Beware unauthorised trades work

The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB)* issued the warning after a Hamilton man was this week fined $2,000, by the Hamilton District Court, for carrying out restricted plumbing work.

Graham Bullot carried out a bathroom renovation, which included the removal and refit of a toilet, replacement of vanity trap and flex connections, that was unauthorised.

Sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying are regulated industries in New Zealand, and it is illegal to do this restricted work unless authorised by the PGDB.

Bullot submitted a guilty plea and the Court handed down the $2000 fine for doing the plumbing work without authorisation. He was also ordered to pay $130 in Court costs and $226 for solicitor’s fees.

PGDB chief executive Martin Sawyers says unauthorised restricted sanitary plumbing work carries a maximum fine of $10,000.

“It is important for property owners to know that plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work undertaken by unauthorised tradespeople, not only risks their family’s health and safety, but may also invalidate their insurance policy.

“To stay safe and avoid the risk it takes one simple action – ask to sight a licence card. It states the credentials of a tradesperson and the type of work they are authorised to carry out. They are required to produce it.”

The Insurance Council is backing the PGDB’s efforts to protect consumers and to extinguish unlawful activity.

It warns: “The use of unregistered and unqualified persons to do sanitary plumbing, gasfitting or drainage work on an insured property may invalidate the property’s insurance cover in the event of a loss resulting from the work undertaken.”

*The PGDB is the statutory body which regulates the trades to ensure those providing the services are competent and safe.