Without the card it’s money down the drain

Without the card it’s money down the drain

Homeowners are being warned not to do sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work, or use unlicensed tradespeople over the summer break.

The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, which regulates the industry is rolling out a new digital public awareness campaign to help ensure homeowners are well aware before partaking in the kiwi spirit of DIY this summer.

PGDB Chief Executive, Max Pedersen said: ” We are reminding homeowners this holiday season to stay safe and not put their family’s health and safety or their insurance at risk by attempting to do this work themselves, or by hiring unauthorised tradespeople. “

The three month campaign has a DIY and renovation focus with five simple messages for homeowners:

1. it is illegal to carry out this type of work without authorisation from the Board

2. ask-for-the-card … it provides confidence you are hiring a competent tradesperson

3. work carried out by unauthorised people can cause injury, loss of life and disease as well as damage to property

4. there are fines associated with illegal work

5. don’t risk your insurance.

“There are big fines associated with illegal work, Max continued. For example, unauthorised sanitary plumbing work carries a maximum fine of $10,000, and unauthorised gasfitting carries a maximum fine of $50,000.”

“Homeowners need to know these key messages, and be aware that unauthorised work can cause serious harm and may also affect their insurance policy”.

The aim of the campaign is that by the end of March 2015, as many homeowners as possible across New Zealand are aware that anyone carrying out plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying must be able to produce a licence card—and consumers should ask to see it.

Consumers can check to see if a plumber, gasfitter or dainlayer is authorised to carry out the work at the Board’s website, www.pgdb.co.nz.

If a homeowner believes work has been done by someone who is not authorised, or has concerns about the competency of tradespeople, they can make a complaint to the Board.

Ends

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