Restricted plumbing permits allow eligible gasfitters and electricians to disconnect, remove, install and connect a compression union, a temperature/pressure relief valve or an expansion control valve in the course of removing, reinstalling and or replacing a water heater on a strictly like-for-like basis, provided that the following circumstances apply:

1. No change to the existing pipes is required.
2. The existing pipes are in safe and proper working order.
3. The temperature/pressure relief valve overflow pipe complies with the plumbing standards.
4. The use of a flexible hose connection is not required.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a restricted plumbing permit you must:

1. Hold either
   1. An electrical worker’s licence issued under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 regulation 24, or
   2. A gasfitting permit or authorisation issued under the Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999 regulation 12.

And

2. Be able to provide evidence of completion of the unit of competency Exchange Water Heating Systems. 

How to apply

Applications can be submitted:

• Online: restricted plumbing permit online submission
• Post, or In Person;

If applying in person or by post your application also needs to be accompanied by a completed Application Payment Form

Details of how to apply in person or by post are included on the application form.

All applications must be made on a fully completed application form which can be found here:  Form 106 – Restricted plumbing permit application form.

Should you have any queries regarding your application please contact 1300 489 099.

Time frames for application processing

Most applications are determined within five weeks. You can assist us to keep processing times as low as possible by:

• Checking that you have attached all the required information, and have completed the application form in full, before submitting
• Submitting using the online option
• Allowing enough time for processing of your application before contacting us for an update.

Licensing officers will contact you if any additional information is needed to finalise your application.

Fees

Current application and licence fees for plumbers can be found in the fee schedule.

Application fee

An application fee is payable at the time of lodging an application. The application fee is non-refundable and GST is not payable.

Licence fee

If your application is unsuccessful the licence fee will automatically be refunded and posted to the address specified on the application form.

All licences are valid for three years from the date of approval.