, while Andrew has put down the tools to focus on Business Development and working with the senior leaders of the company.
“I’d like to be on the tools, like all old plumbers would, but I love the business development side of the work, which involves getting to go out to customers and showing them how we can help,” he says.
When we talk to clients, we promise to take their plumbing problems away so they can get on with the more important things in their live.
Butler Plumbing is also passionate about gender equality in the plumbing industry, having one female apprentice and two women in the leadership team.
“We would love to get more females in the field, but there are not many in the industry. The way we work is very consultative and I think it’s an approach that women often enjoy,” says Jennifer.
“Our team are the ones out in the field representing our business and we really invest in them and their development. Supported and happy plumbers go that extra step to get the job done,” says Andrew.
“Butler Plumbing isn’t just Andrew and Jenny; we’ve got a great team of people.”
Pictured left: Andrew and Jennifer (centre) on the steps of the iconic Fitzroy Town Hall, which is very close to Butler Plumbing HQ. The couple are surrounded by their team, who are as talented technically as they are at communicating, ensuring the customer understands the problems and, more importantly, the solution.
Vital training
Incolink supporting apprentices like Harry through industryleading training.
As a sprinkler-fitting student at the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC), Harry has first-hand experience of the difference that training makes to apprentices and our industry.
What he learned during his time at the facility equipped him with the skills to go on and come second in the sprinkler fitting category of the 2024 Skills Contest.
“I spent the last four years of my apprenticeship at PICAC,” Harry said.
“When I was here on campus, I made some really good friends and all the teachers were great.”
A report released last year by Incolink estimated that by 2040, there will be 26,000 vacancies in the construction industry. Between July 2020 and April 2021, almost 35% of vacancies in the plumbing industry went unfilled.
Supporting apprentices through high-quality training is essential to building the workforce of tomorrow. These impacts are still felt by those who have completed their training.
For Jack, a plumbing mentor who previously attended PICAC, this training can make a difference for learners entering the industry.
“[PICAC has] small classes, compared to a couple of the other RTOs, you might have eight in a class here – so there’s a lot more one-on-one learning.”
“It makes it a lot easier for people who are very new to the industry to learn,” Jack said.
At training centres like PICAC, apprentices can build lifelong skills and friendships while getting the hands-on education they need to reach their full potential.
Incolink recognises the importance of quality training, giving students access to Industry leading facilities while supporting them to build skills and help them navigate their apprenticeships.
This is why last year they invested over $21 million in industry training, allowing facilities like PICAC to train the next generation of plumbers.
PICAC offers state-of-the-art education and training to plumbing apprentices like Harry, ensuring they receive every opportunity to succeed.
“At PICAC… I learned everything I know now,” Harry told us.
You can learn more about how Incolink invests in the industry training by visiting https://incolink.org.au/news/ a-proud-leader-in-industry-training
Flood prevention heroes
In the world of plumbing, few components play as crucial a role in protecting homes and businesses from water damage as sump pumps. Davey Sump Pumps stand out in a myriad of ways including:
• Davey is an Australian company with over 90 years of experience in pump manufacturing.
• It has consistently delivered products that meet and exceed industry standards.
• Davey has an unwavering commitment to quality and durability.
• Each pump in the range undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand the demanding conditions of continuous operation.
• The corrosion-resistant materials used in construction, coupled with high-grade stainless-steel components, contribute to the pumps’ longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
From compact models suitable for residential basements to heavy-duty options for commercial applications, there’s a Davey Sump Pump for every scenario. This adaptability, combined with the ease of installation and low maintenance requirements, makes them a favourite for plumbing professionals.
The pumps are equipped with advanced float-switch mechanisms and thermal overload protection, ensuring they activate precisely when needed and operate safely for extended periods. The pumps offer peace of mind to plumbing professionals and end-users. When it comes to flood prevention, Davey Sump Pumps prove they’re up to the task.
For more information, visit daveywater.com
Get Storm Drain™
Need an apprentice?
The plumbing industry’s future relies on qualified plumbers mentoring the next generation. Master Plumbers’ Curtis de la Harpe looks at some of the issues surrounding taking on a new apprentice.
Master Plumbers‘ Members speak about the difficulty of finding that 3rd or 4th year apprentice. Some speak of their reticence to take on a 1st-year apprentice. Let’s delve into the issues at play.
