Plumbing work

Plumbing work includes installing, altering, extending or disconnecting plumbing and drainage systems. In Queensland, all plumbing work is regulated and assessed under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018. 

Each type of plumbing work has different requirements, some activities require a plumbing permit. You can learn more below, for detailed information visit the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) website.

Plumbing categories and type of work

Different types of plumbing work have different approval and reporting requirements. The category of work determines whether we need to assess or inspect the work, whether a licensed plumber must notify the work or whether no approval or reporting is required.

Check the requirements below before starting work to ensure you meet your legal obligations.

Permit work - plumbing work we must assess and inspect

Before a licenced plumber or drainer can begin any permit work, they must submit an application to us.

Examples of permit work include:

  • work carried out as part of building a new structure
  • installing extra appliances or fixtures in a building connected to trade waste
  • installing extra appliances or fixtures in a building connected to a combined drain
  • installing extra appliances or fixtures in a building connected to a dual reticulated water supply from a water service provider
  • work that uses a performance solution under the National Construction Code Volume Three (Plumbing Code of Australia) or the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code.

Notifiable work - plumbing work your plumber must report

Notifiable work is a type of regulated plumbing and drainage work that a licenced plumber or drainer can complete without needing our permission or mandatory inspections. 

This work must be lodged with the QBCC in the notifiable work register.

Most notifiable work takes place in existing buildings. You can read more about what counts as notifiable work on the QBCC website.

Minor work - plumbing work that does not need approval or reporting

Minor work must be carried out by a QBCC licensee, but it doesn’t need approval from us or reporting to the QBCC.

Minor work includes:

  • unblocking sanitary plumbing or sanitary drainage
  • repairing a broken or damaged pipe
  • maintaining or repairing an apparatus
  • maintaining, repairing, replacing or removing a fitting or fixture
  • maintaining or repairing a greywater use facility or an on-site sewage facility, except when repairing or maintaining an irrigation system used to dispose of effluent
  • installing a greywater diversion device
  • sealing a supply pipe downstream from the water meter for a class 1 or 10 building or structure
  • installing, removing or replacing an automatic switching device for a rainwater tank.

Unregulated work - plumbing work anyone can do

Some plumbing tasks are unregulated and can be completed by anyone with the right knowledge and skills. You don’t need a plumbing licence to carry out unregulated work. You also don’t need approval from us or to report the work to QBCC.

Even though it is unregulated, the work must still meet the minimum standards set out under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018. 

Unregulated work includes:

  • replacing a shower head or domestic water filter cartridge
  • replacing a jumper valve or washer in a tap
  • repairing or replacing a drop valve washer, float valve washer or suction cup rubber in a toilet cistern
  • replacing caps on ground-level inspection openings for a sanitary drain
  • cleaning or maintaining a ground-level grate on a trap for a sanitary drain
  • installing or maintaining an irrigation or lawn watering system downstream from a tap, isolating valve or backflow prevention device
  • repairing or maintaining an irrigation system used to dispose of effluent from a greywater use facility or on-site sewage facility
  • carrying out incidental unskilled tasks such as excavating or backfilling a trench.

Types of applications and how to apply

Permit work covers more complex plumbing and drainage activities and an application needs to be lodged with us for assessment.

Fast-track - quick approval for a new single dwelling

Fast-track applications are only available for a new single Class 1a building (one single detached dwelling) on a sewered allotment and must be lodged online.

How to apply

1

Organise your documents

2

Complete your online application and pay the relevant fees

Submit Fast-track application
3

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within two business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

Residential sewered - for residential work not covered by fast-track

Residential sewered applications are generally required for projects such as:

  • dual occupancy developments
  • secondary dwellings
  • multiple dwellings
  • sheds or outbuildings built after the main dwelling. 

