Quality in Question SUBSTANDARD PRODUCTS
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
WWW.PLUMBINGCONNECTION.COM.AU WINTER 2021
INSIDE:
‘ALTERNATIVE’
DRAINAGE
SOLUTIONS
PVC PIPE
RECYCLING
LEAD IN
DRINKING
WATER
Quality in
Question
SUBSTANDARD PRODUCTS:
NO MORE EXCUSES
CHOOSE KEMBLA AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURED COPPER TUBE. AUSTRALIA’S ONLY COPPER TUBE MANUFACTURER. ESTABLISHED IN 1916. To find out more go to: www.kembla.com.au Phone: 1800 804 631 Email: sales@kembla.com.au
IN AUSTRALIA. WE DO PROPER COPPER. CHOOSE KEMBLA COPPER TUBE. 1. KEMBLA IS A FOUNDING PIECE OF AUSTRALIA’S PROUD HISTORY Established in 1916 for one reason. To ensure Australia could convert its rich copper resources to finished product – with no reliance on offshore supply. 2. KEMBLA IS AUSTRALIA’S ONLY COPPER TUBE MANUFACTURER Ask for the Kembla brand and you are supporting Australian manufacturing and the many industries big and small that service it. Kembla also supports industry associations that support, educate and train you. 3. KEMBLA COPPER IS SOURCED FROM AUSTRALIAN MINES 87% of copper tube sold by Kembla is still made in Port Kembla, NSW Australia using LME A Grade copper cathode from Australian mines. 4. KEMBLA HAS OVER 100 YEARS OF INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE Generational knowledge and long serving employees – over 100 years of material knowledge and a love affair with Australia’s renowned plumbing industry, practices and Australian plumbers. 5. PARTNERS TO AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE PLUMBING & HVAC-R MERCHANTS Stocked and supplied by Australia’s most respected Plumbing and HVAC-R distributors, renowned for the highest quality products.
CONTENTS
COVER STORY
14 QUALITY IN QUESTION
Substandard plumbing products
continue to infiltrate Australasian
markets.
12
FEATURES REGULARS
18 AUSSIE MADE 06 Editorial
Following a year of international 08 Industry News
trade turmoil, local supply
10 New Products
channels are regaining popularity.
18
30 Gas Update
32 Copper Connection
20 ‘ALTERNATIVE’ IS NORMAL
We showcase a major NZ
38 Estimating
development using AHSCA 42 Legal Matters
Research Foundation ‘Alternative’ 46 Prove It
drainage solutions.
48 Backflow Prevention
52 Training off the Page
24 AFTER COVID-19
56 Box Gutters
COVID-19’s legacies are not
60 Standards Australia
24
all bad – we examine how the
pandemic has motivated positive 81 Trade Stuff
practices.
28 PVC PIPE RECYCLING
Where does old PVC piping go? All
practitioners have a role to play in
recycling waste products.
36 LEAD IN DRINKING WATER
36
The ABCB is considering a range 64 OHS
of options to reduce lead in
drinking water. 70 LEGAL
74 TRANSPORT
4 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION W inter 2021
Bottle Filler Solutions
Hydration and Wellbeing®
Student hydration
and wellbeing is a
top priority.
School Principals are
asking for a hydration
solution.
“It’s Easy”
Swap out retrofit
design. Simply
remove existing
bubbler and replace
with a new Eware
bottle filler.
Designed for student
hydration and
wellbeing so they can
simply fill and go.
Browse the range:
You don’t have to go it alone, your local
Enware representative is available to help you.
www.enware.com.au 1300 369 273 (AUS) info@enware.com.au
EDITORIAL
PLUMBING IN A POST-
COVID-19 WORLD www.plumbingconnection.com.au
F
irst of all, it’s a pleasure to be changed at all over the last decade. GENERAL MANAGER
Jeremy Sweet
back! Having served as editor As we contend in our cover story jeremysweet@build.com.au
of Plumbing Connection for (see page 12), substandard products
EDITOR
several years over a decade ago, – including WaterMark-certified John Power
I’m delighted to have been invited items – continue to infiltrate the 0403 818 579
johnpower@build.com.au
back as editor. I would like to wish Australian marketplace due to deep-
my predecessor Justin Felix great seated weaknesses in our regulatory EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
Jeff Patchell
success in his new career. structures. Not only do dodgy jeff patchell@build.com.au
My return to Plumbing Connection products jeopardise the health of the EDITOR – ACROSS THE TRADES
occurs at a time of profound social population, but they also undermine Anna Hayes
annahayes@build.com.au
and industrial change. plumbers’ professionalism and lead to
Certainly, the plumbing industry costly remedial actions and repairs, STAFF WRITERS
Anna Hayes, Sean Carroll
is grappling with unprecedented often at the plumber’s expense.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
challenges following the pandemic- A solution, we argue, is for greater Sam Elliott
based upheavals of the last year – the accountability at point of sale,
ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER
world is reviewing the very fabric of combined with far more rigorous and Tracey Glanville
public and private sanitation systems, transparent enforcement of product SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER
particularly in health and aged care compliance. No one wants to see our Brigitta Novosell
03 9542 9005
facilities, while homeowners are plumbing retail sector swept up in
redefining their bathrooms and a culture of US-style litigation; nor CONTRIBUTORS
Enzo Alfonsetti, Paul Cott, Peter Damaso,
laundries according to new ‘work from do we want to see a continuation John Fennell, Sophi MacMillan, Dr Greg
home’ lifestyles. of the existing regulatory system Morwood, Paul Oliveri, Jon Palfrey, Brian
Seymour, Ken Sutherland, Ian Todd
At a business level, tradespeople that rewards honourable behaviour
of all disciplines are learning while shrugging its shoulders at ADVERTISING
Angelo Sticca 03 9542 9011
how to interact with customers malpractice. Surely a balance is angelosticca@build.com.au
in compliance with new hygiene achievable. TO SUBSCRIBE 1800 623 214
protocols, and coming to grips with As always, this issue of Plumbing Australia 03 9542 9000
New Zealand +61 3 9542 9000
increasing levels of administrative Connection contains an abundance of
Fax (with credit card details) 03 9542 9090
responsibilities and workday practical information from our regular
interruptions. columnists about new technologies www.facebook.com/tradieconnection
As we shake off the horrific chains and products, best practice, and
of the pandemic, it is worth asking updates about the latest changes www.linkedin.com/in/plumbing-connection/
whether there are any positive to codes and standards. In addition,
www.twitter.com/PlumbingCXNMag
legacies of COVID-19. This question we are pleased to present a range
is at the heart of our article ‘Life of special features, including an By mail, please write to the address below
After COVID-19’ (see page 24), in overview of a new Woolworths PUBLISHED BY:
which leading companies reveal the NZ distribution depot, which Lanella Media Pty Ltd
2/18-22 Lexia Place,
benefi ts of lessons learned during incorporates customised drainage
Mulgrave, VIC 3170
the pandemic, namely faster R&D designs as an ‘Alternative Solution’ AUSTRALIA
ISSN 1034-3075
implementation, more diverse supply (see page 20); as well as a timely
chains, and tighter bonds with key reminder of the value of Australian
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this magazine do
retail partners. Made manufacturing (see page 18). not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Although
all materials are checked for accuracy, no liability is
assumed by the publisher for any losses due to the use
SENSE OF DEJA VU Enjoy the read of material in this magazine. Copyright 2021 by Lanella
Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
Having said that, it is fascinating may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
to witness how other aspects of transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise)
the plumbing industry have barely John Power without the prior permission of Lanella Media.