The elusive 4th year apprentice
When covid hit, there was a substantial drop in new plumbing apprentices. According to the National Australian Apprenticeships Association, as of April 2020, “commencement levels were down 58% on prior years”. Naturally, in 2024, there is a dearth of senior apprentices in the industry. Unfortunately, this was not a one-year glitch and this, coupled with the increased demand for plumbers in the industry, means the competition for these apprentices will continue until the governments‘ new incentives and skills plans take effect.
The answer
Consider taking on a 1st or 2nd year apprentice and keeping them
through their apprenticeship. You will provide a much-needed placement for an apprentice and no longer need one of the few 4th year apprentices in the market. There are also government incentives for taking on apprentices in their first year, reducing the investment.
The committed apprentice
There is a stereotype that the young, 1st year is not committed and often phone addicted.
The answer
Maturing comes with age and good mentoring. For instant maturity, hire a mature-aged apprentice. More people are entering plumbing as a second or third career. By hiring a mature-aged apprentice you are getting someone who understands the workforce, has other skillsets and is potentially more grounded. Alternatively, hire a first year, set boundaries and expectations and ensure that you mentor the behaviour you want to see.
The irregularity of work
A lot of plumbing businesses don’t have the next four years of jobs booked, so there is a concern when taking on a new apprentice that work could dry up.
The answer
This is where group training organisations come in. Companies like Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria and Plumbing Apprentices Queensland can place plumbing apprentices with your business on a more short-term basis. Ideally, they want you to take on one of their apprentices for the full length of their apprenticeship. But should your work dry up, they can find their apprentices a new position. They also pass on the government incentives they receive in the form of low charge-out rates. This means in most cases, it is also cheaper to hire an apprentice through a Group Training Organisation.
Read more about group training on page 18 and see how Incolink are supporting training on page 32.
American utes Big
The controversy over the size, consumption and cost of the American 1500 has erupted. Byron Mathioudakis is here to compare three of the frontrunners to give readers a real feel of what your dollar will drive.
The Contenders as driven:
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ from $130,500 before on-road costs (ORC): the challenger
Ford F-150 Lariat from $139,950 before ORC: the legend Ram DT 1500 Laramie from $137,950 before ORC: the great all-rounder
Some say they’re oversized and overpriced but they’re over here to stay.
Not since the influx of US soldiers during World War II has something
so big, brash and American been so conspicuous and controversial in Australia.
It was Chrysler’s Ram – the initiative of distributor Ateco Automotive –that began the big-ute craze with the earlier-shape DS series. Imported from America in left-hand drive and then re-engineered and rebuilt in right-hand drive (RHD) at considerable cost in Melbourne, sales exceeded forecasts despite high pricing. This was fuelled by next-level size, engine capacity and
towing capability compared to smaller utes like Toyota’s HiLux. That none fit within standard parking bays didn’t matter. Ram’s success has since prompted General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV), Ford and (from 2025) Toyota to follow with their own RHD conversions for their respective Silverado, F-150 and Tundra rivals.
We drive three 1500 4x4s to see what they’re all about and how they handle on typical Aussie roads.
Silverado –what’s next?
GM has confirmed that it is working on a next-gen V8, meaning the Silverado alone will stick with V8s for a few more years –but there’s also an allelectric model available in America that may eventually come to Oz.
Before on-road costs
Out of the ashes of Holden comes GMSV.
Launched locally in 2020 following a global debut two years earlier, the Mexican-made Silverado is the fourth to wear the nameplate since 1999, though its roots stretch back to 1941.
Facelifted in 2022 with fresh styling inside and out, today’s range opens with the LTZ Premium.
Premium in nature, too, with a vast and attractive cabin. The dash looks crisp and modern. Comfy seats provide support aplenty. Vision, storage and ventilation are ample. And the build quality is exemplary.
Equipment levels include climate control, powered/vented front seats, heated outboard seating, leather, sunroof, a 13.4-inch touchscreen, digital instrumentation, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bose audio, wireless charging, a powered sliding back window, 20-inch alloys and heaps more.
Among the safety items are Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), lane-alert/keep, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras with a bed view.
As with the others here, the flat rear bench is purely perfunctory, though vents, USB outlets and an armrest are provided, along with hidden
storage. Out back, the tailgate is powered, there’s a spray-on cargo liner and a tow bar.
