Legal Restrictions

With the exception of minor work, for example, changing tap washers and unblocking spouting, all plumbing work and repairs and sanitary plumbing in New Zealand must be carried out by a licensed registered plumber. This is for health and safety reasons – a wrong plumbing connection could have serious consequences to your health and an incorrectly plumbed in hot water cylinder could have major implications and could even result in your house being destroyed.

Plumbers in New Zealand are licensed by the New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. Plumbers are required to have a current license and you should always ask to see their license.

Insurance

Also be aware that some insurance companies may not cover your house if you do the work yourself. Any work done which requires a building consent and where a building consent has not been issued will also void your insurance policy – installing a a new fire yourself is a prime example of this. Check your insurance policy and perhaps even contact your insurer and tell them what you are planning to do and make sure that there are no restrictions on your home insurance policy.

Local Council

Before tackling any major DIY Plumbing work in your home – contact your local council and ask their advice – find out if the work being undertaken does in fact require a building consent. Your local council should be your first place of call when thinking about DIY in your home. Licensed plumbers will not carry out work which requires a consent when a consent has not been issued. A building consent carries the name and registration number of the plumber who will be used on the project and he is responsible for certifying that the work is carried out to an acceptable legal standard. This work will also often be inspected by the local council building inspector.

Your Local Plumber

Your local plumber may be willing to oversee your work and can offer you helpful advice and suggestions.

You may be able to undertake some of the preparatory work such as exposing pipes and wastes for your plumber, however we would recommend that you use a plumber for major DIY work, as they are trained professionals and know all of the regulations and Building Code requirements.