In the wake of the Tamworth and Coffs Harbor based solar installation business Solar & Bamboo Direct that closed its doors prior to Christmas the Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe is urging people to exercise caution if using the hot water tanks sold and supplied by Solar & Bamboo Direct Pty Ltd Coffs Harbour, Solar and Bamboo Direct Pty Ltd Tamworth and Solar Installations (NSW) Pty Ltd and the company’s sole director Mr Jan Pieter McHeyzer.
Mr Stowe said NSW Fair Trading has issued the public warning under section 86A of the Fair Trading Act 1987 regarding the hot water storage tanks, supplied and installed by the companies in their solar hot water system packages, as they may be faulty and a hazard to consumers.
“Fair Trading investigations have revealed that the companies have been supplying and installing hot water tanks manufactured and imported from China that have not been approved for use in Australia,” he said.
“Fair Trading believes approximately 450 water tanks have been sold and installed by the companies in New South Wales since March this year.”
Mr Stowe said the hot water tanks do not comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice: Plumbing and Drainage NSW (2006) or the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 and may be defective.
“The hot water tanks have a capacity of 250L, 300L or 400L, are white and are labelled with a coloured sticker with the words Solar Direct,” he said.
“Critically, the tanks do not contain a WaterMark symbol that must be displayed on all tanks installed in NSW as evidence that the tank has been approved for use in plumbing works.
“The tanks also have no approval mark to show they have electrical safety approval.”
Mr Stowe said the hot water tanks have the potential to produce an uncontrolled water temperature that may result in very hot water flowing into bathroom and kitchen taps or from the tank itself.
“This fault presents a serious risk of scalding,” he said.
“Consumers should exercise the utmost caution when using their hot water tanks and be wary of the temperature of the water before using it.”
Mr Stowe said another problem is that the tanks do not have appropriately rated pressure relief valves fitted which can result in the tanks rupturing and leaking.
Mr Stowe said the tanks also have the potential to provide drinking water of an unacceptable quality.
“Testing of water samples obtained from one tank inspected by Fair Trading has revealed that the water can have an elevated alkaline ph level,” he said.
Mr Stowe said Fair Trading issued rectification orders to Solar Installations (NSW) Pty Ltd and sole director Jan Pieter McHeyzer, instructing the company to replace the non-approved hot water installations with approved installations.
To date the company has not complied with the orders.
Consumers who have purchased and installed or arranged the installation of a solar hot water system from Solar & Bamboo Direct Coffs Harbour Pty Ltd, Solar & Bamboo Direct Tamworth Pty Ltd or Solar Installations (NSW) Pty Ltd are urged to contact the company and request that their tank be replaced immediately with an approved tank which is certified and bears the marks demonstrating compliance with electricity safety and WaterMark approvals.
If the company is unable or unwilling to replace the tank, consumers may wish to engage a licensed plumber, at their own expense, to replace their tank with an approved tank.
Consumers may then apply to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT) seeking redress.
Fair Trading is also investigating the conduct of the company and its director in relation to potential breaches of NSW consumer protection laws and disciplinary action.
For more information contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or go to Fair Trading website.
