Australian Magazine March 2018

plumbing AUSTRALIAN

I N D U S T R Y

YOUR INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

THE WATER ISSUE free flowing bright ideas

M A G A Z I N E

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M A R C H

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LEADING THE WAY IN WARRANTY.

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INSTALL A

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See the Warranty set out in the Owner’s Guide & Installation Instructions or view at www.rheem.com.au/warranty

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Up to 40% lighter than comparable Rheem vitreous enamel models of same capacity.

2 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

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welcome F R O M

T H E

E D I T O R

Australian Plumbing Industry magazine 15/306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3056 T (03) 9329 9622 F (03) 9329 5060 E info@plumber.com.au www.plumber.com.au The Australian Plumbing Industry magazine (Industry and Member editions and occasional supplements including the MPMSAA Group Training News, are official journals produced by the Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) ABN: 56 296 473 997 Print Post number: 100019076 ISSN: 1325-6289

Master Plumbers Association Locations Head Office

The water issue Free flowing bright ideas

15/306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3056 T (03) 9329 9622 F (03) 9329 5060

Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre

It’s always a pleasure to launch the first edition of Australian Plumbing Industry magazine for the new year. With the water theme of this issue in mind, we trust that success and prosperity has been flowing freely for you so far this year. We are delighted to welcome a flood of great features to soak in for our March edition, so sit back, relax and jump in!

Doesn’t Christmas seem like a long time ago? Relive the memories with our Members Christmas Function wrap up and remember all the festive fun from the event, while seeing if your picture is in our photo gallery.

We know how much you have been enjoying the work of our History Correspondent Paul G Yunnie and are proud to present another instalment of his prolific retrospective series. Get ready for another hot flush of a feature as he shares everything he knows about ‘The Magic of Hot Water’ with his own unique flourish.

Next up, we speak to City West Water and Yarra Valley Water examining two key projects that are currently unfolding in greater Melbourne – the Craigieburn Sewage plant and Spencer Street works in detail. What do these new innovations mean for the city? Read about it here first.

As always there is a plethora of interviews from industry leaders including Master Plumbers National Council Member Christopher Unwin, who shares the thinking behind his business Around the Clock Plumbing.

4 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

Roving reporter Matt Reynolds speaks to Who Gives a Crap CEO Simon Griffiths about his philanthropic business in toilet rolls. Plus Amanda Ogilvie introduces Site Shed founder and tradie marketing guru Matt Jones, who shares his top tips on how to double your leads digitally. Last but not least, we also catch up with apprentice Aidan Ward, back from Community Plumbing Challenge where he represented Team Australia in a collaborative effort to improve the sanitation at a remote school in an Indonesian village.

Kate.

Kate Stephenson Editor Australian Plumbing Industry magazine

6/306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3056 T (03) 9356 8902 F (03) 9356 8929

Contacts Publisher The Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA)

Editor Kate Stephenson T (03) 9321 0703 E kate.stephenson@plumber.com.au

Advertising Christine Watson T (03) 9321 0798 E christine.watson@plumber.com.au

Suppliers Salt Creative www.saltcreative.com.au Printgraphics www.printgraphics.com.au Direct Mail Corporation www.directmail.com.au

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WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HAND OVER THE REINS TO MR DALY, WHO HAS A STRONG TRACK RECORD OF LEADERSHIP

Welcome.

from the President and CEO

Skills maintenance a must

Disruptive Innovation

The need for ongoing skills maintenance in our industry continues to be a topical discussion.

Plumbing is a complex and ever-changing profession, with continual innovation in technology and products, changes to regulations and standards, and the drive for many members to introduce and refine best-practice business processes to stay competitive.

‘Disruptive Innovation’ is the new term in business in the 21st Century.

The plumbing industry in Tasmania is helping to tackle these challenges through a Continuing Professional Development scheme. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to hear first-hand about how CPD is going when I visited the Consumer Building and Occupational branch of the Tassie Department of Justice with colleagues from other state and territory Master Plumber associations. As Angela Bennett (Master Plumbers Tasmania) reports on page 10, it’s both thumbs up so far, with strong support across the plumbing industry. As we ramp-up our push to introduce CPD here in Victoria, we continue to listen and learn from others who have paved the way for this critical initiative.

Disruptive innovations tend to be produced by outsiders to your industry rather than existing companies. Many are technology based or a change in a system of work. They are “disruptive” in that they cause a significant change in how things are done and how people work.

The quoted example is the commencement of Uber in competition with taxis, but many changes have occurred in banking, online shopping, travel bookings etc.

A friend recently asked me how ‘disruption’ had impacted the plumbing sector?

The level of innovation and change in our sector has been significant: • Firstly, the materials used in pipework, relining of existing pipework, cameras for inspections of in-pipe issues, jointing methods, waterproofing products.

Members may have seen public health issues such as legionella, carbon monoxide and lead levels in potable water reported in the national media recently. Your association continues to work across the industry to ensure best practice design and maintenance practices are in place and to push for more effective testing and regulation regimes. In coming months, as the weather cools, we will also take the opportunity to remind the broader community to protect family and friends by ensuring their gas heaters and other appliances are serviced by a licensed plumber prior to winter use.

• Secondly the change in appliances to include solar hot water, water recycling, instant hot water, high energy efficient heating and cooling systems, etc.

In closing for the month, I’d like to thank Ken Gardner on behalf of all members for his enormous contribution to Master Plumbers and our profession over many years. Ken will step down as CEO in March and we will ensure that members will have the opportunity to express their appreciation for his service.

The role of your Association is to ensure that we have in place the Standards, Regulations, training and licensing requirements that will protect our industry and the health and safety of the community for now and in the future.

Following a considered and rigorous search process, we are delighted to welcome Peter Daly as our new CEO. You can read more about Peter on page 14.

It has been my pleasure to guide the organisation over the years and I look forward to welcoming Peter Daly into his new role as Chief Executive Officer of the Association.

Scott Dowsett President, Master Plumbers

6 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

• And thirdly, the increase in off-site work and pre-fabrication of pipework and whole bathrooms.

We need to ensure that renewal of the Plumbing Regulations and Plumbing Training Package meets these changed needs and are flexible into the future.

Ken Gardner CEO, Master Plumbers

contents

8 Welcome / 6 A message from the Association’s CEO and President Member news / 8 Industry news / 14 The magic of hot water / 18 History Correspondent Paul Yunnie takes us back to the early days of bathing

40 Flow on effect / 36 Matt Jones gives expert advice about how to get your website in top form Doubling your leads with the same budget / 38 Matt Jones demystifies digital folklore Papering over the cracks / 40 Matt Reynolds interviews toilet roll entrepreneur Simon Griffiths

The Quality Apprenticeship Series / 23 Natalie Reynolds shares tips on delivering quality tradespeople

Making a difference at CPC2017 / 43 Reflecting on plumbing challenges in remote Indonesia with Aidan Ward

Hard work Around the Clock / 28 Master Plumbers National Council Member Christopher Unwin talks shop What long service means for your business / 32 John Hartley from CoINVEST provides the answers

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Safety Management Systems / 34 Rod Tresidder provides advice

Insulated Flexible Ductwork / 20 Gary Bath discusses why flexible ductwork is part of an effective air conditioning system

Exploring Victoria’s new sewerage systems / 24 Behind the scenes at Craigieburn Sewage Transfer Hub and the Spencer Street upgrade

TAKING US BACK TO THE EARLY DAYS OF BATHING

Mastering workplace relations / 44 Phil Eberhard gives his expert advice Marsh insurance update / 46 Australian copper / 48 The Hall of Shame / 49 What’s hot / 50

Advertising index Aquatechnik / 50, 57 Aussie Pumps / 42, 50, 53, 56, 59 Cbus / 39 City West Water / 52 Clark Equipment / 12, 55, 57 Davey / 54 Kingspan / 5, 55 Master Plumbers / 42 Marsh / 47 Plumbing and Fire Industry Awards / 17 Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria / 35 Rheem / 2, 56 Ridgid / 53, 54 Sewerquip / 51, 59 simPRO / 51, 58 Viega / 58 Watts Water / 3, 51 Zetco / 60

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VALUED ADVERTISERS

Disclaimer Statements and information appearing in this publication must not be interpreted as having the endorsement of being the opinion of the publisher, which takes no responsibility for the correctness of the statements made. It is a condition of purchase or acceptance of this publication that the publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in the publication, or from the use of information contained herein and the publisher makes no warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein. The publisher shall not be liable for any failure to publish any advertisement where such failure results from circumstances beyond their control. If advertising material is not supplied in accordance with deadlines, the publisher reserves the right to repeat any material previously provided by the advertiser. The publisher reserves the right to refuse and edit material. All prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Copyright Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher.

Master Plumbers

Members’ Christmas Function Celebrating Christmas with all the trimmings at Crowne Plaza Melbourne Master Plumbers welcomed more than 100 guests to an airy room on Southbank for the annual Master Plumbers Members’ Christmas Function on Wednesday 6 December.

With a delicious array of canapes and chilled drinks served in abundance, it was a pleasure to socialise with Members and Corporate Partners to celebrate the best of the season in the refined setting of Crowne Plaza Melbourne.

With gifts for all stacked underneath a decked out Christmas tree, there was a very festive feel in the air as guests mingled over welcome drinks and the room began to fill. For those feeling like a bit of fun, the festive fancy dress photobooth proved popular, with antlers, tinsel and santa hats galore.

Guests were also treated to previews of the latest new products and business solutions from event sponsors Cbus and simPRO, who both had informative display tables to browse.

Master Plumbers CEO Ken Gardner then took to the stage to present a round up of the year, running through some of the great achievements the Association and its Members had accomplished together in the last twelve months. Ken remembered the themes and venues of the 2017 Business Breakfast series, World Plumbing Day, the AGM, Apprentice Awards and Plumbing and Fire Industry Awards and also gave some insights about what was in store for the new look events calendar on the horizon for 2018.

He also took the opportunity to formally introduce the new Group Training Scheme Manager Natalie Reynolds and give some more background about the Association’s keen intentions to improve the scheme, with a fresh new outlook on apprentice recruitment and host relations (turn to p.23 to find out more about Natalie’s good intentions).

Thank you to event sponsors

8 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

Before handing over to Association President Scott Dowsett, Ken also looked back on the progress of PICAC and the training arm in Geelong, as well as plans for developments in Narre Warren and Queensland, before discussing future changes to the RTO. Master Plumbers President Scott Dowsett was next to speak. He took the opportunity to share some insights into the type of advocacy work and consultation the Association does behind the scenes, especially with wider industry stakeholders. He explained how 2018 is set to be a huge year for the industry, with a number of Regulation changes ready to roll out.

Master Plumbers developed a register of issues to contribute to the formal submission, including matters of complex plumbing work, incorporating design more effectively into the Regulations, addressing off-site manufacturing of plumbing systems, maintaining the time served aspect of plumbing apprentices, and Continuous Professional Development. While the timelines for the sunsetting of these Regulations in November 2018 remain extremely tight, Scott shared how he was awaiting the release of the draft Regulations early next year for public comment with anticipation.

To conclude the formalities, Ken and Scott then took to the stage to award the door prizes. There were some fantastic prizes on offer, including a gourmet hamper, bottle of Penfolds Vintage Port and a tool bag generously donated by sponsors Tradelink, Cbus and simPRO. Master Plumbers also gave away an overnight stay at Crowne Plaza for two with breakfast included.

As the sun set over the Yarra, guests were in high spirits and it certainly looked like all who attended enjoyed themselves.

Master Plumbers look forward to seeing Members and Corporate Partners at future events and the Christmas function.

Check your exclusive wall planners for future event dates.

www.plumber.com.au | 9

member news News from Master Plumbers Tasmania

N AUTUM UPDATE

Welcome members to 2018 which is already shaping up as being jam packed full of action for Master Plumbers Tasmania.

But first of all, let’s have a glance back on the year that was 2017!

Our Continuing Professional Development program has been going extremely well and we finished off 2017 with wastewater design and installation training sessions delivered by the Centre for Environmental Training. The training was very well received with over 100 participants updating their skills on regulatory requirements, site / soil assessment and design and installation best practice.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY! General Members Meetings for 2018 18 April Launceston (Tas Gas, Board Room, 5 Kiln Court, St Leonards) 3pm to 5pm 20 June Hobart (MPAT House, 1/237 Main Road, Derwent Park) 3pm to 5pm 20 July Devonport (Work & Training, 36 Oldaker Street) 3pm to 5pm

AGM We had a great Christmas dinner and it was fabulous to see so many new faces as well as our stalwarts. Special thanks to all that attended and a very special thanks to Davey Pumps and Crisp Ikin Agencies for our Christmas goodies!

26 September Hobart (MPAT House, 1/237 Main Road, Derwent Park) 3pm to 4pm

Roofing & Cladding Division Meetings 2018 21 March Hobart (Work & Training, 1 Bowen Road, Moonah) 4pm to 6pm 30 May Tas Gas Launceston (5 Kiln Court, St Leonards) 4pm to 6pm

AGM 5 September Hobart (Work & Training, 1 Bowen Road, Moonah) 4pm to 6pm 31 October Tas Gas Launceston (5 Kiln Court, St Leonards) 4pm to 6pm

10 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

PROJECTS FOR 2018

Education facilities Education is the key to us producing quality professionals now and into the future and we are working on several fronts to achieve this. Most importantly, we are focused on the building of a new state of the art plumbing school for Tasmania. Not only will this give our apprentices the best learning experience, but also be designed in keeping with key priorities such as sustainability and environmental health.

Plumbing Career promotion Running parallel is our Plumbing Career Pathway program, which will include the roll out of promotional activities to schools highlighting the diverse nature of plumbing, the pivotal role that plumbing makes in delivering safe public and environmental health outcomes, as well as why plumbing is a great career path.

Special thanks to the Tasmanian Building & Construction Industry Training Board for their support in this new initiative.

Launch of the new Certificate II in Plumbing The Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) has just been launched by TasTAFE in consultation with Master Plumbers Tasmania. We are very pleased to say this course is absolute quality and gives interested students a good introductory taste of what plumbing, as a career, is all about. The first intake of students is on its way and we look forward to seeing them join our ranks as apprentices in 2018.