If size is your thing, then the Silverado obliges, thanks to a 6.2-litre V8, delivering the most power (313kW) of the trio, to either the rear or all four wheels as per the others here for part-time 4x4. Our test car was very new, but still pulled strongly, burbled the right noises, and drove sweetly thanks to a smooth 10-speed automatic, while averaging 14.2L/100km in testing,
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
aided by fuel-saving engine tech.
The Chevy also steered well, handled predictably and was comparatively easy to park. But, with heavy load-prioritising leaf springs rather than comfort-orientated coil-sprung rear suspension, it wasn’t as refined, cushy nor as fun to drive as the dynamic Ram.
Still, with imposing looks, big space, a lovely interior and V8 muscle, the Silverado is a convincing full-sized luxury truck.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium from $130,500
Engine 6.2-litre V8 petrol
Transmission 10-speed automatic
Power 313kW @ 5600rpm
Torque 624Nm @ 4100rpm
Kerb weight 2552kg
Power-to-weight ratio 123kW/tonne
Official average fuel consumption 12.2L/100km
CO2 283g/km (approx.)
Fuel tank 91L
Warranty
3-year/100,000km
Service interval 12 months/12,000km
Turning circle 14.1 metres
Length/width/height/wheelbase 5931/2086/1930/3744mm
Cargo box dimensions L/W/H 1776/1813/569mm
Cargo width between arches 1286mm
Ground clearance 228mm
Towing capacity braked/unbraked 4500/750kg
Payload 748kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3300kg
ANCAP rating (5 out of 5) n/a*
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium from $130,500
F-150 –what’s next?
Although the current model landed in Australia in late 2023, the facelift is due by early 2025, bringing fresh styling, improved multimedia and updated safety. The all-electric F-150 Lightning version is also expected soon.
Before on-road costs
Ford F-150 Lariat from $139,950
Did you know Ford assembled the F-Series in Australia from the 1970s to the ‘90s?
Last imported in the 2000s, the F-150 relaunched locally in 2023. This is the 14th generation since 1948, debuting in America during 2021. Like the Ram, a longwheelbase option is also available.
Boasting a “military grade” aluminium body, the XLT from $106,950 is Australia’s leastexpensive contender now that the old-shape DS Ram 1500 is history but seems it too. Halogen rather than LED headlights, AWOL fog lights/front sensors/wireless charging/rear centre armrest and just a tiny (8.0-inch) touchscreen annoy at this price. At least AEB is standard, though.
The flagship Lariat, then, justifies its 31% premium with adaptive cruise control amongst extra driver-assist safety tech, leather, a sunroof, powered/heated/vented front seats, larger (12-inch) displays/ touchscreens, surround-view cameras and lighting, dual-zone climate control, premium audio, lashings of extra chrome, spray-in bedliner, electric sliding back window, powered tailgate, auto-folding mirrors, a fold-away gear selector allowing for tray-table workspace/ dining and lots more besides.
But while the US-made F-150 feels massive inside, with a panoramic driving position, supportive seats and thoughtful ergonomics, even
all that extra gear cannot disguise the Aldi-style ambience. This interior lacks premiumnness.
Meanwhile, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 offers a leading 678Nm of pulling power; mated to a slick 10-speed auto, it’s a gutsy performer, with ample muscle for effortless overtaking, and yet delivers best-ofclass economy (12.7 on test). But sadly, the exhaust note sounds dreary compared to its compatriots’ V8s.
Sticking with leaf springs out back, the F-150 at times suffers from firm
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Ford F-150 Lariat SWB from $139,950
Engine
and fidgety suspension, affecting ride comfort – and that’s a shame because the steering feels the most natural and precise here.
Never mind. The Ford does score on load area size/versatility, warranty and presence.
Impressive in most parts yet disappointing in others, the F-150 might possess the glamour, but its smaller, Australian-developed Ranger brother is the moreconsistent performer. Wait for the imminent update.
3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol
Transmission 10-speed automatic
Power 298kW @ 6000rpm
Torque 678Nm @ 3100rpm
Kerb weight 2535kg
Power-to-weight ratio 118kW/tonne
Official average fuel consumption 12.5L/100km
CO2 290g/km
Fuel tank 136L
Warranty 5-year/unlimited kilometres
Service interval 12 months/15,000km
Turning circle 14.6 metres
Length/width/height/wheelbase 5884/2030/1995/3694mm
Cargo box dimensions L/W/H 1705/1656/543mm
Cargo width between arches 1285mm
Ground clearance 239mm
Towing capacity braked/unbraked 4500/750kg
Payload 685kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3220kg
ANCAP rating (5 out of 5) n/a*
Before on-road costs
DT 1500 –what’s next?
