By Tanya Olckers
Plumbing was the first – and only – choice for Kenneth Shone. He tells us why he chose plumbing as a profession.

Kenneth Shone. Images Supplied by Kenneth Shone
Kenneth Shone from Shone’s Plumbing in East London always knew he was going to end up working with his hands. “I have been around plumbing my entire life,” he says. “My father was a plumber and taught me most of what I know.”
Shone used to tag along with his dad on some of his plumbing callouts. Watching his father work, he could envision himself taking on the job as plumber himself. He even spent time apprenticing with his father and completed his apprenticeship with other plumbers after his father’s untimely passing. His perseverance led to him qualifying as a plumber in 2014.
However, it’s not just about helping people out with their plumbing needs that gets Shone up in the morning. He is keen to help others as a plumber with the knowledge and experience he has gained over the 16 years he has been in the industry. He says, “I enjoy helping other plumbers who have not yet been in the industry as long as I have.”
Shone’s advice to plumbers is to keep learning and adapting as the industry is continually changing. New methods and technology are always popping up and it’s important to stay on top of these trends. “We live in tough economic times, and we have to work harder in order to stay on top of the game,” he says, “In order to keep work coming back, your clients need to be kept happy, you need to make sure you are giving them the best possible service. Achieving this is done by having a good work ethic and continuing to learn as you grow.”

Kenneth Shone.
Shone feels that planning is of high importance in running a plumbing business. This helps to ensure that the plumber has all of their bases covered. “The market for plumbing is definitely oversaturated with plumbers. In a smaller town this is definitely felt.” He feels that another challenge he and other plumbers face is time. “There are never enough hours in a day,” he says.
Plumbing is certainly a great passion for Shone, and it’s one that seems to run in his blood. As he puts it, “Even though the industry is not easy I cannot imagine doing anything else.” PA
What are the strangest things you have found on the job?
“We have found cutlery blocking sewer lines and dentures in toilets. All the strange things keep my job very interesting indeed!”