Department of Water and Energy
Plumbing
Plumbing and drainage regulation in NSW
Standards Australia develop the overarching standards for plumbing and drainage regulation in Australia, namely;
- Technical standards for installation – prescribed in the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3500
- Technical specifications for plumbing and drainage products – procedures for certification of plumbing and drainage products (AS 5200)
Information on the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3500 can be found at: http://www.saiglobal.com/shop/script/search.asp
In NSW, however, technical requirements for all plumbing activities are set out in the New South Wales Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage.
The Committee on Uniformity of Plumbing and Drainage Regulations
The Committee on Uniformity of Plumbing and Drainage Regulations (CUPDR) prepare the NSW Plumbing Code. The Department of Water and Energy chairs the CUPDR and membership comprises:
- Department of Water and Energy
- NSW Office of Fair Trading
- NSW Health
- Department of Local Government
- Sydney Water
- Hunter Water
- Country Energy
There are also a number of “observers” that are invited to attend the Committee on Uniformity of Plumbing and Drainage Regulations, namely: Australian Hydraulic Services Consultants Association, Institute of Environmental Health, Master Plumbers and Mechanical Contractors Association and the Institute of Plumbing.
When changes to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3500 occur, amendments to the Plumbing Code are generally required. The CUPDR issues circulars notifying both regulators and the industry of these changes, or any other State-based changes that are agreed to by the CUPDR.
NSW Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage
The current NSW Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage, 2006 (PDF 2MB) came into effect on 1 July 2006 and generally reflects the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 3500), but also allows for NSW variations and additional provisions to cater for local conditions within the State.
The Plumbing Code was updated due to the increasing popularity of water conservation devices such as rainwater tanks, greywater reuse and recycling systems. It outlines new requirements to help plumbers, builders and householders choose the safest, most cost-effective and efficient method to install water saving devices.
Plumbing and Drainage Circulars
The following circulars advise of all changes to the NSW Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage (2006):
| Number | Title | Date |
| 1/2007 | Changed requirements for water meter installation (PDF 43KB) | 12/12/2007 |
| 2/2007 | Changed requirements for backflow prevention for rainwater tank installations (PDF 48KB) | 12/12/2007 |
| 3/2007 | Maintenance of roof water collection and use systems (PDF 43KB) | 12/12/2007 |
| 4/2007 | Changed soffit requirements (PDF 43KB) | 12/12/2007 |
| 5/2007 | Installation of greywater diversion devices and greywater treatment systems (PDF 44KB) | 12/12/2007 |
| 6/2007 | Installation of assisted bathing systems – backflow prevention (PDF 42KB) | 12/12/2007 |
| 1/2008 | Requirements for the installation of eaves gutters (PDF 44KB) | 07/03/2008 |
| 2/2008 | Changed requirements for rainwater use (PDF 43KB) | 14/03/2008 |
| 3/2008 | Connection methods – General (PDF 58KB) | 14/03/2008 |
| 4/2008 | Changed requirements for sewer surcharges (PDF 65KB) | 26/05/2008 |
| 5/2008 | Changed requirements for vent termination (PDF 67KB) | 26/05/2008 |
| 6/2008 | Changed requirements for the use of PE pipes as part of a property service (PDF 47KB) | 26/05/2008 |