What plumbing and drainlaying work can be self-certified

If plumbing and drainlaying does not need a building consent, it cannot be self-certified.

Check what plumbing and drainlaying does not need building consent

Plumbing and drainlaying that can be self-certified

All plumbing and drainlaying still needs to comply with the Building Code.

To meet self-certification scheme requirements, eligible plumbing and drainlaying must:

• be in buildings with no more than three storeys
• not be in apartment buildings
• be designed to an Acceptable Solution or Verification Method
• for on-site systems – use a different compliance method only if no Acceptable Solution or Verification Method exists. 

Find out more about Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods

About on-site systems

An on-site system manages water independently and is not connected to public water or wastewater services operated by a network utility operator (NUO).

This includes systems that circulate, dispose of, store, supply, pump or reuse water, as well as irrigation systems.

If there is no available Acceptable Solution or Verification Method for an on-site system, the on-site system can be self-certified using a different compliance method.  

Plumbing and drainlaying that cannot be self-certified

Plumbing and drainlaying work cannot be self-certified if it is:

• in buildings taller than three storeys
• in apartment buildings
• civil works, such as underground plumbing and drainlaying systems that service public infrastructure
• in a shared wall or penetrates a fire separation
• an alternative solution, unless it is for an on-site system.

Find out more about alternative solutions

Use this infographic to see if your plumbing and drainlaying work is eligible for self-certification:

Determine whether your plumbing and drainlaying can be self-certified [PDF 233KB]