Andrew John Harland — Licensed Plumber (New South Wales)
Licence Details
| Licence Number | 211926C |
|---|---|
| Licence Class | Water Plumber |
| Status | Expired |
| Issue Date | 30 January 2009 |
| Expiry Date | 29 January 2026 |
| Source | NSW_FT |
This data is sourced from public government registers and may not reflect real-time changes. Always confirm licence details with NSW Fair Trading directly. Full disclaimer.
What a Plumber Licence Means in New South Wales
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair the water supply, hot water, drainage, gas fitting, and sewerage systems that keep Australian homes and businesses running. From unblocking a kitchen drain to replacing an ageing hot water system or roughing-in pipework for a new bathroom, a licensed plumber ensures every connection meets the Plumbing Code of Australia and relevant state regulations. Homeowners most commonly need a plumber for leaking taps, burst pipes, toilet repairs, hot water unit replacements, and backflow prevention device testing. Because faulty plumbing can cause water damage, health risks from sewage, and even gas leaks, all regulated plumbing work in Australia must be carried out by a licensed professional who can issue a compliance certificate on completion.
Plumber Licence Types in New South Wales
- Plumbing Contractor Licence — Authorises the holder to contract to do plumbing and drainage work
- Plumber, Drainer & Gasfitter Licence — Combined licence for plumbing, drainage, and gas fitting work
- Tradesperson Certificate — Plumber — Allows the holder to carry out plumbing work under a contractor licence holder
Requirements
- Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420 or equivalent)
- Completed 4-year apprenticeship
- Supervisor Certificate or equivalent experience
- Home Building Compensation Fund cover for residential work over $20,000
- Public liability insurance
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Carrying out unlicensed plumbing work in NSW can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals and $330,000 for corporations, plus potential imprisonment.
Exemptions
- Replacing a tap washer, jumper valve, or shower head
- Clearing a blocked drain with a hand plunger
- Connecting or disconnecting a washing machine or dishwasher to existing fixtures
- Minor maintenance not involving the alteration of water supply or drainage
Hiring a Licensed Plumber in NSW
Before hiring any plumber in New South Wales, use this five-point checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.
- Ask about their backflow prevention accreditation — If you need annual backflow device testing — required by most water authorities — confirm the plumber holds a current backflow prevention accreditation, as not every licensed plumber is endorsed to test and certify these devices.
- Check whether they cover both water and drainage — In several states, plumbing and drainage are separate licence classes. A plumber licensed for water supply work may not be licensed for sewer and stormwater drainage, so confirm their licence covers the type of work you need.
- Confirm they will issue a compliance certificate — Licensed plumbers are required to lodge a compliance certificate with the relevant authority for regulated work. Ask upfront whether they will provide one — it is your proof the job was done to code.
- Ask who supplies the fixtures and fittings — Some plumbers mark up materials significantly. Ask whether you can supply your own WaterMark-certified tapware and fittings, or get a separate materials quote so you can compare retail prices.
- Verify they carry specialist tools for your job — Jobs like CCTV drain inspections, pipe relining, or thermostatic mixing valve testing require specialist equipment. Ask whether the plumber owns this gear or will subcontract, as subcontracting can add cost and delay.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Refuses to provide a compliance certificate — A licensed plumber is legally required to lodge a compliance certificate for regulated work. Refusal or claims that "it's not necessary for this job" when the work clearly involves new pipework or fixture installation suggests the tradesperson may not be properly licensed.
- No WaterMark-certified products — All plumbing products installed in Australia must carry the WaterMark certification. If a plumber proposes using uncertified imported fittings to save money, the installation will not comply with the Plumbing Code and could void your insurance.
- Cannot explain the drainage plan — For any work involving sewer or stormwater connections, a competent plumber should be able to explain how waste will flow, where vents are located, and how the work ties into existing drains. Vague answers suggest a lack of planning that can lead to blocked drains or failed inspections.
Typical Plumber Costs in New South Wales
| Hourly Rate | $85 – $135 |
|---|---|
| Callout Fee | $65 – $105 |
| Fix leaking tap or replace washers | $85 – $210 |
| Install or replace hot water system | $1260 – $3675 |
| Unblock drain (standard) | $105 – $370 |
Your Rights — Complaints & Disputes in New South Wales
NSW Fair Trading
How to Lodge a Complaint
- 1 Write to the tradesperson describing the problem and requesting a solution within a reasonable time (14–21 days)
- 2 If unresolved, lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading online or by calling 13 32 20
- 3 Fair Trading will assess your complaint and may contact the tradesperson on your behalf