Plumbing, drainage and gas

What work requires a registered plumber or gasfitter?

Plumbing and drainage work

With the exception of minor work, for example, changing washers and taps, all plumbing and drainage work must be carried out by a registered plumber. This is for health reasons – an incorrect plumbing connection could allow a back-flow of polluted water into your drinking water.

Plumbers are licensed by New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.
PO Box 10-655, Wellington, tel: 04 494 2970, fax: 04 494 2975.

Either the plumber, or the company the plumber works for, must hold a licence. Make sure you see it. If they don't have the appropriate licence their work must be supervised by a registered person.

Note that new plumbing and drainage work will require building consent.

Gasfittings and appliances

Any work to install fittings and appliances must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter. New installations, and any work to extend, replace or alter installations or pipe work, must be certified by a licensed craftsman gasfitter.

Where gas is supplied from smaller LPG cylinders (less than15 kg), a householder can lawfully install gas providing the work is done in accordance with the NZ Standard NZS 5261.

However, the consequences of having incorrectly fitted gas appliances can be fatal so it is advisable that you use the services of a licensed person to do any gas work at your home. DIY is not a recommended option.
 
A licensed gasfitter is a person registered by the New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.

For more information about licensed gasfitters see Renovations and alterations.