Remember Members – if you have any queries regarding anything going on in our industry just give us a call or drop in for a coffee and a chat. Until then we look forward to working with you for the betterment of a great industry throughout the coming year.

All the best for 2018 Angela Bennett Master Plumbers Tasmania

member news Master Plumbers and Tradelink Business Breakfast We talk Business Operations at the last Master Plumbers Business Breakfast for 2017.

As the race season reached its peak, we couldn’t think of a more fitting venue to hold our last Business Breakfast of the 2017 series than at Caulfield Racecourse.

There’s no wonder the prestigious event had booked out the week before and had a very long wait list. While the sun rose over the racetrack and horses trained below, the tables of the Committee Room began to fill up as people mingled by the trade stands and enjoyed pastries, fresh fruit and morning coffee.

As everyone settled in, Master Plumbers CEO Ken Gardner took to the lectern to welcome everyone to the event. He started by playing recordings of Master Plumbers most recent radio campaign, which has approached the idea of advertising with an attention-grabbing new twist. He also thanked Corporate Partner Ashlor Vans for mentioning Master Plumbers in their radio campaigns.

Ken welcomed our first speaker to the stage, SP Solution’s Sebastian Caruso.

SP Solutions is a Business Advisory and Accounting firm passionate about educating business owners on how to succeed with both professional and personal wealth goals. Focusing on the importance of job management, Sebastian discussed technology in business and how innovative software solutions can improve your strategy.

his expert Industrial Relations advice.

Whether it is employment contracts or agreements to written warnings Phil is available to assist.

The final speaker was Leadership Coach Lisa Cutler. Lisa has many years’ experience in building, leading and coaching successful teams. Her ‘grow your people, grow your business’ presentation focussed on three main topics: Culture, Accountability and Genuine Care. She reinforced how treating employees well and creating a culture within your business that values employees ensures they will foster improved productivity and boost positivity in the workplace. She also suggested that holding employees accountable for their actions through conversations, reviews and outcomes would bear positive results. She encouraged a captivated audience to provide care through support and empowerment of employees, valuing and recognising their contributions through growth and learning.

We’d like to thank all of our Platinum sponsor Tradelink, as well as SME Finance, simPRO, Davey Water, Corelogic and Cbus for their informative trade tables and sponsorship contributions.

Next up after Sebastian was Neil McKay from Master Plumbers’ brand new Corporate partner, SME Finance Group.

Specialising in asset finance, mortgage finance and business cash flow lending, Neil explained how the recent changes to the Credit Rules and Regulations could affect your business. He also touched on the current credit landscape, credit scores, and how to protect your business’s credit score.

Master Plumbers Senior Workplace Advisor Phil Eberhard shared the importance of the ‘paper trail’ in business.

He also talked about the several types of contacts/letters of offers available to employees. Many of those in the room had established prior contact with Phil, who assists eligible Members with

The dates are in for the 2018 Business Breakfast series. We hope you made it for the business themed event at the Atura Hotel in Dandenong on 28 February.

If you missed that, lock into your calendar the industrial relations themed breakfast on 17 July at The Meadows in Broadmeadows and the OHS Business Breakfast on 5 October at Westwaters Hotel, Caroline Springs. www.plumber.com.au | 11

BECOME A MASTER PLUMBERS MEMBER TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE EXCLUSIVE MEMBER OFFERS

member news Master Plumbers Member benefits

2018 dates for your diary

Master Plumbers Members can benefit from a world of great discounts and offers as one of the fantastic advantages of being a part of the organisation. We’ve listed some of the great benefits and money saving opportunities for Members below.

If you would like to find out more about the advantages of being a Master Plumbers Member and how to sign up call (03) 9329 9622 or email membership@plumber.com.au

28 May WHS Workshop

Exclusive offer on Fiat vans SME Finance Group presents an exclusive offer on Fiat vans for all Master Plumbers Members. SME are offering a special discount which is in addition to the National Fleet discount on the entire range.

Save up to $650 with this exclusive Member offer from Clark Equipment!

Clark Equipment understand how important and invaluable a good set of tools and equipment is for a plumber, that’s why Bobcat and Clark Equipment are proud to bring you this amazing offer in alliance with Master Plumbers.

The Clark Equipment ‘Plumber’s Pack’ includes everything you need to drive away and get to work: 1.7t or 2t Bobcat excavator, 3 buckets, electric braked trailer and a FREE 250 hour service.

It doesn’t get much better than that.

17 July Business Breakfast with industrial relations theme The Meadows, Broadmeadows 1 September Plumbing & Fire Industry Awards 5 October Charity Golf Day Bendigo 23 October Business Breakfast with OHS theme Westwaters Hotel, Caroline Springs 19 November WHS Workshop 5 December Members’ Christmas Party

These are just a handful of the many benefits you can take advantage of as a Master Plumbers member.

Call 03 9329 9622 to join today!

Master Plumbers welcomes the following new Members, affiliates and corporate partners who have joined the Association since December 2017.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

C & S Plumbing

Northquest

The Trustee for Brusamarello Family Trust

Gen 3 Plumbing and Drainage

Outright Plumbing

The Trustee for Shentzer Group Trust

Graeme Richard Teesdale

Rooftop Environmental Safety

MD Installations

RYPE Plumbing

The Trustee for Village Property Services Trust

Melbourne Central Maintenance Services

Southern Point Plumbing

Moate Plumbing

Southern Septics and Drainage

12 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

Tradie Web Guys Xcell Plumbing

member news Successful MPA forum for Ballarat Master Plumbers hosted a well-attended plumbing forum in Ballarat, the first of these forums planned for 2018.

These forums create an opportunity for a range of issues relating to our industry to be discussed from the perspective of a number of regional and state organisations.

Attendees were provided with a brief summary of current activities that Master Plumbers are involved in such as: • Input into the development of the sunsetting of the 2008 Plumbing Regulations project conducted by the Dept of Environment, Land, Water and Planning • The current review of the national Plumbing and Services Training Package and various submissions such as the ABCB discussion paper on “point of sale” requirements for the Watermark scheme.

Regional Forum dates 9 May Master Plumbers Forum Frankston 30 May Master Plumbers Forum Bendigo 25 July Master Plumbers Forum Gippsland 17 October Master Plumbers Forum Geelong

Register Call 03 9329 9622 Email membership@plumber.com.au

The formal part of the presentations began with Type A Appliance and Component Safety Manager Enzo Alfonsetti from Energy Safe Victoria (ESV). He gave a comprehensive presentation on proposed changes to AS/NZS5601 part 1 Gas Installations and part 2 -LPG installations in caravans and boats.

Then he provided an update of the revision of AS4575 Type A Appliance Servicing, which will contain far more detail than the previous standard and will contain information on service, repair and the conversion procedures for changing an appliance from one type of gas to another.

Lastly, he was able to provide information of where the current review of the Gas Regulations was and the process for providing public comment on these changes.

Central Highlands Water (CHW) Technical Advisor for Backflow Prevention, Mr Robert Dwyer provided us with the very proactive program that they run for, not only Registering testable devices but ensuring the annual testing of existing valves. Robert indicated that the program relies on the input of local plumbers who install to provide consumers details so that CHW can complete their follow up processes.

General Manager for Fleet from the SME Finance Group, Richard Cholewick gave a brief outline of the services his company provides ensuring that contractors are able to ensure that money coming in is utilised to best advantage.

Matthew Wilson from City of Ballarat gave us an asset protection perspective, providing details on the process for road openings and traffic control responsibilities, an area of interest to many plumbers connecting to water and sewer assets.

CoINVEST Field Compliance Officer Peter Guidice gave us an overview of the responsibilities for Employers when making contributions towards an employee’s Long Service leave scheme.

Peter also provided some important information for people who may wish to claim or check current balances.

Our last presenter from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) was Mr Matthew Wilson, Senior Technical Advisor with the VBA, who gave an update on proposed changes to AS/NZS 3500, which contains our hot and cold water supply, stormwater, sanitary and drainage standards.

Topics of discussion were: • How use of sweep junctions for sanitary drainage installations has been limited • New requirements for the use of mechanical joints in reactive soils for sanitary drains is proposed • A new section for syphonic roofing systems • Additional requirements for plastic pipes and fitting where they are subject to direct sunlight.

Matt also addressed some current concerns with concealed roof gutters and overflow provisions for eaves gutters and provided an outline of what would be required for plumbers to complete a performance-based outcome with their plumbing installations.

With the formal presentations over, attendees were provided the opportunity for further questions, whilst enjoying light refreshments. We will look forward to seeing as many plumbers from the Frankston region at our next forum in May, stay tuned for details.

www.plumber.com.au | 13

industry news A warm welcome to Master Plumbers’ new CEO Peter Master Plumbers is delighted to announce that Peter Daly commenced as the Chief Executive Officer from 6 February 2018.

Association President Scott Dowsett said that the Board undertook a considered and rigorous process to succeed Mr Ken Gardner who steps down in March.

World Plumbing Day at PICAC The World Plumbing Day event at PICAC has become a key date for the Victorian plumbing industry to come together and celebrate the contribution that plumbing makes to society.

This year the theme is ‘Participation, Practices, Products and Protection: The four pillars of plumbing’. Shayne La Combre, Chair of the World Plumbing Council discusses the Four Pillars of Plumbing initiative being driven by the World Plumbing Council.

At midday the Trade Expo and luncheon displays the latest innovations from industry representatives with some industry networking.

Peter held a number of senior roles at RACV, a world-leading membership organisation and is an experienced executive. With a modern and progressive approach to management, he brings a strong track-record of leading and contributing to industry associations in Australia and internationally and has a background in corporate affairs, policy, advocacy and corporate services.

Peter said that he was honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to work with Master Plumbers.

“I am fortunate to join an Association that has such a strong commitment to its Members, the plumbing industry and the broader community,” he said.

WORLD PLUMBING DAY IS HELD ON 11 MARCH TO CELEBRATE THE IMPORTANT ROLE PLUMBING PLAYS IN OUR COMMUNITY

14 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

The World Plumbing Day Apprentice Skills Contest The World Plumbing Day Apprentice Skills Contest is a firm favourite amongst the World Plumbing Day crowd.

Third and fourth year apprentices beginning at 6.15am take part in either the plumbing or sprinkler fitting contest and compete through until 2pm.

The winners from each contest take home a $500 Reece gift voucher and the three finalists from each contest become eligible for selection to fly to the US and represent PICAC and Australia at the United Association International Apprentice Skills Contest.

2018 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants Rheem Australia is again helping apprentice plumbers turn pipe dreams into reality.

For the sixth year running, Rheem Australia will help 10 worthy recipients start or continue a plumbing apprenticeship by providing $30,000 in total grants as part of the 2018 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants program.

Applications for the 2018 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants close on Monday 19 March 2018. Apprentices can nominate themselves or their employer can nominate them on their behalf.

Application forms and more information can be found at rheem.com.au The winner will be announced on Friday April 27, 2018.

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018

Don’t forget to share with a hard worker you know who needs a leg up in the industry.

We will have a full round up of what happened on World Plumbing Day in the June issue of Australian Plumbing Industry magazine. Keep an eye on the Master Plumbers and PICAC social media pages for photos.

www.plumber.com.au | 15

industry news Gas Information Sheet 53 now published Reconstituted stone, also known as ‘quartz surface’, is a popular product used in domestic surfacing applications and kitchen and bathroom bench tops and splashbacks.

But reconstituted stone may be a fire risk if it’s installed too close to a hot plate burner.

For more information about the properties a fire resistant material must have, especially if it’s being installed close to a burner, go to esv.vic.gov.au and download Gas Information Sheet 53.

Gas and Pipeline Infrastructure Safety Management Report 2016-17 This is now the fourth year that Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) has produced the Gas and Pipeline Infrastructure (GPI) Safety Management Report.

Forming part of ESV’s objective to deliver effective riskbased regulation, compliance and enforcement, the GPI Safety Management Report provides important information about the degree of technical compliance from gas and pipeline industry participants. This report also highlights the status of the sector’s safety framework documentation, and its responses to auditing, monitoring, and reporting, and ESV’s response in terms of its near-term priorities.

The full report is available for download at esv.vic.gov

NCC 2019 Public Comment Draft open for feedback The consultation period for proposed changes for NCC 2019 is now open and the ABCB is seeking your feedback.

The National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 Public Comment Draft sees a number of proposed changes resulting from major project work done by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and the Proposal for Change (PFC) process. These changes aim to deliver a contemporary code without compromising minimum standards for buildings and plumbing systems.

Some of these key changes include: • New quantified performance metrics and Verification Methods; • Improved fire safety measures; • Removing the ability to use bonded laminated material where a noncombustible material is required; • Increased levels of energy efficiency for commercial buildings;

Whitechapel fatberg chunk on display in the Museum of London

• Revised Acceptable Construction Practices (ACPs) in NCC Volume Two;

A chunk of the infamous London fatberg found lurking in a Whitechapel sewer is now on display at the Museum of London.

• Improved readability including standardised Governing Requirements across the NCC.

The 250m chunk of sewage, rubbish and fat has been touted as ‘an example of 21st century life’ – unfortunately not the kind we will remember with pride.

The informative exhibit showing the grotesque artefact is already proving popular for those who are curious to see what it really looks like. The display serves as a reminder to the general public to think before they pour things down the sink, and remember that the toilet is not a bin. It also explains how the remainder of the fatberg is being turned

16 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

• New Acceptable Plumbing Practices (APPs) in NCC Volume Three; and

Full details of the changes are provided in the NCC 2019 Public Comment Draft on the website abcb.gov.au/consultation/ public-comment-draft

into biofuel, which could end up powering London buses. At least it’s been put to good use.

The fatberg trend was certainly one of the lowlights of 2017 as they popped up in sewers all over the world, a great big greasy reminder that we have to be much more careful with what we put down the drain. Here’s hoping that in 2018, we hear of less of the same.

Feedback is invited on the proposed changes by COB Friday, 13 April 2018.

