A Certificate of Compliance is a NSW document in which the responsible licensed plumber or drainer certifies that completed plumbing or drainage work complies with the Plumbing and Drainage Act, Regulation, Plumbing Code of Australia and the Deemed-to-Satisfy requirements of AS/NZS 3500. A certificate is completed when plumbing or drainage work finishes, even where the work does not require an inspection or submission to the regulator.
What does it confirm?
The certificate confirms that the practitioner responsible for the work declares it compliant with the requirements applying to that work. It generally identifies:
- the property where the work was completed;
- the plumbing or drainage work covered; and
- the responsible licensed plumber or drainer.
It is evidence of professional certification, not simply proof that a plumber attended or issued an invoice. It does not guarantee that the installation will never develop a fault.
Who completes and receives it?
The licensed plumber or drainer responsible for the work completes the certificate. A copy is given to the customer for whom the work was performed, such as the owner or builder, when certification is required.
For work requiring inspection in Sydney and other metropolitan inspection areas, the certificate must also be submitted to Building Commission NSW at completion or before the final inspection through the MyInspections Gateway. Regional submission is handled by the relevant local plumbing regulator. For work not requiring inspection, a copy does not need to be submitted to the regulator. Check the current NSW plumbing inspection document requirements for the job location.
A Certificate of Compliance is separate from an invoice, warranty or inspection approval. It certifies compliance but does not replace any required regulatory inspection or prove that an inspection occurred.
If you need compliant plumbing work and the correct completion documents, contact our licensed Sydney plumbing team.