Plumbing and drainage

This section provides information on plumbing and drainage inspections in the Bega Valley Shire Council area. Find out about the type of work that requires an inspection, when and how you should book an inspection, inspection fees, what documents you need and who you should provide them too.

In accordance with the provisions of the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011 and Regulation, from 1 January 2013 the NSW Office of Fair Trading is the single plumbing and drainage regulator for all on-site plumbing and drainage work in NSW. Fair Trading has delegated certain functions under the Plumbing and Drainage Act, 2011 to Bega Valley Shire Council for plumbing and drainage works within the Shire boundaries.

All plumbing and drainage work carried out in the Bega Valley Shire must comply with the Plumbing Code of Australia and Australian Standard AS/NZS 3500. Copies of the Plumbing Code of Australia can be obtained from the Australian Building Codes Board at www.abcb.gov.au and copies of AS/NZS 3500 can be obtained from  http://www.saiglobal.com

NSW Office of Fair Trading licenses plumbers and drainers under the Home Building Act 1989, and all plumbing and drainage work must be completed by a person holding a NSW licence, qualified supervisor certificate or tradesperson certificate.

Plumbers and drainers working in the Bega Valley Local Government Area must continue to contact Bega Valley Shire Council to book inspections for approved works, pay fees, submit documentation and for enquiries.

Documents and forms

Plumbers and drainers are required to submit the following documents* at certain stages of the work:

• Applications to connect to Council’s sewerage system, or install a system of on-site sewage management or amend connections.
• Notice of Work is to be issued to Bega Valley Shire Council no later than 2 business days before the work concerned is carried out.
• Certificate of Compliance is to be issued to Bega Valley Shire Council and to the person for whom the work was carried out, on completion of the final inspection.
• The final “works as executed “Sewer Service Diagram (SSD) is to be issued to Bega Valley Shire Council and the owner of the land or the owner's agent at the completion of the drainage works.

Council still will require complete colour coded “works as executed” service diagram with details of all services on the property to assist current and future owners to identify the location of underground water supply pipes, sanitary drainage, and stormwater drainage and fire services as applicable.

What work requires a Notice of Work?

A Notice of Work is required for any plumbing installation downstream from the point of connection to a water supply and any sanitary plumbing or drainage work from the fixture to the point of connection with the local utility operator. The Notice of Work must be completed by the licensed plumber or drainer.

If the work is to be completed in stages and /or by different plumbers/drainers Council will require  a different notice of work to be issued at the relevant stage by the plumber/drainer who has undertaken the work.

To download a Notice of Work click here.

What is a Certificate of Compliance?

A Certificate of Compliance is a legal requirement. It confirms that a licensed plumber/drainer has undertaken work, which complies with current legislation and the relevant industry Codes and Standards.  A Certificate of Compliance must be filled out for all completed plumbing and drainage work.

If the work is to be completed in stages and /or by different plumbers/drainers Council will require certificates of compliance to be issued at the relevant stage by the plumber/drainer who has undertaken the work.

To download a Certificate of Compliance template Certificate of Compliance click here.

What is a Sewer Service Diagram?

A Sewer Service Diagram is a layout of the on-site house service line from the fixtures to the point of connection or the property boundary.

To download a copy of the Sewer Service Diagram Requirements click here.

Do I still need approval under Section 68 of the Local Government Act?

Approval is still required from Council under Section 68 of the Local Government to carry out the following works:

• Connection of plumbing or drainage works to Council's asset, e.g. a reticulated sewerage system
• Installation of a sewage treatment system/onsite disposal system (septic tank); and
• Stormwater drainage works

To download a Sewer Drainage Application form Sewer Drainage Application form click here.

To download an Onsite Sewage Management Facility Drainage Application form click here.

Trade waste applications, treatments and discharges

Bega Valley Shire Council retains responsibility for trade waste applications, treatments and discharges throughout the Bega Valley Shire areas.

NSW Fair Trading is the regulatory authority for the drainage to and from the trade waste apparatus. Council officers have been delegated the authority to carry out inspections of this work on behalf of NSW Fair Trading.

Do I still need to request the Council to inspect plumbing and drainage work?

Yes, there are no changes to the requirements for inspections by Council of plumbing and drainage works. All work covered by a Notice of Work must be available for inspection (48 hours prior notice still required) by Council staff* and passed by Council prior to the works being covered or completed and includes:

How do I arrange a Council inspection?

To book an inspection, please contact Council's Customer Services on (02) 6499 2222 with the following information:

• Development Application number (if applicable)
• Type of inspection
• Date of inspection
• Name and contact phone number
• Address of property to be inspected

You are advised:

• the booking should be made at least 48 hours before the inspection is required 
• If you want a specific time for the inspection you must contact the relevant inspector who will be undertaking the inspection directly to arrange that.
• work must be ready at the time of the inspection, otherwise Council may charge a re-inspection fee
• any dogs on the premises must be restrained

What fees do I have to pay?

The fees applicable to plumbing and drainage works are specified in Council's adopted Fees and Charges.