Plumbing certificate of compliance: the paper you should always ask for
It is the one document that proves licensed work was done to the standard. Here is which jobs need one, why it matters, and what to do if it goes missing.
A plumbing certificate of compliance is a document from the licensed plumber saying the work they did meets the plumbing rules. Ask for it every time. Without it, you have no proof the job was done properly or by someone licensed.
That one piece of paper matters more than most homeowners expect. It follows the property, not the plumber.
What a certificate of compliance actually is
When a licensed plumber finishes certain jobs, the state or territory rules require them to certify the work. The certificate records who did it, where, what was done and the date. In most jurisdictions it is also lodged with the regulator, so a record exists even if you lose your copy.
The name and the form change from state to state. Some call it a compliance certificate, others use a different title or a numbered form. The idea is the same everywhere: a licensed person signs to say the work meets the standard.
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Who issues it? | The licensed plumber (or gasfitter, or drainer) who did the work |
| Who asks for it? | You do. It is your record, so request it before you pay |
| Do all jobs need one? | No. It depends on the state and on whether the work is notifiable |
| Can you issue your own? | No. Only a licence holder can certify the work |
Which jobs usually need one
The rule is set by your state or territory, so there is no single national list. As a guide, work that alters the plumbing system tends to be notifiable. Think of a new or replaced hot water system, new pipework behind a wall, new drainage, or a fixture moved to a new position.
A like-for-like washer change on a tap usually does not need one. A new hot water system almost always does. If you are not sure, ask the plumber before they start, and check the page for your state regulator.
Why you should insist on it
There are three practical reasons, and none is about fines.
- Insurance. If water damage is traced to unlicensed or uncertified work, an insurer has grounds to decline the claim.
- Selling. Buyer inspections and conveyancers ask for certificates on alterations. A missing one can slow a sale.
- Proof of standard. It shows the work was done to the Plumbing Code, which matters for safety work like a tempering valve or backflow protection.
If you cannot find the certificate
Do not panic, and do not accept a verbal promise. Contact the plumber who did the work and ask for a copy. If they cannot be found, the regulator for your state may be able to confirm what was lodged for your address.
For work done before you bought the property, ask the seller or agent first. It is a fair question and a normal one.
What a certificate does not do
A certificate is not a warranty. It does not promise the work will never fail. It records that a licensed person said the work met the standard on the day. Ask separately what warranty the plumber gives on parts and labour.
It also cannot make DIY work legal after the fact. If a job needed a licensed plumber and you did it yourself, no certificate will appear later. That is why knowing where the DIY line falls comes first.
What to ask the plumber
- Is this job notifiable in my state?
- Will you give me the certificate when you finish?
- When will I get my copy, and in what form?
- What warranty applies to the parts and the labour?
A plumber who dodges question two is giving you an answer. Keep the certificate with your property records.
Frequently asked questions
What is a plumbing certificate of compliance?
It is a document signed by the licensed plumber who did the work. It says the work meets the plumbing rules in your state or territory, and it records who did the job, where and when.
Do I need a certificate of compliance for every plumbing job?
No. Whether you need one depends on your state or territory and on whether the work is notifiable. Larger jobs such as a new hot water system or new pipework usually need one. A simple like-for-like repair often does not.
Can I get a compliance certificate if I did the work myself?
No. Only a licence holder can certify plumbing work. If a job needed a licensed plumber, a certificate cannot be issued for DIY work after the fact, so check the rules first.
What if I lost my plumbing compliance certificate?
Ask the plumber who did the work for a copy. If you cannot find them, contact your state or territory plumbing regulator, which may be able to confirm what was lodged for your address.
Sources
What this page explains is based on these official sources. If you check one and it does not match what you read here, send it to us and the article gets corrected.
- NSW Fair Trading. Plumbers, drainers and gasfitters (NSW Fair Trading)
- QBCC. Queensland Building and Construction Commission
- Australian Building Codes Board. National Construction Code (Plumbing Code of Australia)