How does Queensland categorise renovation plumbing work?
Queensland sorts all plumbing and drainage work into four categories under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 and its Regulation, and the category decides who can do it and what paperwork applies. The categories are unregulated work, minor work, notifiable work, and permit work. Only the top category, permit work, involves your local council. The middle categories are handled between your licensed plumber and the QBCC. Here is how typical renovation tasks fall:
| Category | Renovation examples | Who can do it | Approval needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unregulated work | Replacing a shower head, changing a tap washer | Anyone | None |
| Minor work | Like-for-like tap or fixture replacement in an existing position | Licensed plumber | No notice, no permit |
| Notifiable work | Moving a toilet, basin or shower, extending water or sanitary pipework in an existing home | Licensed plumber | Plumber lodges notice with QBCC |
| Permit work | New or altered sanitary drainage, extensions, new bathrooms in some cases, work on premises like commercial buildings | Licensed plumber, drainer | Permit from local council before work starts |
What is notifiable work and who lodges it?
Notifiable work is the everyday renovation category: altering, extending or relocating fixtures and pipework in an existing building, and your plumber lodges it, not you. Moving the toilet to the other wall, relocating the shower, adding a second basin, extending hot and cold water lines: all notifiable. The licensed plumber doing the work must lodge a notice with the QBCC after completion and give you a Form 4 certifying the work complies with the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 and AS/NZS 3500. Keep that certificate. It matters when you sell, when you claim insurance, and if a future owner ever questions the work. There is no council involvement and no waiting period, which is why most bathroom renovations can start without any approval delay.
When does renovation plumbing become permit work?
Permit work generally means new or altered sanitary drainage, and that is when your local council enters the picture. If your renovation adds a new bathroom or ensuite where there was none, cuts into or extends the underground sanitary drain, or is part of an extension, a compliance permit from the local government is usually required before work starts, with plans assessed and the drainage inspected. On the Gold Coast that assessment runs through the City of Gold Coast plumbing services team. Timeframes vary with council workload, so if your renovation involves new drainage, get the permit application moving early. We handle the application and inspections as part of the job.
Can I do any of the plumbing myself to save money?
No, beyond genuinely unregulated tasks, DIY plumbing is illegal in Queensland and it is one of the strictest regimes in the country. Unlicensed plumbing work can attract significant fines under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018, and the practical penalties are worse: insurers can refuse claims for water damage traced to unlicensed work, and unapproved drainage alterations surface in pre-sale building and pest reports. Waterproofing failures and concealed leaks are the most expensive defects in bathroom renovations, which is exactly why the licensing system exists. Swap your own shower head by all means. Leave anything involving pipework, drainage or fixture relocation to a licensed plumber.
Do I need approval for the rest of the renovation?
Sometimes, because building approval is separate from plumbing approval and a bathroom renovation can trigger either, both or neither. Removing or altering walls, changing windows, or extending the building envelope can require building approval through a private certifier even when the plumbing side is only notifiable work. Waterproofing must be done or certified by a licensed waterproofer under the QBCC system. A cosmetic renovation, new tiles, new vanity in the same spot, new tapware, typically needs no approvals at all. We tell you which categories your job touches at quote stage so there are no surprise certifier or council fees mid-project.
What paperwork should I have at the end?
At the end of a compliant renovation you should hold the plumber's compliance certificate for notifiable work, any council permit and final inspection record for permit work, and the waterproofing certificate. As of 2026 we include all certification in our fixed renovation quotes, and we photograph pipework before it is concealed behind sheeting. Most renovation disputes we hear about from customers who came to us second involve missing paperwork rather than bad workmanship, so treat the certificates as part of the product you are paying for.
Sources: Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 (Qld); Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019 (Qld); Queensland Building and Construction Commission (qbcc.qld.gov.au) guidance on notifiable and permit work; AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage; City of Gold Coast plumbing and drainage services.
Planning a bathroom renovation? Call Hills Plumbing & Gas on 0472 657 042. We quote fixed prices, lodge every notice and permit ourselves, and certify the lot under QBCC licence 15243081. See our bathroom renovations service.