When something goes wrong with our plumbing we often look to hire a cheap plumber, fast. But the truth is – not everyone listed online has a plumbing license. There are many differences between licensed and unlicensed plumbers. Whether you’re looking to complete some DIY plumbing jobs around the home or hire a handyman, completing plumbing work without a license is not ideal. In fact, doing so may actually increase your ‘fix-it list’ more than you can imagine!
Improper installations of taps, sinks and water units will not only put you in the risk of financial loss, but they also can negatively impact our environment including your health and safety. Today, we are telling you everything you need to know about the danger of plumbing without a license, and why you should always hire a licensed plumber in Melbourne.
Safety Risk
Licensed plumbers go through years of training to ensure they have the education and knowledge about how to safely fix gas and all plumbing problems like backflow valve testing, backflow prevention installation, leaking pipes and more. When anyone issues plumbing services without a licence, they place you themselves at risk of numerous hazards during and after the service. The safety risks of DIY plumbing can occur from exposure to contaminated water (especially when dealing with a backflow problem). One of the most common types of safety risks that comes with unlicensed plumbing is working in confined spaces. Without proper protective gear, you may be exposed to unsafe oxygen levels when dealing with plumbing under the house and storage tanks. A licensed plumber is trained to work in these environments and will know how to complete the job with their professional tools and work at the highest efficiency with the lowest risk to themselves and yourself.
Health Risks
If you’re considering choosing to hire a handyman who says they can do household plumbing without a license, you are putting your family at serious health risk. Improper installation of a backflow prevention device is a serious health hazard as contaminated water can enter your clean drinking water. When this happens, you and your community can be exposed to consuming dangerous chemicals like pesticides and/ or sewerage waste. It is important to note, not all licensed plumbers are also qualified in backflow prevention and prevention device testing. Therefore, finding a licensed plumber who is qualified for backflow testing and prevention device installation is the best option to avoid health risks.
Insurance Risk
Most insurance policies in Victoria decline property damage claims if plumbing (or any trade work for that matter) is completed without a license. This means choosing a licensed plumber could be the difference between being insured and not. It is often that small fixes can cause much larger problems to your home if not implemented correctly by a professional plumber. Any structural damage that occurs as a result of unlicensed plumbing work will not be covered by your insurance. This will most likely cost you more than hiring a professional licensed plumber in the long run. While you might be saving a few dollars in the short term – you’ll thank yourself later if anything were ever to go wrong!
Penalties Associated
You can be fined up to $25,000 in Victoria for completing plumbing work with a false or unregistered plumbing license. Therefore, if your handyman is plumbing without a licensed trade they can get in serious strife! If you’ve completed the plumbing work yourself and authorities find out (usually notified from licensed plumbers), the fines and penalties will apply to you. To avoid a costly fine, hire a licensed plumber today by contacting Melbourne Backflow!
Plumber License Check
If you’re using a tradesperson in your home and are not sure of their qualifications, you should check their trade qualifications. Better yet, it is best to look up your tradesman before you let anyone commence work in your home to ensure you are in the best hands possible.
