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PLUMBING GUIDE FOR HOME OWNERS

July 2020299 Montague Road, West End Qld 4101

GPO Box 5099, Brisbane Qld 4001

Need more information?

Visit qbcc.qld.gov.au or call us on 139 333

WHEN DO YOU NEED A LICENSED PLUMBER?

In Queensland, all regulated plumbing and drainage work must be carried out by an appropriately licensed tradesperson. There is only a limited amount of work related to plumbing and drainage work that can be done around the home without needing a qualified plumber.

WHAT WORK CAN A HOME OWNER DO?

An unlicensed person can perform these types of plumbing and drainage works:

• replacing a shower head or domestic water filter cartridge

• replacing a jumper valve or washer in a tap

• repairing or replacing a drop valve washer, float valve washer or suction cup rubber in a toilet cistern

• replacing caps to ground level inspection openings on a sanitary drain

• cleaning or maintaining a ground level grate for a trap on a sanitary drain

• installing or maintaining an irrigation or lawn watering system downstream from a tap, isolating valve or backflow prevention device on the supply pipe for the watering system

• repairing or maintaining an irrigation system for the disposal of effluent from a greywater use facility or on-site sewage facility.

To ensure that your health and safety, and the safety of the community are protected, all other types of plumbing and drainage work must be performed by a licensed person.

WHAT WORK MUST BE PERFORMED BY A LICENSED PLUMBER?

Some examples of work that must be completed by a licensed plumber include:

• installing tapware

• installing or relocating plumbing fixtures (such as basins or toilets)

• installing, repairing, relocating or replacing plumbing or drainage pipes

• installing, repairing or replacing a water heater.

You can find a plumber in your area by using the ‘find a local contractor’ search on the QBCC website. This search allows you to find a tradesperson in your area that is suitably licensed to carry out the work you need – you can even perform a licence check. To search, visit qbcc.qld.gov.au/findlocalcontractor

The QBCC may not be able to help you with defective work if you don’t use a licensed plumber. Using a licensed plumber not only gives you peace of mind that the work is being performed by a qualified person but also if something does go wrong, you can contact us for advice.

Leaking pipes can cause significant damage to property. Ensure you regularly check your plumbing and drainage system, including under sinks and vanity units, and hot water heaters. If you find a leak, contact a licensed plumber.