What is a Notice of Work?

If you are thinking of having some plumbing and/or drainage work completed in NSW, make sure you read this first! Most plumbing work requires a Notice of Work to be completed before commencement, so take a look at all the relevant information below.

Plumbing Works

If you have any questions, give Everyday Plumbing a call on 0488 801 008 and we are happy to discuss any queries you may have.

What is a plumbing Notice of Work?

A Notice of Work, otherwise known as an NoW, is an approved form that outlines plumbing and/or drainage works that are going to be completed at a particular location, and who is responsible for the works. A NoW must be completed and submitted before any work commences.

Find a copy of a Notice of Work fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.

What legislation applies to an NoW?

There are two major pieces of legislation that apply to Notices of Work:

Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011 (New South Wales).
Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2017 (New South Wales).

Who completes and submits an NoW?

A licensed tradesperson who is going to complete the plumbing works is the only person who can complete and submit a Notice of Work. A NoW must be given a minimum of 20 days before any work is carried out.

Who handles the plumbing inspection process?

The entity which handles the NoW inspection process depends on your location:

If the water and/or sewerage services in your area are operated by Hunter Water or Sydney Water, NSW Fair Trading is the relevant authority.
If the water and/or sewerage services in your area are operated by anyone else, the relevant local Council (under Delegation from Fair Trading) is the relevant authority.

The relevant authority must be advised within 2 days of completion of the works in order to complete an inspection.

When is a Notice of Work needed?

A Notice of Work is required if any on-site plumbing and drainage work is to be completed in NSW. The types of plumbing and drainage work that require an NoW include:

Construction, maintenance or alteration of any plumbing or drainage infrastructure (e.g. pipes, fittings, etc) up to the point of connection where that infrastructure joins to a water supply (e.g. public water supply service, water tank, etc), public sewerage network or an on-site sewage management system (e.g. septic tank).

What circumstances do not require an NoW?

Not all plumbing works require a Notice of Work - there are two circumstances in which an NoW is not needed:

Emergency works.
Minor works, such as changing an existing hot water system, replacing tapware and bathroom renovations where fixtures are remaining in the same place.

Why do you need a Notice of Work?

An NoW is needed in order to allow NSW Fair Trading, or a relevant delegated authority, an opportunity to inspect the relevant plumbing work to ensure that it meets the required standards.

Where is a NoW submitted?

If you are located in Sydney, Illawarra, Blue Mountains or Newcastle areas, a NoW must be submitted through MyInspections. If you are situated in another NSW location, speak to your local authorities for more information.

What about a Certificate of Compliance?

A Certificate of Compliance will be issued only if the plumbing and drainage work that is listed in the NoW has been completed to the required standards.

Find a copy of a Certificate of Compliance fairtrading.nsw.gov.au - Compliance.

Everyday Plumbing team and ute

Your local plumbing experts in Sydney

If you have any questions regarding NoWs, or you would like to arrange for one of our qualified plumbers to attend your home or office to complete some plumbing work, give Everyday Plumbing a call on 0488 801 008 or complete an online job booking form today.

Resources:

ABLIS (Notice of Work): https://ablis.business.gov.au/service/new-south-wales/notice-of-work-plumbing-and-drainage-/33677

NSW Fair Trading (Submitting a notice of work): https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/trades-and-businesses/construction-and-trade-essentials/plumbers-and-drainers/submitting-a-notice-of-work

NSW Fair Trading (Plumbers and drainers): https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/trades-and-businesses/construction-and-trade-essentials/plumbers-and-drainers

NSW Fair Trading (Plumbing inspection documents): https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/trades-and-businesses/construction-and-trade-essentials/plumbers-and-drainers/plumbing-inspection-documents