Your plumber finishes the job and hands you an invoice. But do they hold the right endorsements for the work they just performed? Is their licence a tradesperson registration or a full contractor licence? And did they lodge the compliance certificate your state requires?
Plumbing licences in Australia are not part of a single national system. Each state and territory has its own plumbing regulator, its own licence classes, its own endorsement categories, and its own compliance certificate requirements. With over 7,500 active licensed plumbers listed on TradieVerify across Queensland and the ACT, and data from other states being added regularly, understanding how plumbing licences work is the first step to protecting yourself and your property.
This guide breaks down plumbing licences across all eight Australian jurisdictions so you know exactly what to check before you hire.
Why Plumbing Licences Exist
Plumbing work directly affects your drinking water, your wastewater disposal, and your gas supply. Get it wrong and the consequences range from contaminated water to gas leaks, sewage backflow, and structural water damage. Every Australian state classifies plumbing as regulated work, meaning it is illegal for anyone without a current plumbing licence to carry out plumbing work, whether for payment or not.
No DIY plumbing (with limited exceptions). Unlike painting or basic carpentry, most plumbing work requires a licence. You can replace a tap washer, swap a showerhead, or clear a blocked drain with a plunger. Beyond that, from connecting a new dishwasher to fixing a leaking pipe joint, the work must be done by someone who holds plumbing licences for the relevant scope.
National standards. All plumbing work must comply with AS/NZS 3500, the Plumbing and Drainage Standard, and the Plumbing Code of Australia within the National Construction Code. The AS/NZS 3500 series was updated in April 2025, with all work commenced from 20 October 2025 required to comply with the new edition.
Compliance certificates. After completing plumbing work, a licensed plumber must lodge a compliance certificate with the relevant authority. Without this certificate, you may face problems selling your home, making insurance claims, or passing building inspections.
You can verify any plumber’s licence on TradieVerify’s search page.
Plumbing Endorsements Explained
A plumber does not simply hold a generic “plumbing licence.” Their licence comes with specific endorsements that define what work they can perform. Hiring a plumber without the right endorsement is like hiring a dentist to do heart surgery: technically a doctor, wrong specialisation.
Water Supply
Installation, maintenance, and repair of cold water supply pipes, hot water systems, taps, valves, backflow prevention devices, and water meters. Needed for bathroom installations, hot water replacements, and rainwater tank connections.
Sanitary Plumbing
Fixtures that receive and convey wastewater: toilets, basins, sinks, baths, showers, laundry tubs, and floor wastes. Authorises connections from fixtures to the drainage system. Most residential plumbing jobs involve sanitary work.
Drainage
Below-ground and above-ground drainage pipes connecting sanitary fixtures to the sewer main or on-site treatment system. Includes inspection openings, traps, vents, and sewer connections.
Gasfitting
Installation, testing, and maintenance of gas piping and gas appliances for both natural gas and LPG. In Queensland, gasfitters need both a QBCC licence and a separate RSHQ occupational licence. A plumber without a gasfitting endorsement cannot legally touch your gas cooktop or gas hot water system. See our gasfitter hiring guide for detail.
Roof Plumbing (Stormwater)
Gutters, downpipes, roof flashings, roof coverings, valley gutters, and stormwater drainage from roof to street or on-site disposal. Roof plumbing is a distinct trade in many states. See our roofer hiring guide for detail.
Mechanical Services
Pipework for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, including hydronic heating and evaporative cooling. See our air conditioning technician hiring guide for detail.
Additional Specialist Endorsements
Some states offer further endorsements for specific scopes:
| Endorsement | States | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Backflow prevention | VIC, QLD | Testing and maintaining backflow prevention devices |
| Thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) | VIC, QLD | Testing TMVs for safe water temperature delivery |
| Fire protection | QLD, VIC, NSW | Fire sprinkler systems, hydrants, hose reels |
| On-site sewage maintenance | QLD | Maintaining septic and on-site sewage systems |
What this means for you: When you call a plumber, describe the job clearly. Ask whether it falls within their endorsements. A plumber with water supply and sanitary endorsements cannot do your gas work. A roof plumber may not handle your blocked sewer line.
