Plumbing and Drainage Requirements

On-site plumbing works within the Central Coast region require an inspection by Central Coast Council.

The Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011 established a single scheme regulation for on-site plumbing and drainage work in NSW, and designated NSW Fair Trading as the NSW plumbing regulator from 1 January 2013.

Process for undertaking plumbing and drainage works

1. Submit plumbing and drainage inspection application

An application for plumbing and drainage inspection form should be completed and emailed to admin.plumbinganddrainage@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au. Within 48 hrs, our team will assess your application and issue an invoice for payment. The form can be submitted by an owner, builder, plumber or other relevant person. Payment must be received before Plumbing and Drainage Inspections can be booked.

Download and complete the Application for Plumbing and Drainage Inspections (PDF, 11KB)

2. Submit notice of work

At least two days before a plumber starts work on a property, the plumber must provide council with a notice of work.

The notice of work must be signed by a licensed plumber. If fees have not been paid, they must be paid upon submission of the notice of work. If fees have been paid, the receipt number should be written on the completed notice of work.

Plumbing and Drainage Notice of Work

3. Book inspections

Contact plumbing and drainage on 4304 7689 at least 48 hours prior to the proposed time to arrange an inspection. The team will endeavour to arrange an inspection time and date that is suitable to your job requirements.

Next day bookings are subject to availability. Same day inspections are not available.

Please have the following information ready when you book an inspection:

• proof of payment of the inspection fees
• confirmation the application for plumbing and drainage inspection and notice of work have been submitted to council
• plumber’s contact details
• address of the job site
• type of inspection being requested

A certificate of compliance and a sewer service diagram (drainage diagram) are to be provided at the final inspection.

Request a Plumbing and Drainage inspection.

4. Submit certificate of compliance

Within two days of completing plumbing works, the plumber must submit a certificate of compliance. A copy of the certificate of compliance must be provided to council and the owner (and a copy retained by the plumber).

Plumbing and Drainage Certificate of Compliance

The file below combines both the notice of work and the certificate of compliance templates. It can be filled out electronically, but still needs to be printed.

Combined Notice of Work and Certificate of Compliance

5. Submit drainage diagram

Within two days of completing the plumbing works, the plumber must also provide council and the customer with a drainage diagram, using the template below, of any sanitary drainage work they have completed.

Plumbing and Drainage Sewer Service Diagram Template

Please note, all forms may be printed from this site. Additionally, hard copy booklets are available for purchase from council.

Requirements for building over sewer and stormwater drainage, and adjacent to water mains

Where a developer proposes to construct works in the vicinity of water or sewer mains, they must comply with requirements outlined in the Building In Proximity to Water and Sewer Pipelines Policy. A fee applies where engineering plans are required to be assessed by the Water Authority.

Backflow Prevention 

An important way town water can be protected is to prevent the backflow of water from premises considered to be a potential risk of cross contaminating town water with polluted water. Town water in these circumstances can be protected by installing a backflow prevention device. Council requires a backflow prevention device to be installed by an accredited licensed plumber at the property boundary and registered with Council.

Installing a Backflow Prevention Device – What you are required to do

As the property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure:

• the right kind of backflow prevention device is installed at your property
• the device is properly maintained

An accredited backflow plumber (a licensed plumber with a backflow accreditation) must be engaged to install the right kind of device and assess your site’s hazard rating.

You are responsible for ensuring your accredited backflow plumber submits test results for all high and medium hazard devices when they are installed and every year thereafter within two (2) days of completion of work.

How to Register a Backflow Prevention Device and submit initial test results

Register a Backflow Prevention Device and submit the initial test results via the following link:

Backflow Prevention Device Application

Fees

Lodgement of a Backflow Prevention Device Application and Initial test results are subject to fees and charges.*
Once the Backflow Prevention Device Application and Initial test results are received, Council will issue an invoice to the property owner for payment.

*All fees and charges are reviewed annually under Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges and be viewed at https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/about-council/council/forms-and-publications/delivery-program-and-operational-plan 

How to submit an Annual Backflow Prevention Device Inspection and Maintenance Report

It's a requirement that testing of all testable devices is conducted on an annual basis. Results submitted to Council each year.
Submit your Annual Backflow Prevention Device Inspection and Maintenance Report using our online form:

Backflow Prevention Device Annual Inspection

Fees

There are no fees associated with the submission of Annual Backflow Prevention Device Inspection and Maintenance Reports.

Backflow Prevention Containment Policy

Refer to our Backflow Prevention Containment Policy for further information:

Backflow Prevention Containment Policy