6 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION W inter 2021
Australian
ingenuity with
Italian quality
you can trust
With press-fit connections built into the valve, Australian plumbers can now enjoy the benefits of safer, faster, flame-free installation
and fewer joints which press-fit connections provide. Available for both water and gas with press-fit, female and male connections and
numerous handle options to suit a wide range of applications.
Manufactured to Zetco’s high standards in Italy, the range passes rigorous design and testing processes to ensure that every valve is of
premium quality. Ask for Zetco Press-fit valves at major plumbing retailers. Zetco Valves. Best range. Best quality. Best brand.
1300 659 639 www.zetco.com.au
INDUSTRY NEWS
TAS GAS CONSIDERS HYDROGEN FREE INTERACTIVE SAFETY GUIDE NEW CEO FOR MPA IN ACT
Tas Gas has signed a non-binding Pro-Visual Publishing and their Claire Howe has been appointed as
agreement with Woodside Energy partnering industry associations the new CEO of Master Plumbers
to begin exploring the possibilities have released the annual Augmented Association ACT. Claire takes over
of blending green hydrogen into the Reality (AR) Interactive Educational from Leigh Watson, who left the
Tasmanian gas network. Safety Guide for plumbers. Distributed organisation late last year.
The heads of agreement provides free across Australia, it’s designed to “I encourage members to touch
the framework to blend up to 10% place on the wall as a daily reference base with Claire on 0402 418 123
hydrogen into the network, including to use with your phone, or other smart or ceo@masterplumbersact.asn.
renewable hydrogen produced at device, to view augmented content au to introduce yourself and pass
Woodside’s proposed H2TAS project. alongside the informative printed text. on any thoughts around benefi ts of
The proposed H2TAS project is a The AR component of this piece membership to our organisation,”
renewable hydrogen project located makes the learning of key safety says Master Plumbers Association
in Tasmania’s Bell Bay Advanced issues far more engaging, and it ACT President Tom Martin.
Manufacturing Zone, a heavy industrial becomes a useful go-to piece over
precinct north of Launceston. other print material for solo reference,
or for training and toolbox talks with SOLAHART WINS AGAIN
your team. Comparison site Canstar Blue has
NCC SEMINAR SERIES Users download the free #Pro- named Australia’s original solar brand,
The ABCB is presenting the National Vis AR app and scan the AR icons in Solahart, as the number one company
Construction Code (NCC) Seminar the various sections of the Guide for in the ‘Hot Water Systems’ category
series in May 2021. The CPD-accredited additional, relevant resources such (2020) for overall customer satisfaction
seminars provide insights into selected as videos, web-links, PDF files and for the second year running.
NCC content, and an overview of some landing pages that ‘pop up’ in front of Solahart achieved fi ve stars across
provisions proposed for NCC 2022. you in an augmented setting. all categor ies.
All sessions will run for three hours For free Guides email marketing@
and additional sessions are available provisual.com.au
in some locations. Seminar content RHEEM V-POWERS AHEAD
will be the same in each session. The Shell V-Power Racing Team has
WE WANT YOUR NEWS! announced that long-time partner
Locations: Do you have news to share? Don’t Rheem will continue to support the
∫ Canberra – 10 May, National be shy! Email the editor John Power reigning championship team in 2021
Museum of Australia with details about new products, for the fi fth successive year.
∫ Darwin – 12 May, Darwin Convention professional appointments, as well as Chairman and CEO of Dick
Centre company milestones. Email John at Johnson Racing, Ryan Story, says
∫ Perth – 14 May, Perth Convention johnpower@build.com.au it is important to acknowledge the
and Exhibition Centre continued support of Rheem, who
∫ Sydney –18 & 19 May, Australian have backed the team since 2017.
National Maritime Museum EMPLOYING DISABLED STAFF
∫ Brisbane – 20 & 21 May, Hotel Grand The organization atWork Australia
Chancellor says disabled employees are BEWARE OUTSOURCING WEBSITES
∫ Adelaide – 25 May, Adelaide underrepresented in the construction Victorians should be wary of anyone
Convention Centre industry. off ering their building or plumbing
∫ Melbourne – 26 & 27 May, Tools like atWork Australia’s services on online marketplaces and
Melbourne Convention and ‘Disability Awareness Training’ through apps.
Exhibition Centre empower businesses to build a more The Victorian Building Authority
∫ Hobart – 28 May, Hotel Grand accessible and inclusive workplace (VBA) warns that consumers should
Chancellor. and confidently support their always check the credentials
employees living with disability. of anyone advertising on online
Seminar fees are $160 (Inc. For more information about platforms to make sure they are a
GST) per registration. Credit card atWork Australia, assistance in the registered or licensed professional.
surcharges may apply. recruitment process, and how it can The VBA is currently investigating
For more information email: support employers, visit https://www. a number of unregistered people
seminars@thisiscreative.com.au or atworkaustralia.com.au/recruiting- advertising their services through
phone (02) 8091 2620. people-with-disability/ online forums.
