TOWARD NET ZERO CONSERVING WATER STARTS WITH PLUMBING - INSIDE: Plumbing Connection
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WWW.PLUMBINGCONNECTION.COM.AU SPRING 2020
TOWARD
NET ZERO
CONSERVING WATER
STARTS WITH PLUMBING
INSIDE:
HVAC & COVID-19
JETTER SAFETY
Plumbing for Gold
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CONTENTS
COVER STORY
10 TOWARD NET ZERO
The plumbing industry plays a huge
role in conserving water not just for
now, but for future generations too.
10
FEATURES
14 MAKING SITE DRAINAGE A CUP 42 PLUMBING FOR GOLD
OF TEA Plumber Russell Nash’s new
It might sound like ‘black magic’ found success with gold
14
but a new product is making the prospecting landed him a spot
process of clay-plugging under on the Aussie Gold Hunters TV
slabs a walk in the park. Anna series, screened locally and
Hayes found out more. internationally.
30 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
FOR PROFESSIONAL PLUMBERS REGULARS
The plumbing industry has
historically been behind the eight 06 Editorial
ball when it comes to continuing 08 Industry news
professional development, but
22 Box Gutters
that’s about to change.
32
26 Training off the page
32 ARE ALL WATER SUPPLY OPTIONS 64 Products
ON THE TABLE?
WSAA has created a report
81 Trade stuff
looking at why purified recycled
drinking water is sometimes
stigmatised and not considered a
viable alternative.
36 HVAC AND COVID-19
There is considerable interest in
the role that HVAC may play in
42
the transmission of COVID-19. 70 TOOLS
A.G. Coombs provide an overview
on the relationship between viral 72 HEALTH
transmission and HVAC systems.
76 TRANSPORT
4 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Spring 2020
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EDITORIAL
TAKING IT A
DAY AT A TIME www.plumbingconnection.com.au
S
ocial distancing. Mobile ∫ If a client has a tendency to look GENERAL MANAGER
Jeremy Sweet
testing. Stimulus packages. over your shoulder while you work, jeremysweet@build.com.au
New normal. These are all politely ask them to maintain a safe
EDITOR
words we’ve been flooded with over distance, and assure them that Justin Felix
preceding months. they are welcome to inspect the 03 9542 9024
justinfelix@build.com.au
It’s a strange time for all during work once you have finished up.
the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re living ∫ If you’re not feeling 100%, just EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
Jeff Patchell
through uncertain times and the reschedule any appointments and jeff patchell@build.com.au
message from government bodies be upfront about it. Clients would
STAFF WRITERS
changes on a daily basis. be more at ease knowing you aren’t Anna Hayes, Sean Carroll
While some industries have had to going to compromise their health GRAPHIC DESIGNER
shutdown indefinitely, I suppose one and safety during this time. Sam Elliott
silver lining for our industry is the ∫ The supply chain, in some ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER
fact it’s essential. The work you all do instances, has been aff ected and Tracey Glanville
keeps the country moving forward. you may find it harder to source SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER
Despite some restrictions being some necessary materials. Before Brigitta Novosell
03 9542 9005
lifted at the time of writing, there’s commencing new jobs, make
no doubt the next six to 12 months sure you have enough tools and CONTRIBUTORS
Terry Nguyen, Paul Cott, Ken Sutherland, Jon
will be hard going for everyone in the materials to fulfil your obligations. Palfrey, David Micallef
community and keeping you and your It’s also important to contact any
ADVERTISING
client’s safe and healthy should be a subcontractors that you may need Angelo Sticca 03 9542 9011
priority. to conduct work with to find out angelosticca@build.com.au
So while this edition of Plumbing about their situation. TO SUBSCRIBE 1800 623 214
Australia 03 9542 9000
Connection is loaded with interesting ∫ Look after yourself and your
New Zealand +61 3 9542 9000
topics, I thought it would be timely to employees. If you become ill or Fax (with credit card details) 03 9542 9090
share some short tips we’ve learnt you’re concerned that you or
from our network regarding some your employees are unwell, the
precautions you can take on your Government has a helpline available
upcoming jobs. to advise the best course of action.
∫ As you can appreciate, homeowners ∫ Lastly, be polite and patient. www.facebook.com/tradieconnection
are wary of who they let into their In trying times such as these,
homes during this uncertain time. it’s important to be polite and www.linkedin.com/in/plumbing-connection/
If your client is willing and able, patient. Understand that some
www.twitter.com/PlumbingCXNMag
a video call may be enough to clients may need to cancel jobs
determine the extent of the work due to uncertainty over their own By mail, please write to the address below
that needs to be done, which you employment conditions. PUBLISHED BY:
can then provide a quote on. Lanella Media Pty Ltd
2/18-22 Lexia Place,
∫ Tests have shown that the virus Take it a day at a time and together
Mulgrave, VIC 3170
can live on surfaces for hours, if we’ll get through this. AUSTRALIA
ISSN 1034-3075
not days. As cash gets passed from
hand to hand, it’s good practice to Until next time,
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this magazine do
avoid cash transactions. not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Although
∫ As a society we have become all materials are checked for accuracy, no liability is
assumed by the publisher for any losses due to the use
accustomed to greeting people Enjoy the read of material in this magazine. Copyright 2020 by Lanella
Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
with a handshake. That’s no longer may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
the case during this time, so a transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise)
simple hello is acceptable. Justin Felix without the prior permission of Lanella Media.
