Signs an installer isn't qualified for a plumbed or gas job

You've called a plumber or gas technician to install a new geyser, stove, or washing machine. They arrive on time, quote a figure, and seem friendly enough. But halfway through the job, something feels off—they're working around a problem rather than solving it, or asking questions about your setup that suggest they've done this work before but not quite like this. By then, you've already paid a deposit.

Unqualified installers cost you in ways that compound: a botched connection leaks slowly for months before damaging walls; a gas line isn't pressure-tested and vents fumes into your kitchen; a warranty claim gets denied because the installation didn't meet the manufacturer's spec. The real damage isn't always visible on the day.

The red flags that show up during the booking call or first site visit

A qualified installer has done the same job dozens of times and knows what questions to ask before they arrive. Listen for these warning signs in the conversation:

They can't tell you what they'll need to check when they get there. A gas stove installer should ask: Is your existing line capped or will we extend it? What's your current gas meter rating? Has anyone installed gas here before? A washing machine installer should confirm: Is this replacing an existing appliance or a new installation? Do you have hot and cold supply lines, or cold only? No curiosity suggests no experience.

They quote a price without seeing the site. Plumbed appliances depend on where your water shut-off is, how old your pipes are, and whether your floor is tiled or wooden. A vague "R1,500 to R2,500" before they've looked at anything is a sign they're guessing.

They're vague about what "comes with the job." Does the quote include the isolation valve, flexi-hoses, sealant, and testing? Or are you buying those separately at the shop while they wait? Professionals itemise this.

They don't mention compliance or certification. For gas work, ask if they're GASA-registered or hold a relevant gas competency card. For any appliance tied to warranty, ask whether they're an authorised installer for that brand. If they brush the question off, they likely aren't.

What you'll see when the work is actually happening

Once they're on site, a few hours in, legitimate problems emerge. Pay close attention:

They make structural changes without discussion. If a washing machine installation suddenly means "we'll have to move your geyser pipe" or "we'll drill through that brick wall," and they mention it casually, stop them. Qualified installers anticipate these obstacles and discuss them in the quote. Last-minute surprises often mean they didn't plan properly.

They test nothing. A plumbed appliance should be leak-tested under pressure—you should see them turn on the tap, watch the connection, and confirm no drips. A gas installer should use a handheld gauge to check line pressure and use soapy water to check for leaks at every joint. If they just connect it and say "looks good," they're skipping the step that catches 80 percent of failures.

They can't explain what they're doing when asked. "Why are you using that fitting instead of that one?" should get a technical answer rooted in code, pressure rating, or compatibility—not a shrug. If they can't justify their choices, they're following habit, not expertise.

They leave without paperwork. A qualified installer gives you a copy of the invoice, a warranty card for the appliance itself, a compliance certificate (if it's gas or electrical), and a photo of the installation. If they pack up and disappear, you have no proof of who did the work if something fails.

The cost of getting it wrong—a warranty void, a water leak inside your walls, a gas smell you can't trace—dwarfs the cost of choosing someone properly in the first place. Before you book, ask for references from recent jobs, confirm their registration status, and don't hesitate to ask detailed questions. A professional will welcome them. Strove lets you browse verified installers in your area, read reviews from past clients, and compare quotes from people who've actually been vetted. That upfront confidence is worth the effort.