Plumbing
Plumbing Services
The following frequently asked questions should provide relevant information to help you with your plumbing application. (Please note plumbing work is incorporated within the Building Act 2000.)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a Plumbing Permit?
- What application forms do I need to submit for Plumbing works?
- Where can I get further information relating to plumbing?
- Can I do the plumbing work myself?
- How do I book a plumbing inspection?
- What are the fees for a Plumbing application?
- Do I need to provide anything from Ben Lomond Water?
- I have a blockage in my drain, what do I do?
- What and where is the Ben Lomond Water combined area?
- What do I need to know about septic tanks?
- What are the requirements for pools and spas?
1. Plumbing Work and Plumbing Permits
As the property owner you are responsible to ensure that a plumbing permit is obtained from Council. It is your responsibility as the property owner to ensure that a plumbing permit is in place prior to commencement of any plumbing work.
A plumbing permit may not be required if the work is categorised as exempt plumbing work under the Plumbing Regulations 2004.
If you believe a plumbing permit is not required you should seek confirmation from council's plumbing department and from the registered plumber undertaking the project prior to commencing any works. Please note penalties may apply to persons undertaking plumbing work without a permit.
2. Building Act 2000 Approved Forms and Launceston City Council Plumbing Application Forms
Launceston City Council have a number of specified forms that support the Building Act 2000, and within the Plumbing Regulations 2004 are a number of specified forms that standardise applications for building works and required certificates.
For your convenience the following link provides a quick access to some of the approved forms available on the Workplace Standards website.
3. Plumbing - Further Information
The Building Act 2000, along with the Plumbing Regulations 2004 are laws regulating building and plumbing work in Tasmania. These laws and the associated codes apply to everyone who undertakes plumbing work.
The following links detail the Building Act 2000 and Plumbing Regulations 2004.
The link to Workplace Standards Tasmania (Department of Justice) provides an introduction into the regulation of building and plumbing work in Tasmania.
The Regulation of Building and Plumbing Work in Tasmania - An introduction
The Building Act 2000 requires all sanitary plumbing and drainage work to be carried out by a person who holds a certificate of registration under the Plumbers and Gas-fitters Registration Act 1951.
It is the responsibility of the registered plumber to ensure that the plumbing and drainage work is inspected before the work is covered up.
5. Booking inspection times
To book a plumbing inspection, call Council's plumbing Department on 6323 3360 between 8.30am and 5pm.
Booked inspections are from Monday to Friday from 7am to 3.30pm.
Before booking an inspection you must have a plumbing permit to do the work, Council's Plumbing Surveyors are unable to inspect work if the appropriate application has not been obtained and a Form 60 - Start Work Notice (Plumbing Work) has been lodged with the Permit Authority.
What work should I book an inspection for?
- You must book an inspection for the following prior to covering or backfilling:
- All external drainage including the point of connection to the sewer or stormwater main
- All drainage (internal and external) including trade waste
- Water rough in
- Stack work
- Alterations and additions to existing water and drainage
- Sealing of disused services (water and sewer)
- Work that did not comply with an earlier inspection
- Any work relating to the modification of an on-site sewage management system
- Land application areas associated with on-site sewage management systems
- Final inspection at the completion of work and prior to premises being occupied
What work is exempt from a plumbing permit?
If you believe a plumbing permit is not required you should seek confirmation from the Council and from the registered plumber undertaking the project prior to commencing any works. Please note substantial penalties apply to persons undertaking plumbing work without a permit.
6. Fees
Council's Plumbing Department charges an application fee for all regulated plumbing work. The fee covers the assessment and normal inspection costs, but does not guarantee approval.
When a building and/or plumbing application is lodged with Council you are required to provide either a Notice of Exemption or a Certificate of Certifiable Work from Ben Lomond Water.
If your application requires a Certificate of Certifiable Work, then Ben Lomond Water has to issue a Water and Sewerage Compliance Certificate before Council can issue a Certificate of Completion.
To contact Ben Lomond Water phone 136 992 or for further information visit the Ben Lomond Water Website.
8. Blockages in private or public infrastructre
Property owners must maintain the service pipes on their property. If you need a blockage cleared or repairs to your house drainage connection, contact a registered plumber.
New connections to the public stormwater main (either for a new house or altered connection) are the responsibility of the property owner. Applications shall be made to the Council on the Stormwater Connection Application Form (PDF 385KB)
10. Rural Septic Tanks
When building on land without a sewerage system you will need to consider how you will treat your wastewater. An application for a Special Plumbing Permit will be required.
- Fill your tank with water immediately after it is installed. If it rains before it fills, your tank will float.
- Flush one or two cups of garden lime down the toilet once a week for two months.
- Work out how you can minimise your water usage. The less water you use, the less you have to treat.
- Keep household detergents and disinfectants to a minimum. Use concentrates that have a low salt content and use sparingly.
- Pump out your septic tank every three to five years. Sludge build-up means that your tank works less effectively.
- Spray irrigation pump pits and grease traps also need to be cleaned out regularly. We recommend that this should be done every month, otherwise you reduce the life of your trench as fats and other solids pass through to the trench.
- Use plants to help absorb your wastewater. Plant your plants beside the trenches not over them.
- Make sure that your trenches are protected from vehicles such as cars and tractors. Vehicles compact the soil and can break the plastic arch, which is just below the surface.
- Protect your trenches from animals such as cattle and horses. Large animals cause the ground to be 'plugged up' and they can also break the plastic arch and get injured.
- Over time your trenches may become clogged. This will mean that you will need to put in a new trench. Fortunately, once you do this, your original trench will get a rest and through natural soil processes begin to unclog. In time you can use this trench again.
- You will need to make sure that you have sufficient ground available to put in a new trench.
11. Pools and Spas
A Building Permit, Plumbing Permit and a Special Connection Permit are required for a Swimming Pool if:
- The maximum possible water surface area is greater than 9 square metres; and
- The maximum possible water depth is greater than 300 millimetres.