6 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Spring 2020
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INDUSTRY NEWS
NEW CPD TO BUILD INDUSTRY TRADIE FINANCIALS AROUND financial impact of COVID-19 is set
UNDERSTANDING COVID-19 to hurt trade contractors who rely on
The ABCB has announced new NCC Delays in crucial supply chains and building and construction contracts
Continuing Professional Development financial uncertainty is causing to keep their businesses and families
(CPD) courses set to launch soon. lengthy hold-ups on building projects afloat,” he says.
NCC CPD courses will be launching which puts tradies at risk of job losses Anthony likens it to past events
in mid-late 2020, giving building and and non-payments as COVID-19 takes where tradies were hit hard like the
plumbing practitioners an opportunity its hold on the building industry. Queensland floods in 2019 where
to undertake online, self-paced and “With delays of three-to-four one of his clients was left unpaid
aff ordable training to advance their weeks on many supplies coming from $181,000. On top of the bushfires at
knowledge of the NCC. countries struck-down by COVID-19, the start of the year, it’s likely that a
As one of the ABCB’s initial there are an increasing number of lot of tradies will go under.
responses to the Building Confidence commercial building projects in Since the pandemic began, Anthony
Report, NCC CPD courses are being slow-down and uncertainty over says that many tradies have called his
developed in partnership with some projects even going ahead,” office wanting advice on how to chase
industry, government and subject Contractors Debt Recovery managing down non-payments in case they’re
matter experts to ensure that course director Anthony Igra explains. unable to work.
topics are relevant and of highest “This is placing a huge strain on “Many of these payments are up to a
priority for practitioners. construction contractors, many year old but contractors haven’t chased
What are the benefi ts of NCC CPD? of whom are small-to-medium- them down because they don’t want to
∫ The NCC CPD courses will help businesses or sole-traders who pay incur expensive legal fees. That’s where
reinforce your NCC knowledge and for supplies up front, and are left out the Security of Payment Act comes in.
support your future success. of pocket with mortgages to pay and It’s effective and affordable but many
∫ Completing CPD adds value to families to feed. The likelihood is that just don’t know about it,” he says.
you, your staff and clients by many contracts will be terminated and Through that act, Anthony and his
demonstrating your commitment to many contractors just won’t get paid,” team were able to uncover more than
achieving compliant outcomes. Anthony mentions that over $3 $6 million in unpaid work which let his
∫ The courses are aff ordable, online billion of construction work was clients pay bills and get on with their
and delivered using a mix of video left unpaid last year due to building trade.
and audio learning tools. companies simply refusing to pay “The most important piece of advice
∫ Best of all, you can complete a or purposely going into voluntary I can give to tradesmen right now, is to
course from almost anywhere, at a liquidation to avoid paying up and then make sure you chase the monies owed
pace that suits you. phoenixing, restarting the business to you and chase it hard and early. In
Who are the courses for? under a new name. these uncertain times, not only is cash
Course are being developed for the “With major income losses such king, but cash today is more important
following practitioner groups: as this during a ‘normal’ year, the than ever.”
∫ Compliance practitioners including
building surveyors and inspectors;
∫ Design and engineering DIGITAL CHECK-INS TO BRING THE He mentions that the construction
practitioners including architects, CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BACK industry can only return to full
designers, draftspersons, Desperate to return to work in its capacity if builders and developers
specialists and engineers (including full capacity, construction and feel confident in quickly tracing
fire and hydraulic); and property development companies impacted workers if there’s another
∫ Construct and install practitioners are embracing a digital solution for outbreak.
including builders, plumbers, fire its on-site workers to replace time- “1breadcrumb was developed with
protection practitioners, and site/ consuming paperwork check-ins. built-in GEO-fencing, allowing for
project managers. To solve this issue, 1breadcrumb construction companies to easily and
When will courses be available? has been developed as a one-touch securely manage an automatic check
The first suite of courses will solution to the pandemic. in process while ensuring the privacy
be released from mid-late 2020 “Businesses need to be able to of on-site workers.”
onwards. Practitioners can find out access information about who has 1breadcrumb allows people
more and subscribe for updates on been on site, for how long, and who diagnosed with coronavirus to quickly
course availability at cpd.abcb.gov. they interacted with – in case of a and easily check their history to see
au/info. secondary outbreak,” 1breadcrumb where they’ve been and contact those
founder Paul Wilson says. businesses or the authorities.
8 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Spring 2020
have you seen our new website AND app Yet? www.samios.net.au
COVER STORY
CONSERVATION
TOWARD
NET ZERO
THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY
PLAYS A HUGE ROLE IN
CONSERVING WATER NOT JUST
FOR NOW, BUT FOR FUTURE
GENERATIONS TOO. PLUMBING
CONNECTION REPORTS.
I
t’s been an unprecedented start generations may not enjoy the same have resulted from non-water
to 2020 and as the world comes to privilege that we have. conscious mass urbanisation, carbon
grips with what has been nothing “Water and climate change are emissions and other factors impacting
short of catastrophic, perhaps a silver directly linked. As our planet warms, our climate.
lining is the wakeup weather patterns “A clear indication is the fact that
call for people to will keep shifting, water levels are dropping at record
appreciate things bringing drought speeds and heights in our dams.”
we so easily take for in some areas and So, what is the short definition of net
granted. “A clear indication delivering more zero water?