Due soon is the Series II facelift, that sadly loses the V8 but gains a turbo in-line six, completely redesigned interior and a host of safety and multimedia system improvements. We’ll miss the old Hemi, though.
Ram DT 1500 Laramie Crew Cab SWB from $137,950
The Ram 1500 is America’s third bestselling vehicle, after the leading F-150 and Silverado. And we reckon it tries a bit harder as a result.
Launching in 1981 as a Dodge, Chrysler made Ram standalone by 2010, with the fifth-gen DT series debuting in America in 2018 –three years before arriving to Australia as a premium alternative to the since-discontinued DS.
Longer, larger and stronger than before, the latest Ram uses aluminium in some body panels to save weight. Its five-link coilsprung rear suspension is unique.
As with the base F-150 XLT, we recommend bypassing the base Big Horn from $119,950, because it is even more-poorly equipped, with no AEB among other key driver-assist safety and jump up to the Laramie instead. The latter includes LTZ Premium/ Lariat-equalling safety including adaptive cruise control, along with LED lighting, a sunroof, leather, powered/heated/vented front seats, premium audio, a 12-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera, a sliding back window, 20-inch alloys and more. Also fitted are heated reclinable rear seats and auto-deploying side steps.
Obviously, the Ram’s interior is vast. But it’s also more car-like in its
execution, with great vision, a fine driving position, sofa-esque front seating, user-friendly interfaces, classy design and quality finishes. Most rear seat amenities like vents and USB outlets are present, along with hidden storage areas. And the size and versatility of the massive tub out back are further bonuses. The tailgate is damped and has an electric release.
Speaking of which, the famous Hemi V8 up front uses mild-hybrid tech to reduce consumption.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Ram DT 1500 Laramie from $137,950
Engine
But we averaged 14.6L/100km –partily because the orchestral exhaust and rapid yet refined power delivery is difficult to resist. This feels like true big V8 trucking. Which is why the Ram’s light steering, controlled handling and absorbent ride are unexpected pleasures, making the Laramie the most civilised of the Big Americans.
Fast, dynamic, comfortable and intelligently packaged, the DT 1500 is a class favourite.
5.7-litre V8 petrol
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Power 291kW @ 5600rpm
Torque 556Nm @ 3950rpm
Kerb weight 2617kg
Power-to-weight ratio 111kW/tonne
Official average fuel consumption 12.2L/100km
CO2 283g/km
Fuel tank 92L
Warranty 3-year/100,000km
Service interval 12 months/12,000km
Turning circle
14.1 metres
Length/width/height/wheelbase 5916/2084/1971/3672mm
Cargo box dimensions L/W/H 1712/1687/569mm
Cargo width between arches 1295mm
Ground clearance 217mm
Towing capacity braked/unbraked 4500/750kg
Payload 818kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3450kg
ANCAP rating (5 out of 5) n/a*
* All three trucks/utes achieve the maximum 5-star rating in the USA (NHTSA)
Weighing up the
limits
Plumbers are part of a growing group of towing enthusiasts, whether it’s for work or play, but do you know the hitches you can run into when towing? In the final part of his towing series, Master Plumbers CEO Peter Daly explains how to be tow-ready.
Vehicle sales show Australians love tow-ready vehicles. Most popular are the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. In 2023, about 124,000 new Ranger and Hilux vehicles headed onto our roads, accounting for more than 10 per cent of all new vehiclesi
But being tow-ready can hide some dangerous and costly traps.
Foremost amongst these are knowing the manufacturers’ specifications for maximum weights that you can legally carry and tow, found on the compliance plate of the vehicle and trailer.
Exceeding these specs means the vehicle’s handling and braking is affected, the frame, tyres, brakes and suspension components can suffer damage or premature wear. More importantly you can cause a crash or be in one, with potential criminal or civil action as a result. On top of this, I’m yet to meet an
insurance company that will routinely pay a claim where the vehicle is shown to be outside the legal weight requirements.
So given the consequences, why is the old ‘she’ll be right’ approach to loading a vehicle and towing so common? Possibly because it’s quite hard to get your head around what all the different terms and requirements really mean.
In the first part of the series, we offered the definitions. In this edition we explain how these all work together in real life.
