Having plumbing work done

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Plumbing regulation reforms – what work can homeowners now do?

Changes to Western Australia’s plumbing rules came into effect on 10 February 2024, with further reforms to roll out in 2025.

The general public is now allowed to carry out certain basic plumbing tasks at their homes. A homeowner or occupier, or a person doing the task for them, without being paid, can legally undertake the work which is limited to:

  • maintenance, repair or replacement of a shower head;
  • maintenance or repair of a tap (other than a thermostatic mixing tap);
  • replacement of a cistern washer;
  • replacement of a water filter cartridge; and
  • clearing a blocked fixture or waste pipe by using a plunger.

Other than the above tasks all water supply, sanitary and drainage plumbing work must be carried out by a licensed plumber.

It is also now an offence for someone who does not hold a plumbers’ licence to advertise or imply that they do. This includes people who are not authorised to carry out specific types of plumbing work.

Further changes include protections against scalding from excessively hot water. From 1 May 2024, temperature control devices must be fitted when replacing a water heater in an existing heated water installation serving fixtures used for personal hygiene.

Another phase of plumbing reforms, due to commence on 10 February 2025, will introduce regulation of plumbing work connected to unmetered drinking water supplies. This means communities in regional WA will have the same level of protection as those serviced by metered water supplies in urban areas.

The amended regulations will also improve the safety of modular plumbing installations (such as bathroom pods and transportable mining accommodation), which will have to comply with applicable standards.

Why should I consult a licensed plumber? 

Only a plumber who holds a licence issued by the Plumbers Licensing Board can legally carry out water supply, sanitary and drainage plumbing work in Western Australia. Licensing plumbers reduces risks to public health, safety and the environment by ensuring they are competent and sufficiently qualified to do plumbing work that complies with plumbing regulations and standards. Using a licensed plumber minimises:

  • risk of contamination to our drinking water;
  • likelihood of water borne diseases;
  • possibility of serious injury;
  • leakage of wastewater or sewage into the ground; and
  • number of uncontrolled discharges into the environment.

By using a licensed plumber you are protected by a six year guarantee against faulty workmanship. The Board is able to direct licensed plumbers to rectify their work, at no cost to the consumer, if it does not comply with plumbing standards.

Go to the Plumbers' licence search  Click here to visit the webpage

Frequently asked questions

What is a drainage plumbing diagram? My plumber has asked if I have one for my property.

A drainage plumbing diagram (otherwise known as a flimsy or as constructed diagram) is a diagrammatic representation of a property’s drainage plumbing work. Drainage plumbing diagrams are drawn by the licensed plumbing contractor responsible for the installation of drainage plumbing. 

What are drainage plumbing diagrams used for?

Drainage plumbing diagrams are regularly used by homeowners, licensed plumbing contractors and others to determine the layout of drainage plumbing on a property. Knowing the layout of drainage plumbing can assist:

  • to identify where additional connections to existing drainage plumbing may be made;
  • to ensure that new buildings or extensions do not interfere with existing drainage plumbing;
  • to ensure that any excavation works do not disturb the drainage plumbing;
  • to assist in the repair of drainage pipework; and
  • when clearing blocked drains.

How do I determine the plumber is licensed to carry out the plumbing work?

All licensed plumbing contractors, tradespersons and restricted plumbing permit holders are required to carry their identity card and must produce it on request. The identity card indicates what type of plumbing work the person is allowed to carry out.

Licensed plumbing contractors are issued with silver cards.

Tradespersons and restricted plumbing permit holders are issued with white cards.

Is the local government still responsible for the drainage and sanitary plumbing connected to a septic tank/treatment unit system?

The Plumbers Licensing Board is responsible for plumbing connected to sceptic tanks and treatment unit systems, inclusing their testing.

Have you asked for a copy of the compliance certificate?

When major plumbing work, involving new (not repair or maintenance of) fixtures, or drainage installation or sewer conversions is carried out at your property, make sure your licensed plumbing contractor gives you a copy of the compliance certificate within five working days of completion of the work.

The compliance certificate is your six year guarantee that the plumbing work has been completed in accordance with all necessary regulations and plumbing standards and that the licensed plumbing contractor warrants they have met all legal obligations required by the Board.

 

What if a problem arises?

A guide for consumers on Building and Energy's role to assist consumers with resolving plumbing work disputes.

Plumbing dispute resolution

 

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