Short Podcast Series BUILDING BUSINESS

What An Experience

In March 2022, Nick Paris of Aucklandbased Master Plumbers’ member business Plumbing Today was announced as the winner of our prize draw for an Applied Directorship Programme with Sirdar. Nick joined Master Plumbers Board Director Grayson Allen on the workshops, which ran over 11 months. With the programme now complete, Nick had this to say:

“I was truly honoured to be afforded this educational experience courtesy of Master Plumbers. The course was made up of a pretty wide mix of businesspeople, all of whom are currently sitting on a Board somewhere in the country—and therefore there were plenty of experienced and knowledgeable people in attendance for every meeting.

“Grayson was very relatable from myperspective, and had plenty to share. I was the rookie in the classroom and therefore the person most likely to benefit from it. That being said, I felt I fitted in pretty well.

“For me personally, it was a great experience. There was an enormous amount of content covered from culture, leadership, governance and strategy, just to name a few of the 11 topics covered.

“My learning curve was steep. However, I would summarise my key learnings as: You need to prepare for each meeting, contribute, listen, be professional, work as a team and never lose sight that your job is to grow the business in a sustainable

Hot Water Cylinder Woes

With yet another reported spike in hot water cylinder failures, this time in Whangarei and affecting stainless steel products, Master Plumbers wants to see water corrosivity tackled at a national level to protect New Zealand consumers.

The safety of water supplies for human consumption falls within the New Zealand Drinking-Water Standards. But there are no such standards for the performance of water supplies, in terms of how the water chemistry affects the appliances we use.

The Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) is a way of determining whether water is corrosive (negative LSI) or scale forming (positive LSI). The acceptable LSI range is between -0.30 to +0.30 LSI. Above or below this, and water is out of balance.

Hot water cylinder manufacturers include water supply chemistry, including the Saturation Index, within their warranties. In its warranty for low pressure copper hot water cylinders (LPCU), for example, Rheem states that the warranty will not apply to the copper tank or heating element where the saturation index exceeds +0.8.

In Hastings, which has experienced a spike in LPCU failures, Rheem has advised this type of cylinder is not suitable for installation in two affected postcode zones, due to localised water conditions, and no longer covers new LPCUs installed in these zones under its warranty.

Master Plumbers believes water chemistry issues of this kind must be addressed through a collaborative approach between councils, NGOs and government.

“Consumers are being left out of pocket when their cylinders fail prematurely, and there needs to be some accountability,” says Master Plumbers General Manager Luke Pirie.

“We want to see a water quality standard that sets out acceptable LSI levels in New Zealand water supplies, and some form of centralised reporting. At the moment, the New Zealand public only becomes aware of water corrosivity issues if a hot water cylinder supplier reports a spike in product failures. There needs to be more leadership around this matter.” and ethical manner. Thanks again for this wonderful experience.”

You are very welcome, Nick—glad it’s been of real value to your business!

WANT TO JOIN?

Master Plumbers is here to support all businesses in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry. Members are Quality Assured and backed by the Master Plumbers Guarantee. We offer a wide range of business resources, health and safety, HR & technical support, plus training and member discounts—and we advocate for our members as a collective industry voice. Get in touch today! Steven Lee 021 390 675 slee@masterplumbers.org.nz

Alana Fourie 021 985 894 afourie@masterplumbers.org.nz