Is it lawful to do your own plumbing - eg change a tap washer? Or must you, by law, engage a licensed plumber?

Question

Question applies to Australia only !!

Answer 1

Yes it's completely legal, you may change a tap washer whenever you wish to .. no licence required.

Answer 2

I have never been to Australia, although I'd like to go someday. So I don't know your local regulations. But I'd say that if you can buy the materials to do the work, then you are allowed to perform the work.

Where I live in California, when you make a major modification to your plumbing system, one that might affect safety or health, you are supposed to obtain a permit from the local building official. When the work is complete, an inspector will come out and verify that the work was done according to code. He may require a few corrections before he will approve the job. But a repair--especially a leaky faucet--is usually of no concern to the building official.

An exception is that a permit is required to change a hot water heater. The rationale is that there are fire and earthquake safety issues, as well as a health issue because you may drink the heated water. But I know the code and have changed a leaking water heater several times without obtaining a permit. A licensed plumber will usually get the permit first, however, because he wants to keep his license in good standing.

Answer 3

In the US you can do your own plumbing. Laws are in place to regulate those people who are paid to do plumbing as a service.

I don't know the case in Australia. But, I loved your country where I was there. Best time of my life was down under. No Worries mate!!

Answer 4

you can do whatever you like in your own house., Its yours so why do you need permission to change a tap washer. Think about it ??????????

Answer 5

id say if you got to ask.... YOU ought to pay someone else.. they dont necesarily have to be a plumber.. they just need to not be you..