The first thing that is the fact that rainfall to others. “A net zero water building/precinct
springs to mind in the water levels are Water itself requires is aimed at minimising total water
consumption, maximise alternative
midst of the COVID-19
pandemic is the like
dropping at record energy to deliver,
so excess use also water sources, returning water back
of essential (and even speeds and heights compounds our to the natural cycle and offsetting any
non-essential) items in our dams.” energy problems,” potable water use sourced externally,
at the supermarket TAGRO Building via engineered water balance and
being available Services Consultants implementing innovative approaches and
whenever we need director Michael net zero water strategies,” Michael says.
them. As it turns out, Labib says. And our industry has a massive role
that’s a privilege. Not a right. But what With Australia experiencing constant to play in ensuring the above becomes
about even bigger things, like access cycles of drought, water scarcity is real. possible. In fact everyone plays a
to potable water. Because there is a “Precipitation patterns are shifting role. According to Michael, at its most
possibility that if we don’t act now, future due to disturbed water cycles which basic, everyone should aim to
10 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Spring 2020From small clips to 375mm Large bore DWV. We’ve come a long way!
Plastec and it’s brands have grown to be one of the largest & favourite
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plumbing needs.
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Perth
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experience, the Plastec team look forward to providing you with all the
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Contact Details- 07 5413 4444
www.plastec.com.auCOVER STORY
CONSERVATION
BASIC STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTING
NET ZERO WATER:
1. Demand reduction and maintain
water tightness
∫ Specify the most efficient fi xtures
and equipment available
∫ Install water leak detection systems
∫ Consider the likes of waterless urinals
and water smart vacuum systems
over pumping
2. Using alternative water sources
∫ Harvest rainwater, stormwater or
subsoil water
∫ A ir conditioning condensate
Compare the pair by Borris Boschman, ESD consultant of Integral Group.
3. Wastewater recycling
∫ Greywater treatment and reuse
∫ Blackwater treatment and reuse
4. Return water to its original source
∫ Another option for returning water
to the original water source is
through green infrastructure (also
called low-impact development).
Green infrastructure uses landscape
features that retain stormwater
onsite. Also via slow infiltration using
underground infiltration crates in
order to return water back to its
natural cycle.
A net zero building concept by Borris Boschman, ESD consultant of Integral Group. More complex strategies can also be
tailored to each development factoring
in geographical location, demographics,
local climate and engineered water
balance.
The image above symbolises the
water cycle, and how ‘non water
conscious’ can cause mass urbanisation
impact precipitation patterns.
“When we build cities and precincts
that are solid, meaning ‘non-permeable’,
and force the runoff away from their
locations, we change vaporisation, air
and ground water content which in
turn has a direct impact on the thermal
comfort of inhabitants. It also has a
direct impact on rain patterns, whereby
Dam levels across the country continue to drop at alarming rates. drought occurs in some areas and flood
in others,” Michael explains.
The diff erence between a water
‘demand reduction and maintain water systems have been aiming to achieve conscious precinct and urbanised non
tightness’. this since their inception. And these are water conscious precinct is that one can
From a plumbing perspective, the first recommendations Michael puts be water cycle friendly while the other
suppliers of high water rating fi xtures, forward when advising or assessing new creates what is now being called an
6-star WELS and leak detection projects. urban heat island.
12 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Spring 2020COVER STORY
CONSERVATION
Barangaroo, New South Wales is one to be market leaders. At the same time,
such water wise precinct. In fact, the others are not that keen because it
precinct is capable of exporting more hasn’t become mandatory as of yet.
recycled water than the amount of Everyone will start screaming out for
drinking water it uses. it when it does though. They’ll all be
The use of water efficient appliances, looking for suppliers and plumbers etc.
using captured rainwater and treated “The thing to remember is you won’t
water for toilet flushing, irrigation, only be saving water, but you’ll also be
wash down and fire suppression are doing something that shows you care
major features of the entire Barangaroo about the environment,” he says.
development. For those ahead of the game
The wastewater recycling system is procurement will also become easier
capable of processing one million litres How recycled water can be used. when new projects come to be and
of wastewater each day. experienced designers, plumbers and
While it may be considered next level, consultants are preferred.
it should provide food for thought for zero water and they’re being proactive So where will you be placed?
the rest of the industry when designing by asking us to come in and present to
and planning new buildings and them and their teams,” Michael says.
precincts. On the flipside though, there are
currently very few jobs implementing
Michael G. Labib
THE TIME IS NOW net zero initiatives. NER, RPEQ & member of HCAA
“We’ve seen water becoming more and “It’s up to developers and builders Director, Tagro Pty Ltd
michael@tagro.com.au
more scarce and this cycle will continue to decide if they want to do something LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/
to happen. Some clients (developers and unique and game changing. They need in/michael-g-labib
architects) are really interested in net to think about whether or not they want
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BENTONITE BISCUIT MAKES SITE
DRAINAGE A CUP OF TEA
It might sound like ‘black magic’ but a new product is making the process of clay-plugging under slabs
a walk in the park. Anna Hayes found out more.
A
proposed amendment to The goal here is to prevent moisture product manager with Plastec Australia,
the next edition of AS3500 from travelling through the plumbing which has come up with a simple clay
Plumbing and drainage will trench under the slab. This, coupled with plug solution. He explains that slabs can
focus on the installation of articulated highly and extremely reactive soils, can be designed to be structurally strong
joints in plumbing, when building on a cause numerous structural problems and handle extreme movement.
reactive or unstable soil site, and how with slabs breaking and houses cracking “However, a plumbing and drainage
the practice of installing a clay-plug up, the frequency of which was drawing system without the proper articulation
barrier ties into that. the attention of insurance companies and design requirements, such as
The draft will provide clear and the legal fraternity who have clay plugs, can become a victim to
articulation, installation examples, and begun to look more closely at building the stresses of ground movement,
guidance based on AS2870 Residential standards. and therefore pose a huge risk to the
slabs and footings in which this topic is integrity of the structure.
