One river, two sets of rules
A plumbing job is governed by the state it's in. In Albury that means NSW: a contractor licence for plumbing, drainage or gasfitting of any value, and the NSW Public Register to check it. Over the bridge in Wodonga, Victoria's rules and regulator apply instead.
Many trades work both towns. Ask which licence they hold for NSW work, then look up the name and number on the Public Register before the job starts.
How plumbing work is approved in Albury
Plumbing approval
For plumbing works that are part of a development, AlburyCity requires an approval for water, sewerage and stormwater works before the plumber starts.
Notice of Work
AlburyCity wants it at least 2 working days before work begins. Emergency work and minor jobs such as replacing an existing hot water system don't need one under the NSW rules.
Diagram and certificate
A Sewer Service Diagram and Certificate of Compliance go to AlburyCity before the final inspection is booked. You're entitled to a copy of the certificate.
Albury facts that matter to a plumber
Soft river water
AlburyCity treats Murray River water from below Hume Dam and adds lime to adjust the pH and stabilise what it calls naturally soft water. It says this helps reduce corrosion in its network and in household plumbing.
Frosty winters
Albury Airport averages 44.4 days a year at or below 2°C and 16.7 at or below 0°C (1993 to 2026), with a lowest reading of -4.0°C. Lag outdoor pipes before June.
Houses and renters
At the 2021 Census, 80.5% of occupied homes in Albury City Council's area were separate houses and only 1.5% flats or apartments. 33.8% were rented.
A big network
AlburyCity's water runs through more than 670 kilometres of mains to over 27,500 customers.
Stormwater and flood-prone drains
AlburyCity makes owners responsible for the private drainage serving their property: gutters, downpipes, pits and private pipes kept clear, and roofwater taken to an approved legal point of discharge without concentrating runoff onto neighbours. Altering stormwater drainage may need approval under section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993.
Its flood study names Bungambrawatha Creek and the West Albury, South Albury and Lavington drains. In severe storms the creek can overflow and inundate houses, and South Albury is only partly protected by a levee. See stormwater.
Selling or buying with a septic system
Homes not on the town sewer have an on-site sewage management system, and AlburyCity requires an approval to operate it. When a property with an existing system is sold, the new owner can keep running it for up to three months but must apply within two months of settlement. Our septic systems page has more.
Wipes are a common Albury callout. AlburyCity warns that flushed wipes can lodge in your own drains, leaving you with the plumber's bill. If you're stuck, see blocked drains, hot water, burst pipes or NSW rules.
What we would do
If you live in Albury, book a plumber who holds a licence that covers NSW work and is used to AlburyCity's approvals, and confirm the licence yourself. Keep wipes out of the toilet, keep your downpipes connected to the right discharge point, and lag the pipes that face the frost.