8 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION W inter 2021
NEW PRODUCTS
GEBERIT PIPE SCRAPER
The Geberit Pipe Scraper is an attachment
that connects to a cordless drill to
eff ectively and efficiently remove the
outer oxide layout from Geberit HDPE
pipes. Sizes include 56mm, 63mm, 75mm,
90mm, and the most common 110mm,
providing complete flexibility for all job
types such as Geberit Pluvia, Geberit
Supertube and Trade waste installations.
Available individually or as a complete
LIKE A MASK FOR A BUILDING kit, including a separate unit in each size
Green Drains trap seals, positioned at the head of waste traps, allow water into floor drains from 56 to 110mm, a heavy-duty carry
but prevent gases (and pests) from coming out. case, a complete set of spare parts,
Available in diff erent sizes to suit domestic and commercial applications, each Green grease pen and instruction manual.
Drains device comprises a specially designed one-way valve with a silicone skirt to provide
a reliable and airtight seal.
Eddie Bocchino, Managing Director Green Drains Asia Pacific, says the devices solve
multiple problems at once. “Stopping bad odours in a bathroom or laundry is just the
beginning,” Eddie says. “Green Drains seals help prevent airborne pathogens from entering
sensitive spaces in hospitals and aged care facilities, and stop insects like cockroaches
and fruit flies from exiting drains in restaurants and commercial kitchens. “In addition,
our seals can eliminate bad smells in hotels and short-term rental accommodation, where
noxious air can translate into a poor customer rating.”
Green Drains seals, used in conjunction with Green Drains’ enzyme-based natural
cleaning solution, provide an environmentally friendly, aff ordable, non-toxic defence
against unwanted odours and pest hazards. Green Drains seals are WaterMark-certified
and safe to use with septic tanks.
https://greendrains.com.au www.geberit.com.au
LEGIONELLA & ‘DEAD LEGS’ SCHELL CELIS E TOUCHLESS TAPWARE
Conex Bänninger has released innovative Schell has a proud history of providing
press fi ttings, featuring a specially intelligent products that deliver water-
engineered looped wall plate elbow fi tting efficient, hygienic, and user-friendly
and a 180° return bend, to do away with solutions for commercial fi t outs.
hazardous ‘dead legs’ and help combat the Today touchless tapware is a natural
threat of Legionella bacteria in heating addition to the modern smart home and
and potable water installations. off ers more hygienic hand washing. Schell
‘Dead legs’ are runs of pipework with touchless tapware eliminates the spread
areas of stagnant water. This creates the of germs and ensures eff ortless cleaning
conditions for the build-up of harmful and water efficiency.
germs such as Legionella bacteria, which Available in tempered or mixed water
can breed in temperatures between 25°C PASTELS APPEAL supply, Celis E models are the smartest
and 45°C, doubling every eight hours. Oozing sophistication, these minimalist yet with Bluetooth capability that allows
Available exclusively from Reece. basins come in six diff erent shapes and for personalised programming to suit your
seven colourways, perfect to transform requirements.
any bathroom space with a modern twist.
Go with a rectangular basin for an oh-
so-sleek look, pick a circular basin for a
compact space, or opt for a rectangular
one with rounded edges for something
diff erent. The options are endless and
provide great flexibility for installers.
www.conexbanninger.com/au http://pacojaanson.com.au www.argentaust.com.au/brands/Schell
10 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION W inter 2021UL100FWS
PASSIVE
FIRE
SYSTEMS
THAT
WORK
Ultra-low profile 67mm high floor waste collar solution
Ideal for casting-in pipework to significantly reduce costs:
Increases the speed of installation
Eliminates additional penetrations
Reduces under slab clipping and lagging
Increases head height below
Perfect for:
Laundry and bathroom installations
Balcony outlets
Water meter cupboard drains
Extremely versatile:
Any number of branches of the 4-way riser can be used as
Floor Wastes or Stacks in any combination
SNAP’s testing is independent;
we do not test at our own facilities. The central pipework can be either a Floor Waste or Stack
Reports are available on our website.
What is tested is what we sell
Visit our website for your local distributor Tested to:
1300 76 46 26 www.snapcollars.com.auCOVER STORY
PRODUCT QUALITY
Quality in
Question
PLUMBING PRODUCTS OF INFERIOR QUALITY – INCLUDING
WATERMARK-CERTIFIED ITEMS – HAVE BEEN COMMONPLACE IN
AUSTRALIA FOR YEARS. HOWEVER, EVER-GROWING NUMBERS
OF INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ARE SAYING, ‘ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!’
JOHN POWER PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW.
P
lumbing products that affect human health and safety, in recent years. Like most plumbers, Neale says he relies on
i.e. items directly relating to water supply, sewerage, the professionalism of retailers and other product providers
and drainage, should be beyond reproach – no to supply reliable and safe goods. Another valuable tool to
compromises allowed. help discern quality items in the marketplace is product
Nevertheless, our industry is awash with products of inferior certification – prescribed classes of plumbing products
quality – from powdery PVC pipes to lead-contaminated deemed to have a direct impact on human health or safety
tapware and leaky toilet cisterns – and both plumbers and must carry WaterMark certification, which is a mandatory
clients are rightly demanding action to address the problem. national certification scheme based on rigorous performance
In this article we will examine how poor-quality product criteria, approved fabrication methods, and full compliance
has been able to infiltrate our regulated market, and hunt with relevant Australian Standards.
for weaknesses in the structures of our certification and Despite the twin safety nets of retailer integrity and product
regulatory processes that might be inadvertently contributing certification, Neale says recent experiences have been
to the problem. Finally, we will explore potential pathways dispiriting. In particular, he says he has had to waste time and
out of the mire of substandard products, and into a brighter money installing poorly designed and manufactured items,
future of complete product trustworthiness. including a toilet for disabled users that lacked holes in the
Neale Bookall, a senior plumber from northern Queensland, back for wall anchoring, and which was also prone to leaking
says he has observed a consistent decline in product quality through anchor holes at the base of the cistern.
12 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION W inter 2021“I got them [the holes] to seal by putting Sikaflex all around
them and tightening them up really tight, but I don’t know
what the next plumber is going to do when he takes that
cistern out!” Neale says. “There are multiple things about it
that are poorly designed, as far as I’m concerned. You think:
why would anybody build something like this?” In addition,
Neale explains, he had to grind the pan back to make the unit
sit squarely in position. “But I don’t think I should have to grind
the back of the pan so that the cistern will sit down right!”
