Plumbing code and standards 

Information for plumbers and drainers

The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) is the new technical standard for all plumbing and drainage work in NSW. All plumbing and drainage work in NSW must comply with the PCA.

The new Code replaces the more prescriptive NSW Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage and other local requirements. This system means plumbers no longer need to remember a myriad of local variations to plumbing standards. Plumbers will be able to work more easily across different regions, without needing to know local variations.

The PCA sets out performance requirements for the design, construction, installation, replacement, repair, alteration and maintenance of plumbing and drainage installations.

The Code calls up AS/NZS 3500, and it has two provisions that plumbers and drainers can work to and achieve code compliance. One option is for the work to be done under the ‘Deemed to Satisfy’ provision which means that it has been done in accordance with AS/NZS 3500. The other is the performance based provision where work (usually designed by a hydraulic engineer or consultant) meets or exceeds the requirements of AS/NZS 3500. 

Plumbers and drainers can get copies of the PCA from the Australian Building Codes Board at www.abcb.gov.au

Plumbers and drainers can download a copy of the Guideline for plumbing and drainage: installing code compliant work and alternative solutions from the Fair Trading website.

Technical advice for licensed plumbers and drainers 

NSW Fair Trading provides technical advice about the interpretation of the PCA and relevant industry standards. This service is only available to licensed plumbers and drainers in the Sydney Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Newcastle regions.

You can email Fair Trading with technical enquiries to PIAStechnical@services.nsw.gov.au If you do not have email access, you can call on 1300 889 099 between 8am and 12pm, Monday to Friday.

For all enquiries you must have a current version of the PCA and standards (AS/NZS 3500) available as Fair Trading’s technical support staff will refer to these documents.

Plumbers and drainers outside Sydney, Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Newcastle should contact their local council or water utility operator for technical advice.

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