Journeyperson vs Contractor: A Critical Distinction
This is the most misunderstood aspect of plumbing licences, and it directly affects the protection you receive as a homeowner. There are two levels of plumbing licence in every state, and the difference matters.
Journeyperson (Tradesperson / Registered Plumber)
A journeyperson holds a Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420) and is registered at the base level. They can perform plumbing work but must work under a licensed contractor’s supervision. They cannot contract for work independently, advertise services, or sign off on completed work. In the NT, this is called “Journeyman Registration.” In NSW, it is called a “Tradesperson Certificate.”
Contractor (Licensed Plumber)
A contractor holds a Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920) plus additional business units. They can operate independently, enter contracts, run a plumbing business, supervise others, and issue compliance certificates. They bear legal responsibility for all work performed under their supervision.
| Journeyperson | Contractor | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Cert III in Plumbing | Cert IV in Plumbing and Services |
| Can perform plumbing work | Yes, under supervision | Yes, independently |
| Can contract for work | No | Yes |
| Can issue compliance certificates | No | Yes |
| Can supervise apprentices | No (in most states) | Yes |
| Legal liability for work | Supervisor bears responsibility | Bears full responsibility |
What this means for you: If you are hiring a plumber to come to your home and do work, the person quoting the job should hold a contractor licence. A journeyperson working without contractor supervision is operating outside their licence conditions. Always confirm the licence level when you verify on TradieVerify or with the state regulator.
State-by-State Plumbing Licensing Guide
Each state has its own plumbing regulator. In several states, the plumbing regulator is a different body from the building regulator, which is not the case for most other trades. This is important because searching the wrong register will not find your plumber’s licence.
Queensland (QBCC)
Regulator: Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) Licensing threshold: $3,300 (including GST) Active plumbers on TradieVerify: 6,526
QBCC manages plumbing licences alongside all building trade licences. Categories include Plumbing (Trade Contractor), Plumbing and Drainage, and specialist categories for fire protection, mechanical services, and roofing. Gasfitting requires both a QBCC licence and a separate RSHQ occupational licence. Queensland uses a Form 4/4A inspection system with local council inspections at specified stages. Penalties for unlicensed plumbing work reach $71,610 for individuals.
Victoria (VBA)
Regulator: Victorian Building Authority (VBA), transitioning to the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) from 1 July 2025 Active plumbers on TradieVerify: Coming soon
Victoria has the most granular plumbing registration system in Australia. Plumbers register in specific classes (water supply, sanitary, drainage, gasfitting, roofing, mechanical services) and can hold multiple classes on a single registration. Compliance certificates are required for all plumbing work valued over $750 (including GST), lodged within five business days. This is the lowest threshold in Australia.
New South Wales (Fair Trading)
Regulator: NSW Fair Trading (now under Building Commission NSW) Active plumbers on TradieVerify: Coming soon
NSW uses a three-tier system: Tradesperson Certificate (journeyperson), Individual Contractor Licence, and Endorsed Contractor Licence (combines contractor and qualified supervisor). Work categories include plumbing, fire protection, urban irrigation, draining, and gasfitting. A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is required for all plumbing and drainage work.
Western Australia (Plumbers Licensing Board)
Regulator: Plumbers Licensing Board (under Building and Energy, DMIRS) Active plumbers on TradieVerify: Coming soon
WA has a dedicated Plumbers Licensing Board separate from the Building Services Board that regulates builders. Contractors must submit a Notice of Intention at least 24 hours before starting work (except emergencies) and lodge a Certificate of Compliance within five working days of completion. Contractors bear legal responsibility for all plumbing work for six years.
South Australia (OTR / CBS)
Regulator: Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) for technical regulation, Consumer and Business Services (CBS) for licensing Active plumbers on TradieVerify: Coming soon
SA splits plumbing regulation between two bodies: OTR handles technical standards and compliance, CBS handles licence applications and renewals. SA uses an electronic Certificate of Compliance (eCoC) system, lodged within seven days.
ACT (Access Canberra)
Regulator: Access Canberra (Construction Occupations Registrar) Active plumbers on TradieVerify: 1,031
The ACT registers plumbers under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004. Licence categories include plumber, drainer, gasfitter, and plumbing plan certifier. Access Canberra maintains a public register for licence verification.
