AWATEC – General Terms & Conditions

Key Policies Summary

Certain services require advance payment or a deposit to confirm scheduling.

Late cancellations may be subject to a fee.

Unpaid invoices may be referred for collection in accordance with our terms.

Leak Detection & Plumbing Services

Business: AWATEC Leak Detection & Plumbing

Client: Any individual or entity requesting or receiving services from AWATEC

1. Scope of Agreement

These Terms & Conditions apply to all services provided by AWATEC, including but not limited to leak inspection, leak detection, plumbing diagnostics, repairs, maintenance, and installations.

By submitting a service request, approving a quotation, making a payment or deposit, or allowing work to proceed, the Client acknowledges and agrees to these Terms & Conditions.

2. Leak Inspection & Leak Detection Services

2.1 Leak Inspection

Leak Inspection is intended to verify the presence or absence of a leak when the Client is uncertain whether a leak exists. This service is diagnostic in nature and involves basic testing and verification only.

Leak Inspection does not include advanced leak location methods, invasive testing, or specialized diagnostic equipment unless the service is upgraded to full Leak Detection.

Full payment of Afl. 150.00 is required upfront to confirm and secure a Leak Inspection appointment.

Leak Inspection does not include repairs or leak detection, unless such services are quoted and approved separately.

2.2 Leak Detection

Leak Detection is performed when a leak is confirmed or strongly suspected, or when a Leak Inspection is upgraded to full detection.

Leak Detection is a diagnostic service billed based on time, testing procedures, equipment usage, and professional expertise, not solely on whether a hidden leak is ultimately found.

The Leak Detection service rate is Afl. 675.00 for a minimum of three (3) hours, with additional time billed at Afl. 125.00 per hour, based on actual time spent on-site.

A deposit of Afl. 350.00 is required to confirm and secure a Leak Detection appointment. This deposit is applied toward the final invoice.

AWATEC may use specialized diagnostic equipment and methods to locate the leak as accurately as site conditions, system layout, and accessibility allow.

If, during testing, the cause of the issue is identified (for example, a faulty shut-off valve, fixture, appliance connection, or other accessible component), the Leak Detection service remains chargeable, and any repairs or replacements are quoted and billed separately upon Client approval.

Leak Detection services do not include repairs unless a separate quotation is approved.

The remaining balance is payable upon service completion, based on time spent and any approved additional work.

2.3 Diagnostic Limitation

Leak Inspection and Leak Detection services are diagnostic services only and do not guarantee leak resolution unless repair work is separately quoted, approved, and executed by AWATEC.

2.4 Acknowledgement

By requesting, booking, or paying for a Leak Inspection or Leak Detection service, the Client confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted these service-specific terms, in addition to AWATEC’s General Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

3. Pricing & Payment Policy

• Leak Inspection services require full payment upfront to confirm scheduling.

• Leak Detection services require a deposit prior to confirmation.

• General plumbing services do not normally require a deposit, unless the work is labor-intensive, time-sensitive, or materials must be pre-purchased.

All pricing is communicated at the time of booking or quotation. Prices may vary based on site conditions, system complexity, accessibility, duration, and scope of work.

Appointments are not confirmed until any required payment or deposit has been received.

4. Plumbing Services

Plumbing services are billed based on time spent, complexity of the work, and materials used.

A minimum service time may apply. Time may be rounded according to standard billing practices.

Fixed pricing may be offered for certain common plumbing repairs when applicable.

5. Materials, Procurement & Invoicing

AWATEC supplies or sources materials based on suitability, durability, quality, and compatibility with the Client’s existing system.

A trip or procurement charge may apply if materials must be collected during the job.

One consolidated invoice is issued for labor and materials. Supplier receipts are retained internally for accounting and reference purposes.

6. Access, Site Conditions & Restoration

6.1 Access: 

The Client grants AWATEC permission to access all areas reasonably required to perform inspection, testing, or repair work. The Client is responsible for ensuring the work area is clear of furniture, personal items, and valuables prior to the technician's arrival. AWATEC is not liable for damage to items left in the immediate work zone.

6.2 Destructive Work: 

Detection or repair work may require opening walls, floors, ceilings, concrete, tiles, or other surfaces to gain access to concealed systems. The Client explicitly authorizes this access.

6.3 Restoration & Matching:

Restoration of finishes (including but not limited to tiles, drywall, concrete, paint, landscaping, or similar) is not included unless specifically quoted in writing.

