ACT licence classes
| Classes | |
|---|---|
| Plumber | Sanitary plumber, water supply plumber, journeyperson plumber, fire sprinkler fitter |
| Drainer | Advanced sanitary drainer, journeyperson sanitary drainer, operative drainer |
| Gasfitter | Advanced gasfitter, general gasfitter, journeyperson gasfitter, LPG gasfitter, plus restricted automotive classes |
These sit under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004. Ask which class covers your job, then check that class is on the licence.
Checking a licence with Access Canberra
Access Canberra's page on choosing a tradesperson, in our sources, explains the public register. It shows detailed licence statuses, including expired, suspended, surrendered and cancelled licences, and any disciplinary action appears under the Details tab.
ACT rules on licence numbers in ads, compliance certificates and DIY plumbing weren't confirmed in our research. Ask Access Canberra if you need an answer on any of them.
Gas, hot water and the 2045 plan
New gas network connections stopped on 8 December 2023 across all residential, commercial and community facility zones. The law behind it is the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010, and homes already connected keep their supply.
By 2045, the ACT intends to be off fossil fuel gas and running on renewable electricity. No rule yet forces you to replace a gas appliance. The Government consulted on rental standards and possible limits on installing gas appliances from 5 August to 16 September 2026, and a draft regulation is to follow.
Whether a replacement heater needs a tempering valve during the move to NCC 2025 isn't confirmed. NCC 2025 commenced on 1 May 2026 but isn't mandatory until 1 May 2027, so ask the plumber which edition they're working to.
Help with switching to a heat pump
The Sustainable Household Scheme offers loans from $2,000 to $20,000 at 3% interest, and hot water heat pumps are eligible products. Home Energy Support pays one rebate of 50% of supply and installation, up to $2,500, to concession card holders who own and live in the home. Wait for pre-approval before accepting a quote. Our ACT hot water page has the full conditions.
A Canberra plumbing case
In December 2019 the ACT Supreme Court fined Your Local Plumbing Group Pty Ltd $100,000 and its director $30,000 over misleading advertising. The firm traded under nine business names made to look unrelated to it, and claimed 25 or 30 years of operation despite starting in 2015 at the earliest. Check that the business on your quote is the one holding the licence.
Canberra
Our Canberra page has more on plumbing in the city. Tell us the problem and we'll match it with one ACT-licensed plumber who specialises in that job.