Changes to Western Australia’s plumbing rules are now in effect, with further reforms set to roll out next year.
Building and Energy has published an industry bulletin detailing the first stage of amendments to the Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000.
It is now an offence for someone without a plumber’s licence to advertise or imply that they can carry out such work. This includes individuals not authorised to perform specific plumbing tasks.
Other changes relevant to the plumbing industry now apply to definitions, licence types, recordkeeping, certification, and fees.
Further changes include protections against scalding from excessively hot water, with temperature control devices required when replacing a water heater in an existing heated water installation used for personal hygiene starting May 1, 2024.
Another phase of plumbing reforms, starting 10 February 2025, will regulate plumbing work on unmetered drinking water supplies, providing the same level of protection to regional WA communities as those serviced by metred water supplies in urban areas.
The amended regulations will also enhance the safety of modular plumbing installations — such as bathroom pods and transportable mining accommodation, which will have to comply with applicable standards.
There is also a new plumbing rule in Western Australia that allows homeowners to perform basic tasks like maintaining shower heads, and taps (excluding thermostatic mixing taps), replacing cistern washers, and water filter cartridges, and clearing blocked pipes with a plunger.
Building and Energy Acting Executive Director Peter Stewart said this gives consumers the option to do these tasks if they feel confident, but they must use a licensed plumber for other tasks to avoid property damage and health risks.
To support these changes, funding has been allocated for six additional plumbing inspectors in 2024, along with community and industry education initiatives.