Working on a few plumbing works around your homes and property may seem to be tempting from time to time, some plumbing works are mandated by the law to be done by a licensed professional. There are a few exceptions, but major plumbing works can be quite dangerous when tackled by someone who is not trained for that profession.
In most states in Australia, it is considered illegal to do electrical, gas and plumbing work, unless you are a licensed professional. This applies to work on your property, business, as well as in caravans or boats. Attempting to do major plumbing works can result in serious injuries, further damage to your property and even death. Insurance companies do not cover claims for personal injuries and damage to property caused by DIY plumbing work.
When to Call a Licenced Local Plumber Sydney
Licensed plumbers and gas fitting specialists have the training, knowledge and the right machineries to do work safely and efficiently in your homes. They have been educated to do work within appropriate regulations, rules and safety standards. Licenced plumbers are also capable of providing certificates of compliances for every work that they do for you.
Gas Works in Your Property
Only licenced gas fitters are allowed by law to work on gas related work in your property or business. Gas works includes the following:
- Gas appliance installation
- Pipework for gas meter or gas cylinder for appliances
- Flues and ducts
- Gas leak repairs
- Gas pipework or appliance maintenance
Ideally, you are only advised to turn off your gas supply before calling your gas fitting specialist or your local plumber Sydney to attend to your gas related work.
Plumbing Works in Your Property
Only a licenced plumber is allowed by the state to work on water main lines and sewer main connection points in your property borders and inside your home. Among other plumbing works that requires professional work include the following:
- Installation or replacement of water heater, including gas, solar, electric or heat pump water systems
- Fixture installation such as toilets, showers and sinks
- Renovation or expansion works in bathroom and kitchen areas
- Extending or altering pipework
- Installing and maintaining non-drinking water service
- Backflow repair and annual compliance
- Drain and sewer repairs
As a general rule, you should always call a licenced plumber to do any installation, repair or renovation work that involves gas and plumbing in your property. Although some plumbing tasks are legally allowed to be performed on your own, the chances of missing a process or doing it inefficiently are higher compared to a trained plumber. Calling a professional to do the job for you keeps your property safe. Failure to call a professional to attend to serious issues in your plumbing systems at home can risk getting you fined or prosecuted.
When Can You Do Your Own Plumbing Work?
Minor repairs that will not compromise yours and your home safety are plumbing works you can attempt to do on your own. A few of these are as follows:
- Updating toilet seats
- Replacing floor grates in bathrooms
- Removal and installation of new drop valves
- Tap washer and jumper valve replacements
- Water filter replacements for residential water
- Unclogging bathrooms and kitchen drains
- Changing tap buttons, handles and flanges
- Connecting hoses from washing machine to existing hot or cold taps
Take into consideration that these plumbing fixes or activities are simple, yet some of them may require the help of professionals in severe cases. Persistent clogs in your drains may require the help of a professional to prevent further issues in your plumbing system or if it is starting to compromise the safety and sanitation in your homes.