Why Does A Plumber Need A License
In this article we will explore the importance of having a plumber license. Specifically the reason why plumbers need to be licensed in Queensland. You will learn why it is important to work with the correct licensing and how it benefits both the businesses and customers.
What Kind of Work Requires a Plumbing License?
According to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), there are some kinds of plumbing work that don’t require the plumber license. This following list highlights what work can be done without a the help of a fully licensed plumber. It is also important to note that although many jobs require a licence, many jobs can be performed without a licensed is under $3300.
Simple jobs such as replacing jumper valves and washers in taps and changing shower heads do not require professional plumbers. Additionally, replacing drop or float valve washers, suction cup rubbers in water closet (WC) cisterns can also be done without a plumber. Various other jobs including cleaning and maintenance on ground grates to sanitary drains and replacing ground level caps on sanitary drains. The maintenance of an irrigation systems and watering systems, such as irrigation and lawn watering, from a valve, tap or back flow prevention device can also be performed without supervision of assistance from a plumber, but if you are unsure it is best to seek professional advice from a local plumber.
All other work will require a plumber that has a license. This includes anyone overseeing plumbing and draining work, ensuring it is free of defects and complies with the plans. There are different kinds of licensing for different kinds of work. With the QBCC, you should be able to find out which license you need for which kind of work. You can discover this either using the QBCC’s database or the photo ID card given to all licensed holders. The kind of work you need a license to perform includes:
- Making repairs or maintenance to any plumbing systems
- Installing and repairing drains
- Installing and repairing hot water systems
- Gutter Piping
- Property renovations
- Emergency plumbing
Licenses and the Law
It is illegal to either work as, or make use of, an unlicensed plumber. The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) is the legal and technical document for all plumbing work and part of the National Construction Code (NCC). All workers in the design and construction of buildings must follow the NCC. In the PCA, it states the minimum requirements needed for plumbing work, including:
- Sanitary plumbing
- Draining & storm water drainage systems
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
- Waste water systems
By law, all licensed plumbers are required to follow the PCA, whilst an unlicensed plumber are unable to legally ignore many of these standards.
In Queensland, it is QBCC that issues licenses. It also keeps a database of all licensed plumbers and what they can and cannot do. A contractor operating from outside Queensland can have their licenses recognised within the state, too. The Queensland Government also releases some important information on the Queensland Plumbing and Waste Water Code Guidelines which can be found here.
Why Should I Hire Qualified Plumbers?
As a plumbing customer, you know how important plumbing is to the house. The water you drink, wash in and use as waste is all controlled by your house’s plumbing. Your health and safety, as well as that of your family, depends on it.
Most of us know hiring plumbers can be expensive. Yet it is even more expensive when something goes wrong, especially if it was due to a an unlicensed do-it-yourself job. Then you’re looking at repairs, damages and potential legal costs. Below is a comprehensive list of reasons why you should always use licensed plumbers.
You will see the benefits that using licensed laborers bring as well as the risks of making use of illegal, unlicensed laborers.
- Using an unlicensed plumber is against the law.
- Licensed plumbers are hosted on a database. You can check the details of any license holding plumbers by visiting the QBCC website.
- Using a qualified tradesman can potentially save a lot of money and hassle. If the work done is unsatisfactory or defective, a complaint can be lodged with the QBCC. In most cases you can just contact the company directly to solve the problem.
- Make sure your worker is qualified. The simplest and most practical way to do this is to use a licensed plumber and drainer. This minimizes risks to your family’s health and safety
- Defective or non-compliant work can often cost a lot more to fix than the work originally cost. You’re unlikely to get these costs back from an illegally working plumber.
- With an unlicensed tradesman, you can never be sure whether the work is defective and can result in damage to your home.
- Unlicensed plumbers won’t have any sort of insurance in the events of damage caused to your property.
- Without a license, these tradesman do not have to report to the QBCC, and it is possible they may conduct in fraudulent behavior.
When Would I Need a Plumber License?
If you are a contractor doing work over $3300 and includes any of the services listed above it is best to get your full credentials in order.
Below, we take a look at the major reasons they need a license, for legal and business reasons.
- Doing certain plumbing or drainage work without a license is against the law and can result in criminal prosecution. Check with our local council or the local building authority to check which work you can do.
- Professional qualifications and licences are a sign of trust that the client can be assured their contractor is suitable and qualified for the task.
- Any and all disputes with customers can be sorted through QBCC and their Dispute Resolution Process.
- You will receive a photo ID card with details of your license validity and what you are licensed to do.
Final Verdict
If you only need a small repair job done,often you can do it yourself or call your local handyman. For other larger installations or repairs on pipework or leaks it is always best to call a local qualified contractor in your area. Using a fully experienced plumber with a license always puts customers as ease. This also ensures the health and safety of property owners isn’t at risk.
Remember next time you need a plumber, check to see if your work actually requires a fully licensed contractor. If it does, then always ask for your credentials.
This article was published by Pro Plumber Brisbane. A local service that connects qualified and licensed contractors to customers in South East Queensland. This article was published by Michael Phillips.