How to apply

1

Choose to submit your application online or via email, in person or mail

Submit online
2

Organise your documents

  • Complete and sign a Form 1 - Permit work application for plumbing, drainage and on-site sewerage work.
  • Complete and sign a Form 7 - Notification of responsible person (if known at the time of lodgement).
  • Prepare a copy of the soil classification report.
  • Prepare a copy of the articulation report.
  • Prepare the following plans:
    • 1 x floor plan with scale bar.
    • 1 x site plan with scale bar indicating stub location and rainwater tank.
    • 1 x hydraulic plan with scale bar identifying all fixtures, including ORG, venting, IO's, VS and sub-meter location/installation (as per 2.03 Water Infrastructure Policy(PDF, 354KB) - sub metering guidelines and specifications).

      Unit developments with three or more Class 1a buildings need to prepare: 1 x hydraulic plan with scale bar identifying all fixtures, include ORG, venting, IO's, VS, tempered hot, hot, cold water reticulation and sub-meter location/installation.
 
3

Complete your online application and pay relevant fees

Submit lodgement application

View application fees.

4

Submit a water meter application, if a new meter is required

Follow the process in Water meter connection or disconnection.

5

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within 10 business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

Submit via email, in person or mail
2

Organise your documents

  • Complete and sign a Form 1 - Permit work application for plumbing, drainage and on-site sewerage work.
  • Complete and sign a Form 7 - Notification of responsible person (if known at the time of lodgement).
  • Prepare a copy of the soil classification report.
  • Prepare a copy of the articulation report.
  • Prepare the following plans:
    • 1 x floor plan with scale bar.
    • 1 x site plan with scale bar indicating stub location and rainwater tank.
    • 1 x hydraulic plan with scale bar identifying all fixtures, including ORG, venting, IO's, VS and sub-meter location/installation (as per 2.03 Water Infrastructure Policy(PDF, 354KB) - sub metering guidelines and specifications).

      Unit developments with three or more Class 1a buildings need to prepare: 1 x hydraulic plan with scale bar identifying all fixtures, include ORG, venting, IO's, VS, tempered hot, hot, cold water reticulation and sub-meter location/installation.
3

Submit all documents and pay the relevant fees

Submit all documents either by email, in person or mail. 

View application fees.

4

Submit a water meter application, if a new meter is required

Follow the process in Water meter connection or disconnection.

5

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within 10 business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

Residential unsewered - for properties with on-site sewerage system

Residential unsewered plumbing work applies to properties that are not connected to the sewer network. These properties use an on-site sewerage system to treat and dispose of wastewater on the property. Any plumbing work that connects to or affects this system requires an application.

How to apply

1

Choose to submit your application online or via email, in person or mail

Submit online
2

Organise your documents

  • Complete and sign a Form 1 - Permit work application for plumbing, drainage and on-site sewerage work.
  • Complete and sign a Form 7 - Notification of responsible person (if known at the time of lodgement).
  • Prepare a copy of the soil classification report.
  • Prepare a copy of the articulation report.
  • Prepare information regarding the distance from the land application area to the boundary of the property.
  • Prepare information regarding the distance from the land application area to all impervious surfaces on the premise i.e. concrete paths and paved areas.
  • Prepare a response from Department of Environment and Science (ERA 63).
  • Prepare the following plans:
    • 1 x floor plan with scale bar.
    • 1 x site plan with scale bar indicating rainwater tank.
    • 1 x site and soil report for the on-site sewerage facility proposal.
    • 1x site plans showing the location of the proposed or existing on-site facility, the land application area and all existing structures on the property.
    • 1 x hydraulic plan with scale bar identifying all fixtures, including ORG, venting, IO's, VS and sub-meter location/installation (as per 2.03 Water Infrastructure Policy(PDF, 354KB) - sub metering guidelines and specifications).
3

Complete your online application and pay the relevant fees

Submit lodgement application

View application fees.

