PipeTrack – Standard Terms & Conditions
These terms apply to all PipeTrack work, whether done:
- on a quote,
- on an ad hoc call-out / time-and-materials basis, or
- as ordinary course maintenance.
1) Scope of work
- We do plumbing maintenance on hot and cold water systems and blockage clearing, plus related fault-finding and minor repairs.
- Work is either:
- Quoted (fixed/defined scope), or
- Time & Materials (T&M) / call-out (charged by time spent + materials + equipment + call-out, as applicable).
- Anything not included in a quote, or not reasonably part of the instructed call-out task, is excluded.
2) Quotes, call-outs and changes
- Quoted work: A quote is based on what’s visible/known at the time.
- Call-out / T&M work: We may start work immediately and bill for actual time/materials used. Where practical, we’ll give an indication of likely cost, but it’s not a fixed price.
- If we find anything out of the ordinary during work (hidden defects, latent issues, poor design, non-compliance, unknown connections/materials, lack of access, or unsafe conditions), we may:
- change method/approach,
- revise the price, and/or
- issue an additional quote, and/or
- stop work until the issue is resolved.
- We will inform you and get approval before proceeding, unless it’s an emergency to prevent damage or restore essential services.
3) Authority to instruct
- You must ensure an authorised person can approve decisions and extra costs.
- WhatsApp/email/phone approvals count as instruction.
4) Access and site readiness (client responsibilities)
- You must provide safe, clear access to the work area, including meters, stopcocks, valves, geysers (if applicable), manholes/IOs, and fixtures.
- If access is not available, or the site is not ready or safe, waiting time, aborts and return visits are chargeable.
- You must secure pets and manage occupants so we can work safely.
5) Blockage clearing
- We use suitable methods (rodding/jetting/stripping where relevant).
- Clearing restores flow but may not fix the underlying cause.
6) Blockage guarantee (15 days – limited)
- Blockage clearing is guaranteed for 15 days only if paid in full and only if the re-blockage is not caused by defects or ongoing contributing issues.
- Excluded causes include (examples): broken/collapsed pipe, failed joints, roots, poor fall/belly, heavy scale, grease build-up from ongoing use, foreign objects/misuse, or design faults.
- If excluded, a return visit is chargeable, and we will recommend/quote the proper fix.
7) Existing defects and hidden conditions
- We are not responsible for failures caused by old/defective/non-compliant plumbing, corrosion, fragile pipes, or prior poor workmanship.
- We can’t guarantee the condition of pipes and services we cannot see.
8) Equipment stuck / pipe failure during clearing
- If a defective line causes our equipment to get stuck, or a pipe fails while we perform normal work, you authorise us to take reasonable steps to retrieve equipment and gain access (including opening-up/excavation if needed).
- Retrieval, access creation and repairs are for the client’s account, unless directly caused by our negligence.
9) Opening-up and making good
- Work may require opening access (covers, rodding eyes, ceilings/walls/floors, paving, garden beds).
- Unless explicitly included, finishes are excluded: plaster/paint/tiles/paving/
landscaping and final surface finishes are for the client’s account.
10) Pricing components (what you may be billed for)
Depending on the job, charges may include:
- call-out fee,
- labour time (standard or after-hours),
- materials and consumables,
- equipment use (e.g., jetter/CCTV where used),
- disposal/cleanup where applicable,
- waiting time, return visits, and additional trips due to access or instructions.
11) Payment
- Payment is due on completion unless agreed in writing.
- We may require deposits for larger jobs or special-order items.
- Late payment may attract interest and recovery costs.
- You may not withhold payment because of another dispute—raise issues with us, but invoices remain payable.
12) Materials and ownership
- Materials supplied/installed remain PipeTrack’s property until paid in full.
- Special-order items may be non-returnable. If you cancel after ordering, you pay those costs.
13) Workmanship and parts
- Manufacturer warranties apply to parts (if applicable).
- Our workmanship covers the specific work we did. It does not cover misuse, tampering, work by others, or system-wide defects outside the repaired area.
14) Safety
- We may refuse or stop work if it is unsafe (electrical risk, confined space risk, unstable trenching, hostile conditions, etc.).
- Standing time and return visits may be chargeable.
15) Photos and records
- We may take photos/videos (and CCTV footage if used) for diagnostics and job records.
- We won’t publish identifiable site content without permission.
16) Complaints and call-backs
- Report problems as soon as possible (ideally within 7 days) with photos/videos if you can.
- We will assess whether it is a workmanship issue, covered under the blockage guarantee, or a new/underlying defect.
17) Liability
- We work carefully, but plumbing has hidden risks.
- To the extent allowed by law, we are not liable for indirect losses (e.g., loss of profit/business interruption).
- If we are liable, our liability is limited to the value of the work we performed that caused the proven loss.
18) South African law
- These terms are governed by South African law.
