You need a licensed plumber for regulated plumbing or drainage work and a licensed electrician for electrical wiring work in NSW. If the renovation involves both, you need both trades. Purely cosmetic work may not require either trade if it does not disturb pipes, drains, wiring or connected fixtures.
Which jobs require licensed trades?
A licensed plumber is required for work such as:
- installing or relocating connected toilets, basins, showers and baths
- altering water-supply, waste or drainage pipes
- making plumbing connections to hot-water systems.
The plumber’s licence or certificate must cover the relevant category of work.
A licensed electrician is required for work such as:
- installing or moving fixed lights, switches and power points
- altering fixed wiring
- installing hard-wired exhaust fans, heated towel rails or other electrical equipment.
Electrical equipment in bathrooms must meet safety requirements for its location near baths, showers and other water sources. Leave equipment selection, placement, wiring and testing to the electrician.
Licensed disconnection should occur before demolition. Plumbing and electrical rough-in generally happens before walls and floors conceal the services, followed by final fit-off. Confirm service routes, fixture positions and electrical clearances before linings are installed.
What can you safely do yourself?
Limit DIY work to cosmetic tasks such as painting or assembling freestanding storage, provided you do not disturb pipes, drains, wiring, electrical fittings or connected fixtures.
Do not disconnect, cap or relocate pipes, alter drainage, perform fixed electrical work or open surfaces where concealed services may be present.
If demolition exposes wiring, a damaged pipe or an unidentified service, stop and keep people clear. If safe, isolate power or water using the normal switchboard control or shut-off valve. Do not touch, test or attempt a temporary repair; contact the relevant licensed trade.
What should you verify before work starts?
- Licences: Check contractors and tradespeople using the NSW Government’s Verify a licence service. Match the name, licence status and licence class to the work.
- Scope: Ensure the contract identifies who will complete each plumbing and electrical task. Using a renovation company does not remove the need for appropriately licensed trades.
- Sequence: Arrange disconnection, rough-in, any required inspections and final fit-off in the correct order. Do not conceal regulated work before a required inspection.
- Documents: Obtain your copy of the Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work. Ask the plumber which notices, inspections or compliance records apply, as these can depend on the work and the relevant water or local authority.
If bathroom plumbing will be installed, moved or altered, our Sydney plumbing team can assess the scope before demolition.