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www.plumber.com.au | 17

A HISTORY OF PLUMBING

Part three:

The magic of hot water

How water heating has developed

by Paul G Yunnie

PICTURED (CLOCKWISE): COMMUNAL BATHING, PARIS 15TH CENTURY; LAMINEX INDUSTRIES, AUSTRALIA (POWERHOUSE MUSEUM, SYDNEY); GAS COUNCIL POST CARD ADVERTISING GAS WATER HEATERS, 1920’S; TUB TIME; DELIVERING A BATH AND WATER, PARIS 1830.

18 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

Bathing was a custom that came in and out of fashion during the Middle Ages.

Perhaps not a period we would have particularly enjoyed for the lack of personal hygiene. So how did we get from there to where we are now? History Correspondent Paul G Yunnie investigates how hot water came to be.

The Romans were streets ahead of their time in so many fields. Although it’s a million miles from where we are at today, sanitation was certainly one of the areas in which they were very much advanced.

In Ancient Rome, the Public Baths of Caracalla could seat 1,600 people across 28 spacious heated areas, each holding some 1,160m3 of heated water.

Underfloor hypocausts were aided by heating water in copper lined lead vessels called milariums. In Roman Britain, the public baths in Bath needed no heating as the water came from deep lime aquifers underground between, 2,700 and 4,300 metres down, and ready heated to a constant 46 degrees.

When the Rome influence contracted, the people of the once great Empire were left to fend for themselves. Unfortunately it would appear that personal hygiene was not top of their list and bathing became a rare event. During the following centuries, bathing came in and out of fashion. It became an activity of royalty and the rich, and even then happened only occasionally. In the 14th to the 18th centuries, baths were taken often in a wooden tub in the bedchamber. One can only imagine the laborious task of filling and then emptying the bath. When bathing took place in communal baths, it was often a case of mixed bathing, leaving something to the imagination as to what indiscretions may have often developed!

It was the 19th century that saw a change in demand and in habits. Families frequently shared the bathing hot water, which was probably produced from a stove, range or even an open fire. This was of course not very convenient, or hygienic, particularly for the last ones to use the bath!

So, how did we get from there to where we are today? Well, obviously the ever present inventive genius of mankind.

In this case it was B W Maughan who, in 1868, invented the first gas hot water geyser (Patent 3917, December 1868).

This was almost a direct contact water heater, floor standing and probably not very controllable. Of course being the 1800s, it didn’t come with any defined safety features either.

Many others followed with versions of the geyser, a name derived from the Icelandic hot springs – Geysir. These early units were for single outlet use and it was not until Ewarts introduced their copper Califont water heater, in 1899, that one water heater could serve many outlets, the multi-point had arrived. In Germany, Junkers had developed safer, controllable water heaters. These were introduced into the UK by a Latvian refugee by the name of Friedman who eventually changed the name to Ascot and began manufacturing in the UK. But, only one outlet could be served at one time by

these early gas water heaters. There was a need for a storage water heater that could reliably service a number of outlets simultaneously. Across the Atlantic, Edwin Rudd, a Norwegian employed by George Westinghouse, developed the first automatic gas storage water heater that went into production in 1889. The era of the storage water heater, that we all know so well, had really begun.

It was after receiving a copy of The Magic of Hot Water from our History Correspondent that we had the idea for a series of light hearted articles on our industry’s past. The book was co-written

by Paul G Yunnie and Brian Roberts, both members of the CIBSE Heritage Group.* Now out of print for a while, it has become somewhat of a collector’s item itself. If you have any interest in exploring its contents further, or speaking with Paul about his impressive collection of plumbing memorabilia and vast industry heritage knowledge, you can contact him by email: paul.yunnie@hotmail.com *CHARTERED INSTITUTION OF BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERS, UK, SEE www.hevac-heritage.org PICTURED (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): ROMAN WATER HEATER, 1ST CENTURY AD, POMPEI; CLARKSON LTD, ADELAIDE; WRIGHT’S ‘SUNHOT’ STORAGE WATER HEATER; VAILLANT WATER HEATERS ADVERT, N GERMANY 1929; 1ST GAS WATER GEYSER BT B W MAUGHAN, 1868; BATH AT ELTHAM PALACE, KENT, UK, 1930’S; THE METROPOLITAN GAS COMPANY, MELBOURNE, CATALOGUE COVER.

www.plumber.com.au | 19

Insulated flexible ductwork An important part of any effective air conditioning system When choosing a heating or cooling system for a house, regardless of whether it is gas, evaporative or refrigerated air conditioning, these days we have access to increasingly more efficient units, in terms of both energy consumption and running costs. Gary Bath, Master Plumbers technical advisor explains.

Whilst many plumbers and refrigerated air conditioning specialists advise on the type of system most appropriate to the consumer’s requirements, consumers usually rely on the Energy Rating Label.

More stars mean more savings and greater efficiency and guides them to choose a unit once the type of system has been established.

Where the system uses ductwork to distribute cooled or heated air throughout the building, the choice is between rigid (usually metal) or flexible.

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The latter has become increasingly popular because of the difference in both installation and unit costs of the solid duct, particularly in residential installations.

Flexible duct has made the heating and cooling of the whole house rather than one or two rooms a viable alternative for many consumers, particularly those in newly constructed residential housing, where increased insulation requirements are standard.

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) sets out the requirements for the insulation (R value) of flexible duct, taking into account both the intended climate zone and type of system to be installed (AS 4254.1 2012- Flexible duct). This R value relates to the insulation used in the manufacture of the flexible duct and is labelled, along with the manufacturer’s name and generally the size of duct, as a mandatory requirement.

OUTER VAPOUR BARRIER

INSULATION

INNER REINFORCED CORE

COMPLIANT LABELLING OF DUCTWORK

Most heating or refrigerated cooling systems across Victoria require a minimum of an R value of one for the flexible duct. This will be dependant on insulation used under the roof cover in those systems installed in a ceiling space and whether the underfloor is enclosed, if the duct is installed under the floor.

Flexible duct is essentially manufactured by wrapping an inner core, usually reinforced to ensure the duct retains its circumference with an insulating material like fibreglass or polyester material. Over the top of this is a vapour proof outer covering of plastic to prevent outside moisture coming into contact with the insulating material. This also ensures that the air contained within the duct is sealed within the insulated area.

The R value of the insulation blanket provided for this product essentially becomes the R value of the flexible duct.

Considering that this type of insulation relies on the volume of air that can be trapped within, it’s not hard to see where some of this insulation property (R value) can be lost. Its also important to consider that when we purchase our flexible duct, it is compressed in shorter packages than its six metre length would suggest.

Recent proposed changes to Standards may have a significant impact on these R values. Previously, flexible duct manufacturers were required to provide details of the R values of the insulation used in the flexible ducts manufacture.

A review of the current AS 4859.1 2002 Thermal Insulating materials for buildings

has included a new test criterion for insulated flexible duct. It proposes that three 6 metre sections (as purchased) be provided for the external testing body.

These will be removed from their packaging and ‘conditioned’ at a set temperature for a minimum period of 24 hours. The duct will then be placed in a test chamber, 4.5 metres long and a temperature differential shall be measured along this length. Any change in temperature would be attributed to how effective the insulation is in the manufactured duct, rather than testing the insulation as an isolated component of the duct as is procedure in the current requirement.

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6 METRE LENGTHS PACKAGED FOR MARKET

FULLY EXTENDED FLEXIBLE DUCT

HANGING STRAP SHOWING LOAD SUPPORTING INSERT

UNSUPPORTED DUCT

Regardless of the efficiency of the heating or cooling unit, poorly installed ductwork results in losses in efficiency and in extreme cases failures of the system.

MINIMUM MATERIAL R-VALUE DUCTWORK Ductwork Element

Assuming that the duct has been sized correctly and has the appropriate R value, there are a number of installation requirements to ensure that the system operates to its optimum.

• Make sure that the flexible duct you intend using has been correctly labelled as per the Standard As4254.1.

It should have the R value, size and manufacturer clearly indicated • Ensure that the flexible duct is ‘seasoned’ before installation. Flexible duct should be removed from the packaging, pulled out to its full extension and left to ensure that the compressed insulation can resume its volume • Flexible ductwork should be supported (at intervals of no more than 1.5 metres) using hangers, which are a minimum of 25mm and support the duct for at least a quarter of its circumference with a semi rigid, fire resistant load support of no less than 75mm wide • Flexible ductwork should not be in contact with the ground • Avoid running ductwork where it will be exposed to direct sunlight, as the outer vapour barrier can degrade • Avoid tight bends in the ductwork at termination points

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Ductwork

Minimum material R-Value for ductwork and fittings in each climate zone Heating-only system or cooling-only system including an evaporative cooling system

Combined heating and refrigerated cooling system

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

8

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

2 and 5

8

1.0

1.5

1.5 (see note)

1.0

1.5

Fitings Note: The minimum material R-Value required for ductwork may be reduced by 0.5 for combined heating and refrigerated cooling systems in climate zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 if the ducts are:

• Sealing the inner core of the flexible duct, independently to the outer sleeve will ensure no leakage or possible condensation can occur when joining ductwork to junctions, diffusers, etc • Protect flexible ductwork from any moisture before or during the installation, once wet, the insulation can remain so for extremely long periods of time, promoting fungal growth and contamination.

0.4 (a) under a suspended floor with an enclosed perimeter; or (b) in a roof space that has insulation of not less than R0.5 direcly beneath the roofing.

The above are but a few considerations to ensure that flexible ductwork is installed to comply with Australian Standards and importantly ensures efficient running of the air conditioning system it forms part of. Anyone wishing to update their knowledge and skills in this area might wish to access the Master Plumbers Flexible Duct installation course, an online program available at training.plumber.com.au

THE QUALITY APPRENTICESHIP SERIES

Tips on delivering quality tradespeople Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (PAV) is undergoing a reinvigoration, with new Group Training Scheme Manager Natalie Reynolds at the helm.

Here Natalie shares some insights on what’s been happening as PAV launches into 2018 with a fresh new outlook, with some useful advice for anyone involved with apprentice recruitment.

Managing apprentices and developing them into quality and well-rounded tradespeople is fraught with challenges. Imagine monitoring more than 140 apprentices, ensuring they are progressing at trade school, and keeping themselves safe, while ensuring all the government obligations are met and host employers are happy… It’s all in a day’s work for Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria.

At PAV, we take our obligations to the industry very seriously. And the hard work is already starting to pay off. In the words of Kelsey Horton, returning third year apprentice who has just rejoined us and been re-inducted ‘wow… things are looking really different. It’s great!” We are putting the changes in place that are needed to meet our compliance requirements and deliver quality apprentices who have had quality training experiences to their host employers.

If you are looking for good advice when managing apprentices, here are a couple of key pointers that could help.

Start as you intend to continue On both sides. Apprentices want to know right from the beginning that they are going to learn their trade and that their employer knows what they need to do to fulfil this. At the same time, employers also need to choose carefully. At PAV, we receive some 50 applications per week. We also have access to the very best Master Plumbers pre-apprenticeship graduates. If Victorian readers need a hand with their recruitment drive, we are the quality industry go-to.

There are a number of reasons why apprentices fail to ‘stick’ that are caused by a mismatch. Here are a few that we have experienced: • Failure to consider the geography of the work vs the place where the apprentice lives. Although a drive is often necessary, costs for the apprentice and likelihood of injury increases.

WE’RE HAPPY TO WELCOME SOME OF THE NEW RECRUITS TO OUR 2018 PAV APPRENTICE PROGRAM

• Failure to recruit for attitude and fit with company culture rather than skills. There are some great tools that you can use, including Gallop’s Strengths Finder, a guidebook that I have found to help to ensure that the things that drive your apprentice on the inside match with what you have to offer • Personality mismatch with their direct supervisor or the supervisor.

Try to work out a best fit to better facilitate learning and development opportunities • Failure to be really clear about expectations up front. This doesn’t just refer to a site or safety induction, it’s about the complete outlook. Too often, we see that clear boundaries have not been set for apprentices.

It’s then that issues arise. It’s important to be clear from the start and build the foundations of trust.

• Ensure the apprentice has a positive story to tell at the end of each day.

Simple questions like ‘what did you learn today?’ and ‘when we did X today, it counted towards your work experience; or you will need Y to get through your Journeyman’s exam.‘ We have found that keeping the dialogue open keeps up the spirits and confidence of apprentices.

At PAV we are going out of our way to recruit the very best in the industry for host employers across Victoria. For information on becoming a PAV apprentice or host employer please call PAV on 9329 9622.

NATALIE REYNOLDS

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Responding to a need:

Exploring Victoria’s new sewerage systems With modern cities ever burgeoning beyond their own boundaries and populations increasing year upon year, state of the art sewerage systems are required to respond to the need. City West Water and Yarra Valley Water are currently developing two innovative solutions as a response to the rapid residential growth that is a part of today’s urban landscape. Kate Stephenson goes behind the scenes to talk to those who are bringing the plans to life, examining two key projects that are currently in the pipeline across greater Melbourne – the Craigieburn Sewage Transfer Hub and The Spencer Street Sewer Redevelopment project.

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The Craigieburn Sewage Transfer Hub Victoria’s newest sewage transfer hub

‘The Northern Growth Area runs from Craigieburn all the way up the Hume to Wallan, spanning over 20 kilometres.

As it continues to grow, the need to build new water, sewer and recycled water treatment plants and associated infrastructure in the area increases.

We will be spending more than 400 million dollars over the next five years to make this happen.’ Chris Brace, General Manager of Growth Futures, Yarra Valley Water.

The Craigieburn Sewage Transfer Hub is a sewage flow control facility, with on-site storage, transfer pumps and air treatment, which will fill the tanks from the Amaroo main sewer during high flow wet weather. The aim is to get waste from the Amaroo main sewer downstream to the western treatment plant, pumping and splitting sewage between downstream catchments that have limited capacity and storing flow when required. A facility of this type and size is a first for Australia and ready to set the example when it commences operation in mid-2018.

Yarra Valley Water investigated two alternative servicing strategies to get round this. The first was to build a tunnel with an estimated cost of $215m. The other alternative was a flow storage and transfer facility at a cost of $63m. The transfer hub was the smart alternative to the traditional solution. By implementing the flow storage and transfer strategy compared to the traditional tunnel strategy, Yarra Valley Water was able to reduce the sewerage servicing costs by over $100m.