featured. THE ISSUE “In some regions, local regulators
As an existing requirement of footings Bodies like the QBCC, the VBA and have long been asking for clay plugs
and foundation in AS2870, the practice HEDRA have been vocal on the subject of to be installed. The plumber has been
of installing a clay plug has not been in plumbing and drainage as per AS2870. doing it somewhat haphazardly and
a plumbing standard before now and, But the absence of this practice from a ineff ectively, sometimes even using the
as a result, as been a bit of an unknown plumbing standard has been the cause clay found onsite.”
quantity for plumbers, drainers and of much of the consternation over
building contractors. whose responsibility the clay plug is. A SIMPLE, COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION
AS2870 reads: “Where plumbing and While it exists in a building standard, In response to this issue, Queensland-
drainage pass under the footing, there it is, essentially, a plumber’s job as part based Plastec Australia has developed
shall be a clay plug barrier to stop the of the drainage installation. a product called the Clay Biscuit which
ingress of water under the slab.” Chris Ferguson is the specialist makes the process of installing a clay
The new solution comes in two parts. The clay plug comes in a 25kg bag. The biscuit part is a stiff ened cardboard box that,
when assembled, is the right size for most typical residential trenches.
14 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Spring 202030
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you heard of a clay plug and why aren’t
you using one? I think the more that
plumbers and builders know about the
risk mitigation practices that should be
adhered to, the better the industry will
be for it.”
Education, Chris adds, is key to this
whole process, pointing out that Plastec
does presentations to TAFE institutes
all over the country, based purely on
the information that should be in the
plumber’s standard AS3500. He stresses
the need for building designers, plumbers
and builders to come together to ensure
an effective solution, adding that even
homeowners should be well informed
as overwatering and storm water runoff
close to the edges of the slabs can also
exacerbate a problem.
The standard requires two slabs stretching horizontally from the vertical slab. “It’s funny because when TAFE
students go back to their respective
employers and tell them about the
plug simpler and cost effective. Chris The cardboard breaks down over time, clay plug, you might have a plumber
says that the push for compliance on leaving the bentonite material in situ to who’s been in the job 30 years and he’s
clay plugs has stemmed from regulation do its job. scratching his head and saying ‘What
bodies, pointing out that across several The requirements of the standard are sort of black magic are you talking?’
states it has been on regulator’s radars to install one vertical box at the face Most TAFEs have us booked regularly to
for quite a while. of the slab, with two more stretching talk about it.”
So how does the Clay Biscuit work? horizontally from the slab as well. The On the paperwork front, the signs
Chris explains that the clay type is rest of the trench is filled up with site are good that the clay plug will make
very important. infill. The way Plastec offers the product it into the normative text of AS3500
“It’s a specific type of clay called also cuts down on in the future, with
bentonite clay which is extremely good waste. a working group
at holding onto moisture and that’s “I used to see guys currently finalising a
what the plug is all about – stopping buying a lot more of draft submission to
moisture moving from point A to B via the clay than was The cardboard go before WS14.
the plumber’s trench.” required, and they breaks down over “It is going into
He adds: “The area in question at the were just filling a the appendix so
time, leaving the
base of the trench is sand and gravel whole section of that’s a step in the
and when moisture passes down into the trench up. So
bentonite material right direction. That
that bedding area it can basically be by providing the in situ to do its job. appendix focuses on
used as a tunnel to track moisture back biscuit and the bag, what we call reactive
in and under the slab. The subsequent it’s concentrating soil because, in
heave is what’s causing all of the the product at the Australia, we have
structural damage.” critical location, a lot of clay soils
The new solution comes in two parts. making it cheaper and simpler as well and we’re building on these types of
The clay plug comes in a 25kg bag, the as more effective from an installation unstable clays more and more now.”
biscuit part is a stiffened cardboard box perspective.” Another factor is, of course, the
that, when assembled, is the right size climate where the country tends to
for most typical residential trenches. It THE INDUSTRY RESPONSE go through cycles of years of drought
can be cut down to suit the height of the Plastec recently attended a NSW Master followed by a huge amount of rain.
trench. Builders Expo where part of its display “That is not good for some of the
“The plumber simply cuts a hole inside focused on clay plugs and the Clay ground we’re building these housing
the boxes, pushes his pipe work through Biscuit. estates on. There are a few factors
and then fills the boxes with the clay. It’s “There was definitely a lot of builders at play here but the thing is: there are
very simple. One biscuit takes two bags walking away, concerned enough to ask regulations in writing, dealing with it
of clay to fill.” the questions of their plumber – have from a plumbing perspective.”
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STRONG. INSTALL A
AUSTRALIA’S NO. 1DRAIN CLEANING SAFETY
JETTING YOUR WAY TO SAFETY
Jetters and mechanical drain cleaners can be quite dangerous for plumbing professionals without
the appropriate safety measures. Sean Carroll looks into what can be done from both plumbers
themselves and manufacturers.
I
t’s no secret that jetters and mechanical drain cleaners
can be dangerous. Unfortunately, it’s a necessary job and
many plumbers have been injured as a result.
When writing this article, Plumbing Connection heard some
of the horror stories that can befall plumbing professionals
with one plumber mentioning that: “plumbers need to make
sure they get any safety training that’s out there, don’t be
complacent. It’s not just about getting your guys on site.
People need to understand how to safely use the equipment.”
Another point raised is that there needs to be a greater level
of public awareness. People need to know what can and can’t
be flushed down the toilet.