Servicing the pump industry for over 50 years
Neale’s other recent encounters with substandard products
have included a pull-down sink mixer tap that reaches deep
into the sink, allowing clean water to intermix with dirty
water; as well as a bidet sprayer attached via a T-junction Here comes all the
to the valve that fills the cistern, both of which could pose
serious backflow hazards. He has also had to deal with a plug water you need.
and waste that would not tighten properly due to a skipping
thread.
“Plumbers don’t want to have trouble, they want to go in
and do a job, and when you walk away you don’t want to have
a boomerang – you don’t want to have to come back,” he
says, adding that poorly made products often lead to costly
remedial works at the plumber’s expense.
“You want to leave on good terms, and you want the client to
be happy with what you’ve done. If you put in something that’s
shoddy and it’s going to fail, then you’re going to get a bad
name as a plumber and you’re not going to feel good about the
work you do. I just feel sad about the way it’s gone.”
The abovementioned products, Neale confirms, were all
WaterMark-certified, so it is worth examining the processes
by which products gain certification, and gleaning possible Lowara
shortcomings in the way certifications are granted and e-HM Series & HME Smart Pump
subsequently policed.
This range of Lowara pumps and tanks are
WEAKNESSES 1 & 2 designed for any pumping application involving
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) manages the clean and non-aggressive water in household,
WaterMark program, with State and Territory regulators small scale irrigation and booster applications.
overseeing compliance at installation.
If a new product belongs to a class of products deemed • Quiet operation • Dry run protection
to require WaterMark certification, an applicant’s first step • Compact design • Protection against
is to have the product tested and appraised by a WaterMark • Easy to install excessively frequent starts
Conformity Assessment Body (WMCAB). There are 10 • Trouble free servicing • Approved for drinking
approved WMCABs in Australia, each of which has authority • Higher efficiencies water (AS/NZS 4020)
• Energy savings • European build quality
to issue WM certifications based on their own product
• Automatic re-set electronic • Large range of models
assessments, which often involve rigorous laboratory testing.
controllers available
NB: every WMCAB is itself subject to stringent performance
benchmarks, as overseen by the independent accreditation Suitable for:
authority JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System of Australia • Residential • Water supply
and New Zealand). • Light-industrial • Irrigation
One of the most respected WMCABs is IAPMO Oceana, which • Commercial • Pressure boosting
has been a leader in product certifications for decades.
When analysing the structure of the WMCAB process, as Contact your local plumbing supplies store
described so far, an obvious initial question is: Are all WMCABs and ask about the Lowara pump range from
the same? After all, uniform product assessments across all Brown Brothers Engineers.
10 WMCABs must be a prerequisite for a nationally consistent
scheme.
IAPMO Oceana’s Technical Manager Glenn Tate admits that,
“This is very difficult to answer, as IAPMO is not privy to
www.brownbros.com.au
w w w.plumbingconnec tion.com.au 13
09/20
DELIVERING PUMPING SOLUTIONSCOVER STORY
PRODUCT QUALITY
how each of the other nine WMCABs operate. All WMCABs
must have in place a documented Quality System that meets
the ISO 17065 AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17065:2013 “Conformity
assessment – Requirements for bodies certifying products,
processes and services”. All WMCABs are subject to regular
JAS-ANZ audits to verify ongoing compliance.
“In saying this, not all WMCABs would have the same level
of technical competencies. IAPMO Oceana has some technical
staff who have been in the plumbing product certification field
for more than 35 years, and others that have had NATA ISO
17025 laboratory testing experience. This level of experience
makes IAPMO unique and we pride ourselves as being the
premier WMCAB.”
Clearly, any diff erences between WMCABs and their
methodologies, no matter how small, might lead to
hypothetical inconsistencies in product certifications.
A far more concerning ‘second weakness’ in the structure
of WaterMark certification, one might argue, is a tendency for
some applicants to use WMCABs as a ‘first resort’ towards
attaining WaterMark compliance, rather than a ‘final stamp of
approval’ to verify manufacturing excellence.
Market behaviour itself, in the writer’s opinion, would
support this claim.
According to Glenn, approximately 80% of tested products
achieve WaterMark certification ‘at the first go’. This means
20% of submitted products fail to attain minimum WaterMark
standards for use in the Australian market when first tested
– a troubling figure considering the products in question
are intrinsically related to health and safety. One wonders
whether other health and safety-critical product classes like Poor-quality products can have a direct negative eff ect
car tyres, surgical instruments, aircraft parts, etc, would on human health. Plumber Neale Bookall says he needed a
incur certification approval rates of just 80% upon initial grinder to help create a level surface for the cistern.
presentation to their respective licensing agencies.
Plumbing product categories with the highest initial
failure rates, according to Glenn, are diverse. “Thermostatic the limited opportunities aff orded to a WMCAB to inspect
mixing valves, and mechanical backflow protection valves factories after certification has been granted.
are examples of high failures of a product type; however, we “Since the introduction of the ABCB Single Level WaterMark
also see many material failures i.e. AS/NZS 4020 (mainly high Product Certification Scheme, it is only mandatory to
lead levels and taste test failures) FBE coatings of DI valves undertake factory inspections prior to the WaterMark
failing minimum application thickness; and dezincification certificate being issued, and during the first 12 months after
resistance failures.” the WaterMark certificate is issued,” Glenn explains.
Such broad-brush failures, arguably, signal a lack of “The next mandatory factory inspection is required at re-
willingness by some manufacturers (or importers) to evaluation (after the maximum fi ve-year certification period
anticipate Australia’s strict quality requirements. Rather, has elapsed, and re-evaluation and WaterMark recertification
some manufacturers might treat the certification process for a further fi ve years is required.” NB: subsequent annual
itself as a proving ground gamble, product inspections do not mandate factory inspections.
with losers happy to be coached to In other words, this means the manufacturer of a
compliance by their WMCAB. WaterMark-certified product can avoid direct scrutiny of their
manufacturing systems for more than four years out of each
WEAKNESSES 3 & 4 fi ve-year certification period. Given global trade and onion-
An even more damaging ‘third layered supply channels, with partnerships changing more
weakness’ in the certification often than Melbourne’s weather, this hardly seems adequate
process, surely, relates to to assure manufacturing consistency.