‘It’s been fantastic to see it come out of the ground to know we are providing an asset to Melbourne that will support growth today and into the future.’

Sally Crook – Former Project Manager, Craigieburn Sewage Transfer Hub.

This project is all about supporting growth and development in the Northern Growth Area (NGA). There are 128,000 new homes planned for the NGA of Melbourne, to welcome a population similar to that of Canberra. The existing sewerage network was never designed to accommodate this growth. The capacity in the local network is constrained, therefore it is only capable of receiving peak dry weather flows.

MASTER PLUMBERS MEMBERS VISIT CRAIGIEBURN TRANSFER HUB

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The Hub project was staged to lower community costs and to match unknown factors including recycled water demand, growth rates and actual sewer flows.

Amaroo Terminal Manhole Inlet Works and Drop Structure Emergency Relief Structure to the Merri Creek Storage Tanks (2 X 16ML) 4 X Sewer Pump Stations Pipelines and fittings (up to DN1600) Air Treatment Facility Associated siteworks including power, lighting, comms, recycled water supply, site access roads, drainage, etc.

Control integration with existing sewage treatment plant Paul Luscombe took over as Project Manager of the Facility in November 2017. Here he gives us an insight into what makes this project one of a kind.

‘The Craigieburn Transfer Hub is a rather unique system, because it has been implemented as part of a new system rather than a retro fit of an existing network to accommodate increasing flows.

In Europe and the Americas, holding and balancing facilities similar to the Hub facility are designed as a retro fit solution for much older cities and systems, where both the sewage and stormwater flows are collected in a single pipe system and are balanced in a single facility.

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These facilities are typically required for single pipe systems (combined stormwater and sewage), as the peak flows are much larger than sewage only systems. In relatively young countries such as Australia, dual pipe systems are mandated and therefore flow storage and transfer facilities have not typically been required. However similar facilities have been used at the headworks of treatment plants to try and balance flows, but not further up in the network to try and reduce infrastructure size and cost. In this respect we believe Yarra Valley Water are implementing an innovative solution.

The facility is still in construction but is due to be completed in the coming months and Yarra Valley Water are keen to see this new type of asset for them in operation. March will see Yarra Valley Water and Jacobs presenting at the Australian Water Association conference in Brisbane to share the thinking behind the strategy and the facility. We are keen to see if there are any other opportunities out there where this type of facility can be implemented to lower cost infrastructure for the community.

One of the key functional concepts of this facility is that there is no reliance on mechanical equipment to utilise the above ground storages. The storage component of the facility is designed to be gravity fed and distributed, which means the risk profile for spills is extremely low. The second key feature of the facility is that the site levels have been utilised to allow low cost above ground storage to be used rather than traditional buried concrete storages that are considerably more expensive.

Yarra Valley Water have been conservative in the implementation of this facility as it is not a typical asset.

It has been elected to install an odour control facility to manage any potential odour risk, as the odour profile of the new and developing northern catchment is unknown.

The design and construction of the first stage of the facility includes significant infrastructure provisions to enable the gravity storage at the facility to easily be increased to around 100ML without any significant infrastructure other than additional tanks. 3D modelling, FEA analysis and BIM models are relatively new in the water industry.

It was a new approach to design for many of us involved in this project, but we have found that it helped during the design process and operator training.

It will no doubt help in the future with operation and maintenance activities.

For Yarra Valley Water, this is a new and exciting space in terms of asset management. To date, there has not been much in the way of 3D information in the water sector, as normally the pipeline is underground so there’s not so much interaction with the infrastructure. It’s great to be part of new developments in this space.

We’ve also worked to get progress development shots of the project by drone, from excavation and planning stages to near completion that we are at now.

We’re really proud of the role we are playing in supporting the growth and prosperity of Melbourne. The importance of water and sewage infrastructure is critically important for these new growth areas.’

The Spencer Street Sewer Redevelopment project Catering for CBD growth The Spencer Street Sewer Upgrade will help to facilitate the rapid residential growth that Melbourne is experiencing, working to duplicate a century old sewerage system to cope with the ever expanding population. The upgrade is stage 1 of a 4-stage plan to increase the capacity of the sewers in Melbourne’s CBD. The works will last for up to 15 months while City West Water lays almost 700 metres of extra sewerage pipes.

The City West Water sewer duplication works in Spencer Street will be the first of four stages of major pipe upgrades to Melbourne’s CBD sewerage system.

Kate Houlden, Project Delivery Manager of Infrastructure & Delivery at City West Water talks us through the thinking behind the upgrade, presenting some eye opening statistics. Here’s how it will be done.

‘Victoria in Future (2015) forecasts growth of approximately 60,000 new apartments in the CBD over the next 35 years, with 14,000 of these apartments within the Spencer St Sewer Catchment.

Considering the high impact location of the sewer, the City West Water project team carried out a thorough process to nominate the most suitable construction methodology and delivery approach.

This included reviewing customer and stakeholder engagement strategies, CCTV camera installation to capture real time traffic conditions during construction, noise reduction controls as well as vibration and noise monitoring.

The Spencer Street Sewer will be installed using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) and the main pipeline will be DN1400 (1400mm diameter) and 600m long.

In order to lay the pipe, three main shafts along Spencer Street will be constructed.

The first (which is currently underway) will act as the launch shaft for the TBM. This shaft is 13m deep and located at the intersection of Spencer Street and Lonsdale Street.

In February, construction on the second and third shafts at Bourke Street and Flinders Lane will begin.

The TBM will enter the launch shaft and tunnel along towards Flinders Lane. Each length of pipe will be lowered into the launch shaft and be used to push the TBM forward.

In addition to the main works, smaller maintenance holes, a smaller pipeline and connections to the existing system will also be developed.

The Spencer Street Sewer upgrade is a shining example of how City West Water is preparing for future growth within Melbourne’s CBD. This level of growth makes it an exciting time for the sewer and plumbing industry, as we work to ensure Melbourne’s sewer catchments continue to operate efficiently and make a meaningful contribution to Melbourne’s liveability.’

Additional Statistics Contractors to City West Water are currently employing approximately 20 personnel per month to undertake works on the Spencer Street Sewer Upgrade. This will increase to approximately 25 during the tunnelling works.

This equates to an expected 45,000 person hours.

The proposed additional 14,000 apartments in the Spencer Street catchment when fully occupied will discharge enough sewage every day to cover the playing surface (17,720 sq mtrs) of the MCG to a depth of approximately 0.3 metres! Similarly, this would fill approximately two Olympic sized swimming pools.

Annually, the volume of sewage produced would fill the MCG be to a depth of 115 metres which is 1.5 times the height of the light towers. This also equates to 776 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Once the pipeline is installed, the shafts will be used to build three large diameter maintenance holes. These will provide ongoing access to the sewer for future upkeep.

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E

M 28 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

R

P

R

B EM E

O FIL

Hard work

around the clock Founder and Director of Around the Clock Plumbing Christopher Unwin has been in the plumbing industry for nearly 18 years, starting as an apprentice of the Master Plumbers Group Training Scheme in 2004. From humble beginnings, his journey to a company owner and Master Plumbers National Council Member has been quite remarkable. Here Christopher shares his story with Kate Stephenson.

‘I would almost say I was destined to be a part of the Plumbing Industry. I’ve known it since I was very young. When I was only four, I remember putting on a tool bag and hard hat and passing my Uncle, who was a plumber, tools while he ran some drainage and water for a small renovation at my parents’ house.

My apprenticeship with Master Plumbers

‘I was always approaching plumbers and asking about apprenticeships and tips on how to go about gaining one. The more people I asked, the more I was told to ‘try Master Plumbers’. I was told that gaining an interview alone would be a From Year 7 until I completed high school challenge, as there was a large gap I spent every school and Christmas between the number of applicants and holiday working with a local plumbing the amount of positions offered. This company, who were happy did not deter me. The reputation of a to accommodate Master Plumbers my request for free apprentice was labour digging holes, widely renown, THE REPUTATION OF washing the vans and which made me A MASTER PLUMBERS sweeping the yard.’ want to be a part APPRENTICE WAS WIDELY of it even more.’

RENOWN, WHICH MADE ME WANT TO BE A PART OF IT EVEN MORE

‘In my final year of school, I put together my resume and six months before finishing, I sent it off to Master Plumbers.

I was put through a stringent interview process and was fortunate enough to get on the Pre-Apprenticeship course.

I successfully completed the course under the watchful eye of the Field Officers, who frequented the school to enquire about our progress and attendance.’

‘From my first week into the Pre-Apprenticeship, I knew I had a great opportunity in front of me and made sure I gave my all every step of the way. With the strictness from the Field Officers also came great mentoring, support and advice, both of which provided a crucial role in getting us ready prior to entering the work force and been placed with a Host Employer.’

www.plumber.com.au | 29

‘Due to the broad network of host employers, I was fortunate enough to gain a wide variety of knowledge and experience, working in a range of fields including large commercial plumbing sites, domestic mechanical services and domestic and commercial maintenance plumbing. Upon completion of my apprenticeship, I accepted a full time job as a qualified and registered plumber from my ex-host employer, where I stayed on for many years.’

The start of Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd ‘My desire to strike it out on my own came from a need to have my own independent work schedule. It was my aim to work long hours for my own clients to make a profit that I could invest back into the business. I hoped one day to have a solid customer base and good reputation in the industry. Building relationships with clients is important to me and I have worked hard to cement my reputation as reliable and a provider of superior services.’

‘While still working BUILDING full time, RELATIONSHIPS WITH I constantly CLIENTS IS IMPORTANT planned how TO ME AND I HAVE I would go WORKED HARD TO about starting my own CEMENT MY REPUTATION business.

AS RELIABLE AND A Over this time, PROVIDER OF SUPERIOR I purchased a SERVICES drain cleaning machine, and started to complete private work, slowly building my client base. These came mainly from family and friends, but I also had the bright idea to contact domestic real estate agents. Before I knew it, I had enough work to keep me going for seven days a week.

30 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

Most of my private clients requested I attend when they finished work or over the weekend, which I would happily agree to in order to keep expanding.’

‘I had recently purchased a house and was nine months away from getting married when It dawned on me there was never going to be a good time to take the plunge to start working for myself full time. Determined to make my dream a reality, that week I decided to put in my resignation, with a supportive reception from my employer.’

‘When I got home that night I thought it was time to advise my then fiancée and now wife that I had resigned and was now self employed. I’m not sure that Nicole shared my enthusiasm at that point in time, although she was always supportive of my ambition and determination.’

‘The following morning, I quietly took the can opener out. It was time to open my large money tin. I took it into the bank and opened a business banking account.

I wasn’t sure what the difference to a normal account was at the time, except for the fees, although for me it marked the start of a new beginning.’

‘I also purchased a new money tin on the way back to the car. I had my first week’s costs covered, but wasn’t sure how I would cover things moving forward.

Despite the questions in my head, I knew with my training and the support available around me that I could make it work and turn my ambitions into reality.’

‘I was hoping for at least one call out a day, and in the down time I was out chasing new customers. I wanted to specialise in commercial maintenance; shopping centres, schools etc. I soon realised it was not going to be as easy as I thought, although I kept moving and eventually old clients started to have new problems and the business started growing. Before I knew it, I was back to working 16 hour days during the week and 12 hour days on the weekends.

HAVING THE MASTER PLUMBERS OHS MANAGEMENT PLAN UNDER OUR BELT HAS PLAYED A LARGE PART IN OUR COMPANY BEEN SELECTED TO UNDERTAKE THIS WORK

Our most recent project: Working at the Pier ‘Working at the Docklands, we are required to view and assess plumbing pipes below the pier and on occasion gain viewing access via boat. Managing leaks, burst pipes, blocked drains and checking pump stations, we are required to be available 24 hours a day seven days a week.’

‘The ocean is below and it is crucial that the plumbing is maintained to prevent any spillage from entering the water.

There are a lot of OHS issues to consider when undertaking work on sites like this.

Having the Master Plumbers OHS management plan under our belt has played a large part in our Company been selected to undertake this work.’

What kind of plumbing do we do?

‘Since starting the business, I stayed focused on the wide and challenging area of work I wanted to specialise in, which is a 24 hour seven day a week service to the commercial maintenance sector. That’s where the name Around the Clock Plumbing came from. We have since built a strong foundation of clients, Government and private, that takes us all over Melbourne.’

‘From blocked sewers to burst fire services in the middle of the night, we find ourselves attending a range of jobs at all time of day. We have put a lot back into the company to be able to have all of our own equipment on hand in order to be able to perform any job and any time be it drain camera, leak detector or demolition saw.’

‘We have also branched off to provide a specialist service to tap manufacturers for any warranty complaints lodged, working together with manufacturers, plumbers, consultants and clients to resolve issues and determine the cause. I find this rewarding as while we are doing our job, we are also benefiting the industry by coming up with ideas and designs that are solutions to problems.’

‘We are often engaged by other plumbers to provide our opinion on complex plumbing issues, which are frequently arising with the number of new products coming onto the market. Oftentimes, plumbers have unknowingly installed materials or products that are noncompliant to Australian Standards.

Sometimes they have installed pipework and not taken into account that copper and plastic pipes may have different internal diameters which can greatly affect performance of tap ware. We are often engaged by these plumbers to work alongside them to resolve these issues.’

What’s on the horizon for 2018?

‘I hope to continue to develop and grow Around the Clock plumbing as a company in 2018. We have long term goals to be more competitive and really show our points of difference in order to submit larger plumbing maintenance tenders. It is a process that for me is a journey and has been implemented over a long period of time.

I’ve added in job management software, outsourced our Human Resources, attained certain certification to audit our processes and developed our OHS policies and procedures, Environmental Policies and Insurances.’

Views on being a Master Plumbers National Council Member ‘In recent times, I made the decision to dedicate time to become more involved with the Association and to do my part in helping to futureproof the Industry for the next generation of plumbers.

I furthered this cause by being elected to be on the Master Plumbers National Council.’

