For Australian Capital Territory plumbers and handymen

Who regulates plumbing

Access Canberra. Licenses plumbers, drainers and gasfitters and inspects their work.

Plumbers, drainers and gasfitters are licensed construction occupations in the ACT, administered by Access Canberra.

Paperwork that applies

• Plumbers and drainers notify Access Canberra before work starts (with a start-of-work notice and fee), when work is ready for inspection, and when it is completed.
• Where plan approval is needed, the plans must be approved by a plumbing plan certifier before work starts. Minor work up to $1,000 in replacement or repair value is exempt from plan approval; commercial work always needs it.
• Certified final plumbing and drainage plans are registered before the final inspection is booked.

Handyman licence limit

We could not confirm an official dollar threshold for handyman work in the ACT. Check with Access Canberra before taking on building work.

General information only, not legal advice. Rules change: check with Access Canberra or your own adviser before relying on a figure.

• When do ACT plumbers need to notify Access Canberra?
  Before work starts, when work is ready for inspection, and when work is completed.
• Does minor plumbing work in the ACT need plan approval?
  Minor work up to $1,000 in replacement or repair value is exempt from plan approval. Commercial work always needs approval.
• Does LYD Plumber lodge ACT plumbing paperwork for me?
  No. It records the dates and reminds your team. The licensed plumber still lodges certificates and notices with the regulator.