What Plumbing Can You Do Yourself? What's Legal And What's Not

DIY plumbing becomes an attractive option when the house needs work, the budget is tight, and you have some free time. Almost everything, including plumbing, is supposedly DIY-able in today's online era, so everyone is looking for ideas on the internet.

Among the home handymen who watch YouTube plumbing repair videos and the 'experts' who read instructional "How To" plumbing guides found on Google, all of them can't seem to remember one crucial piece of information...

In Australia, Plumbing Is A Licensed Trade.

Plumbing work can only be done by someone who has completed a plumbing trade school and has a valid license. Additionally, state laws and regulations differ in terms of what aspects of plumbing you are allowed to do yourself based on your home state.

In other words, even if you checked your national plumbing law, but not New South Wales plumbing laws, you might still end up being legally and financially penalised if you attempt to solve your plumbing issue yourself.

What DIY Plumbing Is Legal In NSW?

Here is a list of the plumbing tasks that you are allowed to perform yourself:
 

• Replace a shower head
• A water valve or tap downstream from an irrigation system
• Replacement of tap washers
• Sanitary drains cover replacements
• Clean and maintain grates on the drains on ground level
• Plunge or snake the drains as necessary to clear them

Illegal DIY is all too common among people who think it is easy to handle, but it is never worth the risk.

Here are four of the most common and surprising illegal DIY tasks that are carried out:

• Sewage lines - The connection, maintenance, and repair of sewage lines - unless you have a valid contractor license, you shouldn't touch anything that has anything to do with sewage.

• Drinking water systems – This may seem like an innocuous installation, but it is illegal, so you’re best getting a professional plumber to take care of this task.

• Toilet system installs – Another task that many DIYers have tried that is also illegal. 

• Roof plumbing – This kind of specialist work is best left to a plumber that offers roofing too. The last thing you want is water flooding your roof and moving throughout your entire house.

There are many more jobs you shouldn’t be performing yourself. Basically, the list of illegal plumbing DIY jobs is fairly extensive, so you’re really better off calling a professional. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call on (02) 6683 2281 anytime.

Plumbing and drainage works are permitted only by licensed plumbers in accordance with The Australian Plumbing Code (PCA). This means that you need a licensed plumber to handle any work dealing with the plumbing or installation of drinking water systems.