Important: This information only applies to Sydney, Illawarra, Blue Mountains and the Newcastle areas.
Information for plumbers
Licensed plumbers can request an unattended final audit inspection (except in recycled water areas, where an installation includes an alternative water supply, or if the work has been installed in accordance with the Guideline for plumbing and drainage - Installing code compliant work and performance solutions (PDF, 91.44 KB).
Unattended Final Inspections can only be booked for Residential Single Dwelling and Duplex properties. It’s the licensed plumber’s responsibility to make sure all requirements are met before booking an unattended final audit inspection. All completed work must comply with the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) and the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) requirements of AS/NZS 3500 before booking an inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is an unattended final inspection?
Plumbers can choose not to be onsite for a plumbing final audit inspection. The plumber needs to notify the Plumbing Inspection Booking Line operator, at the time of booking, what day the work will be complete and ready for a final inspection. Fair Trading may then complete an audit inspection at any time over the following 2 business days from the booked day.
How can I choose this option?
Make sure the following documents are completed and submitted via MyInspections prior to booking an inspection:
- Certificate of Compliance (CoC).
- Sewer Service Diagram (SSD).
- Ensure the following:
- Any previous written directions have been rectified and re-inspected.
- Arrange for full access around the site for the following 2 business days from the booked date to enable Fair Trading to conduct the final inspection.
- Make sure that the property will not be occupied at the time the audit inspection will be conducted.
The Notice of Work (NoW) form must be submitted before starting work. Go to submitting a notice of work page for more information.
Do I have to use this option?
No, this process is optional. If you don’t wish to use this process you may still arrange an audit as per the standard inspection process.
When booking do I need to tell Fair Trading I will not be onsite for the inspection?
Yes. You must say you want to make an unattended final inspection.
How will I know if the inspection was carried out and that the work is satisfactory?
The current inspection process will apply when a job is booked. An inspector may do a physical inspection onsite, or undertake a desktop audit. If the work does not comply with relevant codes and standards, the licensee will receive a written direction to comply notice via email.
What happens if the site is locked or access is prevented?
It’s your responsibility to make sure that site access is available for 2 business days from the booked day. If the final audit inspection cannot be carried out, a written direction will be issued, you’ll have to book another inspection and pay a re-inspection fee. Note: If you are unable to guarantee clear access to the site, you will need to book a final audit inspection using the existing attended final audit inspection process.
What happens if the property is occupied at the time of the booked inspection?
Due to privacy and safety issues, an unattended final audit inspection cannot be done if the property is occupied. If it’s evident to the inspector that the property is occupied at the time of the booked inspection, a written direction to comply notice will be issued and you’ll have to book another inspection, which you must attend. An additional fee is required for the re-inspection.
Who is responsible for the inspector’s safety?
Fair Trading inspectors already do inspections on other types of plumbing work without the licensed plumber being there. All Fair Trading plumbing inspectors hold a current white card (or general construction induction card). Inspectors will continue to follow current procedures that require them to conduct onsite safety assessments before entering a site, and are covered by the NSW Government’s workers compensation insurance.
Do I still need to be onsite for a recycled or alternative water final inspection or where a performance solution has been installed?
Yes. You or your authorised representative must be onsite for all final inspections of recycled or alternative water supply installations, or where a performance solution has been used.
Who to contact to book an unattended final audit inspection and send paperwork?
To book an unattended final audit inspection or send paperwork:
- call Plumbing Inspection Booking Line on 1300 889 099 (option1) between 7:30am and 2:30pm, Monday to Friday to book an unattended final audit inspection
- submit the CoC and SSD via MyInspections before booking an unattended final audit inspection
Need more information?
If you have any queries or would like to find out more about this option, email [email protected].