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The latest plumbing code standards and notes updates can be viewed on nsw.gov.au.
Code compliance
The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) is the code of which all plumbing and drainage work in NSW must comply.
The PCA sets out the requirements for the design, construction, installation, replacement, repair, alteration and maintenance of plumbing and drainage installations.
The PCA has two provisions for plumbers and drainers to 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 solution where work (usually designed by a hydraulic engineer or consultant) meets or exceeds the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.
The PCA 2019 and PCA 2022 can be viewed on the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) website. NSW Variations to PCA 2019 and PCA 2022 can also be viewed on the ABCB website.
Connection conditions, pump to sewer and, tradewaste requirements
The Network Utility Operator (NUO) provides connection condition information and approvals for:
- Surcharge Area,
- Boundary Trap Area,
- Containment backflow requirements,
- Drinking water and wastewater approvals,
- Tradewaste connection requirements and application (example sizing and types of apparatus that can be used),
- Pump to sewer application
For more information contact the relevant NUO (Sydney Water, Hunter Water or Local Water Authority).
Advisory notes
NSW Fair Trading has a selection of advisory notes for the plumbing industry that provide information on safety advice, technical solutions, installation requirements, PCA compliance and standards interpretations that can be viewed from the table below.
Topic | Scope |
|---|---|
| Applies to all of NSW | |
All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW | |
All installations in NSW | |
| Flexible joints in drains - installation in unstable ground | All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW |
All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW | |
| Cross connection and backflow control | All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW |
| Automatic air elimination valves - installation | All installations in NSW |
| Junctions at grade | All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW |
| Tundish installation | All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW |
| Automatic Fire Sprinkler System, Design and Installation – Domestic Water Supply (PDF, 277.85 KB) | All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW |
| Protection of fixtures where overflow relief gully height requirements cannot be met (PDF, 248.73 KB) | All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW |
| Code Compliant and Performance Solution Guideline | All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW |
All installations in NSW | |
All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW | |
All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW | |
All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW | |
Soffit requirements when connecting to a Sydney Water sewer main (PDF, 207.92 KB) | All Sydney Water areas of operation |
New installation requirements of temperature control devices (PDF, 366.54 KB) | All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW |
| Electrical Safety for Plumbers | All metropolitan and regional areas in NSW |