Of course, WaterMark certificate holders must notify their
WMCAB of any substantial changes to design, materials or
Glenn Tate, IAPMO Oceana manufacturing processes aff ecting any certified product, and
Technical Manager. accept a Design Freeze while any changes are appraised –
14 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION W inter 2021Rheem Training.
Helping plumbers
upgrade their most
valuable tool.
Knowledge.
• Quick, easy 30-minute online courses for licensed plumbers only.
÷$FFHVVIDXOWðQGLQJWLSVFRPPRQSUREOHPVDQGGLDJQRVWLFV
• Covers operation, components and water heater installation.
• Undertake courses any time and place that suits you.
Register at rheem.com.au/training
COMES
COMES ONON STEADY,
STEADY, HOT
HOT AND AND STRONG.
STRONG. INSTALL A
AUSTRALIA’S NO. 1COVER STORY
PRODUCT QUALITY
happily, Glenn says 98% of IAPMO clients, for instance, abide simplify accountability by targeting poor-quality products at
by this requirement. Failure to comply can lead to the WMCAB point of sale (POS).
impounding existing stock and, in severe cases, issuing a Matters relating to WaterMark compliance and enforcement
product recall. have been a PPIG preoccupation for years; in 2018 PPIG
Does this happen often? No. Not only does policing of responded to an ABCB Discussion Paper1 on possible
WaterMark product compliance fall “squarely” on the WaterMark POS reforms, declaring that, “There is a need for
shoulders of the WMCAB, according to Glenn, but there is early point of sale regulation Australia-wide to improve the
virtually no practical way to maintain a comprehensive post- efficiency and effectiveness of the mandatory WaterMark
certification audit of all WaterMarked products. This ‘fourth Scheme.” Furthermore, “There are gaps in the Scheme’s
weakness’ means “it is nearly impossible to determine if design that are allowing too many non-conforming and/or
there has been a change in materials or material compliance, non-compliant plumbing products into the Australian market.
or to determine if there has been a design modification, or a Consequently, the industry is concerned about the potential
change to a manufacturing process, whilst this has for adverse societal outcomes
undertaking product inspections not at the caused by material and product failures
manufacturing site. in plumbing systems that can cause
“It is typically marketplace competitors The best way forward, contamination of the water system and
who are providing the bulk of reports of according to Stuart threaten public health.”
non-compliant WaterMark products back Henry, Executive According to Stuart, though POS national
to WMCABs, rather than a consequence Director of Plumbing reforms have not occurred to date,
of the current ABCB WaterMark Product Products Industry they remain the most logical means of
Certification Scheme itself.” addressing the problem of poor-quality or
Group (PPIG), is to non-compliant product in the marketplace.
THE WAY FORWARD
simplify accountability A good place to start, Stuart says,
The above points, one might argue, highlight by targeting poor- would be the alignment of the WaterMark
systemic deficiencies in the structure of quality products at scheme with another mandatory national
WaterMark compliance, though the myriad point of sale (POS). program – the Water Efficiency Labelling &
agencies involved are no doubt doing their Standards (WELS) Scheme – that operates
best to keep their respective cogs in the already as a POS compliance instrument.
wheel from jamming. Alignment of the two schemes, he says,
A major shortcoming, obviously, relates to the lack of would consolidate compliance administration and reduce
effective oversight to identify and penalise manufacturers or regulatory duplications. Such an alignment would also
distributors who release dodgy product. In particular, small simplify both schemes in the eyes of plumbing professionals
batches of poor-quality product are difficult to monitor, as and consumers alike, and focus attention on POS as the
stock may sell out before competitors have time to react. most obvious place to target inspections and enforcement
The best way forward, according to Stuart Henry, Executive measures.
Director of Plumbing Products Industry Group (PPIG), is to This focus would encourage retailers to pay greater
attention to the genuine WaterMark compliance of the
goods on their shelves, and ‘fill the gap’ between existing
enforcement measures, which are currently split between
the WMCABs (which scrutinise individual products as part of
WaterMark certification) and State and Territory regulators
(who assess WaterMark product compliance and conformance
at installation).
Increased accountability at POS would have the added
benefit of relieving some of the existing unreasonable
liabilities on plumbers’ shoulders, according to which
plumbers are supposed to serve as guardians of WaterMark
product compliance in the field – clearly an absurd obligation,
as plumbers are not equipped to test products, ratify the
genuineness of labels, or detect fraud or violations of
certificates.
Another benefit: POS accountability would alleviate
pressures on plumbers who are often supplied with (already
purchased) products to install, and therefore have no control
According to Neale Bookall, this toilet had no holes in the back over product selections or compliances.
for wall anchoring, and multiple potential leak points at the POS legislation, Stuart suggests, would be the beginning
base. rather than the end of an overall reform package of
16 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION W inter 2021This installation would not tighten properly due to a skipping
thread.
WaterMark systems, including more regular examinations of
manufacturing facilities.
As a guide, he notes that factory audits are conducted twice
a year in Europe and USA to make sure fabrication processes
and materials accord with specified standards. Regular
factory assessments are particularly important in relation
to materials like brass, which may comprise high levels of
recycled materials with impurities, notably lead.
Finally, Stuart says, national State and Territory regulators
should follow the lead of Queensland and ban the sale of non-
WaterMarked products altogether within relevant categories.
This reform would further simplify POS scrutiny and
prevent the accidental or deliberate use of poor-quality, non-
WaterMarked products in inappropriate installations.
ONGOING REFINEMENT
In summary, WaterMark certification to date has allowed
honorable companies to publicly verify the quality and
integrity of their products, but the scheme has been
less eff ective in detecting and penalising poor-quality
WaterMarked products post-certification.
Current systems, which in reality rely on competitors
to spot and call out dodgy items in the marketplace, are
inadequate in light of the volumes of product involved and the
complexity of distribution channels.
POS reforms, no doubt, would need to be refined to define a
‘seller’: Is the seller always a retailer? What about developers
who import product privately (thereby bypassing local
retailers and wholesalers)?
Notwithstanding such complexities, the buck has to stop
somewhere as far as poor-quality products are concerned
– and retail outlets are the most obvious place to start to
restore consumers’ trust in products.