‘I know the issues that current plumbers are dealing with in today’s world and realised that I don’t want the future generations to go through the same issues and if nothing is done, it will only stay the same. If we can make a difference for the future generations of Plumbers and the Industry as a whole, why wouldn’t we?’

‘I am looking forward to continuing to do more with the Association and being able to contribute more as the years go on.’

What it means to be a Master Plumber: ‘Master Plumbers has an approved Code of Ethics, which to me encapsulates exactly what it means to me to be a Master Plumber.’

‘I joined the Association not long after starting the business. The benefits of being a Member for me were instant, I was going to employ my first apprentice and I was fortunate enough as a Member

that I had the support and advice from the Association to provide a contract that I could rely on, including all the required documents and paperwork completed for me. I’ve always found their apprentices to be reliable and look forward to hiring from Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria in the near future.’

The importance of Continuous Professional Development ‘I am a strong advocate for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and am constantly upskilling not only myself, but my employees – it’s extremely important in an ever changing industry.

‘Upskilling and getting up to date is also a lot about networking and growing your contacts list. I attended World Plumbing Day at the PICAC training centre with an apprentice and left with a whole host of contacts. The discussions had on the day contributed to the resolution of an ongoing issue regarding water flow, hot water units and star ratings. I walked away with knowledge that I didn’t have walking in. I think this is a great example of CPD without having to do a course.

Upskilling comes in numerous forms and does not have to be in a class room.’

‘Moving forward I believe that CPD will play a crucial role in our ever changing industry and hope one day it will become a requirement for all plumbers in their careers.’

CHRISTOPHER UNWIN’S ADVICE FOR WINNING A JOB ‘BE PREPARED, DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR ADVICE, PUT YOURSELF IN YOUR CLIENT’S SHOES, ASSESS YOUR POINT OF DIFFERENCE, DO YOUR RESEARCH AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL, LEARN FROM IT AND TRY AGAIN.’

www.plumber.com.au | 31

What long service leave means for your plumbing business It’s great to retain your workforce. But did you know that you have to put provisions in place to anticipate long service leave?

Master Plumbers asks CoINVEST CEO, John Hartley, to explain where you stand and what you need to do to prepare your business for the future.

How do businesses prepare for long service leave?

In Victoria, long service leave is portable for workers who carry out construction work.

They get rewarded for loyalty to the industry and fairly generously too, with an entitlement to 13 weeks after 10 years, available pro rata anytime once they have seven years recorded.

The portable long service scheme was first set up for the industry by the Victorian government in 1976.

CoINVEST is set up to keep track of that service and pay long service leave benefits on behalf of the construction industry.

Businesses report their employee’s service to CoINVEST and pay a charge into a trust fund that CoINVEST then manages in order to pay the necessary entitlements.

Over the journey we’ve been pretty good at managing that money with our most recent five year return averaging in double digits.

32 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

Explain what CoINVEST and long service leave means for plumbing businesses – specifically what do they have to do?

Every business that carries out plumbing work is obliged by law to register with CoINVEST. This is because plumbing trades, as well as that of apprentices, trade assistants or associated labourers, are all deemed as construction work for the purposes of the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Act 1997.

Construction work covers repair and maintenance as well as new construction or installation.

If they employ anyone (including a director of a company) to carry out plumbing or related work, it is compulsory that the business submits a quarterly return advising days worked and ordinary pay for each worker before also paying the resulting invoice for long service leave charges imposed by the Act.

What do plumbers need to do?

The Act requires anyone carrying out plumbing work to register with CoINVEST, so if you’re a plumber, apprentice, trade assistant or labourer performing this work you should follow

the steps below to make sure you are registered and receiving your entitlement.

Once you have seven years in the industry, you can claim online and the benefit is paid direct to your bank account.

What percentage needs to be paid on behalf of workers?

There are no charges for registered apprentices but for all other workers the long service leave charge is 2.7 per cent of their ordinary pay and has been so since 2009. We’re intending to bring that down as soon as possible so we’re working hard at protecting the Fund’s assets in a volatile investment market.

How do I register with CoINVEST? The easiest way, whether you’re a business or an employee, is to go to our website coinvest.com.au and click on the ‘How do I register’ button.

Do I need to contribute for casual workers?

Yes. All workers have their service recorded provided they perform plumbing work for six or more days in a particular calendar month. It makes no difference whether they are full time, part time or casual.

It also makes no difference whether the work is commercial, domestic or industrial. Nor is it tied to EBAs or employment contracts. It is a compulsory legal obligation applying in respect of all plumbing workers.

Do I still need to pay long service to a worker after 10 years?

No. Workers can’t double dip. CoINVEST is responsible for payment in respect of plumbing work. Actually taking the leave though still needs to be worked out between the worker and the business.

How and when is payment made?

Worker days and wage returns must be submitted online within 14 days of each quarter ending. CoINVEST then calculates the amount owing and issues an invoice which is payable within a further 14 days.

Are there any exemptions?

What will happen if I do not contribute to CoINVEST? It is a criminal offence for a business to fail to register, keep records or submit quarterly returns. If a company is found guilty of an offence any director or manager who knowingly authorised or permitted the contravention will also be guilty of the offence.

IT IS A COMPULSORY LEGAL OBLIGATION IMPOSED BY GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION ON EVERY PLUMBING BUSINESS IN VICTORIA

Plus you will still be liable for all the unpaid charges plus interest at the statutory rate which is currently 10% per annum. So, every $100 you should have paid five years ago is $150 you have to pay now. That can make a big difference to the bill.

For more information on what long service leave means for your business and how to plan for the future, go to coinvest.com.au

No. It is a compulsory legal obligation imposed by Government legislation on every plumbing business in Victoria.

www.plumber.com.au | 33

Safety management systems

what you need to know

Master Plumbers OHS Officer Rod Tresidder shares advice on safety management systems for your workplace.

This six step plan may be the answer to all your problems.

What is an SMS?

4 Monitoring

Why you should have an SMS?

A Safety Management System (SMS) combines all the different elements in your workplace that need attention to ensure you provide a safe working environment for everyone who enters it.

SMS make health and safety an integral part of your business’s core operations.

Designing, developing and implementing an effective SMS, you will have methods for managing reporting, responsibilities, planning and resourcing to create a safer workplace.

SMS have six elements: • A safety plan; • Policies, procedures and processes; • Training and induction; • Monitoring; • Supervision; and • Reporting.

Remember, it is not enough to simply adopt a satisfactory SMS. You must also actively implement that system in your workplace.

To do this, you must ensure that: • Workers comply with procedures and instructions; • Workers are appropriately trained; and • Workers are subject to ongoing supervision.

1 Safety plan A safety plan is a strategic action plan that forms part of the business plan.

It analyses the current and prospective risk for a company and charts how the risks will be eradicated and controlled over a calendar period (the safety plan must have a budget).

This plan will ensure that there is a governance structure within your company that ensures every worker clearly understands their safety obligations (and how to comply) and is accountable to carry out those obligations.

Your obligations to monitor your workplace depend on circumstances and need. Always consider the level of risk.

The higher the risk, the more frequent and detailed the monitoring needs to be.

Other times when monitoring will be necessary include: • To ensure that all risk has been covered by a new risk assessment that has been carried out due to a change in process, e.g. the installation of new workstations; and • When an investigation takes place following an incident.

5 Supervision

3 Policies, procedures and processes Policies, procedures and processes include all safety paper infrastructures within your company. This paperwork will describe all safety behavior, expectations, record-keeping, incident reporting, and incident notification documentation.

The only way to ensure your workers are carrying out their safety obligations is to have adequate supervision.

The level of supervision required in your workplace will increase if the level of safety control put in place to reduce a risk is low, i.e. the less effective the control measure used, the higher the level of supervision necessary.

3 Training and induction Depending on the nature of your workplace (whether it is low-risk or high-risk), everyone who enters your workplace should receive training on: • the rules of your company; • the rules of the site; and • the rules of the location they are visiting.

6 Reporting The governance structure of your company needs safety reporting at all levels, not just to the safety officer or at the board level.

The training content will depend on the level of risk the person is exposed to.

To find out more contact Rod Tresidder on 03 9321 0745 or email rod.tresidder@plumber.com.au

There are five steps to an effective OHSMS, and these steps form a continual cycle of improvement as shown in the image. Consultation is a key element of each step.

THE 5 STEPS OF AN OHSMS

1 Top management commitment and policy The policy is a general plan of intent which guides or influences future decisions. It is the basis upon which measurable objectives and targets and the OHSMS is developed.

2 Planning

3 Implementation

Plan how to deliver the OHS policy, objectives and targets to ensure hazards arising from work activities are identified so that risks can be assessed and then controlled.

Implement the plan by developing the capabilities and support mechanisms necessary to achieve the OHS policy, objectives and targets.

34 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

4 Measurement and evaluation

5 Review and improvement

Measure, monitor and evaluate OHS performance, to determine the effectiveness of risk management, and if necessary take preventative and corrective action.

Review and continually improve the OHSMS, with the objective of improving OHS performance.

Need a hand?

Hire a PAV apprentice, Hassle free Visit plumber.com.au or call 03 9329 9622 www.plumber.com.au | 35

Flow Entrepreneur and former plumber Matt Jones talks with Amanda Ogilvie from Biz Better Together about founding two successful businesses where trades and technology converge.

You have two businesses.

Are they connected?

Tradie Web Guys provides digital solutions for tradespeople, including websites, marketing and customer nurturing. The Site Shed is a business podcast for tradespeople and we offer advice, tips, tools and tactics for growing a trade business.

These businesses are separate entities, but they are to a certain extent complementary; a lot of the people who have used Tradie Web Guys for digital solutions have come to us through listening to the podcast.

What led you to start these businesses?

I’m a plumber by trade and I took a fairly traditional path into the industry, working as an apprentice in Sydney when I was fresh out of school. Plumbing took me around the world and while I was overseas I started taking an interest in business. When I came back to Australia, I saw that there was a need for education around things like using digital technology and CAN marketing.

YOU TURN YOUR CAR INTO A UNIVERSITY AND LEARN SOMETHING

I built someone a website so they could better market their new product to their customers, and then I did another one.

I saw a good market opportunity for a company that could service the specific needs of trade businesses in the digital space, so I established Tradie Web Guys.

Through this, we were able to educate and empower a lot of business owners

36 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

in the digital landscape. Then I started thinking about how I could get the information out to a larger audience.

I investigated options including podcasts and seminars, with a lot of encouragement from family and friends to give it a go. I started The Site Shed podcast in February 2016; it made the New & Noteworthy list on iTunes within the first five days and we’re still there today. Now we’ve got huge brand recognition locally, as well as a massive audience growing in the US.

Mobility matters One of the great attractions of a podcast is how mobile it is. Back when I was working on sites we didn’t have podcasts, we’d be listening to the radio. Podcasts are perfect for tradespeople, because they can listen on the way to a site as well as while they’re working, whether that’s on the tools or on the computer. Think outside the box and you can turn your car into a university and learn something.

We offer solutions, service and support and we help people learn about it.

Sometimes they want to look after the digital side of the business and sometimes it’s something they don’t have the time or interest to do. We teach them the fundamentals so they understand the principles and have a metric of what’s happening and what they’re paying for.

Getting to grips with digital There are probably very few businesses that couldn’t use some improvement in some aspect of their digital presence or their use of digital tools. In some cases, larger businesses struggle more with this; the larger a company gets, the

bigger the disconnect between different areas of the business.

It’s critical to start with a good website; as a trade business, everything will eventually tie back to your website.

Everything is at the customers’ fingertips today, with the phone or tablet in their hand. If you haven’t got a professional website, it puts potential customers off.

Even if you’re using traditional methods of advertising like a flyer, or maybe you’ve got signage on your ute – these days people will look up the business on the web before they even call the number.

You own and control your website and once people get there you can leverage that. You can capture information, you can get them into your database, you can nurture them, and you can communicate with them.

Education is the key to becoming digitally savvy I’m a firm believer that in business you are either green and growing or ripe and rotting. If you’re not constantly learning and constantly improving yourself and your business and evolving in general, you will find yourself falling behind. Things are constantly changing. The digital landscape is one example; in the last 10 or 15 years things like SEO and digital marketing have been flipped on their heads. If you’re not up to speed with that kind of thing then how are you going to evolve and compete in modern business?

The digital transformation has opened up some amazing opportunities for businesses. It just takes a willingness to learn and try things and there are enormous opportunities for growth.

on effect

get your website right and everything else follows 5 STEP FRAMEWORK FOR ATTRACTING AND CONVERTING PROSPECTS THROUGH YOUR WEBSITE 1 Put yourself in your customers’ shoes. If that takes market research or phoning around, then this needs to be done. Ask questions like ‘How would you find my business?’

‘Where would you go after you found me?’ ‘Where were you right before you found them?’ This kind of information helps you target your marketing.

2 Now that you’ve learned how your customers would find you, make sure you are represented professionally in that space. Start with a clean, well-built website that has all the critical conversion elements and is attractive and engaging.

As a former tradesman, Matt knew the difficulties that he faced in relation to obtaining relevant information pertaining to the successful running of trade based business. More to the point, it was even harder to get access to networks and resources that could leverage and the experience and wisdom of those that have trodden the path before.

3 Ensure that once prospective customers get to your website, you’re capturing their information and opening up a communication channel. You might offer a free e-book or a discount coupon.

You are aiming to make sure you get them into your database.

4 Once the communication pattern is set up you want to nurture the relationship with automation.

Matt dreamed of creating not just a platform where relevant education, resources, tools and information were made available, but also a community where business owners could come to network from around the world and share their story.

5 Make sure your sales cycle and sales process is down pat. You’ve nurtured your prospect into being a lead, and then nurtured them to the point of being a customer, and now you need to make sure the sales cycle goes smoothly. And last but not least, ensure proposals are followed up; make sure you collect information that could lead to opportunities to upsell or cross-sell.

THE LARGER A COMPANY GETS, THE BIGGER THE DISCONNECT BETWEEN DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE BUSINESS

The Site Shed is a tool, designed to fill the gap between what is learned in college and what is needed to run a successful business. It’s about delivering real life, practical information that can be implemented. To get on board visit thesiteshed.com

Amanda Ogilvie is the Senior Content Coordinator for the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s “Biz Better Together” productivity initiative: When employers and employees work together, business is better.

