Hiring an unlicensed plumber is an offence
Under regulation 10, knowingly engaging an unlicensed person to do plumbing work is an offence in WA. The penalty is $5,000. Check the licence before anyone starts.
Checking a WA licence
Building and Energy, part of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, runs the WA Online Licence Search. It covers plumbing and gas fitting, and the page explaining it is in our sources.
Regulation 11 lists the licence types: a plumbing contractor's licence, a tradesperson's licence, a tradesperson's licence (drainage plumbing), provisional licences and a restricted plumbing permit. The restricted permit allows water heater replacement only where no pipes need changing.
Licence numbers on ads, quotes and invoices
Under regulation 25, a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder must make sure their licence or permit number appears in any advertisement for the business. Business cards and letterheads count. The fine is $2,000.
Regulation 25A does the same for quotes, invoices, receipts and other business documents. A WA quote with no licence number on it is worth querying before you accept.
Which jobs need a certificate of compliance
| Counts as | Certificate needed? | |
|---|---|---|
| Installing or replacing a water heater | Major work | Yes |
| Installing or replacing a backflow device | Major work | Yes |
| Repairing a water heater | Minor work | No, a record is needed instead |
| Repairing or replacing existing pipework | Minor work | No, a record is needed instead |
For major work, the contractor gives notice of intention at least 24 hours before starting. Once the job is finished, they have five working days to hand you a certificate of compliance.
What WA homeowners may do
You can
- Maintain, repair or replace a shower head.
- Maintain or repair a tap, as long as it isn't a thermostatic mixing tap.
- Replace a cistern washer.
- Replace a water filter cartridge.
- Clear a blocked fixture or waste pipe with a plunger.
Leave to a licensed plumber
- All other water supply, sanitary and drainage plumbing, which must be done by a licensed plumber or permit holder.
- Repairs to a thermostatic mixing tap.
Hot water in WA
When a water heater is replaced or relocated in WA, a temperature control device is required. The exception is a basin in most building classes, houses included. Bathroom fixtures used for personal hygiene are limited to 50°C.
Our tempering valves page explains how that limit is met.
WA cities
Perth has its own page, and so do Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Busselton and Albany. Pick your area below and we'll match the job with one WA-licensed plumber who specialises in it.