Reece has announced the winning entry into the DIY Plumbing Disasters Competition as plumber Tim Cole from Queensland.
The competition is part of an awareness campaign which has been going for 15 years which aims to warn people of the dangers of not seeking an expert for plumbing issues.
The judging panel was made up of Jeff Patchell (Connection Magazines), Shayne La Combre (PIC), Andrew Clarke (PIASA), Tim Swift (MPA) and Phil Denman (NPRF).
"Tim Cole’s entry was so wrong on so many levels - gas, water, sanitary, building. The place needs a demolition order put on it and fast," said Swift.
Cole had been called out to repair a hot water system only to discover a myriad of DIY problems.
The client wanted his gas instantaneous hot water system repaired. The owner was told that the complete gas installation would have to be brought up to scratch before repairs could be done.
"He didn’t like that idea too much, so said, “Leave it as it is then.” So we wrote a gas defect notice. It would have been flat out getting to it though because of the stinking grey water tank and all the other ‘Dad and Dave’ pipe work," Cole said.
Judge Jeff Patchell, summed up the competition and initiative saying:
"It is of continuing concern just how many consumers fail to understand the safety issues surrounding hot water cylinders pressurised systems.
"Whilst we are aware of these examples in this competition, it is frightening to think how many go unnoticed, until perhaps the point of an explosion or accident."
Cole will receive $3000 cash along with a new business website (to the value of $3000).