Footnote
1. ABCB Discussion Paper January 2018, Plumbing Products Industry Group
Response 12 February 2018.
w w w.plumbingconnec tion.com.au 17AUSTRALIAN MADE - GREG MORWOOD
MADE IN AUSTRALIA: YES, REALLY
Manufacturing has been perceived as a messy business, best done off shore where low labour costs and
poor environmental standards allow companies to profit. This simply isn’t the case, writes Greg Morwood.
T
he manufacture of commodity
products like those often used
for plumbing and drainage has
not been the focus of much attention
over the last 25 years, with government
policy supporting the mining industry
and high-profile firms focused on
technology.
However, Australia has many
companies that manufacture locally
and bring innovation to the plumbing
market, including ASX-listed firms
Reliance Worldwide (RWC), GWA and
Fletcher Building (FBU). The number of
privately held firms is vastly higher, and,
although you won’t hear about them on
the nightly news, they make everything
from tapware to sewer pits.
Another misunderstanding is that
products made locally have to be fully
automated to be cost-competitive with
imported products. Modern moulding
machines, computer controlled Local manufacturing capabilities not only enhance product quality, but they also
machining, even 3D printing now allow streamline supply.
the production of any product in a
quality, cost-eff ective way. Particularly
for bulky products, the cost and delay teams work together to develop new it is in a unique position to weather the
in shipping can mitigate the extra cost products that are more suitable for local challenges of the recent interruptions.
of supporting local manufacture, and requirements. This isn’t without its challenges: raw
in the case of extremely bulky products materials are often not available from
like large-bore pipe, manufacturing and WHEN YOU NEED THEM local suppliers, leaving manufacturers
distribution become tightly linked. With COVID-19 perversely aff ecting at the whim of global markets and
the movement of people and materials shipping, and quick changes in market
THE RIGHT STUFF through 2020, there has been a demand for a product line can leave
One of the key diff erences in having renewed interest in locally made the manufacturer short of material to
a local manufacturing centre is the products. Everyone from the world’s make products. Generally, however, it’s
co-location of sales, research and largest company, Apple, to your local possible to store enough raw materials
production. When the market provides plumbing supplier has been focused to compensate for this, and the flexibility
feedback to the customer support team, on their supply chains and looking to to produce one item of a product range
the research and production teams make products in the country they are allows local manufacturers to quickly
will hear about it by morning tea. This being sold in. Coming into 2021 with make up for the monthly changes in
accelerates the pace of getting the a boom in building work and major building projects.
right information and the right products changes in the competitive landscape,
out to the market. If the research and the plumbing industry is seeing similar IMPROVED QUALITY
development team is local, they can go disruptions in supply to many other Quality is better if you buy from a
out in the field and understand first- segments of the economy. PLASTEC, company that both manufactures and
hand what the challenges are from the for instance, has been strategically imports products. Australia has a great
plumber’s perspective, and then return growing its manufacturing capacity network of wholesalers who support
to the factory to build better products. on the Sunshine Coast for the last 25 the plumbing industry by delivering
In this case, the development and sales years, and with a close partner off shore, products when they are required,
18 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION W inter 2021and they take a role in choosing what reports provided to support all of critical items, with a local manufacturer
products will be available to the this. These other aspects are left to supplying most of the product to meet
industry. They do this in two ways: by the process of certification, in which demand and an international partner
selecting preferred supply partners and a manufacturer demonstrates their supplementing this and being on the
by directly importing or co-branding products meet requirements through ready if needed. At PLASTEC we have
their own products. Both of these help testing and auditing. Many would argue found that the ability to turn on a
to ensure products that get into the that the wholesalers should have a role machine locally or increase the number
market are of suitable quality; no one in confirming the validity of WaterMark of shifts running in a local factory
wants to deal with issues in the field, so certification on products that they gives us an edge over import-only
better products get preference. Product resell. competitors.
quality is also protected by legislation
under the WaterMark scheme, which DEEP UNDERSTANDING
is the responsibility of the installer, Manufacturers develop a deep ABOUT GREG
not the wholesaler. Unfortunately, the understanding of product standards Dr Greg Morwood is
complexity of certifying products under and the performance of their products Research & Development
the WaterMark scheme can create through the experience of making, Manager at PLASTEC
unforeseen issues. Firstly, plumbers certifying and supporting their items. Australia, Sunshine Coast,
Qld. He has a strong
are expected to be able to identify a interest in providing
correctly WaterMarked product, but SAFER SUPPLY CHAIN plumbing solutions
not expected to be able to confirm A supply chain is safer with a dual for local industrial
manufacturing sectors.
it meets the standards behind the manufacture-import model. PLASTEC specialises in the drain-waste-
WaterMark. That would require them ‘Supply chain’ is the term applied vent (DWV) sector of the plumbing industry,
to be knowledgeable in manufacturing, to how we get stuff to a plumber – it’s and recently expanded capacity of its PVC
plant on the Sunshine Coast. Visit http://
metallurgy, chemistry, water science, pretty boring until it goes wrong.
plastec.com.au
and check on the validity of the test The safest solution is to dual-source
Shore Hire offers one of
Australia’s most trusted and
complete shoring, propping,
traffic, pipe testing, and laser
hire fleets. We provide
industry-leading temporary
works solutions, expert advice,
and innovative products.
Contact us today to discuss
your next project.
Visit shorehire.com.au
Call us on 1300 SHORE HIRE
SYDNEY • BRISBANE • MELBOURNE
WOLLONGONG • NEWCASTLE
ACT • SUNSHINE COAST
Shoring Propping Traffic Lasers Pipeline Testing
w w w.plumbingconnec tion.com.au 19AHSCA / ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS - IAN TODD
NEW FACILITY HAS ‘ALTERNATIVE’
DESIGNS
Following several years of planning and development, the construction of Woolworths New Zealand’s
(WWNZ) new $50 million distribution centre in Palmerston North, New Zealand, is forging ahead. Ian Todd
reports.
P
almerston North is centrally
located in the lower North Island THE NEW FACILITY
of New Zealand. It is a major hub
for distribution with other companies
such as Ezibuy, Foodstuffs, and
Iplex, which have manufacturing and
distribution facilities in the area.
