Plumbing you can do legally in Queensland
There is some Do It Yourself plumbing work that you can do yourself or have done by an unlicensed person. For sanitary plumbing and sanitary drainage, this includes:
- cleaning or maintaining ground-level grates to traps on sanitary drains
- replacing caps to ground-level inspection openings on sanitary drains
- maintaining an above or below ground irrigation system to dispose of effluent from an onsite sewerage facility.
For water plumbing, this includes:installing or maintaining an irrigation or lawn watering system downstream from an isolating valve, tap or backflow prevention device on the supply pipe for the irrigation or lawn watering system
4. replacing a jumper valve or washer in a tap
5. changing a shower head
6. replacing a drop valve washer, float valve washer or suction cup rubber in a toilet cistern.
5 - Reasons You Should Use a Licensed Plumber
- Qualification
Even though the training requirements are different from state to state, one thing remains. A certified plumber has the right skills, experience, and training than your unlicensed plumber. They exhibit manual dexterity, are skilled at mechanics and have undergone the appropriate training to solve any plumbing problems that may arise as they’ve been working as apprentices and were taught industry best practices.
- Knowledge
Before obtaining a plumbing license, the trainee must pass the licensing exam and have to undergo prerequisite training as stipulated by the state board. Licensed plumbers have access to the latest building codes to ensure the plumbing work is in line with state county regulations.
- Quality Craft
Since licensed plumbers have worked as apprentices in the industry and have gained the relevant experience with the various plumbing issues, they are more capable of doing the repairs correctly and fully. Check the Sunshine Coast plumbing services for licensed plumbers to complete the job correctly the first time around as opposed to an unlicensed plumber that can cause structural damage as a result of incomplete or incorrect installations which will cost you more money in the end.
- Legal Permissions
Apart from certifying that a plumber is adequately trained and educated in the field of plumbing, a plumbing license also confirms that the plumber is legally allowed to work in the industry. In certain states, it is necessary for individuals and companies to be licensed when providing plumbing services as per law.
- Insurance
When hiring an unlicensed plumber, the probability of them not being insured is almost a given. When he gets injured while performing work at your property, you may be liable for the lost wages and medical bills associated with his injury if he doesn’t have insurance. Plumber’s Insurance is of utmost importance. Licensed plumbers are insured and have liability coverage in case of an emergency.
Conclusion:
Since plumbing services are such an integral part of your home (i.e., faucets, toilets, drains, water heaters, etc.), it is not worth taking the risk in hiring a plumber which is not appropriately qualified or licensed. He may have some plumbing experience, but when you want the work to be professionally done, it is worth paying a bit more and avoid additional issues which could have been prevented. Avoid hiring just any plumber who provides you with the cheapest quote. It is a necessary step to do a bit of research and make sure the plumber is licensed and have positive testimonials. Building a new home can be a tricky process, and the last thing you want is to have inadequate or problematic plumbing.
Searching for a licensed plumber
Using licensed plumbers and drainers is the best way to ensure your plumbing complies with regulations, and minimizes unnecessary risk to your family’s health and safety.
Check your plumber is licensed by searching online or contacting the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) on 139 333.
Notifiable work
Notifiable work is the work a plumber or drainer can do without a local government permit or any requirement for mandatory inspections.
Notifiable work includes most plumbing and drainage work performed in existing homes, including:
- doing kitchen and bathroom plumbing renovations
- installing or replacing hot water heaters, including electric, solar or heat pump hot water heaters
- installing additional fixtures, such as toilets, showers and sinks
- extending or altering pipe work.
Find out more about Queensland plumbing laws and regulations including who is affected by the legislation.