Why a Plumbing Compliance Certificate Matters

The Certificate of Compliance Plumbing That Can Save You Thousands

Every plumbing job over $750 in Victoria legally requires a Certificate of Compliance. It’s not optional. It proves that the work was done by a licensed professional, to code, and it backs up your warranties and insurance.

We issue one for every qualifying job. It’s submitted through the Victorian Building Authority, with all the details-address, scope of works, and whether it was gas, water, drainage, roofing, or a mix. That certificate is your safety net. If something goes wrong, you’ve got proof the work was done right.

But you’d be shocked how many plumbers out there aren’t even licensed. They’ll say, “I can do it for half the price, but you won’t get a certificate.” That’s a red flag.

When Cheap Work Gets Expensive

One customer in Moonee Ponds hired a budget plumber to install a new hot water unit. The guy skipped the compliance certificate, installed the unit 300mm from a wall (when it needed 500mm), and didn’t replace the tempering valve. The water kept fluctuating. The customer chased him for weeks-no answer.

We came in, diagnosed the issue, replaced the valve, moved the unit, and brought it up to code. That cost $5,000. The kicker? They’d already paid $2,500 to the first guy. Total out of pocket: $7,500. All because they went with someone cheap who didn’t do it right the first time.

No Plumbing Compliance Certificate = No Warranty or Insurance

Let’s say your unlicensed plumber installs a hot water system. It fails six months later and causes water damage. You go to claim through your insurance company-and they deny it. Why? No certificate. No proof it was installed by a licensed professional.

Same story with manufacturers. We use brands like Rinnai and Rheem. If their unit fails, they ask for two things: proof of purchase and a compliance certificate. Without it, they won’t even send a tech out. That means full replacement costs on you.

What Happens When There Is No Certificate of Compliance Plumbing?

If we go out to a job and find something that’s non-compliant-like a gas leak at a hot water unit or a dangerously installed heater-we’re legally obligated to shut it down. Doesn’t matter if the customer wants to wait or get other quotes. It’s our duty of care, and we could lose our license if we ignore it.

It’s not always a pleasant conversation. We’ve had customers yell, tell us it’s “their house” and we “have no right.” But when there are kids involved or the risk of carbon monoxide, there’s no room for negotiation. Our team is trained to handle those situations with empathy and firmness. Safety first, always.

Why the Rules Are So Strict in Victoria

Plumbing in Victoria is more heavily regulated than anywhere else in Australia. You need inspections, certification, and a constantly updated knowledge of the latest codes. What was legal last year might not be today.

Everyone on our team-myself included-is licensed through the VBA and has to renew every three years. The final certification exam takes three days and includes real-world inspections. It’s not easy. And that’s a good thing. Because when we work on your property, we want you to know it’s been done right.

You’re Not Just Paying for Labor

Our prices reflect the training, the equipment, the compliance process, and the guarantee that we’ll do it right the first time. You’re not just paying for someone to “fix a pipe.” You’re paying for certified, compliant work that protects your home and your family.

Going cheap now often means paying big later. When it comes to plumbing, compliance isn’t a buzzword-it’s a necessity.