Unlicensed plumbing and drainage

You cannot install plumbing or drainage yourself

Under Queensland law, property owners are not permitted to install or alter plumbing and drainage systems themselves. All plumbing and drainage work must be carried out by a licensed plumber and drainer.

What you must do

  • Engage a licensed plumber and drainer for any installation, repair, or modification.
  • Obtain the necessary permits from Fraser Coast Regional Council before work begins.
  • Ensure all work complies with the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 and relevant codes.
  • Verify your plumber’s licence through the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) register.

What happens if you don’t comply

  • Illegal work will be identified during inspections or investigations.
  • Council may issue enforcement notices requiring you to:
    • Remove all non-compliant plumbing and drainage work.
    • Reinstall correctly using a licensed professional and approved permits.
  • Failure to comply can lead to further enforcement action, including legal proceedings and additional costs.

The cost of non-compliance

  • Removing illegal plumbing and drainage can be expensive, often costing thousands of dollars.
  • You will also need to pay for:
    • Licensed plumber fees.
    • Permit application fees.
    • Additional inspections to confirm compliance.
  • Insurance claims may be denied if unlicensed work is found on your property.

Why this matters

Illegal plumbing can:

  • Contaminate drinking water.
  • Cause environmental harm.
  • Create serious health risks for your household and community.

Unlicensed work also undermines safety standards and can void insurance coverage for your property.

Key takeaways

  • Do not attempt plumbing work yourself - it’s against the law.
  • Always hire a licensed plumber and drainer.
  • Obtain council permits before starting work.
  • Non-compliance will result in removal, costly rectification and possibly legal action.

Strict penalties apply for:

  • Unlicensed plumbing work.
  • Offences that endanger health and safety.

Maximum penalties for unlicensed work align with similar offences under Queensland’s building laws, ensuring consistency across legislation. Penalties can include significant fines (up to tens of thousands of dollars) and, in severe cases, prosecution.

For more information, contact a licensed plumbing professional or the Fraser Coast Regional Council Plumbing Department. You can also visit the QBCC website to verify licences and learn more about compliance requirements.

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