Aesthetic Matching: AWATEC does not guarantee that replacement materials will aesthetically match existing finishes. We are not responsible for costs associated with discontinued tiles, faded paint, or texture mismatches resulting from necessary access holes.

6.4 Animal Control & Safety

Mandatory Confinement: 

For the safety of our technicians, the Client must ensure that all pets—specifically dogs—are securely confined in a crate, separate room, or off-site before the technician enters the property or yard. This applies regardless of the animal’s size or the owner’s assurance that the animal is friendly or "does not bite."

Right to Refuse Service: 

If loose animals are present in the work area (yard or interior) upon arrival, the technician reserves the right to refuse service and leave the premises immediately. In this event, the full Cancellation/Trip Fee (as defined in Section 10) will be charged.

Liability for Injury: 

The Client assumes full responsibility for any injuries caused by their pets to AWATEC personnel. This includes liability for all medical expenses, lost work hours for the injured employee, and legal costs associated with the incident.

7. Estimates, Quotes & Work Approval

All work beyond inspection or detection is quoted before commencement.

Verbal or written approval is required before additional work proceeds.

Quotes are valid for a limited period and may be subject to change due to site conditions, scope adjustments, or material availability.

8. Limits of Detection Accuracy

While AWATEC aims for high accuracy, leak detection results depend on site conditions, system layout, pipe material, depth, pressure, and accessibility.

Detection accuracy typically ranges between 85%–95%. In some cases, secondary inspections or alternative detection methods may be recommended.

9. Billing & Payment Policy

9.1 Payment Timing: 

All services, whether residential or commercial, are invoiced immediately upon completion. Payment is due in full upon receipt of the invoice.

9.2 No Credit Terms: 

AWATEC does not offer credit terms (e.g., Net 15 or Net 30). Completion of the work constitutes the due date for payment.

9.3 Late Fees: 

Any invoice remaining unpaid for more than seven (7) days from the invoice date will be considered overdue and subject to a late payment interest charge of 1.5% per month (18% per annum) on the outstanding balance.

10. Cancellations & Rescheduling

A cancellation is defined as any request to cancel, postpone, or reschedule an appointment made less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled service time.

Cancellations within this 24-hour period may be subject to a cancellation fee of Afl. 75.00.

For Leak Inspection and Leak Detection services, any prepayment or deposit may be non-refundable if cancellation occurs within the 24-hour window or if personnel, equipment, or resources have already been allocated.

Emergency or priority bookings may require advance payment and are subject to the same cancellation conditions.

11. Late Payments & Collections

Invoices that remain unpaid after reasonable payment reminders may be subject to further action.

AWATEC reserves the right to forward outstanding balances to a third-party collections office for recovery.

Any costs incurred as a result of collection efforts, including administrative, legal, or collection fees, may be charged to the Client where permitted by law.

12. Warranty, Liability & Fragile Systems

12.1 Workmanship Warranty: 

Plumbing repairs performed by AWATEC include a 30-day workmanship warranty, unless otherwise stated in writing. This warranty covers the specific repair executed and does not extend to the rest of the plumbing system.

12.2 Diagnostic Limitation: 

Leak inspection and leak detection services are diagnostic in nature and do not carry a warranty. Charges are for the professional time, equipment use, and expertise provided, regardless of the findings.

12.3 Fragile Systems: 

The Client acknowledges that pressure testing or accessing older plumbing systems carries inherent risks. AWATEC is not liable for leaks, bursts, or failures that occur during standard testing procedures on systems that are corroded, improperly installed, or in a fragile condition.

12.4 Right to Stop Work: 

AWATEC reserves the right to halt work if a system is deemed too fragile or unsafe to test. In such cases, a diagnostic fee for time spent will still apply.

12.5 Limitation of Liability: 

To the maximum extent permitted by Aruban law, AWATEC’s total liability for any claim arising out of these services shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Client for the specific service rendered. AWATEC is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages (including but not limited to water damage to furniture, lost rental income, or utility bills).

13. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

13.1 Governing Law: 

These Terms & Conditions and any services provided by AWATEC shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Aruba.

13.2 Jurisdiction: 

Any disputes arising from this agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of First Instance of Aruba.

13.3 Collection Costs: 

In the event of non-payment, the Client agrees to pay all costs of collection, including legal fees and third-party collection agency fees, which may amount to up to 20% of the outstanding balance.

13.4 Updates: 

AWATEC reserves the right to update these Terms & Conditions. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the current terms.​

AWATEC reserves the right to update these Terms & Conditions as business practices evolve.