It’s understandable when certain people need to use wipes
instead of toilet paper. But it needs to be common knowledge
that these wipes aren’t flushable and need to be treated as
waste and disposed of accordingly.
This is even more important now with the COVID-19
pandemic and people having to find alternatives to toilet
paper. Put it in the bin, have a bag next to the toilet or
whatever is needed.
One innovation to combat the risk of jetters is a safety
plate. There are various interpretations and designs, but most
sit at the entrance of the fixture and act as a barrier if the
hose was to come back the way it came and stops it before it
can hit the operator.
On top of this, there is already an abundance of safety
measures plumbers can take with their products; it’s just a
matter of actually doing it.
The main thing is to be aware that it’s a deadly piece
of equipment and if you’re not sure, don’t use it or talk to The safety plate by Aussie Pumps in operation.
your boss or one of your co-workers before you do, one
professional plumber says. One job doesn’t matter, your life is
way more important than getting a drain cleared. and operator manuals on top of the range of videos on our
Aussie Pumps owner Warwick Lorenz is a manufacturer of website,” Warwick says.
various products for the plumbing industry: “For us, we have a Every jetter that Aussie Pumps sells comes with an
joke around here where we say: we’re safety fanatics because attached safety plate as well as a pair of safety goggles, free
we can’t afford to lose any customers.” of charge.
Aussie Pumps offers a range of “We have new product development meetings here once a
mechanical drain cleaners, month where we look at these sorts of factors and how we can
jetters and other pumps up be safer, how we can make our customers happier and make
to 7,000 psi among other sure they get the job done faster,” Warwick continues.
products. He likens the jetter issue to an episode of Mad Men, where
“All of our products the fictional advertising agency, Sterling Cooper & Partners
come with free safety was tasked with creating an ad campaign for the tobacco
plates, emergency stops industry. The brief was to tell people that smoking doesn’t
cause any health issues.
“The punk kid in the agency gets up and says ‘well what the
The jetter safety plate, hell, driving your car is dangerous but you still do it, right? So
provided by Aussie Pumps if you’re a man, you smoke your cigarette and what the hell?’
18 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Spring 2020“The president of the cigarette company says: ‘are you
crazy? You think we’re selling machine guns?’
“Well that’s a bit like what we’re doing with drain cleaners.
Drain cleaners are like driving your car right? People who make
cars make them as safe as possible, we make drain cleaners
as safe as possible but there is still an inevitable risk.”
Warwick mentions that using jetters is infinitely safer,
cleaner, efficient and cost-eff ective than mechanical drain
cleaning devices.
Victorian plumber Lachy Williams recently bought an Aussie
Pumps machine from Reece. When Warwick rang him up and
asked him what he thought of it compared to the mechanical
drain cleaners he had been using for years, he says: “I should
THINK SMARTER.
have done it years ago. Jetters have more capability, infinitely
faster, a lot safer and, the plumber doesn’t get filthy in the
Lowara’s Smart Pump Range.
process of clearing the blocked drains.”
Dan echoes this sentiment: “You’re never going to solve this
issue, but there’s a lot that can be done to limit the chance of
something bad happening.”
Warwick also references AS/NZS 4233.1:2013, the relevant
standard in this area, which aims to protect the operators
of these cleaning devices. It breaks the machines into two
classes: class A and B.
Class A machines can only be operated with sufficient
training but the latest standard ensures that class B
machines, which make up 90% of the range, now have more
stringent safety requirements.
All operators of class B must now be certified and
recertification is essential every two years. It also mandates IES2 IE5
foot valves on these devices and ‘safe operator’ PPE is
required. With every class B machine Aussie Pumps supplies,
it provides a free hose restraint as well.
Lowara
These standards, alongside safety innovations are e-SM Series - Simply Smart Pumps
continuously working on the safety of jetters and mechanical Intelligent pumping - a complete system
drain cleaners.
The ball is now in the end users’ court, the tools are there, • Best in class hydraulic performance for moving water
it’s now a matter of adopting them. • Latest in technology - ultra-premium efficiency permanent
magnet motor
• Significantly reducing energy use - Smart, embedded
AS/NZS 4233.1:2013 HIGH PRESSURE WATER JETTING SYSTEMS SAFE
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE variable speed drive with a simple easy to use interface, that
matches the system performance to the demand
This Standard provides requirements and guidance for the operation
and maintenance of water jetting equipment. It separates devices • Low operating costs and quiet operation
into two classes with pressure cleaners and drain cleaning jetters • Plug & Play for easy install and retrofitting
that have capacities of up to 5,600 bar L/min in a class A category and
• Ideal for tight installations - on average 14% smaller in size
bigger machines (everything over 5,600 bar L/min) classed in the B
category.
Operators of class A machines should be trained in how to use them Suitable for:
safely including jetters operating at 4,000psi with 15, 16 or even 18 L/ • Residential • Water Supply Systems
min flow. • Light-industrial • Irrigation Systems
However, 90% of all drain cleaning high-pressure machines comes • Commercial • Booster Systems
under the class B codification which has more stringent safety
requirements. Operators of these machines must be certified, and
they require recertification every two years. Contact your local plumbing supplies store
Foot valves to control the pressure to the sewer hose are mandated
for use with class B machines, while the use of ‘safe operator’ PPE
and ask about the Lowara Smart Pump range
clothing is also required. from Brown Brothers Engineers.
