You should expect written warranty terms covering defects caused by the plumber’s workmanship. The period varies by plumber and type of work. This contractual warranty is separate from any manufacturer’s product warranty and your statutory rights under Australian Consumer Law and, where applicable, NSW legislation.
What should a workmanship warranty cover?
A plumber’s workmanship warranty should cover defects arising from the installation or repair work itself. For instance, an incorrectly assembled joint is a workmanship issue, whereas an internal casting flaw in tapware is covered by manufacturer terms. Fixed Today backs every installation with a lifetime workmanship guarantee, operating under NSW Fair Trading and Building Commission NSW Contractor Licence 305428C with full Qualified Supervisor oversight.
Product warranties can cover fixtures, appliances, parts and materials. Check whether the plumber will manage a product claim and whether diagnosis, removal, call-out labour, replacement and reinstallation are included. A manufacturer may provide a replacement product without covering these associated labour costs, subject to the written terms and your statutory rights.
Possible contractual exclusions include normal wear, misuse, inadequate maintenance, damage by others and unauthorised alterations. Exclusions must be clearly stated and cannot remove rights that cannot legally be excluded.
How long can coverage last?
There is no standard plumbing warranty period. Contractual coverage depends on the plumber’s terms and the type and scope of work, while products may have separate warranty periods. Check both the duration and whether coverage starts from purchase, installation, completion or invoicing.
Under Australian Consumer Law, covered plumbing services must be provided with due care and skill, be fit for a purpose you made known, and be supplied within a reasonable time if no timeframe was agreed. These consumer guarantees operate independently of a business warranty, so statutory rights do not necessarily end when a written warranty expires.
Some residential plumbing work may also be covered by statutory warranties under the NSW Home Building Act 1989. Eligibility, warranty periods and claim time limits depend on the work and circumstances; confirm the current position with NSW Fair Trading.
What should I get in writing?
Before approving the work, confirm:
- when the workmanship warranty starts and ends
- the work, labour, call-outs and replacement parts covered
- exclusions and required maintenance
- applicable manufacturer warranties
- who handles product claims and associated labour
- how and when faults must be reported
- the remedies available for defective work.
Keep the scope of work, invoice, proof of payment, product details, warranty documents and maintenance records.
Before hiring any contractor, verify their licence, written scope, insurance and defect guarantees. Our experienced team can advise, assist, and walk you through our clear written scopes and lifetime workmanship guarantee before any work commences. Sydney property owners have relied on Fixed Today since 2011 for transparent, dependable plumbing services. When you get in touch, our team asks a few screening questions about your plumbing symptoms and property type so our licensed plumber arrives on site fully equipped to deliver lasting, guaranteed repairs.