Unlicensed plumbing work - Mark Hanlon
Issue Date: - Thursday, 26 June 2008
A botched bathroom renovation for a customer in a suburban home has led to a man being fined for undertaking plumbing work that required a licensed plumbing contractor.
Mark Hanlon of Yangebup carried out the plumbing work without an appropriate licence from the Plumbers Licensing Board. Mr Hanlon was consequently fined $500 with $569.20 in costs in the Perth Magistrates Court earlier this month.
“Mr Hanlon was recommended to the homeowner by a friend to undertake the bathroom work. While we accept that referrals are part of daily life across all kinds of trades, we strongly recommended that consumers first identify that they are dealing with a properly licensed plumber to ensure that the work will be to the required standard,” said Geoff O’Reilly, Acting Executive Officer of the Plumbers Licensing Board.
“In this case the consumer brought the substandard work to our attention and our inspectors followed through to bring a prosecution before the courts.”
“To help consumers we have produced a brochure titled “Having plumbing done? Always use a licensed plumber” that sets out steps that consumers can follow before engaging any person to do plumbing work. Always ask to see the licence that every plumber or tradesperson is required to carry. Also obtain a blue copy of the Compliance Certificate as your guarantee from the licensed plumbing contractor that the work is certified completed and to approved standards”, added Mr O’Reilly.
The Board can be contacted on 9282 0478 or by email at plumbers@docep.wa.gov.au to obtain a copy of this brochure, to check the status of any person claiming to be a licensed plumber or if they are dissatisfied with the standard of work done by a plumber.
Consumers can also search “Is your plumber licensed” on the Board’s website www.plumbers.wa.gov.au If you require assistance to deal with contractual or monetary disputes with a plumber or trader or any contractor you should telephone the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection’s Consumer Advice Line on 1300 304 054