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Plumbers know that they get their plumbing supplies from stores that sell them. But what happens behind the scenes. Where do suppliers get their stock from and where do importers and distributors fit into the picture? In this episode I chat with Malcolm Harris of Harscan Distributors, about Harscan having recently been awarded IOPSA’s Importer of the Year Award, and the fact that and that speaks books of Harscan’s prominent position and involvement in the plumbing industry. But that it also says a lot about the quality of products it imports and the excellent service it offers.

Isn’t it lekker to walk into your local community plumbing store, and chat to those familiar faces who are knowledgeable and experienced to provide you with technical and theoretical support on all the products you buy from them? We’re all familiar with the larger franchise and group retail supply stores, but we can never forget our independent stores and what they bring to our local communities. But how do they survive, and how do they compete so that they can still add value to technicians, installers and other customers? In this episode, I chat with Marius Riekert and Alwyn Kotze, of LJR Plumbing Supplies and LJR Pumps respectively.

When there’s a problem with pipes, you may think that replacement is the only option. Of course, this is an invasive plumbing procedure, that may require excavation that may tear up your customer’s yard. It can also be very costly. But there is another option. In this episode, I chat with my guests, Nevina Govender and Clint Eksteen, about Specialised Pipe Rehabilitation Africa, and the fact that pipe rehabilitation, or relining, is a less invasive and less costly option.

It’s a brand that has been around for an extensive time and a brand that many an installer may already be familiar with. And, as a result of their above-floor plumbing solutions and constant innovation, this brand had become a market leader and major role player in the plumbing industry. In this episode I chat with my guest, Craig Miller, the technical manager of Saniflo SA. to delve into Saniflo’s history, its role and impact within the plumbing sector, its range of products and where they’re manufactured, and quite a bit of other interesting information about Saniflo.

It’s always exciting to hear about a new brand and product that can contribute toward or even improve our trade and industry. In this episode I have a chat with my guests, Mr. Shaaz Moosa, the CEO, and Faheem Ally, National Sales Manager of geyser manufacturer Supahot. We'll be talking about Supahot’s role and impact within the plumbing sector, with specific focus on the fact that they are a proudly South African brand and the quality products that they manufacture. PLEASE NOTE: This episode is approximately 52 minutes in duration.

It’s that time of the year again when the PIRB hosts its annual Champions 4 Charity boxing event. Although there is much glitz and glamour at this black-tie and action-packed event, there is much deeper intent behind it. In this episode we’re talking about the upcoming C4C event, and the impact of all of those punches that will fly on that eve. What is the impact that this event will have on society.

One of the challenges facing the plumbing industry is the growing gap between those who are retiring from the industry and those who are entering it. We see many second and third-generation plumbers who step into their predecessors’ shoes with slightly more ease than plumbers who are completely new to the industry. To achieve sustainability in the industry, the industry not only requires properly trained and qualified plumbers, who can do the physical work, but it also needs people who have business acumen, leadership qualities, and other qualities and skills that are not readily taught. In this episode (PART 2 of Ep. 15), I continue my conversation with Duncan and Mandy Keil, of the UPP Group, about the next generation of plumbers and how we can ensure that we maintain a sustainable industry.

One of the challenges facing the plumbing industry is the growing gap between those who are retiring from the industry and those who are entering it. We see many second and third-generation plumbers who step into their predecessors’ shoes with slightly more ease than plumbers who are completely new to the industry. To achieve sustainability in the industry, the industry not only requires properly trained and qualified plumbers, who can do the physical work, but it also needs people who have business acumen, leadership qualities, and other qualities and skills that are not readily taught. In today’s chat with my guests, Duncan and Mandy Keil, of the UPP Group, we’ll be talking about the next generation of plumbers and how we can ensure that we maintain a sustainable industry.

In this episode I welcome back Victoria Armstrong and Jacques V/D Westhuizen, to discuss Findar, an exciting new system that assists plumbing service providers in managing quite a few aspects of their plumbing businesses, and in future, will also assist consumers with finding reputable tradespeople in their area.

Our problems with electricity supply has officially been declared a national state of disaster. That, in itself, has a great impact on our daily lives and the economy of our country. Fortunately, there exist innovative technologies that you, the plumber, or other skilled tradespeople, can apply to contribute toward solutions for the crisis that South Africa is currently facing. In this episode I chat with my guest, Mr. Ingo Hamann, of Stiebel Eltron to find about Stiebel Eltron’s role and impact within the plumbing sector, specifically the innovative technology they apply that can greatly contribute toward solutions for the electricity crisis. Successfully answer the quiz and claim your applicable PIRB CPD points.

In this episode I welcome my guest, Mr. Johan Van Wyk, of On Tap, to find out more about On Tap as an organisation, its associated brands and services, and the value that On Tap adds to both the plumbing industry and the consumer.

Many skilled trades are linked to each other and, in some form or way they impact and supplement each other. In many instances, they are actually interdependent of each other. And so, I am excited to welcome back a couple of representatives of PRAWA (the Professional Roof Repair and Waterproofing Association), and of The Roofing Academy respectively, to chat about new and exciting developments within these organisations and the roofing industry.