Currently, certified class B machine training programs are designed
around ultrahigh-pressure blasting or drain cleaning equipment which
is defined as machines over 10,000psi but can be as high as 50,000,
60,000 or even 100,000psi.
www.brownbros.com.au
w w w.plumbingconnec tion.com.au 19
06/20
DELIVERING PUMPING SOLUTIONSLEGAL MATTERS - PAUL COTT
BUILDING SURVEYORS AND YOU
In many instances, tradespeople who don’t always deal directly with a building surveyor on site, may
be surprised at the lack of knowledge as to what the role of a building surveyor actually is and, on the
contrary, what it isn’t. Paul Cott clears the confusion.
I
t appears as though the role of a
building surveyor is hard for people
to define. Building surveyors do
have a role to play in both residential
and commercial projects. Basically, if a
building permit is needed for the works,
then a building surveyor will be required.
I’ve noticed a tendency to
automatically blame the building
surveyor whenever there are defects
and/or incomplete work on a domestic
building project. Many tradies seem
to assume that the role of a building
surveyor is to pick up all defects and
if any are discovered that the builder
doesn’t point out to the owner then the
building surveyor is at fault.
From that, the automatic chain of
reasoning tends to go as follows, ‘let’s
join the building surveyor to the legal
action’. It is often fallacious reasoning.
A building surveyor has, as its
overarching role, that of ensuring
compliance of the building works
and plans with the Act, regulations,
standards and codes. However they are
chiefl y doing so from the perspective of
ensuring the building is safe, accessible
(more and more) and (more and more)
energy efficient.
It is the building surveyor’s role to
issue occupancy permits, certificates
of final inspection and building permits. One common instance where a such as an architect) can appoint a
It is of course part of those purposes, building surveyor and tradesperson building surveyor.
for the building surveyor to conduct interact is during the period where This means that they are acting for,
inspection; sometimes multiple advice to design and/or construction on behalf of, and are responsible to that
inspections on a site. of the particular project is required. extent, to the owner. In reality though,
There is a distinction which is worth Surveyors can also give directions to it is quite often the case that an owner
mentioning in that building surveyors workers and tradespeople in regards to will ask the builder as to who they
are divided up into Municipal Building safety on, standards and compliance recommend be appointed and so the
Surveyors (MBS) and Private or with the law and regulations. reason why the law was changed so that
Registered Building Surveyors (RBS). In the end, tradespeople on site have the owner now, rather than the builder,
MBSs are employed by work for local their own health and safety protected to appoints the building surveyor (perceived
councils whereas BSs are privately an extent by the actions of, and the role or real conflicts of interest for the builder
operated surveyors who are usually of a building surveyor. to so appoint) are in that sense bypassed.
(depending on which State you are in) Tradespeople in Victoria (and this is a Before this article concludes, it is
registered building practitioners and so trend in other states) need to remember timely to discuss the draft code of
are regulated by the Building Act and always that only an owner or an agent conduct for building surveyors currently
similar legislation. (basically other professional advisor being discussed in Victoria and which
20 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Spring 2020other States are watching with an It may however be that this is not In conclusion, tradespeople while at
interest to see what develops out of it the case as many of the code principles times perhaps are tempted to regard
with a view to possible implementation are those which already apply to how building surveyors as inter meddlers,
there too. building surveyors must act. that just create more work and hassle
The draft code has now closed in Broadly, the code reinforces on the job, should in fact bear in mind
respect of public consultation and input that building surveyors must act the key role they play in the commercial
into it, having closed on 10 March 2020. consistently with public health and and residential building space.
At the time of writing, an analysis of the safety, with integrity, honesty and be They are, just like many of the
feedback provided (which was plentiful, impartial. Also they must now perform tradespeople reading this article,
apparently) is being undertaken and competently, be independent, not act meant to be registered under, and are
there is expected to be a final version of where there is a conflict of interest, regulated by, the same local regulatory
it in place in June of 2020. maintain records and documents, body (the VBA by way of example, in
One may well wonder why a draft communicate properly, and address Victoria). In addition, they are in a sense
code of conduct was ever even required non-compliance issues (which is similar to umpires in team sports, not
in the first place, given that building obviously, as stated above, a key part of in fact a necessary evil but the absence
surveyors are already subject to a range their role). of which the game could not be played
of accountability mechanisms. Many Perhaps one of the most useful parts at all.
will have a strong view as to that, but of the code are the various practical
tradespeople reading this article will just examples of real scenarios littered
probably wonder how it affects them. The throughout, with recommended ways of Paul Cott LLB (Hons), Grad
answer is probably not a great deal. One acting in those scenarios in accordance Dip Legal Practice, LLM
possibility (but it is early days obviously) with the code set out. Time will tell how is a Principal Lawyer with
Law on Lydiard focusing on
may be that there is tighter regulation or if the code, when in place, aff ects
building and construction
and increased oversight on site by tradespeople’s lives in their day to day litigation.
building surveyors as a result. work on projects.
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w w w.plumbingconnec tion.com.au 21BOX GUTTERS - KEN SUTHERLAND
BOX GUTTER DISASTERS
Believe it or not, they are still out there. However, as Ken
Sutherland explains, the problems are easy to avoid by following
a few simple rules. You do not want to end up at a lawyer’s picnic.
