WA Government Warns of Some Shady Plumbing Practices
By HOUSPECT WA Building Inspections|July 02, 2018
The WA Government has recently issued a number of warnings to both the industry and consumers in regard to the practices of some unsavoury WA Plumbers.
The issues comes down to people calling plumbers in to resolve a plumbing issue and being upsold into purchasing expensive new hot water systems which do not comply with Australian Standards.
Like any industry the activity of a few can tarnish many.
The Government has reiterated that a 10 business day cooling-off period applies to any approach from sellers of services or goods (even if they are there to provide a quote) – it’s called an unsolicited sale in the Australian Consumer Law. So, if a plumber is called out to fix a leaky tap but then quotes for a whole new hot water system, a cooling-off period applies. If the purpose of a tradesperson’s visit is ONLY to quote, a cooling-off period must be applied to any resulting transaction. During the 10 business day cooling-off period:
Government investigators have the option of issuing a business with an infringement notice 21 days from the date an unlawful unsolicited consumer agreement was entered into. If an unsolicited consumer agreement breaches legal requirements, for example when a customer isn’t provided with information about their cancellation rights, the cooling-off period extends from 10 business days to six months from the date the agreement was made.
The Government provides the following Consumer Protection Tips
At Houspect we would also recommend that every quote includes a statement that the work must comply with the Building Code of Australia and applicable Australian Standards.
Want more information
Ph 9240 8855 Web: www.houspect.com.au/wa Email: enquiry@houspectwa.com.au
The issues comes down to people calling plumbers in to resolve a plumbing issue and being upsold into purchasing expensive new hot water systems which do not comply with Australian Standards.
Like any industry the activity of a few can tarnish many.
The Government has reiterated that a 10 business day cooling-off period applies to any approach from sellers of services or goods (even if they are there to provide a quote) – it’s called an unsolicited sale in the Australian Consumer Law. So, if a plumber is called out to fix a leaky tap but then quotes for a whole new hot water system, a cooling-off period applies. If the purpose of a tradesperson’s visit is ONLY to quote, a cooling-off period must be applied to any resulting transaction. During the 10 business day cooling-off period:
- · no money can change hands;
- · no work can be carried out; and
- · the consumer can cancel the contract without penalty.
Government investigators have the option of issuing a business with an infringement notice 21 days from the date an unlawful unsolicited consumer agreement was entered into. If an unsolicited consumer agreement breaches legal requirements, for example when a customer isn’t provided with information about their cancellation rights, the cooling-off period extends from 10 business days to six months from the date the agreement was made.
The Government provides the following Consumer Protection Tips
- Get more than one quote for work around the home.
- If possible use a tradesperson because they’ve done a good job for someone you know.
- When a tradesperson is not personally recommended, ask for references, inspect previous work and carry out an internet search to see if there are positive or negative reviews.
- Check the credentials of the business before signing any contracts or handing over any money (you can carry out an ABN search online for example).
- For licensed trades, such as a plumber, carry out a licence search at www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au.
- Be wary of upselling – agreeing to extra work when a tradie is at your home can be much more costly than shopping around.
At Houspect we would also recommend that every quote includes a statement that the work must comply with the Building Code of Australia and applicable Australian Standards.
Want more information
- Commissioner’s Blog: Upselling could land plumbers in hot water
- Video: https://youtu.be/4VUu0Dl2ytk
Ph 9240 8855 Web: www.houspect.com.au/wa Email: enquiry@houspectwa.com.au
