Plumbing laws help protect and improve the health, safety and well-being of Tasmanians.
You need a permit from the council permit authority unless the described work is low-risk or medium-risk (notifiable work) under the Building Regulations 2016 (external link).
Work you can do without a permit
If you are an owner of a building that needs work, you can do the following work on your own home only, use a non-licensed qualified contractor or contract a licensed plumber (Category 1).
- repair and or replace tapware, shower heads or shower hoses (like for like) except for vegetable spray mixers and shower spray on hoses
- replace domestic water filter cartridge (like for like)
- replace potable water tanks (like for like) using the same pumps, connections and pipework
- put in a household or commercial irrigation and lawn watering system (connected to a network utilities reticulated water supply)
- remove and replace caps to ground level inspection openings for sewage or stormwater drains or grates on stormwater pits and channels
- unblock toilets, showers or other plumbing fixtures with a handheld plunger
Important note: Doing plumbing work that is not listed in Category 1 must be done by a licensed plumber. Penalties apply for unlicensed work.
A Plumbing Permit is also required for plumbing work in:
- Hazardous areas (including landslip-prone areas)
- If there special requirements of a locality, including:
- combined drainage area and the combined sewerage and stormwater system (within the Launceston City area)
- sewer drainage and stormwater disposal in Karst (limestone) landscape areas (within the Meander Valley municipality).
Choosing an On-site Wastewater Management System
The choice of an On-site Wastewater Management System depends significantly on the site application. As an owner, you will employ a licensed on-site wastewater designer to act on your behalf and design a system which is compliant. Working with your designer is the best way for you to understand the system and what obligations you will be responsible for. Some sites cannot effectively support certain systems despite the fact they may be accredited with CBOS. It is important to understand that CBOS accreditation is for a product, the application of that product within a design is not part of accreditation. The application is based on site conditions and the designer's ability to achieve a compliant design.
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This page has been produced and published by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services Division of the Department of Justice. Although every care has been taken in production, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user's purpose of the information. Those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information and/or reliance on its availability at any time.