T
here’s no getting away from it. It turns out, that if the gutter slope is
Architects are still designing between 1 in 40 and 1 in 200 as in the
them, and the lawyers are still Plumbing Code, and the flow doesn’t
loving it. change, the depth of water at the outlet
I had a user on my web site who had doesn’t change either, regardless of the
just built a $3m house, and had water slope (even with a backfall). This depth
running down the walls and saturating is known as the ‘critical depth’. Very creative, but breaks every rule in
the carpet. Naturally, he wanted the To calculate the upstream depth, the book.
problem fi xed, and he the formula uses this depth as a start,
was looking for someone then works backwards up the gutter in
to sue if it wasn’t. very small increments calculating the So, if you see a box gutter without a
So it’s best not to be increase in the water surface level all the sump that is the full width of the gutter,
in the firing line, or the way to the upstream end of the gutter. you know it doesn’t comply.
first cab off the rank. The water surface level increases Next is bends. Bends are not allowed.
The Plumbing Code all the way upstream. When you think Flow around bends create waves. The
is not the easiest about it, this makes sense, because calculation for this is too complicated
document in the water always flows downhill. This is the for the Code. So, if you see a box gutter
world to figure out. same as saying that water always flows with a bend, (or no sump) it doesn’t
Especially when it from a higher water level to a lower comply either.
comes to roof gutters. water level. Therefore, the water level at The overflow must be designed for
But not all is lost. If you design and the upstream end is always higher than a completely blocked downpipe. This
build to the Plumbing Code you are as the downstream end. means that it must be designed for the
protected as you are going to get. full design flow of the box gutter.
Box gutters fail for three reasons: You don’t have to check with the code,
1. Faulty design or be a rocket scientist, to realise that
2. Faulty construction this one shown below could be a problem.
3. Lack of maintenance We know how wide and deep the
gutter is, so that will give
We don’t have to worry too much you an idea of how big the
about lack of maintenance. However, we overflow must be.
should make it as easy as possible to Furthermore, all
maintain. overflows must be located
The main thing to consider is how at the sump, or rainwater
a box gutter is designed. The flow Another problem is the overflow. All head. Anywhere else will
increases all the way along the gutter gutters must have overflow provisions. not comply.
and the water surface forms what is Overflows must also
called a ‘backwater’ curve. be positioned so that
So, for flat grades, the upstream overflowing does not
end is the deepest. This means that occur during the design
Critical
the designed box gutter depth is at the flow. Which, incidentally, is equivalent to
0.7*
depth Backwater upstream end. The gutter itself gets a once in 100-year storm.
curve
Critical deeper towards the outfall due to the
depth
slope.
However, the major implication of
Yc all of this, is that to calculate the box Ken Sutherland CPEng.
For more details and free
gutter depth, the gutter must have design programs visit
a free outfall. That is, it must have a www.roof-gutter-design.
com.au
sump, or a rainwater head the full width
of the gutter.
22 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Spring 2020APPRENTICE CORNER - JAMES TINSLAY
THE LONG ROAD AHEAD
James Tinslay explores what COVID-19 means for education and training of young people in
Australia.
B
y the time this column is
published I hope we will be
over the worst of the COVID-19
pandemic which unfortunately chose to
live in me for a few weeks.
We were all used to absorbing the
latest news from not only Australia but
worldwide that initially shocked us but
gradually became the new normal.
From a business and community
perspective, if one can see the deaths
as a tragic outcome, the financial
and unemployment outcomes will be
staggering.
In particular, in a post-COVID-19
environment, and indeed the current
environment, what does this mean
for education and training of young
people and what can we learn from
previous recessions and surges in
unemployment? COVID-19 may affect apprenticeship requirements and numbers for years to come.
Research has shown that changes
in the number of new apprentices take
between six and 18 months to flow small but it compounds with those in the electrical apprenticeship pipeline
through into total apprentice numbers. who lost their job and did not return to may drop to a trickle.
As our apprenticeship is notionally complete their training. While wage subsidies such as
four years in length, the pipeline of During the 1992 recession there JobKeeper are appreciated, these
apprentices moving through the system was a 5% increase in unemployment measures only help current apprentices
will be felt for many years to come. and this resulted in a distressing 25% and don’t allow new apprentices to
Unlike many sectors where drop in apprentice numbers. This does move into the system.
apprentices are employed, such as the not augur well for the current situation Also, subsidies will only last for six
badly affected hospitality industry, where early forecasts are between a 7% months although there are calls to have
the electrical contracting industry is increase in unemployment to almost it extended with some extreme views
deemed as an essential business for the 12%. calling for it to be kept in place for the
purposes of the pandemic environment. Following on from that, there are no long-term.
Australia was very fortunate to have guarantees of a speedy return to normal If these extreme views were
a government that has introduced employment conditions which would be implemented, our children’s children
a generous JobKeeper allowance necessary to maintain apprenticeship would still be paying off Australia’s debt,
which has enabled many employers numbers. but that is another issue.
including group training employers, to A snapshot was provided by the Global Predictions of gloom are somewhat
continue to employ their apprentices. Apprenticeship Network which showed banal but there is never a good time to
However, when general unemployment that in Australia there were some 470 see a reduction in apprentice start-ups.
increases, there is always a downturn in apprenticeships advertised in April this
apprenticeship numbers. year, two-thirds fewer than advertised
During the GFC, Australia’s in the same period in 2019.
James Tinslay is a consultant
unemployment rate didn’t rise too The ABS also released figures which and engineer with some 40
much. It lifted less than two percentage show an 18.5% drop in employment years of industry experience.
He is an ex-CEO of NECA and
points, in fact, from a little over 4% to of people 20 years of age in one a director of NECA Electrical
just under 6% but there was a 6% drop month although many of these will be Apprenticeships.
in apprenticeship starts. This may seem hospitality workers. The incoming flow
24 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Spring 2020w w w.plumbingconnec tion.com.au 25
TRAINING OFF THE PAGE - JON PALFREY
HEAT EXCHANGE IN PLUMBING
Jon Palfrey explores the numerous methods of being able to take heat from another source and
FRQYHUWLWLQWRXVDEOHHQHUJ\WRLQWHUPGHOLYHUWR'+:¿[WXUHVHWF
T
o take a heat source and
transfer it into a stored body
of energy is becoming a more
common objective with the supply of
heated water to domestic temperature
levels as well as for air conditioning
heating purposes.