Towing capacity
Towing capacity is the most common factor spruiked by vehicle manufacturers and one most people are familiar with. Reading the glossy advertisements, you could be forgiven for thinking that it’s as simple as ‘bigger is better’ when it
comes to towing, but unfortunately that’s only part of the picture.
Towing capacity is unbreakably shackled to two other weight limitations, Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Gross Combination Mass (GCM).
GVM is the maximum permissible weight that your vehicle is rated to carry. It considers the weight of everything in or on your vehicle. Critically, it also includes any weight placed on the tow ball – but more on that shortly.
GCM is the maximum permissible weight of the combined rig –the vehicle and what it’s towing, including everything in or on both.
This can be illustrated by an example close to my heart. I’ve got a recent model Prado 150, a very capable and comfortable 4WD with a braked towing capacity of up to 3,000kg, max tow ball weight of 300kg, an
allowable GVM of 2,990kg and GCM of 5,990kg. So, up to six tonnes in the rig. It sounds pretty reasonable, and it certainly is when towing the garden trailer or a medium van but as we get into heavier tows and towards max capacity it gets tight.
Let’s say I was pulling a caravan with an ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) of 2,500kg – the total weight of the caravan plus what I put in it. Assuming the Prado is loaded up to the max GVM of 2,990kg I am still well under the allowable GCM at 5,490kg. No worries with GCM, but let’s double check the GVM assumption is okay. The unladen weighti of the vehicle is listed by Toyota at 2,325kg. This gives me a payload of 665kg to play with –plenty right?
But I’ve replaced the 3rd row seats with drawers, put an alloy bar on the front and a light-weight roof rack up top, so by the time I’ve also stowed the recovery gear and a decent jack, we’ll be conservative and bring the 665kg down to 500kg. Typically, a 2.5 tonne caravan will put 10 per cent on the tow ball, so my 500kg is now down to 250kg. Put a couple of healthy adults in the front seats (say 160kg total) plus luggage and camping odds and ends in the cargo area… all of a sudden my comfortable GVM of nearly three tonnes is getting tight.
This is not at all an unlikely scenario when you hit the bush for a long weekend.
Aah, I hear you say, but I’ve just bought Australia’s most popular vehicle, the Ford Rangerii. I don’t drive a Toorak tractor, my ride can tow 3,500kg! Running the scenario as above and starting with a GVM of 3,280 (4x4 Wildtrak) and a Kerb Weight of 2,283kg we get an effective payload of 832kg (assuming the same accessory weight as the Prado). By the time we hitch up a 3,000kg caravan with 300kg on the tow ball we’re down to 532kg which is certainly enough for a couple of adults plus gear. If, however, you’ve also put a canopy on the back, left
your tools in there over the weekend and chucked in a few extras, you might be getting close to being unroadworthy even though well clear on the GCM.
What about my daily drive?
It’s certainly common to see a plumber’s cab-chassis ute towing a 1.7 tonne mini-excavator behind it. Ford’s specs for the base model 4x2 Ranger Hi-Rider cab-chassis with alloy tray, gives us a GCM of 6,200kg and GVM of 3,230kg. Because it’s a lot lighter than the Wildtrak at a kerb weight of 1,883kg, even when you factor in three tonnes for the excavator and trailer it still leaves about 1,000kg payload. But by the time you’ve added four big burly plumbers in the super cab, together with a quarter metre of 7mm aggregate, several bags of premix, tools, some pipe and spare diesel for the digger, you could easily be over your allowable GVM. What complicates things further in all these examples is the ‘lever effect.’ We’ve all felt it with a big load on the back, when the steering feels light and we’re not tracking well. That’s the impact of weight transfer from the towing vehicle’s front axle to the back axle due to loading the tow ball and it’s a hidden danger that can void your warranty and insurance. Depending on the spacing between your front and rear axles and the tow ball, the lever effect can add 50 per cent of the tow ball weight AGAIN to the rear axle. There’s a formula to estimate this, but that’s for another day. The end result is potentially exceeding the Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle, especially if you’ve installed drawers or carry other weight in the back. Not something you want to discover a few hundred kilometers from the nearest repair shop. Restrictions also apply to your tyres, which are rated to carry a maximum weight. If you’re towing, always consider investing a bit more for the light truck (LT) version and get specific advice from your local tyre specialist.
