Self-certifiable plumbing and drainlaying in a building consent application

Owners can choose whether to have their project's plumbing and drainlaying either: 

•  self-certified by an endorsed plumber or drainlayer
•  inspected by a building consent authority (BCA). 

Building consents can have a mixture of both: 

• self-certifiable plumbing and drainlaying 
• plumbing and drainlaying that follow the standard building consent inspections process. 

Only plumbers and drainlayers endorsed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board can self-certify.  

When you apply for a building consent

You still need to: 

• apply for a building consent when required 
• provide plans and information that show Building Code compliance
• identify in the building consent application who will carry out self-certifiable plumbing or drainlaying work, if known 
• list in the building consent application what eligible work you are proposing to be self-certified. 

BCAs assess the building consent application in the usual way.  

Before building work starts

Before plumbing and drainlaying work starts, you must notify the BCA of who the endorsed plumber or drainlayer is. 

Decide if you want to use self-certification 

If your project includes self-certifiable plumbing and drainlaying: 

• the plumber or drainlayer must be endorsed to self-certify
• it must be the type of work eligible for self-certification  
• the endorsed plumber or drainlayer's certificate of compliance must be provided when work is completed instead of a BCA inspection 
• the BCA uses the certificate of compliance as evidence the self-certified plumbing and drainlaying work complies with the building consent. 

Search the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board register to check self-certification endorsement – pgdb.co.nz 

Find out more about certificates of compliance

Check what plumbing and drainlaying work can be self-certified

The self-certification scheme only applies to eligible plumbing and drainlaying work. 

The work must meet the eligibility requirements for the scheme, including limits on building height and design requirements. 

Check what plumbing and drainlaying can be self-certified

Changes during construction 

If the scope of work changes:

• some work may no longer be eligible for self-certification
• BCA inspections may then be required. 

It is important to discuss changes early with your plumber or drainlayer, as well as the BCA. 

Benefits of self-certification

• Potentially faster projects.
• Fewer required BCA inspections.
• Fewer inspection delays.
• Clear responsibility for certified work.