Traditionally a direct energy source
has been used. An example is a
burner flame transferring heat via a
combustion chamber or a submerged
electrical heating element that has a
radiant heat transfer capability into a
body of stored water.
More and more designers and
plumbers are being directed by their
clients as to their expectations of
energy reduction whether as an
environmental/sustainability decision
or from an operating cost reduction
perspective.
The expectation of creating and using Solar PV fields are becoming a popular choice with designers and installers looking
heat in various ways is now becoming for maximum efficiency, durability and a more cost effective energy yield solution.
more of a directive in mainstream
plumbing.
Providing the same outcome of being used in residential applications for available energy that can be used
transferring heat energy from one where energy gain is desired as well and converted into other forms and
source to another is a design strategy as gathering and holding the energy services.
in commercial fields but is now also and to use it in a multifunctional way Roof space for solar collectors is an
to reduce mains supply contribution option for new and existing buildings
and associated costs and maintenance to be served via the ability to exchange
requirements. heat from solar thermal water or liquid
Solar PV panels that can be directly or as a direct power energy source
connected into vertical heating and provide a DC current into vertical
elements that are used in Rotex tanks heating elements.
that provide heat exchange via a series Air that can be exchanged via a
of stainless steel coils can provide a compressor in new commercial heat
DC supply input and therefore remove pumps is also becoming a popular
the need for an inverter to change the method of delivering DHW.
power supply to AC. The Energy Smart Water PV Solar
Waste heat can also be used in the Hot Water system has been approved
form of taking usable heat from a plant for sale in Australia since March 2018,
such as an air conditioning system although the MYPV photovoltaic water
by using a super de-heater plate heat heating technology has been available in
exchanger that acts as a transfer point Europe for more than five years.
and with water reticulated through the Due to the heat exchange technology
HX the ensuing energy can be gained the temperature of the tank water
and then held in a storage tank. is not depleted like that of a storage
Heat exchange in DHW plumbing using An energy envelope within a building water system. The Rotex tank also has
PHX and stainless steel coils. is now being factored into the potential exceptional heat retention.
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QUEENSLAND [HEAD OFFICE] VICTORIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA NEW SOUTH WALES WESTERN AUSTRALIA TASMANIA
1300 780 430 info@austworld.com.au austworld.com.auTRAINING OFF THE PAGE - JON PALFREY
One combined system with domestic
hot water and hydronic heating is SOLAR PV FIELD USING ROTEX ENERGY MANAGEMENT MYPV MODULE
available which will optimise space with
a small minimal footprint.
INDEPENDENT ENERGY COLLECTION
& USE
An ever-increasing demand from
homeowners and project designers shows
trending towards an energy gathering
mode in homes where independent living INVERTER
and independent energy for services is
being captured off grid.
Solar PV collectors are providing end
users with DC current which can be used MAINS GRID
in a multifunctional Rotex tank that can
accommodate and transform heated UTILITY METER
stored water into energy use for domestic ELECTRICAL LOADS
water heating, floor coil or radiator panels
and pool and spa heating.
Often with an additional energy
source, if the amount of PV gathered
does not meet the complete heat ROTEX AND SOLAR PV WITH GAS ENERGY ADDITION
load required, heat pumps come into
Dedicated 2kW PV array (direct to
their own thanks to their ability to water heating)
boost using high COP output and high SC20 control box
temperatures to maintain heat loads in
the cooler southern states. Hot outlet to fi xtures
and/or space heating
An energy system that can Cold inlet from mains
accommodate off grid supply as well and building return line
as serve multiple fi xtures is finding is
being sought after where the customer/ ROTEX insulated, unpressurised
consumer expectation is focused on hot water storage
combining services for living with ROTEX corrugated stainless
comfort and the ownership of energy to steel heat exchange coil Backup AC supply
drive their heating requirements.
Ownership of a family’s energy that 2kW backup AC heating element
comes at minimal cost and is available 2kW DC heating element
(direct from solar PV)
24/7 through the Rotex thermal battery
Circulation
is being identified as a flexible system Alternative pump
of choice. gas boost
Solar PV collectors, a cable and a
Rotex tank complete with a MYPV
element and control module is all that
is required to be in a position of energy Growing vegies, collecting water and very aff ordable installation with return
collection, ownership and use. now the demand for energy gathering on investment outcomes proving the
Key building industry people are and independent use are all developing initial cost is reduced once the system
responding to the need for off grid expectations from home owners who is commissioned and activated.
power production and are driven by a recognise the need and opportunity to Yours in hot water …
client based expectation of the latest live a sustainable existence.
technology being used to reduce Plumbed as a standard water heater
reliance on transmission supplied as per AS/NZS 3500.4 and with no need
Jon Palfrey is the Thermanl
energy and the expectation to use roof to install insulated copper flow and Energy Solutions/Rotex
space and gather what’s available for return lines, pumps, sensor cables, air Commercial Manager. He
conducts training to industry
dwelling services, particularly domestic eliminators and other standard solar groups relating to all things
water heating, hydronic heating and water heating components, a Rotex water heating.
pool and spa heating requirements. storage vessel and solar PV can be a
28 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Spring 2020You can also read
