Looking for a qualified and licensed plumber in New South Wales? Verifying a plumber’s license is an important step before hiring them for any plumbing job. This ensures they have the proper training and qualifications to provide plumbing services legally in NSW. Here’s what you need to know about checking a plumber’s license in New South Wales.
Why Check a Plumber’s Licence?
There are a few key reasons why you should verify a Graham and Sons Plumbing in Sydney has an active licence before allowing them to undertake work on your property:
- Legal requirements – By law, anyone providing plumbing or draining services in NSW must hold a current plumbing licence issued by Fair Trading. Hiring an unlicensed plumber is illegal.
- Qualifications – To obtain a plumbing licence, plumbers must meet certain requirements including qualifications, experience and exams. Checking the licence confirms they are properly qualified.
- Compliance – Licensed plumbers must comply with regulations around work standards, materials and safety procedures. This helps ensure quality work.
- Insurance – Most licensed plumbers have appropriate insurance coverage for things like personal injury and accidental property damage. Their license allows you to confirm this.
- Consumer protection – If you use a licensed plumber, you gain recourse to lodging a complaint if you are unsatisfied with the services provided.
NSW Plumbers Licence Check Online
There are two ways to check and verify a plumber’s license in NSW:
1. Search the Public Register
The NSW Fair Trading Public Register lists all currently licensed plumbers in NSW. You can search by individual name or company name to find licensing details. The Public Register shows:
- Full name of the licensed plumber
- License number
- Type of plumbing work authorized eg. water supply, sanitary, drainage, gasfitting
- Suburbs where work is authorized
- The expiry date of the license
To check a plumber’s license on the Public Register, visit the official website and enter their full name or company name. Be sure to confirm all details like license number and expiry.
2. Ask to See their Licence Card
All licensed plumbers in NSW are issued with a physical license card that must be carried at all times when undertaking plumbing work. This card details the plumber’s name, license number, authorized work, and expiry date.
Don’t be afraid to ask the plumber to produce their actual license card for verification before agreeing to any work. Check that their name, photo, and details match the Public Register record.
Using an Unlicensed Plumber
It is illegal for an unlicensed individual or company to provide any plumbing services in exchange for payment in NSW. Fines of up to $22,000 may apply for repeat offenses.
Unfortunately, many homeowners are still caught out by using unlicensed plumbers lured in by cheap prices. Problems often only emerge later when faulty, unsafe, or non-compliant work requires expensive rectification.
Always check the plumber’s license beforehand rather than risk inferior workmanship or legal issues down the track.
Who Needs Fair Trading Plumbing Licence?
All individual plumbers and plumbing businesses providing services in NSW must hold a current plumbing or draining license issued by NSW Fair Trading. This includes plumbers doing work in:
- Residential homes
- Commercial premises
- Industrial facilities
Specifically, a license is needed for plumbing services like:
- Hot and cold water supply
- Sewerage/wastewater systems
- Stormwater drainage
- Gasfitting
- On-site water supply and treatment
There are a few exemptions where a licence isn’t mandatory such as irrigation installers and owners working on their own home. But for most plumbers and jobs, checking the license is vital.
Types of Plumbing Licences Issued in NSW
There are a few different types of plumbing licenses issued by NSW Fair Trading:
- Contractor license – Held by plumbing businesses and allows the company to contract and supervise plumbing work.
- Tradesperson license – Issued to individual plumbers and specifies the types of plumbing work they are qualified to undertake eg. water supply, drainage, etc.
- Provisional license – An introductory license to allow apprentice plumbers to work under supervision while completing their certificate.
- Stormwater-only license – Allows the holder to only undertake stormwater drainage plumbing work.
When checking whether a plumber is licensed, look for the applicable license type as well as the classes of plumbing work they are authorized to perform.
Key Takeaways for NSW Driver Licence Check
- It’s illegal for unlicensed individuals or companies to offer paid plumbing services in NSW.
- Use the Public Register to check plumbers’ licensing details like name, number, expiry, etc.
- Ask to see their physical licence card to verify before hiring.
- Check licence type – contractor, tradesperson, provisional, or stormwater drainage only.
- Only hire licensed plumbers to ensure legal compliance, qualifications, and recourse.
Following these tips will help ensure you hire a properly licensed plumber in NSW and avoid potential issues down the track. Don’t take risks – take the time to check their license first!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check a NSW plumber’s license online?
You can check a NSW plumber’s license quickly online via the Fair Trading Public Register. Just search their name or company to find licence details.
What details are shown on a NSW plumber’s licence?
A NSW plumber’s licence will show the name, licence number, classes of authorised plumbing work, expiry date and residential areas they can operate in.
What happens if I use an unlicensed plumber in NSW?
It is illegal to hire an unlicensed plumber. You can face fines up to $22,000 and potential issues if faults emerge in unqualified work. Always check the plumber’s licence first.
How can I tell if an NSW plumber’s licence is valid or current?
When checking the Public Register or sighting a plumber’s licence card, look for the expiry date. This tells you if their licence is current and active.
Should I ask a plumber for proof of insurance as well?
Yes, ask to see proof of public liability insurance in addition to checking their plumbing licence. This helps ensure you are covered in case of property damage.
