Endorsed plumbers and drainlayers: step-by-step guide to self-certifying plumbing and drainlaying

Before self-certifying, the plumber or drainlayer must hold a self-certification endorsement from the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board (the Board), as well as the appropriate practising licence. They must only self-certify plumbing and drainlaying that is eligible for the scheme.

Step 1: Self-certification eligibility

Before agreeing to self-certify, the plumber or drainlayer confirms that:

• the building is less than three storeys and not an apartment
• the plumbing or drainlaying falls within the definition of self-certifiable work
• the work isn't specifically excluded
• the work is designed in accordance with an applicable Acceptable Solution or Verification Method (unless it is a qualifying on-site system).

Need help? Use Determine whether your plumbing and drainlaying can be self-certified guide to determine whether the work can be self-certified

Step 2: Building consent is reviewed

The endorsed plumber or drainlayer checks that:

• the plumbing and/or drainlaying intended to be self-certified is identified on the issued building consent
• the plans and specifications clearly show the scope of the self-certifiable work
• it is clear which work will be self-certified and which work will be inspected by the BCA.

Only plumbing and drainlaying work identified as self-certifiable on the building consent can be self-certified.

Step 3: Work is undertaken

The endorsed plumber or drainlayer undertakes, assists with, or supervises the work in accordance with:

• the building consent
• the Building Code
• applicable Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods
• any conditions of their endorsement.

Inspections, testing and quality assurance are undertaken throughout construction. The endorsed plumber or drainlayer holds the responsibility and liability for plumbing and drainlaying they self-certify.

Step 4: Endorsed plumber or drainlayer discusses any changes

If the work needs to change during construction they:

• discuss the change with the owner or their agent
• identify whether a minor variation or building consent amendment may be required
• check if the change is still eligible for self-certification
• stop work if necessary until approval has been obtained.

Self-certification does not create a separate process for design changes.

Step 5: Testing and verification is completed

Before self-certifying, the endorsed plumber or drainlayer:

• inspects completed work
• completes required testing
• gathers supporting documentation
• prepares any required as-built information.

The endorsed plumber or drainlayer must be satisfied the work complies with the building consent before issuing a certificate of compliance.

Step 6: A certificate of compliance is issued

The endorsed plumber or drainlayer issues a certificate of compliance and supporting documentation.

This includes:

• details of the work completed
• testing records
• photographs
• supporting information documentation required by the regulations.

Step 7: Certificate of compliance is provided

Within 10 working days of completing the work, the endorsed plumber or drainlayer provides the certificate of compliance to:

• the owner
• the building consent authority
• the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board.

Find out more about issuing certificates of compliance

Step 8: Code compliance certificate process

The certificate of compliance forms part of the code compliance certificate application.

The endorsed plumber or drainlayer must retain records in case the Board requests them as part of an audit or investigation.

Self-certification is optional. If plumbing and drainlaying work does not require a building consent, it is not eligible for the scheme. This is because self-certification removes the need for building consent authority (BCA) inspections for eligible work listed on the building consent as self-certifiable.