4

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within 10 business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

Submit via email, in person or mail
2

Organise your documents

    • Complete and sign a Form 1 - Permit work application for plumbing, drainage and on-site sewerage work.
    • Complete and sign a Form 7 - Notification of responsible person (if known at the time of lodgement).
    • Prepare a copy of the soil classification report.
    • Prepare a copy of the articulation report.
    • Prepare information regarding the distance from the land application area to the boundary of the property.
    • Prepare information regarding the distance from the land application area to all impervious surfaces on the premise i.e. concrete paths and paved areas.
    • Prepare a response from Department of Environment and Science (ERA 63).
    • Prepare the following plans:
      • 1 x floor plan with scale bar.
      • 1 x site plan with scale bar indicating rainwater tank.
      • 1 x site and soil report for the on-site sewerage facility proposal.
      • 1x site plans showing the location of the proposed or existing on-site facility, the land application area and all existing structures on the property.
      • 1 x hydraulic plan with scale bar identifying all fixtures, including ORG, venting, IO's, VS and sub-meter location/installation (as per 2.03 Water Infrastructure Policy(PDF, 354KB) - sub metering guidelines and specifications).
3

Submit all documents and pay the relevant fees

Submit all documents either by email, in person or mail. 

View application fees.

4

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within 10 business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

Commercial sewered - for commercial properties connected to sewer

Commercial sewered plumbing work applies to commercial or non-residential building that are connected to the sewer network. This includes plumbing and drainage work for buildings such as:

  • shops and offices
  • warehouses
  • restaurants and cafes
  • medical and professional suites.

How to apply

1

Choose to submit your application online or via email, in person or mail

Submit online
2

Organise your documents

  • Complete and sign a Form 1 - Permit work application for plumbing, drainage and on-site sewerage work.
  • Complete and sign a Form 7 - Notification of responsible person (if known at the time of lodgement).
  • Prepare a copy of the soil classification report.
  • Prepare a copy of the articulation report.
  • Prepare the following plans:
    • 1 x hydraulic plan with scale bar identifying all fixtures, include ORG, venting, IO's, VS, tempered hot, hot, cold and rainwater.
    • 1 x floor plan with scale bar.
    • 1 x site plan with scale bar indicating stub location and rainwater tank.
    • 1 x architectural drawing and elevations.
    • 1 x civil hydraulics.
    • 1 x stormwater drawings.
3

Complete your online application and pay the relevant fees

Submit lodgement application

View application fees.

4

Complete additional applications if required

If trade waste will be discharged from the property, you will need to submit a trade waste application.

If the property requires a new meter, you will need to apply for a new water meter connection. 

 
5

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within 10 business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

Submit via email, in person or mail
2

Organise your documents

3

Submit all documents and pay the relevant fees

Submit all documents either by email, in person or mail.

View application fees.

4

Complete additional applications if required

If trade waste will be discharged from the property, you will need to submit a trade waste application.

If the property requires a new meter, you will need to apply for a new water meter connection. 

 
5

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within 10 business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

Commercial unsewered - for commercial properties with on-site sewerage system

Commercial unsewered plumbing work applies to businesses and commercial properties that are not connected to the sewer system. These properties must treat and dispose of wastewater on the property using an on-site sewerage system. 

How to apply

1

Choose to submit your application online or via email, in person or mail

Submit online
2

Organise your documents

  • Complete and sign a Form 1 - Permit work application for plumbing, drainage and on-site sewerage work.
  • Complete and sign a Form 7 - Notification of responsible person (if known at the time of lodgement).
  • Prepare a copy of the soil classification report.
  • Prepare a copy of the articulation report.
  • Response from Department of Environment and Science (ERA 63)
  • Prepare the following plans:
    • 1 x hydraulic plan with scale bar identifying all fixtures, include ORG, venting, IO's, VS, tempered hot, hot, cold and rainwater.
    • 1 x floor plan with scale bar.
    • 1 x site plan with scale bar indicating rainwater tank.
    • 1 x architectural drawing and elevations.
    • 1 x civil hydraulics.
    • 1 x stormwater drawings.
    • 1 x site plan and soil report for the on-site sewerage facility proposal.
    • 1 x site plans showing the location of the proposed or existing on-site facility, the land application area and all existing structures on the property
3

Complete your online application and pay the relevant fees

Submit lodgement application

View application fees.

4

Complete additional applications if required

If trade waste will be discharged from the property, you will need to submit a trade waste application.

If the property requires a new meter, you will need to apply for a new water meter connection. 

