When can you do your own plumbing work? It’s a question asked when plumbing jobs mount up and the budget is tight.
While it can be tempting to fix a few plumbing jobs around your house, plumbing is a licensed trade. Only those with a license should be conducting plumbing work.
A plumbing license ensures the work is done to a standard to protect the health of yourself, your family and the community. The right water has to go through the correct channels.
With that said, there are plumbing jobs which you can do yourself. These minor repairs won’t land you in hot water. However, they could change at any time and each local council, shire and state will have relevant laws which may differ.
Using the correct tools and know-how, you can save some cash for the future call out when a licensed plumber is your only option.
What plumbing jobs can you DIY?
- Replace floor grates in bathrooms
- Update toilet seat with new
- Remove and install a new drop valve washer into the toilet cistern
- Replace jumper valves or tap washers in taps
- Update showerhead (before you do that, clean it with this hack!)
- Replace a residential water filter
- Clear an ORG by hand or mop
- Clear basin, shower, sink drain using natural methods
- Clean and clear a blocked gutter, downpipe or garden storm water grate
- Maintain irrigation system downstream from isolation tap
- Turning water on and off to hot water unit and at the water meter
- Change tap buttons, handles and flanges on hob mounted taps
- Connect hoses from washing machine to existing hot and cold taps. Do check your warranty on new washing machines and dishwashers before installation though.
What can happen if your disregard the plumbing laws in your state?
If you decide to do your own plumbing without a license, it’s important to consider the consequences.
- Any damage caused from your installation can not be claimed with insurance. They too are governed by the laws in place.
- Appliance warranty will be voided.
- Loss of time cleaning up the mess. Costs of replacement and installation to fix damage.
- Mismatched materials if existing flooring or cabinetry is no longer available.
- Minimum $32,000 fine when unlicensed work is identified under Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018.
- Delay in the sale of a property when conveyancing checks find unlicensed work due to change in lodged plans versus existing site plan.
When to call a Licensed Plumber
If you need to touch pipework, change drain positions, connect into a water line or install a new appliance, these must be done by a licensed plumber. There are no exceptions.
The best way to get all those niggling plumbing jobs done is to make a list and get them fixed in one call out.
As much as the list of what plumbing you can do, may look simple, often it can be less time consuming getting a plumber to do them for you. Especially tap washers or the drop valve washer in a cistern. Not all cisterns have the same configurations and you could waste time and money getting the wrong part or installing it incorrectly.
Other posts to check out
- How to identify DIY Plumbing in a house you’re about to purchase
- Please don’t ask your plumber to do this – Unlicensed Plumbing
- How to make the most out of your Plumber’s Call Out Fee