Woolworths’ new state-of-the-
art 39,000m2 facility incorporates
warehousing, inbound and outbound
goods, company offices and a full-blown
commercial kitchen, all under a single
roof. Trucks will be loaded and unloaded
inside the building with a staff of 150
handling around 450,000 cartons
of food for other stores through the
central North Island from Gisborne on
the east coast to New Plymouth on the
west coast.
The new distribution centre has been
designed and built to target a 4 Star
Green Star rating. The new facility features 39,000m2 of roofing, which called for complex stormwater
I&L Consulting was engaged by drainage solutions. Courtesy of Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects.
WWNZ (Woolworths New Zealand)
to tackle the design of the hydraulic
services, including sanitary and trade ROOF PLAN
waste drainage, water supplies and
the most critical element – disposal of
stormwater off the massive 39,000m2
roof.
NZ BUILDING LEGISLATION
How does New Zealand building
legislation work?
All construction in New Zealand
is covered under the New Zealand
Building Code, which was first
introduced in 1992 under the new
Building Act. The intent of the code was
to introduce a set of performance-
based guidelines. The Building Code
is broken down into clauses relating
to disciplines such as sanitary
drainage, water supplies, and surface
water drainage. Each clause has an Overall roof plan – sanitary and stormwaster drainage. Courtesy of Woodhams
objective, functional requirements, and Meikle Zhan Architects.
20 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION W inter 2021performance criteria. In brief, if the designer can
demonstrate to the territorial authority that their design will
achieve these three criteria, then the design is deemed to
meet the Building Code conditions and hence the design can
be granted building consent. This is known as an ‘Alternative
Solution’.
Alternatively, designers can use the ‘Acceptable Solutions’
presented in each clause. Acceptable Solutions present
prescriptive approaches to achieve compliance, often
referencing New Zealand or Australia/New Zealand Standards
such as AS/NZS3500. This approach provides a smoother path
through consent but works on the principle of ‘one size fits all’
rather than tailoring a solution to the project.
Since the inception of the New Zealand Building Code most
designers have opted to use Acceptable Solutions instead
of the performance-based approach, as local authorities,
quite understandably, apply very strict testing regimes to
Alternative Solutions.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
The Scale of the Project
The obvious challenge for this project was the disposal of
stormwater off 39,000m2 of roof area. During the inaugural
meeting of the New Zealand chapter of the Association of
Hydraulic Services Consultants Australia (AHSCA), Mark
Alexander and Professor Terry Lucke from the AHSCA
Research Foundation presented a performance-based roof
drainage system that eclipsed the performance of any current
codes or Standards. This immediately piqued my interest,
as the Acceptable Solution for stormwater drainage under
section E1 of the NZ Building Code does not detail downpipe
sizes beyond 150mm diameter nor a roof catchment area
greater than 350m2/downpipe. This solution offers no
commentary on the use of rainwater heads or downpipe flow
rates, leaving the designer to extrapolate data and hence
enter the realm of an ‘Alternative Solution’.
A follow-up conversation with Mark resulted in me visiting
Australia to attend a training module and obtaining the
requisite qualifications to gain access to the research
foundation’s online calculator. The calculator allows project-
specific data to be imputed to determine the optimum sizes
for gutters, rainwater heads and downpipes. The net result
being a project-specific solution rather than a ‘one size fits all’
outcome.
The system developed by the AHSCA Research Foundation
was the result of three years of testing, employing a purpose-
built test rig at the University of Sunshine Coast. As a result,
the foundation developed their online calculator which allows
the designer to input a combination of gutter, rainwater head
and downpipe sizes to find an optimised solution.
Convincing the Client and Local Authority
In floating the concept of using an ‘Alternative Solution’ with
WWNZ, they came back with three questions:
1. Does it comply with the Building Code?
2. What are the risks?
3. What are the costs?
w w w.plumbingconnec tion.com.au 21AHSCA / ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS - IAN TODD
heads, downpipes and terminal drainage
WALL SECTIONS connections. The result was a $60,000
saving by employing the Research
Foundation’s solution.
HOW THE FIGURES COMPARE
(A) AS/NZS3500.3 solution to a maximum
flow rate of 16 litres per second:
∫ A maximum roof area of 850m2 per
down pipe.
∫ Down pipes would be spaced at 8.6m
centres.
∫ 50 x 150mm downpipes required,
complete with custom-fabricated
rainwater heads and low-level
protective shrouds.
∫ 50 x 150mm laterals and connections
to connect downpipes to the civil
drainage system.
(B) AHSCA Research Foundation
Distribution Centre wall sections. Courtesy of Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects. performance-based design solution:
∫ A maximum roof area of 2441m2 per
downpipe or a flow rate of 49 litres
In response to question one, and 1. A design complying with NZBC, clause per second.
based on my training, I was confident E1/AS1 (acceptable solution 1). This ∫ Downpipes at a maximum of 24m
the system could be designed to achieve would have involved 110 x 150mm centres.
the requirements of NZBC, clause E1, diameter downpipes. With a rafter ∫ A minimum of 16 x 225mm downpipes
which calls for rainwater from a 1:10- length of 98m this would mean a required, complete with custom-
year event, drained to an eaves gutter, 150mm downpipe every 3.5m along fabricated rainwater heads and
to be kept from entering the building. the exterior wall. This option was low-level protective shrouds. To
Question 2 – The next challenge was quickly discounted as impractical. coordinate with architectural graphics
to obtain provisional approval from 2. A design complying with AS/ the decision was made to add an
the local authority NZS3500.3:2018. additional downpipe on each elevation.
to pursue an Surprisingly, this ∫ 18 x 225mm laterals and connections
alternative design. solution is not an to civil drainage system.
These discussions acceptable solution ∫ 180x 600mm diameter surges
with Palmerston As is often the case, under NZBC, E1, chambers (one per downpipe). These
North District the client’s approval to so it would need were installed at the base of each
Council were fruitful pursue an ‘Alternative to be off ered as downpipe to facilitate the transition
when I outlined the Solution’ came down an ‘Alternative between the high-volume downpipe
background research to cost. Solution’. This and the civil drainage system.
undertaken, the solution permits
fact the design downpipes to a
would be checked maximum flow ABOUT IAN
and validated by rate of 16 litres Ian Todd is Managing
the AHSCA Research Foundation, and per second. Using this solution a total Director of I&L Consulting
a design certificate (complete with of 50 x 150mm diameter downpipes in Auckland, New Zealand.
