Maintaining your property is an ongoing job. Whether you own a small apartment or a large business, you’re bound to need plumbing work sooner or later. Effective plumbing systems keep us healthy, comfortable and safe, which is why Queensland legislation requires most plumbing work to be carried out by a licensed professional. Even if you’re handy with tools and not afraid of a project, you’ll need to make yourself aware of the do’s and don’ts of DIY plumbing. In this article we’ll cover the laws surrounding Queensland’s plumbing and whether it’s legal to do any of your own work.
Plumbing Licences in Australia
In all Australian states, plumbers require a licence to carry out the vast majority of their work. In Queensland, those licences are issued by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) for the completion of a Certificate III in Plumbing. Your plumber may also hold further qualifications, training and endorsements that allow them to work on different and more complex plumbing systems.
While some plumbing work might look simple, it’s part of a large system that we rely on to keep our homes safe and families healthy. Plumbing work carried out by a licensed professional is guaranteed to be safe and effective for decades to come. Especially when it comes to things like gas and sewerage plumbing, it’s critical that you have the work performed by a qualified professional. Updates to Queensland’s building codes in 2019 introduced a stronger penalty framework for those carrying out or supervising unlicensed plumbing work. First time offenders now face fines of up to $33,363.
What Plumbing Work Can You Do Yourself?
Residential plumbing systems are based on common materials and simple principles, which often tempts homeowners to perform their own work. But DIY plumbing isn’t as easy as it might seem, and it comes with a few major risks:
- Dangerous leaks. Plumbing for gas lines and sewage pipes should always be left to professionals. These services pose a real risk to the health and safety of your family.
- Water damage. Plumbing that’s improperly installed can lead to leaking pipes and fittings. Water damage is both costly and dangerous to your home and family. Given enough time, even small leaks can damage walls and foundations while also creating hazardous mould issues, leading to huge repair bills and safety concerns.
- Fines and prison terms. Queensland’s Plumbing and Drainage legislation sets out a series of penalties for unlicensed plumbing work, including fines and prison sentences.
- Lowering the value of your property. When it comes time to sell your home, you might find new buyers are put off by unlicensed plumbing work. They can end up footing the bill for repairing or replacing dodgy work, lowering the overall value of your property.
Looking for a Licenced Plumber in Brisbane? Contact S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting Today!
Whether you’re thinking about doing some minor maintenance or renovating your bathroom, you’ll need to have the work carried out by a licensed plumber. The team at S&J Plumbing are more than happy to help with any job around your home or business! Our master plumbers are fully licensed for all water, waste and gas plumbing. All our work is completed to the highest standards and certified to comply with all of Queensland’s rules and regulations. Get in touch with us if you’d like more information on our services or to make an appointment!