Join the conversation @BizBT www.bizbettertogether.com

www.plumber.com.au | 37

Doubling your leads with the same budget with the Site Shed’s Matt Jones

If I told you that there is a way that you could reduce the amount you’re spending on marketing and increase the amount of customers you’re getting, what would you say?

‘You’d probably be sceptical and to be fair, you probably should be. After all, as business owners we’re constantly being approached by ‘marketing experts’, or ‘business coaches’ that are trying to ram their services down our throats.

The reality I’m going to share with you a scenario that I see regularly among companies I work with and speak with from all around the world.

Our inbox is constantly filled with emails from ‘specialists’ offering us SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), web design, AdWords (pay-per-click, or SEM-search engine marketing), Social Media, etc.

I run a company called Tradie Web Guys, which offers websites and marketing for trade businesses and almost every day, companies call in telling us the same thing.

99 per cent of these emails come from an @hotmail, or an @gmail email address, which if you’re like me you don’t even read based off the fact they don’t even have a professional business email.

“We need more leads!”

As someone that works with trade based businesses from all over the world every day, there are some common trends that I regularly see when it comes to the ‘digital space’.

Here’s the problem.

They’re not necessarily ‘bad’, however there are things that can be done to earn better results and get you a better ‘bang-for-your-buck’.

38 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

It’s true that businesses need a fresh supply of new leads, however you may not need as many as you think.

Leads are not the bottleneck!

Let’s say you’re currently getting 100 visitors to your website each week.

These visitors may be coming through various sources. SEO, word of mouth, paid traffic etc.

In the next section I’m going to run through some figures to give you an idea of how the numbers might look.

I’m using rounded figures to make it easier to understand, so try to follow along.

Let’s break it down.

If you have a website that is ‘converting’ at four per cent.

That means that out of the 100 visitors you’re getting to your site, you’re only turning four of them into a lead.

Now let’s say that you are currently converting half (50 per cent) of your leads into customers (which is very high).

That means from 100 visitors, you’re getting four leads, which turns into two customers.

Let’s say that to get those 100 visitors to your website each month, it’s costing you $100. If you’re only getting two customers from that investment, each one is costing you $50.

If you want more customers, you’ll need more leads and if you need more leads, you need more visitors, right?

Not necessarily…

The paradigm shift Let’s explore two options OPTION ONE

Say you want to double the amount of customers you’re getting each week.

So we’re upping it from two, to four.

Based off the above formula, this is what it would look like.

You’ll need: 200 visitors

What this shows us is that a simple shift from focussing on ‘getting more leads’, to ‘converting the leads I have’ can increase the amount of work you’re getting by 100 per cent.

That’s why it’s so important to understand what I like to call the “Digital Ecosystem”.

Did you know you could effectively double, triple, or further increase the amount of work you’re getting by not increasing your marketing cost at all?

• How does the content on my website affect the time my visitors stay on my site?

What if you applied the same strategy and increased your budget… imagine then the potential results!

Cost = $200/week 8 leads (of which half will become a customer)

It’s not always what it seems.

8 times by 50 per cent = four customers

Believe it or not, spending more money is not always the answer. Of course if you go to a company that specialises in selling Google AdWords, they’re going to sell you Google AdWords.

Cost per customer is still $50 OPTION TWO

You improve your website conversions from four per cent to eight per cent

In most cases, it would be, “Oh, you have poor conversions? No problem, you’ll just need to spend more money to get leads”.

You still get 100 visitors which is still costing you $100/week.

• How does my website affect my AdWords conversions?

• How good am I at keeping my customers engaged and nurtured?

• What does a prospect do, when they see me drive past in my work truck?

In reality, we’ve hardly scratched the surface of a far bigger topic. My hope is that this post got you thinking a little more about what you’re currently doing.’

If you’d like more specific information, visit TradieWebGuys.com.au and TheSiteShed.com – Australia’s number one business podcast for tradies.

You now have eight leads You’re converting half of them into customers which equals four customers.

YOU COULD EFFECTIVELY DOUBLE, TRIPLE, OR FURTHER INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF WORK YOU’RE GETTING BY NOT INCREASING YOUR MARKETING COST AT ALL

Cost per customer is now $25

3 ways Cbus builds super futures for plumbers in Victoria 1.

Investing in property and development projects through our wholly owned subsidiary Cbus Property1, creating jobs and delivering returns

2.

Easy administration for employers, with online options to join Cbus and pay employees’ super

3.

Industry–specific super products for members, including insurance cover, financial advice and free access to the Cbus smartphone app

Contact Daniel for your business super needs Daniel Tentser,

Business Superannuation Consultant, VIC

0439 372 365

daniel.tentser@cbussuper.com.au

Cbus Property commercial project, 171 Collins St Melbourne 1 Cbus Property Pty Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cbus and has responsibility for the strategic performance and management of all 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 and objectives before making any financial decisions. Read the Cbus Employer Handbook and other relevant 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.

www.plumber.com.au | 39

Giving a

crap

Australian Plumbing Industry magazine’s roving reporter Matt Reynolds recently sat down with ‘Who Gives a Crap’ Co-founder Simon Griffiths to discuss how he built an empire on toilet rolls. Five years ago, Simon sat on a toilet for 50 straight hours as a publicity stunt to raise awareness for their crowd funding campaign.

The plan was to start a toilet paper company and it worked, far better than they ever thought possible! Raising $50,000, the company that donates 50 per cent of its profits to help solve sanitation problems in emerging countries was finally off the ground. Strap yourself in to soak up this incredible story.

40 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

I was recently gifted a roll of your toilet paper for Christmas, which surprised me a little, but was certainly unique. Have you heard of before?

Which took 50 hours right?

Why focus on sanitation?

Yes! (laughing) Toilet paper sales are generally quite flat, there is no seasonality at all, except in our business. We do a roaring trade at Christmas, people do love gifting it.

We have a Christmas range we release every November for the holiday season.

50 horrible, never ever to be repeated hours. Basically, it was a huge success, we got national print and television coverage in Australia, as well as huge print coverage all over the United States. Strangely, we were also extremely popular in Brazil and Greece.

We managed to generate about $1,000,000 of equivalent PR value and 2,500,000 social media hit from that campaign.

We have seen some horrible situations first hand. At the time we started this business, it was the most off-track of the millennium development goals, partly because it’s not often the choice dinner table conversation. We thought with toilet paper we could raise that awareness and do it in a fun way.

Tell us about ‘Who Gives a Crap’ and what you do?

Did you ever think it would go that well?

We are a forest-friendly toilet paper, tissue and paper towel business. We are predominantly online and sell direct to our customers. We use 50 per cent of our profits to help build toilets in various parts of the developing world. You can purchase single orders, or, you can get a subscription service, where we predict when you will run out and ship to you, so you never run out or have to worry about buying toilet paper again.

It was always going to be a challenge to make it work. We thought it was crazy to try and get people to buy toilet paper on-line when 99.9 per cent of toilet paper was bought in supermarkets. We did our first production run about eight months later and fulfilled all our orders, it was basically a one-man team at that point.

We didn’t do any marketing, but we started to see our sales build, basically doubling every day. We thought we had too much stock, but sold out of what we had five days after the launch.

Those orders basically came from our initial customers posting photos on social media and telling their friends about what we did. We now have 30+ employees and have donated $1.25m.

And that’s not guess work is it, you actually work each shipment out individually based on order history?

That’s right. We start with set frequency based on your household size and then, with the customer’s help, we tweak that and normally over the first two to three orders, we get a really good order history. We can then figure out when you will run out of toilet paper. Before you do, as if by magic, you get a new box shipped to you.

How did this company get underway?

We started with a crowd funding campaign as we thought we had a product people would enjoy. Although we needed capital to get started, we realised we had probably the most boring product that had ever been crowd funded. It wasn’t just about making the first batch of product, it was also about finding people to take it all. $50,000 of toilet paper takes up quite a bit of room. We had no following and no media to leverage to get going. So, I got roped into sitting on a toilet on a live web feed until we sold the first batch.

Where does this passion for social entrepreneurship come from?

For me, I get frustrated when I can see there’s a better way to do things. It’s not about the money piece, it’s about the impact piece and that’s part of the reason I get up every morning. We understand that we are not going to solve the sanitation problem by ourselves, let alone all the other problems that are out there. The way that we think about the whole situation is that we need to show that it possible to run a successful business, which gives a return for the owners and creates social impact at the same time, which is why we donate 50 per cent of our profits and ultimately build more toilets. If we can demonstrate that, we’ll help attract more entrepreneurs and investors into this space and see more business following this model, that’s how we will get the most impact.

Are you seeing improvements?

We definitely are, but there is still a long way to go. Our goal as a company is for everyone to have access to a toilet globally by 2050. At current rates we are looking at about 2080, so we really want to see our current pace accelerate and make sure we are still alive to see that happen.

How do you measure your impact, does it go beyond just the dollars donated?

There are three pillars. There is raising the money, how we deploy it and then how we tell that story to our customers to keep them interested in the cause. The way we go about that at the moment is that we provide unrestricted funding. If you think about it, if you donate the money with restrictions on how it is to be spent, you may actually be slowing the process because there may be a better use for the funds or something that is necessary. So, because we are not tied to one specific project, we cannot tie the outcome specifically, like to the construction of a particular block of toilets at a school for example. We can draw comparisons with restricted funding causes who can do that and measure our impact that way. We believe that is the best way to go.

You are an inspiring man Simon and it’s a great cause, thank you for taking the time to talk to us.

Thank you, it’s been great to chat.

The full audio version of my interview with Simon can be found at xrm.com.au/podcast

From the trenches [MATT REYNOLDS] Matt Reynolds is an award winning plumber who writes about the game as an industry insider. You can connect with him on Twitter @MrMattReynolds or find him as the Director of XRM Plumbing Services on LinkedIn.

www.plumber.com.au | 41

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Corporate Partnership

AU ST RA

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We will work with you to create a tailored campaign that will promote your brand and its benefits.

Gain access to Master Plumbers members through: • Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine • plumber.com.au • social media • sponsorship & events • special offers & sampling

42 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

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A corporate partnership with Master Plumbers can help to grow your brand through: • qualified lead generation • targeted media exposure • strategic alignment with the Master Plumbers brand

An interview with Aidan Ward

Making a difference at CPC2017 Aidan Ward may be just 24, but his plumbing career has already reached great heights. After being selected to fly to remote Indonesia to represent Team Australia in Community Plumbing Challenge 2017, the young plumber has proven himself in more ways than one. We caught up with him in between stormwater repairs working for his employer Laser Plumbing Sale.

What made you apply for Community Plumbing Challenge 2017?

I applied for the Community Plumbing Challenge through work. [Master Plumbers Board Member and Director of Laser Plumbing Sale] Daniel Smolenaars told me about the opportunity, putting me in touch with Greg Tink from PICAC. I said I’d like to put my name forward.

I sent a few emails explaining why.

Then I was asked to be part of the team.

Tell us more about the project itself…

The job was set over two separate stages, design week, which was held last July and the Building and Construction stage, which was held last November.

We were working in a remote village called Cicau in West Java, about 50kms east of Jakarta. The aim of the project was to provide a new sanitation structure for the local school. I was part of Team Australia, but there were teams participating from all over the world.

All teams worked really well together and there was a great mix of people, which made for strong banter.

What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

My attitude was always to take it as it comes and solve the problems with common sense.

It soon became apparent that tools and fittings were thin on the ground. We had makeshift picks and the like, but at design stage, all I had was a tape measure and a spirit level. Luckily, that’s all I needed.

For the construction stage I had a couple of my own shifters, drills and a shovel.

We made do with the bare necessities.

We had to use a string line as there were no lasers, and a tape to measure down.

It was very old school, reminding me of when we first learned the tricks of the trade at trade school, and working with older colleagues onsite.

What advice would you give those thinking of giving CPC a go?

What did you learn?

What does the future hold for Aidan Ward?

I quickly learned that in this situation, what would have been the right answer in Australia often wasn’t the right answer in Indonesia. Installing a corona toilet and bathroom tiles may well be the standard for residential projects in Australia, but for both practical and cultural reasons, were not suitable solutions for the issues we were facing here. At first glance we hadn’t considered that the locals don’t have money for toilet paper or the means to support a traditional western flushing toilet, with its running repairs. Through religion and belief, practicality and habit, the squat toilet is still the preferred solution in rural Indonesia.

Did you feel like you made a difference?

This program raised awareness to the importance of clean sanitation, which in my opinion is a basic human right.

I have seen, experienced and contributed to how plumbing can save lives, and feel very proud of this fact.

Just go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose and would be crazy not to chuck yourself off the high dive into the deep end. If you are successful, it’s crucial to go in with an open mind and take every challenge as it comes. I wouldn’t have changed my experience for anything.

I’m making the most of being an apprentice, learning as much as I can through the mentorship of Laser Plumbing Sale. CPC2017 has certainly given me a taste for international work, and I would be keen to try some more at some stage. Also, I have always lived and worked in rural areas. I could be tempted to move towards the city in the future and try more urban plumbing projects for a change.

Aidan Ward is currently employed as an apprentice with Laser Plumbing Sale. He left school at 17, and met the Foreman of Laser Plumbing at a wedding, which led to an interview and eventually, full time work and a chance to build his career. He’s nearing the end of his third year of employment with Laser Plumbing and specialises in maintenance plumbing.

www.plumber.com.au | 43

Binding settlements – principles established and determined

In settling any dispute, whether it is employment related – for example an unfair dismissal application or a business dispute, including disputes about payment, or non-payment of an invoice, Master Plumbers recommends that the parties to the dispute enter into a binding settlement.

The binding settlement should specify and detail the agreement reached between the parties subject to the dispute.

In a recent decision, a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission has set out the principles for a binding settlement.

Background Subeg Singh (Singh) was employed

by Sydney Trains as a Team Leader.

Singh was dismissed for ‘significant breaches of… safety policies, procedures and guidelines relating to working in a safety critical location.’

Singh subsequently made an application for unfair dismissal to the Commission.

