Talks about the implementation of Victoria’s plumbing requirement have raised serious concerns on whether or not the hot water systems require repair or replacement. Simply put, the mandate states that WaterMark certified products should now be used in all new caravans and motor homes starting January 31st, 2017, in case it is still not being currently done, and are to be installed by a registered plumber—a standard national practice.
These laws are put in place by the Victorian Government for the Victorian Legislation for Plumbing, and apply only to Victorian manufacturers and repairers, and are a part of the existing national standards for plumbing and drainage in vans.
To clarify and expound how the new code will bring about changes in alteration and repairs, RV Daily contacted the Victorian Building Association to give light to the subject. Here is their statement:
“If the plumber carrying out repairs is required to replace any component of a caravan heated water system, then they must use WaterMark certified components. If, aside from the part being replaced, the plumber notes that other aspects of the heated water system also contain non-WaterMarked components, the plumber will have to use their judgement as to whether those components have the potential to impact health and safety of the caravan users. Where this is the case they should bring it to the attention of the consumer, and discuss the merits of replacing the non-WaterMarked components.”
Nova Caravans is a Melbourne-based manufacturer and they are one of the companies affected by the change. Nova Caravans is known for creating high-quality, first-class vans that are made to guarantee customer safety and satisfaction.
In an interview with Steve Mountney, Nova’s warranty and R&D officer, he said, “When Nova Caravans received notification from the Caravan Industry Association of Victoria of the change of practice for watermarking of all components on the heated side, we contacted our contracted and licensed plumbers to ensure they were up to speed and we would be compliant as of the 31st of January 2017. The WaterMark certification is a mark, representing the part is approval for use. This ensures the quality of fit out in the van that will comply.”
In terms of the new vans, all units from January 2017 onward are guaranteed to be compliant to the National Plumbing Code.
Now for everyone who owns an older van, should their hot water system fail to function properly, the repair will vary from a basic system replacement using compliant products to a more intricate repair as deemed necessary by the plumber.
In terms of vans coming from a different state but is to be repaired in Victoria, it will be renovated in compliance with the Victorian code.
The Caravan Industry Association of Victoria has remained positive in their effort to remain compliant with the new plumbing code and is the main point of contact on the matter.
Full article by Allysia Murray courtesy of RV Daily.
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