Skip to main content

Plumbing and drainage

Link copied

Learn about plumbing and drainage work and permits. Access drainage and as-constructed hydraulic plans.

Plumber crouching down to inspect under sink pipes in a modern, white, domestic kitchen.

What is a plumbing permit?

A plumbing permit is an official approval issued by Council that allows you to carry out plumbing permit work. 

Any permit work must be carried out by a licensed plumber.

When you need a plumbing permit

You need a permit for any plumbing and drainage work outside of:

  • notifiable work
  • unregulated work
  • minor work.

Permit work must:

  • be completed by a licensed plumber or drainer
  • comply with current legislative requirements and regulations.

To find out if a plumber or drainer has a valid licence, check the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) Plumbing and Drainage Licensee Register or phone the QBCC on 13 93 33.

When you don't need a plumbing permit

You don’t need a permit for unregulated, minor or notifiable work. However, some works may require the help of a licensed plumber.

You don’t need a licensed plumber for unregulated plumbing and drainage work. However, it must meet the minimum standards and comply with any codes and legislation.

Unregulated work includes:

  • replacing a shower head or domestic water filter cartridge
  • replacing a jumper valve or washer in a tap
  • repairing or replacing a drop valve washer, float valve washer, or suction cup rubber in a toilet cistern
  • replacing caps to ground level inspection openings on a sanitary plan
  • cleaning or maintaining a ground level grate for a trap on a sanitary drain
  • installing or maintaining an irrigation or lawn watering system downstream from a tap, isolating valve, or backflow prevention device on the supply pipe for the watering system
  • repairing or maintaining an irrigation system for the disposal of effluent from a greywater use facility or onsite sewage facility.

Minor work must be carried out by a licensed plumber.

Minor work includes:

  • unblocking sanitary plumbing or drainage
  • repairing a broken or damaged pipe
  • maintaining or repairing an apparatus
  • installing, replacing, repairing or removing an apparatus other than:
    • a dual check valve with atmospheric port, or 
    • a temperature control device, or 
    • a testable backflow prevention device, or 
    • a water heater  
  • maintaining, repairing, replacing or removing a fitting or fixture
  • maintaining or repairing a greywater use facility or an on-site sewage facility, other than repairing or maintaining an irrigation system for the disposal of effluent from the facility
  • installing a greywater diversion device
  • maintaining, repairing or replacing a fire hydrant or fire hose reel, unless schedule 3, section 2 applies to the work 
  • sealing a supply pipe downstream from the water meter for a class 1 or 10 building or structure 
  • installing, removing, or replacing an automatic switching device for a rainwater tank.

Notifiable work is mostly undertaken in existing buildings. It includes the installation of new fixtures in bathrooms and kitchen renovations.

Notifiable work must be carried out by a licensed plumber. Your plumber must notify the QBCC that the work is complete. They can do this by submitting a Form 4 to the QBCC.

You can find out if your work is notifiable using the QBCC notifiable work questionnaire. 

Read the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019 to learn more about unregulated, minor and notifiable work.

Applying for a plumbing permit

The nature of your proposed works will determine which plumbing permit forms you need to submit.  

There are different applications for residential, commercial and onsite sewage facility works.

Learn more about plumbing permit applications and the forms you need to lodge before you start any work.

More information

For more information about plumbing, contact Council on:

Copies of plans and working with sewers and drains

Sewerage and drainage are part of any major residential or commercial building project.

Drainage plans (dwelling houses) and as-constructed hydraulic plans (commercial or multi-dwellings) show the in-ground private sanitary drainage within a property that connects plumbing fixtures within the building to a sewer connection or on-site sewerage facility.

Drainage plans for dwelling houses do not show water supply or stormwater drainage.

As-constructed hydraulic plans for other types of buildings may be requested for commercial premises with a large number of historic approvals or when only a specific section of a plan is being sought. A viewing appointment can be arranged with Council where selected copies may be purchased.

To purchase copies of existing drainage plans or as-constructed hydraulic plans, or to make an appointment to view available plans, phone Council on 07 3403 8888.

Virtual drainage plan viewings

Council offers the option of virtual drainage plan viewings. Virtual viewings are conducted remotely by an officer from Council’s Plumbing Services team.

Download the guide on how to book and attend a virtual drainage plan viewing.

Note, fees apply for virtual drainage plan viewings.

Sewer connection

To find out if your property has a sewer connection, phone Urban Utilities on 13 26 57.

Trade waste

Visit the Urban Utilities website to confirm if your proposed works involve trade waste.

Council plumbing information

Plumbing fees and charges

Check the current fees and charges for plumbing and drainage work and applications.

Estimate fees
White plumbing pipes on a dark brown, wood background.

Backflow prevention devices and sewage facilities

Be aware of your maintenance responsibilities if you have a backflow prevention device or onsite sewage facility.

Find out more
A blue-coloured backflow prevention device on a domestic property.. Some evidence of rust and weathering.

Research a property before starting works

Access information on sewers and drains, book plumbing inspections and request copies of plans.

Learn more
Queenslander on Shorncliffe Parade. Viewed from street frontage.