In the first decision, Deputy President Sams (Sams DP) dismissed Singh’s application. Sams DP dismissed the application because he found that the parties had ‘reached agreement in their email exchanges of 13 and 16 February 2017’. On that basis, Sams DP determined to “dismiss the application on the basis that it has no reasonable prospects of success.”

Singh subsequently appealed the decision.

A BINDING SETTLEMENT SHOULD HAVE A NON-DISPARAGEMENT CLAUSE. THAT IS A CLAUSE THAT PROHIBITS EITHER PARTY FROM MAKING ADVERSE COMMENTS ABOUT THE OTHER. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT GIVEN THE PROLIFERATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

44 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

MASTERING WORKPLACE RELATIONS

Decision In the appeal decision, a full bench of the Commission found that: ‘We are not satisfied that Singh and Sydney Trains made a concluded agreement to settle Singh’s application for an unfair dismissal remedy. While they were clearly desirous of reaching a settlement and their solicitors were confident of such a deal being struck, the communications between the parties’ solicitors did not express, objectively, an intention to make a concluded bargain, nor was there an acceptance which precisely corresponded to an offer.’

‘An offer and acceptance must precisely correspond. The following principles are relevant to this requirement: • An acceptance corresponds to an offer if it is an unequivocal acceptance of the terms offered.

• An acceptance is not an unequivocal acceptance of the terms offered if it deviates from the offer, even if that deviation is not material or important. However, as a qualification to this principle, if a new term is included in a purported acceptance of an offer and the new term is solely for the benefit of the offeror, then this can constitute a valid acceptance.

• An acceptance will be effective if it does not depart from the terms of the offer, but simply repeats in the offeree’s own words the effect of the offer.

• Acceptance will be effective if it sets out expressly what would be implied by law in the absence of express agreement. For example, an offer may contemplate that, were it to be accepted, a document would be prepared to record its terms. In proposing that a deed be prepared as part of an acceptance of such an offer, the offeree would be stating that which would be implied by law arising from the terms of the offer, namely, that it would be documented in some formal manner.

• Similarly, if a purported acceptance of an offer merely includes the “machinery of working out what was meant by the offer, it is on the same plight as a request for information”. Such a request for information does not revoke the offer and may constitute acceptance of the offer.’

‘Because the second and third qualifications proposed new terms which were not solely for the benefit of Mr Singh and the proposed terms were neither implied nor merely included the “machinery of working out what was meant by the offer”, Sydney Trains purported acceptance of the offer on 16 February 2017 was not effective.

agreement on the essential terms of the contract. This issue may arise because one of the necessary elements of a contract is certainty of terms. That is, a contract must be clear and complete, at least in the essentials.

Certainty is required only of essential terms, not inessential terms, with the result that a contract may be in existence even though the parties have reached agreement on the essential terms of their bargain, but they have not discussed inessential terms.

However, this principle concerning certainty of terms does not determine whether parties have entered into a binding contract in circumstances where they have agreed on what may be regarded as the essential terms of their contract, but they have discussed and either expressly disagreed or not reached agreement on other inessential terms. In those circumstances, the questions remain whether there is an offer and acceptance which precisely correspond and whether the communications between the parties and their conduct expressed, objectively, an intention to make a concluded bargain.‘

‘In some cases concerning a dispute about the existence of a binding contract, it will be relevant to examine whether the parties have reached

The Commission found that there was no binding settlement made between Sigh and Sydney Trains.

That is a clause that prohibits either party from making adverse comments about the other. This is especially important given the proliferation of social media platforms.

Finally, a binding settlement should clearly state that should a party to the settlement not comply with the terms of the binding settlement, the other party is in effect released from the settlement.

Summary: Lessons to be learned It is the recommendation of Master Plumbers that all communications between parties (whether that is the employer and the employee or the company and a client) be confirmed in writing.

Any such communication needs to be clearly structured and defined, clearly expressing the intention of the parties.

Importantly a binding settlement should have a non-disparagement clause.

A binding settlement should be just that – it needs to bind both parties to the settlement. The binding settlement needs to be reduced to writing. The binding settlement should be signed by both parties and those signatures witnessed.

Should there be any questions about the contents of this Industrial Relations Note from Master Plumbers, please contact Phil Eberhard, Senior Workplace Relations Adviser, Master Plumbers, on 03 9321 0720, 0425 790 722 or phil.eberhard@plumber.com.au

www.plumber.com.au | 45

Marsh Advantage Insurance Promotion

Public liability run-off cover Within any industry, covering yourself against public liability claims can be a vital part of running a successful business. This cover can be important not only during day to day activities, but also after your business has ceased trading.

CASE STUDY Responsibilities for businesses Due to the demanding nature of the plumbing industry and the high volume of work that is often carried out, things can go wrong when completing work for customers. It is therefore important that plumbers have in place appropriate insurance to cover their businesses in the event that an incident does arise.

Plumbers Liability ‘run-off’ cover In a situation where you may have retired or sold your business, you could still be at risk of having claims made against you.

In order to minimise this potential exposure, plumbers should ensure insurance cover is maintained by holding an active public liability policy that will provide cover for resultant damage to property at the time of the loss. This is otherwise known as ‘Run-off’ cover.

Jeremy, a plumber who retired from work in 2008 and closed down his business, ensured he was covered by insurance from day one. However after he was no longer trading, he decided to cancel his public liability policy.

Four years after Jeremy closed his business, a claim was made by one of his previous clients. This client suffered a large amount of water damage to their premises as a result of defective work done on some pipe fittings in the bathroom.

Because Jeremy held a public liability policy at the time the work was completed, he was able to claim for the rectification of the defective work.

damage, which in this instance was water damage to the property. He was then found personally liable and as a result, had to bear the cost of all rectification works himself.

If Jeremy was a plumber trading in Victoria, the Victorian Defects Warranty would leave him liable for six years following the completion of the faulty work.

Please note, whilst the defects warranty cover is only mandatory for licensed plumbers operating in Victoria, it is recommended that all plumbers nationally understand the important role public liability and ‘Run-off’ cover can play.

However, because Jeremy did not hold an active public liability policy at the time the claim was lodged against him, he was unable to claim for the resultant

If you are thinking about ceasing trading, we may be able to organise ‘run-off cover’ from your existing policy arranged

by Marsh Advantage Insurance ‘Run-off’ cover will often provide insurance for the same risk exposures as a standard liability policy.

For more information regarding any of the above, please contact a representative at Marsh Advantage Insurance, trading as Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers.

1300 300 511 mpib.australia@marshadvantage.com

About Marsh Advantage Insurance: Marsh Advantage Insurance is a leading provider of insurance broking services for businesses across Australia. Our company is built on a culture dedicated to understanding the risk and insurance needs of local and national businesses that operate in our cities, regions and communities. We are driven by a commitment to deliver industry leading service and value for our clients. Marsh Advantage Insurance sits alongside Marsh as part of Marsh & McLennan Companies, a global team of professional services firms offering clients advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy and human capital.

This article contains general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions exclusions and limitations of insurance cover and before decided whether a policy suits your needs please refer to the specific Product Disclosure Statement which is available from Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd. Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303 AFSL 238369) arrange the insurance and is not the insurer. The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia receive a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by Marsh Advantage Insurance, enabling it to continue to provide further services to the plumbing industry.

46 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

PLUMBERS LIABILITY

AFFORDABLE PLUMBERS LIABILITY INSURANCE IS NO PIPE DREAM Contact Marsh Advantage Insurance for a competitive quote and join the 4,000 plumbers across Victoria already with us. We can arrange public liability insurance starting from $629*, and we will email your certificate of currency directly to the Victorian Building Authority.

To get a quote, call 1300 300 511 or visit trades.marshadvantage.com.au/plumbers * Premium includes statutory charges and broker fee and is based on one licensed plumber insured, domestic plumbing work only, with an estimated annual turnover less than $200,000 and no previous claims or uninsured losses in the last five years. Acceptance of cover is subject to underwriter guidelines, which includes restrictions on types of plumbing works.

Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) and used under license by Marsh Advantage Insurance. Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL No. 238 369) arranges this insurance and is not the insurer. MPMSAA receives a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by us, enabling it to continue to provide further services to the plumbing industry. Premium is based on public liability and Victorian plumbers warranty insurance underwritten by Vero Insurance Limited (ABN 48 005 297 807, AFSL 230859), is indicative only and, while accurate at the time of publication, is subject to change. 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 Insurance. LCPA 17/0008. M18-0143.

COPPER CORNER

Plumbing the smart home Water, heating and cooling are all getting a high tech makeover and that’s a game changer for plumbers says John Fennell.

If you’re sceptical about the smart home, or the plumber’s role in it, it’s time to take notice.

Home technology is not just about talking fridges or robot vacuum cleaners, but smarts in the products plumbers deal with every day, like washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, toilets, showers and air conditioners. The future is yet to be written…

Technology is being added to the nuts and bolts of homes in the form of sensors on pipes, taps, switches, windows or whole rooms, so that monitoring what’s happening even behind walls or under floors is becoming a whole new digital process.

Finding Your Sensors Wasted water is a big problem, but also a potentially big resource to tap at home.

One company, BrainPipes, is taking a smart home approach by placing sensors on plumbing to monitor what’s going on 24/7. With the mains supply in default off mode, water flows only when the system receives a ‘legitimate’ request, but can pinpoint overusage and leaks anywhere throughout the building and send alerts to tell you exactly where.

The company also provides a monthly usage report on all water-using devices, comparing it to industry standards and past trends to help residents understand their water use.

Others are jumping on the trend too.

Delta Faucet Company in the US has created a new type of leak detection based on a system of connected sensors and software to create a monitoring network. The sophisticated network can detect a range of water levels from pooling water to a few drips, with the unit monitor triggering an automatic alert to smartphones or an audible alert and flashing LED light for any one at home.

48 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

Room By Room

Digital Plumbing

Rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, toilets and laundries are also getting some digital attention to better handle water and energy.

It no longer means business as usual when a plumber’s called to service a high tech toilet or shower, or pipes now networked and sensored-all relying on copper to perform of course. Perhaps we’re entering a future when plumbers will need a home cabler as a partner.

Smart toilets are already big overseas, with the latest coming with high tech add ons and sensors that automatically detect users and calculate just how much water is needed to flush. Smaller flushes can use as little as 2.27 litres per flush, while a basic toilet that doesn’t have smart flush technology uses around 6.06 litres per flush.

Showers, taps and faucets are adding IQ too with some of the latest adding LED lighting, voice recognition, digital assistants and screens to help you control them perfectly. Moen’s U connected shower, for example, is controlled from a smartphone to allow you to program settings, and select preheat and pause features to avoid long waits while the water runs. This also ensures more accurate control of temperatures and duration.

The same innovation is coming to dishwashers. The big focus now is saving water and energy, with some of the latest models, like the AquaSense from KitchenAid, using leftover water from prior rinse cycles to pre-rinse the next one. The really great news is that this means that a third less water is used in the process.

L L A H T H E AME OF SH

ALWAYS CHOOSE A LICENSED/REGISTERED PLUMBER

The Hall of Shame has come on in leaps and bounds – and a fair few leaks and calamites – since the last edition of Australian Plumbing Industry magazine.

You can find all the crimes against plumbing in one place on our webpage plumber.com.au and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for our weekly Hall of Shame post every Monday.

Got any plumbing disaster snaps that are Hall of Shame ready? Don’t forget to share your snaps with membership@plumber.com.au for your shot at anti-stardom!

www.plumber.com.au | 49

what’s hot?

Aussie Pumps export test gear Aussie Pumps announced a major contract for supply of 500 bar hydrostatic test gear for the Middle East. Conceived, designed and built at Australian Pump Industry’s 2.5 acre Sydney manufacturing base and headquarters, the big machines were chosen against stiff competition from both United States and European manufacturers.

The base product, called the Raptor 18 D/HPT, offers the user capability of testing oil or water pipe lines up to 500 bar (7,300 psi). The machines come with double gauge, double valve assemblies that enable the operator to easily read pressure losses in a wide range of applications. These include pipelines as well as important oil industry equipment that includes valves, compressors, pressure tanks and pumps.

The heart of the system is a “Big Berty” Bertolini 500 bar Triplex pump that develops 18 litres per minute flow. The pump has a 316 stainless steel pump head and features stainless steel valves.

The machines are highly portable and the frames include an integrated lifting bar that enables units to be easily moved around on construction sites.

Further information can be found at aussiepumps.com.au or by contacting Helen Mahoney on 02 8865 3500.

Aquatechnik Safety – it’s lead free, full flow and leak proof Quick to use, reliable and safe, the lead free, full flow and leak proof polymer piping safety system from Italian manufacturer aquatechnik has been used successfully in projects all around the world. From hospitals in Italy, luxury apartment buildings in Algeria and a thermal water park in Slovenia, the polymer piping system is now being widely used in Australia.

Tried and tested since 2000, aquatechnik’s Safety System is the first and only system in the world that completely avoids brass and metal ions coming into direct contact with water, avoiding any lead contamination.

The system has been created for easy assembly using affordable patented tooling, includes full flow fittings. It’s designed for potable hot and cold water, compressed air, HVAC, industrial, marine and agricultural use, with sizes from DN16 to DN63.

‘Since launching in Australia the system has been used on a range of residential and commercial projects. As evidenced by the types of international projects where aquatechnik has been used, it has great flexibility,’ says Rod Luker, General Manager aquatechnik Australia.

THE FIRST SHIPMENT OF THE ORDER “PREPED” FOR DELIVERY. NOTE THE RED MARK FRONT MOUNTED THROTTLE CONTROL PROVIDING THE OPERATOR WITH EASY ACCESS TO GAUGES, VALVES AND ENGINE SPEED.

50 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

Proud to be lead free, the Safety System is processed by expanding the pipe head and inserting a fitting that is the same nominal bore size as the pipe. This ensures flow rates are optimised and the system is much quieter since water turbulence caused by small bore fittings inside pipes is completely avoided.

Over time, calcification inside piping systems using metallic fittings can also occur, which can further reduce flow rates. This does not happen with the Safety System as the PPSU fittings do not react with water in the way that metallic fittings do.

