What Plumbing Can I Do Without A License?

• Replacing taps and showerheads
• Drain clearing using a plunger or drain snake
• Connecting washing machine hose
• Cleaning and maintaining external drain traps and grates
• Connecting residential water filters
• Replacing tap washers and sanitary drain opening caps
• Replace drop valve washer in toilet
• Clear a blocked gutter or downpipe
• Turning water supply on and off
• Check the water meter

What DIY plumbing is considered illegal?

According to The Australian Plumbing Code, any work to sewer or drinking water systems must be carried out by a qualified plumber. This prevents the unlicensed DIY-er from completing a lot of plumbing jobs by themselves without breaking the law. Jobs that must be carried out by a licensed plumber include:

• Managing on-site wastewater systems
• Issues involving sanitary drainage/sewage
• Managing stormwater drainage systems
• Issues involving drinking water, hot water or laundry systems
• Managing heating & ventilation systems
• Installing new appliances

Do plumbing regulations differ by state?

Across Australia's states and territories, plumbing regulations do vary. For example, waterproofing your own bathroom is fine in Victoria, however, it is illegal to do so without a licence in Queensland and New South Wales. Before carrying out any DIY plumbing work, it's important to check the regulations for your area:

• Queensland
• New South Wales
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia
• Northern Territory
• Australian Capital Territory

What are the consequences of disregarding the plumbing laws in your state?

If you choose to disregard the plumbing laws in your state and undertake unlicensed work, you are breaking the law and risk facing legal consequences. This impacts both you and your property and can include:

• Appliance warranty can be voided
• Inability to claim any damages caused on insurance
• Cost of repairing any damage
• A minimum $32,000 fine as outlined in the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018
• Difficulty and delays in selling a property with unlicensed plumbing work

When should I call in a licensed plumber?

Although it is possible to carry out some minor DIY repairs on your plumbing system, as outlined above, it is inevitable that at some point you are likely to need a qualified plumber. You will need to call in a licensed professional if:

• Your water is murky or smells
• Your toilet is overflowing and a plunger/drain snake hasn't worked
• You require a new appliance to be installed
• You have found a leak
• A pipe has burst
• You have no hot water
• Water is backing up from your drains or grates
• Your plumbing is making unusual noises
• Your roof plumbing requires maintenance