For New South Wales plumbers and handymen

Who regulates plumbing

Building Commission NSW. Regulator for plumbing, draining and gasfitting in NSW.

Plumbing, draining and gasfitting are licensed trades in NSW. Interstate licence holders working under automatic mutual recognition must notify Building Commission NSW before they start.

Paperwork that applies

• A Notice of Work is given before regulated plumbing and drainage work starts. Some minor work, such as replacing tapware or an existing hot water system, does not need one.
• A Certificate of Compliance is lodged within two business days of finishing the work.
• In Sydney, the Illawarra, the Blue Mountains, Newcastle and the Hunter, work that needs an inspection is lodged with the state regulator through the MyInspections gateway. Elsewhere, the local council acts as the plumbing regulator.

Handyman licence limit

More than $5,000 needs a licence or registration

A contractor licence is needed for residential building or trade work, including minor trade work and minor maintenance, valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials, including GST.

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

• How long do NSW plumbers have to lodge a Certificate of Compliance?
  Within two business days of completing the work. LYD Plumber can create a reminder on each regulated job, but the licensed plumber still lodges the certificate.
• Can a NSW handyman do work over $5,000?
  Not without a contractor licence. Residential building or trade work valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials, including GST, needs one. Plumbing, draining and gasfitting are licensed trades in their own right.
• Does LYD Plumber lodge NSW plumbing paperwork for me?
  No. It records the dates and reminds your team. The licensed plumber still lodges certificates and notices with the regulator.