A simple one step expansion of the pipe head using the patented aquatechnik tool is all that is needed to ensure a fast, safe, leak proof joint every time. If you make an error in measurement, you can easily remove the fitting, cut the pipe, re-process the pipe expansion and reuse the fitting. There is absolutely no wastage.

The aquatechnik system is available direct from aquatechnik-australia.com.au or by calling 1800 278 283.

Introducing Sewerquip’s Hornet 37EFI water jetter The team at Sewerquip would like to introduce you to the new Hornet 37EFI water jetter. After being in the drain cleaning industry for many years and bringing plumbers the best to offer water jetting equipment and CCTV drain inspection cameras, we constantly got faced with one question.

“Is there anything out there that has more power? My little jetter just doesn’t seem to cut anymore!”

Now we can say yes!

We have developed a machine which we believe to be the most powerful domestic/ light commercial water jetter on the market. With the new vanguard 37hp EFI engine coupled to a HAWK 35lpm pump, we have managed to get an impressive 35lpm / 5000psi water jetter.

Working in smaller 90-150mm drains will be a breeze and working in 225mm when tackling those heavy chokes you can go in with confidence. Want to find out more? Call us now on 1800 816 830 or visit our website sewerquip.com.au

Watts new with Watts Water?

The new range of valves were designed for maximum performance, quality, and reliability.

Watts Water Technologies is a global leader in plumbing, heating, and water quality solutions for residential, industrial, municipal, and commercial settings.

• Isolating non-return valves

Introducing the Watts new range of Hot Water Cylinder Valves: Watts have designed and launched a superior range of Watermarked hot water Cylinder Valves designed specifically for the Australian plumbing market.

• Limiting valves

For more information contact Hydroflow Distributors (Aust) Pty Ltd on 1300 493 359 or visit hydroflowaus.com.au or wattswater. com.au for full technical information.

• Tempering valves (Standard and Solar) • Cold water expansion • Pressure and temperature relief valves • Innovative valve packs for total installations

www.plumber.com.au | 51

City West Water promotion

Love a good mythbuster?

Take the 1 minute flushable wipes challenge

Place a wipe in a translucent water bottle and half fill it with water

Agitate for 1 minute

If it’s still intact it’s not flushable

Despite claims, the facts don’t lie. Wet wipes don’t break down as easily as toilet paper.

While it may look like they disappear down your sewer pipe, wet wipes contain plastics and man-made ingredients that take many years to disintegrate.

They often collect with fat and merge together, sticking to pipes and increasing the chances of a major blockage in your sewer pipes or in the broader sewer network.

Fast facts about wet wipes •

•

We spend close to a $1 million repairing blockages to our networks with wet wipes becoming a growing cause Australian utilities spend an estimated $15 million annually removing blockages caused by wet wipes in our sewer systems

52 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

•

Many manufacturers are using words like “biodegradable” and “organic” and consumers are being told (on the packaging) wipes are “flushable” and can be flushed just like toilet paper.

This is simply not true, dispose of these wipes in the bin.

How you can help?

Visit citywestwater.com.au/ wetwipes, and sign up to Choice’s Flushbuster campaign to keep our network clear and reduce overflows to our rivers and creeks.

what’s hot?

Aussie Pumps and Kennards have jetters for hire Kennards Hire, Australia’s most innovative hire company, has recently introduced a new range of drain cleaning jetters to its equipment hire fleet. The machines, part of the Aussie Cobra product range made by Aussie Pumps, offer fast, efficient drain cleaning.

Boasting a powerful 4,000 psi pressure capability, the Aussie Cobra range has changed the way drains are cleared by using high pressure and lower flows.

‘Most rental companies offer conventional old-style drain cleaning gear that has been on the market for 30 or 40 years’, said Aussie Pumps’ Product Manager, Mal Patel. ‘These new machines represent an incredible breakthrough in efficiency, timesaving and safety’, he said.

The Cobra Jetter will unblock drains of up to six inches with ease, clearing chokes fast. Best of all, operators don’t need to be certified as the machine comes within the guidelines of “A class” classification within the new Australian and New Zealand Safety Standards.

It’s great that now, professional plumbers have access to these superior drain cleaners without having to buy them, just by renting from Kennards Hire.

Kennards Hire expects the introduction of the new drain cleaning jetters to appeal to plumbers, handyman services and maintenance contractors. Food processing plants, councils and even chemical plants will also benefit from these new products. It means that blocked drains, often causing health issues and unpleasant smells can be dealt with fast.

The Cobra range is available from Kennards Hire branches throughout Australia.

For further information contact Helen Mahoney on 02 8865 3500.

Ridgid presents Power Spin+ with Autofeed® RIDGID Australia is pleased to announce an upgrade to the Power Spin drain cleaner, Power Spin+.

Pull the trigger and turn the drum for a clean drain without the mess.

Features • Cleans drain lines from up ½” to 1½” in diameter • Kink-resistant MAXCORE® cable is designed for drill powered operation up to 500 RPMs • AUTOFEED® Trigger Technology allows cable to self-feed down the drain • Cable is positively retained in the drum to prevent cable pullout • Pull the trigger and turn the drum for a clean drain without the mess • 25ft of ¼” MAXICORE® cable For more information contact Ridge Tool Australia on 1800 743 443 or via email ridgid.australia@emerson.com

KENNARDS STAFF UNDERGO THE AUSSIE JETTER PRACTICAL TRAINING PROGRAM

www.plumber.com.au | 53

BIG or small...

We’ve got you covered

Proudly Australian made for over 80 years.

davey.com.au | 1300 232 839 54 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018 TAD881_Aus_Plumbing_Inst_185x123.indd 1

TAD881

Depend on Davey

22/11/17 1:31 pm

what’s hot?

Why Clark Equipment loves the Bobcat E20 Excavator In the tightly contested two-tonne zero swing excavator market space, there are quite a few options worthy of consideration. The Bobcat Company has remained dedicated solely to the compact construction equipment market as an industry pioneer.

The recently released Bobcat E20 is a true zero swing, 14hp, rubber-tracked excavator with 30 litres/minute auxiliary hydraulic flow. Just like Bobcat skid steer and compact track loader product lines that dominate global market share, the Bobcat E20 is becoming a force to be reckoned with. Dual-flow auxiliary plumbing as standard enables bi-directional attachments such as augers and tilt buckets to be utilised.

With an unparalleled line up of attachments developed specifically to match the designed capabilities of Bobcat equipment, the Bobcat E20 is whatever you want it to be.

Bobcat really has focused on the smaller end of the market, and have only ever produced hydrostatically powered machinery. There are two main benefits for this: engineering excellence and customer focus. The Bobcat E20 is loaded with features making it one of the most versatile and user friendly machines around. The undercarriage is longer than its predecessor, which therefore makes it more stable. It also features a hydraulically widening undercarriage system, enabling the E20 to be retracted to access tight areas such as doorways and gates.

With 11 different models under 8500kg, there is a Bobcat compact construction excavator to suit the specific needs of your business.

Bobcat equipment, One Tough Animal.

Clark Equipment, the sole Australian dealership for the Bobcat product range, are simplifying the process of compiling the package by structuring a ‘Tradie Pack’ complete with a trailer, a range of attachments and customer promo pack.

This way, everything you need can be packaged in one convenient payment, and can be tailored to suit the needs of the customer. Ask your local Clark Equipment territory representative about either an E17 or E20 Tradie Pack.

Kingspan wins Hunter Region Industry Innovation Award Kingspan Environmental is delighted to have won the 2017 HIA Hunter Region Industry Innovation award for the design and manufacture of a High-Flow filter system that also cleverly reduces overflow flooding on water tanks.

Kingspan Environmental Australia Business Unit Director Stuart Heldon described how the High-Flow water tank filtration system is an Australian first: ‘This is designed to be the best water tank filtration system on the market – and it’s also an innovative approach to stopping the common issue of dampness around tanks. The filter system is able to handle four times the volume of other standard tank filters, managing water flow rates of up to 600 litres per minute, while passing any remaining volume to a storm water management system. It also boasts a 100 per cent filtration capability, and it even eliminates algae buildup.’

Kingspan has been manufacturing quality, long-lasting water tanks and accessories for over 80 years. Today they’re a market leader and trusted source of expert advice for rainwater harvesting and water storage solutions for residential, commercial and rural applications.

‘I would like to congratulate the other finalists and winners in the Hunter Region Industry Innovation Awards.

We had some great competition, and it’s wonderful to see so many companies taking part.’

‘The world is rapidly changing – and so are our customers’ needs. Our focus on innovation means that today’s products can solve the problems of the future,’ Stuart continued.

‘We’re committed to sustainability, and to designing technologies that promote efficiency – whether that’s our waste water treatment solutions or our solar and wind power products.’

‘We’re really proud of our filter technology. Being WaterMark certified, this is a practical, high-quality product that can be used by builders, construction workers and plumbers throughout the country.’ www.plumber.com.au | 55

what’s hot?

Aussie Pumps present premium pump for plumbers Tsurumi LB series are premium pumps specifically designed for general dewatering tasks. Distributed by Aussie Pumps, the compact single phase submersibles are popular with plumbers because they handle dry running.

‘Tsurumi’s LB series are the leading construction/rental pump in the USA for good reason. They’re extremely tough and can be left to run dry without failing,’ said Neil Bennett, Aussie Pumps’ Tsurumi product manager. ‘We’ve even seen examples of 20 year old pumps that are still running,’ he said.

The pump’s ability to run dry comes from two main features. The motors are fitted with a self-resetting thermal cut out.

The silicon carbide mechanical seals are protected in an oil chamber that prevents them overheating and extends their life.

Weighing in at only 10 kgs, the LB pumps produce flows of up to 200L per minute and maximum heads to 10.5m. The pumps are powered by a single phase 0.48kW, capacitor start electric motor, and come with 10m of heavy duty submersible cable.

The LB series are loaded with features designed to give operators the best possible long life and low maintenance outcomes.

They are backed with a Tsurumi three year warranty.

Further information on the complete range of Tsurumi LB series pumps is available at aussiepumps.com.au

THIS TSURUMI LB SUBMERSIBLE HAD A HARD LIFE PUMPING CEMENT SLURRY AND EVEN ACID WATER

56 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

New Rheem METRO 26L Continuous Flow The new Rheem Australia Metro 26L continuous-flow hot water heater is a major step forward that sets some new performance and features standards in the category.

It is one of the most compact 26L continuous flow units available – 520mm high by 355mm wide and 187mm deep, ideal for tight installations.

Its look is a departure from the norm, with concealed screws and a new designer colour.

Rheem Metro 26L can operate on a minimum water flow of only two litres per minute, and minimum water pressure as low as 120 kPa. Hot water flow at cold start up is significantly improved, while still aiding in saving water.

It can be fitted with a standard or extended flue diverter for problem installations. Able to be fitted as left or right-handed and with a fixed heat shield for added homeowner safety, these diverters now come as an accessory to fit onto the standard Rheem 26 natural gas model (no special model required).

50°C temperature-limited Rheem METRO 26 models can be adjusted up to 53°C, for hotter water while still ensuring regulatory compliance.

The digital OK monitor now shows the set hot water temperature, in addition to error codes for easy servicing should a fault occur.

Rheem Flamesafe® overheat protection means the unit will automatically shut down if it overheats. Optional temperature controllers are available for Kitchen and Bathroom, for convenience and added safety.

With 2 units linked by Rheem EZ Link®, up to 52L per minute delivery of hot water is possible, to suit heavy demand situations.

The 10 year Heat Exchanger warranty provides consumers with added peace of mind in addition to the improved hot water performance.

Visit rheem.com.au for more product information.

PLUMBER’S PACK Including: 3 Buckets Electric Braked Trailer 250hr Free Service

(Exclusive for Master Plumbers Members)

1.7t Package Bobcat E17 From

2t Package Bobcat E20 From

$171 P/W! $176 P/W!

Call Today!

1300 736 848 Jetting performance with

NEW in the tail!

Sewerquip’s new super powerful HORNET 37EFI delivers an unmatched 35LPM @ 5070PSI from a 37hp fuel injected Vanguard engine.

Makes quick work of even the toughest blockages in pipes ranging 50 – 300mm.

MASSIVE 35LPM @ 5070PSI

Visit www.sewerquip.com.au now to see all the features and benefits of this impressive jetter.

Call us today

1800 816 830 www.plumber.com.au | 57

what’s hot?

Viega Case Study Melbourne Park Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Keeping it in the ball park ‘The obvious challenge that contractors faced on this job was time and having to adhere to the Tennis Centre’s tight schedule,” explains Viega Planning Consultant, Richard Andrew. “There was quite a bit of pipework involved. As well as toilets, showers and kiosks, piping infrastructure also had to be provided for new coaching, massage and medical areas. In order to get the job done, contractors were actually working two shifts per day.’

The need for speed With the ability to meet stringent project deadlines crucial, Viega’s world-renowned Propress technology was the obvious choice when it came to selecting a pipework solution.

Iconic home of the Australian Open gets a multi-million dollar makeover Named after the revered Australian tennis great, Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena enjoys international fame as the main venue for the Australian Open – the first Grand Slam event of each calendar year.

In June 2015, it was announced that the arena would undergo a complete multi-million dollar refurbishment.

The initiative is part of a $700+ million Melbourne Park Redevelopment project designed to significantly enhance every aspect of the audience experience and rejuvenate the external design.

‘With such a tight schedule, our products were perfect for the job,’ says Richard.

‘Propress enables a very quick install, saving 75 per cent of labor time. And there’s no need to rely on somebody’s ability or skill to weld. It’s really just a case of putting it together, pressing it, and getting a certain joint each time. The other advantage is that installation can be done by one person – not two. They can also work on a ladder or a scissor lift and put our systems together safely.’

The right advice In addition to providing the actual Propress system, Viega also offered detailed product training for installing contractors as well as ongoing technical advice to project management.

‘We visited site on three occasions and went through installation procedures and made sure the guys were installing it properly,‘ says Richard. ‘We also oversaw progress of the work and made recommendations as we went.’

Read more exciting case studies at viega.com.au

58 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2018

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