Tasmania (CBOS)
Regulator: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) Active plumbers on TradieVerify: Coming soon
CBOS manages plumbing licensing and maintains the register. Tasmania issues Certificates of Water and Sewerage Compliance for notifiable and permit work.
Northern Territory (Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board)
Regulator: Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board Active plumbers on TradieVerify: Coming soon
The NT has a dedicated Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board, separate from the building regulator. Two tiers: Journeyman Registration (works under supervision) and Advanced Tradesman Licence (contracts independently and supervises).
State-by-State Comparison Table
| State | Plumbing Regulator | Licence System | Compliance Certificate | Active on TradieVerify | Verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | QBCC | Trade Contractor + endorsements | Form 4/4A (council inspection) | 6,526 | Browse |
| VIC | VBA (BPC from July 2025) | Registered Plumber + class endorsements | Compliance certificate ($750+, 5 days) | Coming soon | Browse |
| NSW | Fair Trading / Building Commission | Tradesperson / Contractor / Endorsed Contractor | CoC (before final inspection) | Coming soon | Browse |
| WA | Plumbers Licensing Board (DMIRS) | Licensed Plumber / Plumbing Contractor | CoC (5 working days) | Coming soon | Browse |
| SA | OTR + CBS | Licensed Plumber | eCoC (7 days) | Coming soon | Browse |
| ACT | Access Canberra | Plumber / Drainer / Gasfitter | Certificate of Compliance | 1,031 | Browse |
| TAS | CBOS | Licensed Plumber | Water & Sewerage Compliance Cert | Coming soon | Browse |
| NT | Plumbers & Drainers Licensing Board | Journeyman / Advanced Tradesman | Per licensing board requirements | Coming soon | Browse |
Compliance Certificates: Your Proof of Legal Work
After completing plumbing work, your plumber must lodge a compliance certificate with the relevant authority. This is a legal requirement in every state and failure to provide one is an offence. The certificate confirms the work complies with AS/NZS 3500 and the Plumbing Code of Australia.
Victoria has the strictest threshold at $750 (including GST), meaning even replacing a tap set triggers the requirement. Western Australia requires both a Notice of Intention before work begins and a Certificate of Compliance within five working days. South Australia uses an electronic system (eCoC) for easier verification.
What this means for you: Always ask for your compliance certificate. If your plumber does not lodge one, contact your state’s plumbing regulator. Without it, you may face problems with insurance claims, property sales, and building inspections.
What Happens If You Use an Unlicensed Plumber
Using an unlicensed plumber creates legal consequences for the worker and practical consequences for you.
Penalties for unlicensed plumbing work vary by state but are significant. Queensland penalties reach $71,610 for individuals. NSW penalties can exceed $110,000 for companies.
Consequences for you as the homeowner:
- No compliance certificate, meaning no proof the work meets Australian Standards
- Home insurance may refuse claims related to plumbing faults from unlicensed work
- Failed building inspections, delaying renovations or property sales
- No access to state dispute resolution or fair trading complaints processes
- Contaminated water supply or sewage issues creating health risks
- Undisclosed unlicensed work creates legal liability if you sell the property
How to Verify a Plumber’s Licence
Verifying plumbing licences takes less than two minutes and should be done before you agree to any work.
Step 1: Ask for their licence number. Any legitimate licensed plumber will provide this without hesitation. If someone refuses or makes excuses, walk away.
Step 2: Search on TradieVerify. Visit TradieVerify’s search page to search across multiple state registers in one place. You can browse plumbers by state: QLD or ACT.
Step 3: Check the details. Confirm the licence is current, covers your work type (check endorsements), matches the business name on the quote, and shows a contractor-level licence.
Step 4: Verify with the state regulator. QBCC (QLD), VBA (VIC), Fair Trading (NSW), Plumbers Licensing Board (WA), Access Canberra (ACT).
Step 5: Confirm endorsements. A plumber with water supply and sanitary endorsements cannot legally perform gasfitting or roof plumbing work. Verify endorsements cover your specific job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What endorsements should my plumber hold for bathroom work?