$10 million professional indemnity would be required. He has more than 35
years’ experience in
certificate) issued. the construction and
Question 3 – As is often the case, To confirm costs, a full design was plumbing industries
the client’s approval to pursue an drafted up for the AS/NZS3500.3 and holds a Bachelor of
Property Administration
‘Alternative Solution’ came down to solution, and another one using the degree from Auckland University. Ian is a full
cost. Initial ‘thumb suck’ estimates AHSCA Research Foundation solution. member of the Australian Hydraulic Services
pointed towards the performance- These designs were presented to a Consultants Association (AHSCA).
professional quantity surveyor, complete Email: ian@iandlconsulting.co.nz
based solution being cheaper than the
alternatives, of which we had two: with details of guttering, rainwater
22 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION W inter 2021TRALIA
US
N
A
DESIGNE
URED
CT
D
& M A
ANUF
DWV SWJ
HEAVY DUTY
FITTINGS
MOULDED
IN
AUSTRALIA
PRODUCT RANGE COVERS FROM DN100 - DN150
PRODUCT ISO TYPE 5 CERTIFICATION
WATERMARK CERTIFIED
BEP APPROVED WSAA APPRAISED
RANGE OF BENDS, JUNCTIONS ,INSPECTION OPENINGS,
REDUCING JUNCTIONS, LEVER INVERT TAPER
COMING
>P[OH TT^HSS[OPJRULZZJVTWHYLK[VZ[HUKHYK+>=Ä[[PUNZ/LH]`+\[`:>1Ä[[PUNZHYLKLZPNULK
SOON
[VOLSWYLK\JLHUKYLTV]LYPZRZMYVTNYV\UKTV]LTLU[
-LH[\YPUNN\ZZL[ZHUKL_[YHYPIZ\UKLYPUZWLJ[PVUVWLUPUNZMVYHKKP[PVUHSZ[YLUN[O
www.holmanindustries.com.au/plumbingPANDEMIC
LIFE AFTER COVID-19
The impacts of COVID-19 have been far-reaching and, in many cases, devastating. However, as John
Power reports, some positive legacies are also worth highlighting.
T
hink back to March 2020: the world’s industries were “During the pandemic we have continued to invest in R&D
grappling with the onset of an open-ended and little- to the same level as pre-COVID,” she says. “We have taken our
understood pandemic. Would it be over in a few weeks? insights from life under COVID as an opportunity to reassess
A few months? Perhaps never? our R&D priorities; we feel the emphasis on hygiene and
In the face of such uncertainty, reactions across the wellbeing for vulnerable people will drive further innovation
plumbing sector ranged from ‘business as usual’ to complete across the health, aged care and education sectors.”
trading stagnation. Now, as vaccines begin to take eff ect Not only has COVID-19 stimulated renewed optimism in
internationally, it is worth reviewing the actual eff ects of the R&D projects, but it has also served as a trigger for swifter
pandemic on supply chain management and research and R&D implementation as an ongoing priority. “If anything, the
development (R&D), and noting some of the more positive pandemic has shown that ideally we should have the capacity
practices arising from COVID-19 that will, in all likelihood, to shorten our product development and innovation cycle in
linger long after the disease has had its claws pulled. order to meet unexpected changes to market expectations
Vicki Edler, CEO of Enware Australia, says reliable supply and demand,” she says. “A shorter innovation cycle combined
chain management immediately took centre stage when the with local manufacturing abilities leaves us uniquely placed to
pandemic struck, leading to ongoing refinements. respond to rapid changes in market demand.”
“The pandemic has forced us on several occasions to review
the potential for supply risks within the supply chain, as CULTURE SHIFT
diff erent countries went through various lockdowns and waves One of the most important
of the pandemic,” Vicki says, adding that Enware’s principal ramifications of COVID-19 – but
supply partners largely escaped severe interruptions. perhaps the hardest to define – is a
“We did move some component supply back onshore where permanent culture shift in the wider
supply was deemed critical to projects that were underway trade sector, based on a humble
or scheduled to commence across 2020–21. Being a local recognition that ongoing success often
manufacturer we try to support local supply chains wherever relies on fundamentals like the solidity
we can, and, as a consequence, more than 50% of our supply and goodwill of long-term partnerships.
chain remains with local businesses. Domestic supply chains Gerry Fernandez, General Manager
have become more predictable in regards to meeting supply of Fluidmaster Australia, says Gerry Fernandez
dates. We have not had to adjust stock levels as such, but Fluidmaster’s international presence in
have adjusted our approach to lead time management.” China, North America and Europe served as a buff er against
A far more long-lasting impact of COVID-19, Vicki says, sudden trade lockdowns in Asia in early 2020, allowing
has been renewed market interest in hygiene and sanitation- manufacturing of some key lines to shift to alternative
based technologies and products. Far from reducing R&D in locations such as Mexico. This flexibility, established pre-
the wake of the pandemic, Vicki says Enware has kept working COVID-19 mainly as a tool to overcome momentary peaks
to meet demand for new equipment in these critical product and troughs in market activity, took on a much greater
categories. significance with the onset of the pandemic, and is now part of
the core fabric of the business.
As Gerry summarises, “We have a broad supply base with
ENWARE AUSTRALIA long-term partnerships, and we also have a focus on multi-
During COVID-19 the importance of student
sourcing for our critical components – the global footprint
hydration and wellbeing never went away, means we’re very flexible, especially with on-time supply.
according to Enware Australia, but new So our supply chain has been very stable throughout the
methods of delivery needed to be found to pandemic.”
increase hygiene factors as a top priority.
Enware’s rapid R&D response to this need led While Fluidmaster’s supply chains have been steady
to the development of a range of bottle fillers throughout the pandemic, increased demand for core
that provide an easy and convenient way for products has prompted the company to think on its feet to
students to fill their water bottles routinely
throughout the day whilst reducing the risk of
respond to quickly evolving public buying trends.
‘mouth to water’ cross-contamination. “Fluidmaster provides quality, premium products that are
Enware’s CEO, Vicki Edler (pictured) enjoyed of value to our many important consumers,” Gerry says. “It
testing the first batch of bottle fillers from the production line under
has been good to see that our core products have remained
the watchful eye of their Factory Supervisor, Rahim Arifin.
in strong demand through this pandemic, especially our
24 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION W inter 2021You can also read