 
5

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within 10 business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

Submit via email, in person or mail
2

Organise your documents

  • Complete and sign a Form 1 - Permit work application for plumbing, drainage and on-site sewerage work.
  • Complete and sign a Form 7 - Notification of responsible person (if known at the time of lodgement).
  • Prepare a copy of the soil classification report.
  • Prepare a copy of the articulation report.
  • Response from Department of Environment and Science (ERA 63)
  • Prepare the following plans:
    • 1 x hydraulic plan with scale bar identifying all fixtures, include ORG, venting, IO's, VS, tempered hot, hot, cold and rainwater.
    • 1 x floor plan with scale bar.
    • 1 x site plan with scale bar indicating rainwater tank.
    • 1 x architectural drawing and elevations.
    • 1 x civil hydraulics.
    • 1 x stormwater drawings.
    • 1 x site plan and soil report for the on-site sewerage facility proposal.
    • 1 x site plans showing the location of the proposed or existing on-site facility, the land application area and all existing structures on the property
 
3

Submit all documents and pay the relevant fees

Submit all documents either by email, in person or mail.

View application fees.

4

Complete additional applications if required

If trade waste will be discharged from the property, you will need to submit a trade waste application.

If the property requires a new meter, you will need to apply for a new water meter connection. 

 
5

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within 10 business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

Alterations and finals - changes inside an existing building

Alterations and finals apply when you want to alter, move or add plumbing inside an existing building. This includes plumbing and drainage work such as:

  • shop fit outs
  • office fit outs
  • temporary ablution blocks
  • conversion of septic to on-site treatment plant.

How to apply

1

Choose to submit your application online or via email, in person or mail

Submit online
2

Organise your documents

  • Complete and sign a Form 1 - Permit work application for plumbing, drainage and on-site sewerage work.
  • Complete and sign a Form 7 - Notification of responsible person (if known at the time of lodgement).

  • Prepare the following plans:

    • 1 x site plan with scale bar indicating stub location.
    • 1 x floor plan.

    If it is an unsewered site, also provide the following items:

    • 1 x site plan showing the location of the proposed or existing on-site facility, land application area and all existing structures on the property.
    • Site and soil report for the on-site sewerage facility proposal.
    • Engineers design for expansion control of sanitary drainage.
    If it's a shop/office fitout or grease trap, also provide:
    • 1 x site and building layout plan.
3

Complete your online application and pay the relevant fees

Submit lodgement application

View application fees.

4

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within 10 business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

Submit via email, in person or mail
2

Organise your documents

      • Complete and sign a Form 1 - Permit work application for plumbing, drainage and on-site sewerage work.
      • Complete and sign a Form 7 - Notification of responsible person (if known at the time of lodgement).

      • Prepare the following plans:

        • 1 x site plan with scale bar indicating stub location.
        • 1 x floor plan.

        If it is an unsewered site, also provide the following items:

        • 1 x site plan showing the location of the proposed or existing on-site facility, land application area and all existing structures on the property.
        • Site and soil report for the on-site sewerage facility proposal.
        • Engineers design for expansion control of sanitary drainage.
        If it's a shop/office fitout or grease trap, also provide:
        • 1 x site and building layout plan.
3

Submit all documents and pay the relevant fees

Submit all documents either by email, in person or mail. 

View application fees.

4

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within 10 business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

Miscellaneous installation - for other installations

Miscellaneous applications include only one inspection, typically including plumbing and drainage work such as:

  • demountable buildings
  • seal of plumbing and drainage
  • meter installation (sub-meter, water, trade waste).

How to apply

1

Choose to submit your application online or via email, in person or mail

Submit online
2

Organise your documents

3

Complete your online application and pay the relevant fees

Submit lodgement application

View application fees.

4

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within 10 business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

Submit via email, in person or mail
2

Organise your documents

3

Submit all documents and pay the relevant fees

Submit all documents either by email, in person or mail. 

View application fees.

4

We assess your application

Once you submit your application with all required documents and information, we assess the application and issue a permit within 10 business days if all requirements are met. Works cannot commence until a permit is issued.

                         

Key tasks

Apply for fast-track plumbing approval

 

Related information

 

 

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