How to Choose a Plumber in South Africa: 10-Point Checklist

Anyone can call themselves a plumber. Here's how to find one who's qualified, insured and fairly priced.

The 10-point checklist

1. PIRB registration — Plumbing Industry Registration Board number. Verify it on pirb.co.za.
2. IOPSA membership — Institute of Plumbing SA members follow a code of conduct.
3. Public liability insurance — minimum R1 million cover.
4. Written quote — no verbal estimates for jobs over R1,000.
5. Itemised pricing — call-out fee, labour rate, materials should be separate lines.
6. VAT-registered for any business above R1m turnover — ask for the VAT number.
7. Issues a CoC for geyser, gas and certain drain work.
8. Warranty in writing — minimum 12 months on workmanship.
9. Reviews from real customers — check Google, Hello Peter and Plumbers On Duty.
10. No 100% upfront — a deposit for materials is fair; full payment before work isn't.

Red flags

• Door-to-door "we noticed a leak at your house"
• Refuses to give a written quote
• Pressure to decide immediately
• Cash-only with no invoice
• Won't share their PIRB number

What to do if it goes wrong

• Open a complaint with PIRB
• Escalate to the National Consumer Commission
• Leave an honest review so others avoid the same mistake