All the relevant specifications on weight limits should be listed in the vehicle OEM handbook and online. But this is no substitute for checking the actual compliance plates on the caravan/trailer and the vehicle to get precise weights as these may change depending on your specific build. Don’t rely on the ’10 per cent’ rule on the tow bar either because it can be much higher than this, especially for single axle trailers and forward-fold camper trailers, depending on how the body and accessories are configured.
In short, the only reliable way to make sure you’re towing safely and legally is to weigh your fully-loaded combination at a weighbridge or bring in a mobile weighing service to your yard or home. At a minimum, if you tow heavy trailers regularly, invest in a quality tow ball weight scale so you know what you’re loading up the vehicle with. Make a chart for each vehicle, based on its GVM and typical load out, so you know its limitations.
But even staying within the limits doesn’t mean you’ve got it all sorted. How you load the trailer or caravan makes a big difference to its stability when driving. You want to ensure a good amount of load is on the vehicle tow bar, without exceeding limits, but most of the weight sits over the trailer axle/s. Heavy loading behind the trailer axles, or too high behind or too high above the axles is a recipe for disaster and there are plenty of Youtube videos which prove this.
You also need to pay attention to the driver, especially in the workplace where fulfilling your WHS obligations is essential. It takes training and a lot of skill to safely connect, tow, maneuver and disconnect a trailer. You also need to abide by any license conditions which might apply state to state. For example, it’s never a good idea to just throw the keys to anyone and expect they can manage it, especially the apprentice who might still be on P-Plates and not allowed to tow!
Safe towing and see you on the road.
For Towing tips part one, visit plumber.com.au/towingadvice
Gadgets to go Spring into gadgets
Unpredictable seasons require dependable tools. To help, Master Plumbers’ Curtis de la Harpe has reviewed three gadgets to keep your lunch at the right temperature.
Keeping warm
Gen Z have lost their minds over Stanley insulated cups. But tradies have known the value of this brand since the early 1900s. If you want to keep your coffee, soup or noodles warm all day, the Stanley thermos is the best. I fill mine before camping or a bitterly cold winter baseball game, and find the coffee remains hot for hours; even a day or two. For a thermos that will outlive the next three generations of your family, I recommend the Stanley Classic range in the iconic hammertone green. They are so solid you could probably use it as a hammer if you forgot yours.
Keeping cold
Is there anything more iconic than the Esky? Credited as an Australian invention, circa 1945, the Esky has come a long way. Today the market is dominated by a few key brands each claiming longer ice time, more rugged design and capacities reaching thousands of litres. While brands like Yeti are now a common, an Australian-owned ice box manufacturer, Techni Ice, stands out. They are among the first to start advertising ice ratings (how
long an ice box will keep ice frozen) in weeks rather than hours or days. I got my Techni ice almost 20 years ago and it is still going strong. I replaced the seals three years ago but that’s the only maintenance it’s needed in two decades of heavy use. I have taken it on week-long camping trips, music festivals and fishing charters, where it has endured sun, rain and mud, and it is still going strong. Although I also have a Yeti Tundra ice box and though it is a great product, I would recommend the Techni Ice.
Keeping food warm and drinks cold
Several tool brands have released battery powered warmer/coolers. A couple of years ago I spotted a dual, 18-volt battery-powered Makita fridge. I couldn’t help myself. A fridge that can run off my car’s 12v but could be unplugged and wheeled down to the shoreline for fishing or into a mate’s backyard
for a BBQ. How could I resist? It now has a permanent place in my car. At 20L, it is not large but as a drink fridge, it is adequate. The new model is a little larger (29L) and features dual zones. It must be noted that at it only reaches -18°C, so it is not for deep freezing. This unit can also be used in warmer mode to keep food warm at a maximum temperature of 60°C, good enough to keep sausage rolls or pies warm on a cold day.
The Makita fridge can run on either the 18v batteries or the larger 40v batteries and will comfortably get 24 hours of run time out of a set of 5AH batteries. My unit really showed its might during my recent trip to the tip of Cape York. When my dual-battery system failed after a less than stellar river crossing, I was able to run the Makita as my food fridge on my 18v tool batteries for the rest of the trip. Had I had a regular car fridge, I would have been in a bit of strife.
Cbus performance update
This year is Cbus Super’s 40th anniversary. Over the past four decades, Cbus Super has delivered strong long-term investment returns to members. The Growth (MySuper) investment option has achieved an average annual return of 8.87% since its inception* and 8.35% in the past financial year. In addition, we continue to support industries important to our members and create better retirement outcomes.