For a standard bathroom renovation, your plumber needs water supply and sanitary endorsements at minimum. If drainage is being relocated, they need a drainage endorsement too. If a gas hot water system is involved, a gasfitting endorsement or separate licensed gasfitter is required. Check endorsements on the plumber’s licence record through TradieVerify.
What is the difference between a journeyperson and a contractor plumber?
A journeyperson holds a Certificate III in Plumbing and can perform work under supervision, but cannot contract independently or issue compliance certificates. A contractor holds a Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services and can operate a business, enter contracts, and bear full legal responsibility. When hiring, ensure the person quoting holds a contractor licence.
Do plumbing licences transfer between states?
Not automatically. Each state requires separate licensing. Mutual recognition arrangements, including the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme, allow plumbers to apply for equivalent licensing without repeating qualifications. However, they must be approved by the destination state’s regulator before starting work. Always verify licensing in the state where your property is located.
Should I receive a compliance certificate after plumbing work?
Always. Your plumber must lodge a compliance certificate confirming work meets AS/NZS 3500 and the Plumbing Code of Australia. Victoria requires this for work over $750. WA requires both a Notice of Intention before work and a Certificate of Compliance within five days. If your plumber does not provide one, contact your state’s plumbing regulator.
Can I do any plumbing work myself?
Very limited work. You can replace a tap washer, swap a showerhead, clear a blocked drain with a plunger, and connect a washing machine to existing taps. You cannot solder pipe joints, replace pipe sections, connect new fixtures to water supply or drainage, or do any gas work. States impose significant fines for unlicensed plumbing work.
Why does WA have a separate Plumbers Licensing Board?
WA, SA, and the NT all have plumbing regulators that are separate from their building regulators. WA’s Plumbers Licensing Board sits within DMIRS but operates independently from the Building Services Board. Plumbing is regulated separately because it is a public health function affecting water quality and sanitation, not just a construction function.
Key Takeaways
- Plumbing licences are state-based. Each state has its own plumbing regulator, and in WA, SA, and the NT, this is a different body from the building regulator. There is no single national plumbing licence.
- Check endorsements, not just the licence. A plumber’s endorsements (water supply, sanitary, drainage, gasfitting, roof plumbing) define what work they can legally perform. The wrong endorsement means the work is effectively unlicensed.
- Confirm contractor vs journeyperson. For independent work at your home, the plumber should hold a contractor licence, not just a tradesperson registration. A journeyperson must work under contractor supervision.
- Demand your compliance certificate. Your plumber must lodge a compliance certificate after every job. This is a legal requirement in every state.
- Verify before you hire. Search for your plumber on TradieVerify or with the relevant state regulator before any work begins.
With over 7,500 licensed plumbers verified across Queensland and the ACT, and data from additional states being added, finding a qualified plumber starts with a simple licence check. Search for a licensed plumber in your area on TradieVerify and verify their credentials before your next plumbing project.
Related Guides
- How to Hire a Licensed Plumber — Our plumber hiring guide
- How to Check a Tradesperson’s Licence — Our licence verification guide
- How to Hire a Licensed Gasfitter — Our gasfitter hiring guide
Sources
- Victorian Building Authority: Plumbing Registration and Licensing, https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/registration-and-licensing/plumbing-registration-and-licensing
- NSW Fair Trading: Plumbers and Drainers, https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/trades-and-businesses/construction-and-trade-essentials/plumbers-and-drainers
- QBCC: Plumbing and Drainage Licences, https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/licences/apply-licence/available-licences/plumbing-drainage-licences
- WA Government: Information and Obligations for Licensed Plumbers, https://www.wa.gov.au/government/multi-step-guides/information-and-obligations-licensed-plumbers
- SA Office of the Technical Regulator: Plumbing Trades, https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/industry/regulatory-services/office-of-the-technical-regulator/plumbing-trades
- Standards Australia: AS/NZS 3500 Series (2025 Updates), https://www.standards.org.au/
- Tasmania CBOS: Plumbing Licences, https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/licensing-and-registration/licensed-occupations/plumbing
- NT Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board, https://plumberslicensing.nt.gov.au/licensing