What's happening?
From 1 July 2012, NSW Fair Trading has become the state’s plumbing and drainage regulator.
Since March 2010 Fair Trading has carried out onsite plumbing inspections in Sydney, Illawarra and Blue Mountains area under contract from Sydney Water. A new Act has now transferred these responsibilities to Fair Trading who will also carry out onsite inspections in the Newcastle (Hunter Water) region from 1 July 2012.
Note: If you are a plumber or drainer in regional NSW you should continue to contact your local council.
For the period 1 July 2012 to 1 January 2013, local governments will retain their current regulatory powers. However, the NSW Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage will no longer be the technical standard - it will be replaced by the Plumbing Code of Australia which also calls up the Australian Standard 3500
Go to the Plumbing code and standards page on the Fair Trading website for more information on the new standards.
What type of work should be book for an inspection?
By law, you must book an inspection for all work covered by a Notice of Work (NoW).
Work you must book an inspection for includes:
• all external drainage including the point of connection to the Network Utility Operator's sewer
• all internal drainage
• alterations and additions to existing drainage
• work that did not comply in any earlier inspections
• any work on an alternative water supply system (for example recycled water plumbing, greywater/blackwater treatment systems)
• any work on rainwater tank systems with plumbing installed for household use
• when the work is complete (ie. a final inspection).
When must I book an inspection?
Inspections are generally required when:
• drainage work is finished and before backfilling or covering the installation
• a connection to a NUO sewer main is finished and before backfilling
• Fair Trading requests an inspection, ie. when there is a need for re-inspection or for an inspection of non-compliant work.
In certain circumstances an inspection may be carried out at any time during the installation process. For instance when sanitary plumbing is finished and before the premises are occupied (the final inspection).
For more information about the Plumbing Reforms and requirements go to NSW Fair Trading web site here or you can send an enquiry to piasstrategy@services.nsw.gov.au
Related information;
• NSW Legislation
- Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011
- Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2012
• Australian Building Codes Board
- Building Code of Australia 2012 (Vol 1 & 2)
- Plumbing Code of Australia 2012 (Vol 3)
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