Customers trust an installer’s advice, so the message has to be one of safety first, argues Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association:
Let me borrow you to discuss something serious, just us for a moment. You know, the tradies’ job is a bit like being a superhero in overalls. You swoop in, tool bag in hand, ready to fix, install, and make things right in the world of pipes, taps and toilets. But here’s the thing – sometimes, the job is as much about what you say than what you do.
At the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), we recently sent out a safety alert, and it got me thinking. You’ve seen those trendy stop-button showerheads advertised on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, right? They’re popping up everywhere like mushrooms after rain. Customers seem to love them – a bit of that modern touch in the bathroom. But there’s a snag when these gizmos meet electric showers, and it’s something our clients might not see coming.
Installers are already in the know: electric showers heat water on demand, neat and efficient. But throw in one of these fancy stop-button showerheads, and you’ve got a recipe for trouble. It’s like putting a speed bump on the Autobahn. The water stops, but the heat doesn’t. Next thing you know, when the water starts again, it’s hot enough to make a cuppa – straight on someone’s skin.
Here’s where installers can step in, the unsung heroes with the know-how. Our customers might not have a clue about the risks with push-button showerheads – why would they? They’re busy people, not shower experts. That’s an installer and manufacturer’s gig. It’s up to us together to bridge that gap, to tell them, “Hold on, let’s think about this choice.”
Imagine Mrs. Jones, who’s looking to spruce up her bathroom between refurbs, eyeing one of these stop-button showerheads to give it a nice finishing touch. She won’t know the danger it poses with her new electric shower. But we do. And it’s on us to give her the lowdown, to keep her from a nasty surprise.
It’s not just about installing stuff. It’s about making sure what we install doesn’t turn into a monster. We’ve got to be the ones who say, “Look, these are great, but not for your setup. Let’s find something safer, something that won’t give you grief.”
Our BMA message is clear – customers should check with the manufacturers on the compatibility of products. But let’s face it, how many will? They’re more likely to listen to you, the folks with the tools, the ones they speak to. You’re the ones they trust to keep their homes running smoothly.
So, let’s make a pact right here, right now, between manufacturer and installer. Let’s keep our eyes open, keep learning, and keep talking. Every job you do with our products and every customer we meet, let’s make sure they get the right gear for their needs – safe, sound, and stylish.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just bathrooms we’re building – it’s trust, safety, and a bit of peace of mind. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