For more information visit cbussuper.com.au or call 1300 361 784.
All performance return figures are as at 30 June 2024.
*The inception date for the Growth (MySuper) investment option is 1 July 1984. The returns are based on the crediting rate, which is the return minus investment fees, taxes, and until 31 January 2020, the percentage-based administration fee. Excludes fees and costs that are deducted directly from members’ accounts. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
This information is about Cbus Super. It doesn’t account for your specific needs. Please consider your financial position, objectives and requirements before making financial decisions. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination to decide if Cbus Super is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com. au United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as Trustee for the Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund ABN 75 493 363 262 (Cbus and/or Cbus Super).
Heritage collection
An education connection
A section within the Master Plumbers Tool & Artefacts Collection, the Charles Wright Collection, was rescued from a skip bin, by one of the trainers at the Swinburne Technical College, originally the Eastern Suburbs Technical College (ESTC). Curator, Peter Jenson explains.
Swinburne may not have been a member of the Master Plumbers Association, but there were strong connections between the organisations in the early 1900s, including:
• The first trainer C.H. Wright had been an association member.
• Many apprentices went on to be association members and serve on committees.
• Master Plumbers created awards for plumbing apprentices at the college.
• Some association members went on to be assistant trainers at the college.
On a personal note, I found the 1911 attendance records for 1st year apprentices, which included George M Worboys, the founder of Worboys Plumbing, where I worked for 48 years from 1970.
For those interested in the history of the ESTC, the foundation stone was laid by the State Premier, Thomas Bent, on 19 September 1908 with training starting in early 1909. Trades included, Carpentry and Joinery, Metal Work including Turning & Fitting, Blacksmithing, Plumbing and Gas fitting. Much of the original collection had been lost to a skip bin in 1978-1979 when Swinburne
began its march to become a university, with the need to evict the traditional trades from the site including the plumbing department. The Swinburne Plumbing was moved too and amalgamated with Holmesglen Institute.
If it was not for one of the trainers at that time, John McBride (long-time friend of the association) who saved what has been left, this important part of plumbing history would have been lost.
The Artefacts saved for this section, No 7, include the following pieces:
1 A leather tool bag and its contents. (From the plumbing maintenance department of St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne (Swanson & Flinders St Corner) 7001 & 7002.
2 Blow Torch/Soldering Iron. (Donated by McIlwraith’s plumbing supplies) 7003.
3 Lead Trap. 7004.
4 Wood Stave Water Main section. (Wannonwater – Warrnambool water supply, Circa 1893) 7005.
5 A Large Green Scrap Book (item 7006) with the red spline and black ties appears to be the plumbing departments collection of items from its formation (Circa 1908-32) as collected by Charles Wright.
6 A smaller Green Scrap Book with a collection of small handbooks put out by the Metropolitan Gas Company based in Flinders St Melbourne. 7006.2.
7 A summary of the Charles Wright collection, noted by John McBride. 7007.
8 Glass Slide collection of some 54 slides, showing various training settings, on site work situations, model displays, buildings, design drawings and a social function. 7008.
John later went to the regulatory sector for plumbing and finally with the Plumbing Industry Commission. The biggest single change in that time was the relocation of plumbing regulation from the Health Department from 1988 to 1997 to the Plumbers Gas-fitters and Drainers Registration Board, then briefly (1997–98) the Plumbing Industry Board then again a change in 1999 to the Plumbing Industry Commission.
This new Plumbing Industry Commission inherited several features that set it apart from all previous Boards. No longer under the jurisdiction of the Health Department, it would be totally self-funded, managed by the industry, and would by its newly
found independence have a far more effective power base, with both state and federal authorities and other industry bodies in the plumbing and building trades. It would register drainers for the first time, and it would license Gas-fitters, who had been regulated by private gas companies since 1877.
Based partly on international best practice for regulatory systems that were researched by Michael Kefford, John McBride, Ray Herbert, and with the support of John Rutherford, a new regulatory model was launched. The new licensing arrangements lifted and protected industry standards with its inbuilt system of critical self-certification, compulsory insurance, and accountability for work completed. This all overseen by uniform state-wide audits. This, driven by the transfer of on-site plumbing regulation from water authorities to the Plumbing Industry Commission. In addition, the definition of plumbing work in regulation expanded substantially with all this change.
Special thanks to John McBride in saving the collection and contributing to this article.
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