Compiled by Tanya Olckers
We spoke to several plumbing industry stalwarts and asked them to give us their words of wisdom for the plumbers of today – delving into thirty or more years of experience. Here is what they had to say:
Johan Landman. Supplied by Johan Landman
Johan Landman from Alpha Plumbing
After more than three decades in plumbing, I can tell you this: the tools may change, but the heart of the trade stays the same. It’s not just about fixing pipes, it’s about restoring calm to chaos, earning trust in the smallest of moments and standing behind your work with pride. At Alpha Plumbing, we’ve seen every kind of job, from geysers bursting on Christmas morning to stormwater drains flooding entire complexes, and through it all one truth remains: consistency is more valuable than brilliance.
If I had to give one piece of advice to the next generation of plumbers, it’s this: slow down and do it right the first time. Rushing costs more than it saves. A well-done job doesn’t just avoid callbacks; it builds a reputation. And reputation is your most powerful marketing tool in this business.
Also, don’t just focus on pipes and fittings, pay attention to people. The best plumbers I’ve ever worked with weren’t just technically skilled, they had emotional intelligence. They knew how to explain, how to listen and how to reassure. A customer who feels heard will remember you long after the invoice is paid.
Lastly, stay curious. Learn from your seniors, yes, but also from your apprentices. New tools, sustainable solutions, better ways of working; the industry is always evolving, and the best professionals evolve with it. At Alpha Plumbing, we’ve built a culture where apprenticeships aren’t just training grounds; they’re where we invest in the future of the trade. At the end of the day, plumbing isn’t just a job, it’s a service. And good service? That’s timeless.
Duncan Keil. © Plumbing Africa
Duncan Keil from UPP Group
Rainwater harvesting isn’t just eco-friendly; it’s a smart way to future- proof your plumbing business. With water costs rising and sustainability now a selling point, installing rainwater systems gives you an edge and adds value for your clients. Learn the regulations, upsell the benefits, and become the go-to for efficient water solutions. For tools, info and products, check out rainharvesting.com.au.
Arthur Claassen. Supplied by Arthur Claassen
Arthur Claassen from AJC Plumbing
Keep bringing your thoughts back to the present moment, continually ask yourself, what value does this add and how is this getting me closer to my goals?
Rory Macnamara from Plumbing Africa magazine
Compliance! Compliance! Compliance! It can’t be emphasised enough. From using compliant products, to being qualified and certified, and to following all the regulations that govern every aspect of our industry, compliance is vital in plumbing.
Lea Smith. Supplied by Lea Smith
Lea Smith, chairperson of PIRB
In plumbing, like in life, becoming a true professional doesn’t happen overnight. It’s shaped through time, trial and the drive and intuition to keep pushing forward. A professional isn’t made by a certificate on the wall or a title; it’s about how you carry yourself, on-site, how you solve problems under pressure, how you treat clients and others, and more importantly how you grow from each experience.
John Maxwell said it best in Failing Forward: “The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure.” In our trade and in life, mistakes will happen. But every incorrectly joined pipe, every misdiagnosed fault, every hard lesson – these are not roadblocks. They’re stepping stones. Use them, own them, but more importantly, learn from them. Because failing forward is part of a professional journey, helping you transform into a professional, and a job into a lifelong career.
We need to stand up and be proud about our trade, as plumbing is more than a trade – it is a profession cemented in service, responsibility and purpose. As professionals, we have a role to play far beyond mere installations and repairs. We protect the health of the nation, contribute to environmental sustainability, and uphold the standards that define our industry. Professionalism isn’t just how we perform the task, it’s how we carry the responsibility that comes with it.
Peter Henman. © Plumbing Africa
Peter Henman, chairman at Splashworks
Insights from 30+ years in the plumbing industry: Quality is essential and does not have to cost a fortune. A good plumber knows a decent ‘value for money’ product. They would never install a questionable fitting into a system that could fail. One product failure causes extreme damage to one’s reputation and relationships, not to mention the pocket. Returning to site for a repair and replacement is such a waste.
Worryingly, suppliers are stocking questionable ranges of zinc-based products. We all know that failure is inevitable – but they say ‘it’s what the customer wants’. Surely, we as an industry can do better and inform the customer of the losses that can result from using these products? Will those same suppliers be around when the leaks start and water losses and secondary damage occurs?
Supplying quality products at a fair price, on time, has been at the core of Splashworks’ values for that last 30 years and will remain so.
Over that period, Plumbing Africa too has been at the forefront of pushing for the use of quality approved plumbing products only. This has been to the benefit of, not only the consumer, but the plumbing industry as a whole.
Murray Crow. Supplied by Kwikot
Murray Crow, managing director, Kwikot powered by Haier South Africa
In this trade, consistency is everything. It’s not always the flashiest work that earns respect – it’s the reliability, the care in every fitting and the integrity in every job done right the first time. To the plumbers that keep South Africa flowing – keep showing up, keep taking pride and never underestimate the impact of doing it well, every day.
Peter Berry. Supplied by Peter Berry
Peter Berry, owner and plumber at Plumbs Up
Treat every job with pride and take ownership of jobs. Stay up to date with technology. Get proper skills training. Communication with clients is of utmost importance. Always respect clients’ property. Organise yourself well: your van, your stock, your finances, your time management. I think it’s important to have a balance between life and work.
Chris Burgess. © Plumbing Africa
Chris Burgess
Learn about management and learn how to communicate effectively. You’re not just managing a business; you are managing people.
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