A licensed plumber in Bayside Melbourne is regulated by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). To lawfully undertake plumbing work in Victoria, plumbers must secure a licence, registration, or be in training under supervision.
Licensed plumbers can undertake plumbing work, supervise apprentices, and issue compliance certificates.
It’s best to hire a licensed plumber because they:
- Can issue a compliance certificate, certifying that their work meets current plumbing regulations
- Have insurance that protects you in case of defective or substandard plumbing work.
- Can supervise other plumbers in the same class of plumbing work
- Have more expertise and knowledge than a registered plumber
- Can perform design work for new builds and remodelling projects
Risks of Hiring Unlicensed Plumbers
Poor Workmanship
The biggest downside of hiring an unlicensed plumber for your project is that they offer poor workmanship. You might get bad pipe sloping, loose connections, rattling pipes, among other signs of unprofessional work.
Fines
When you hire an unlicensed plumber for your project, you risk facing fines because of noncompliance. Plumbing work needs to be up to code, and this is assessed during evaluations or when selling your property. If professionals detect noncompliance, you may have to re-do the project or pay a major fine.
Safety Issues
Inadequate plumbing work can lead to major safety concerns like gas leaks, water contamination, and possible structural damage. Licensed plumbers can recognise and reduce these risks, while unqualified plumbers may miss such issues, leading to safety issues.
Voided Insurance
If you have a home insurance policy for your Bayside property, getting unlicensed plumbing work could void your insurance policy. This makes it harder to file a claim in case of damage due to unlicensed plumbing work. Unlicensed plumbers aren’t insured either, so you could be held responsible for any damage to your property or if they face injuries while working for you.
The Problem With DIY Plumbing
Before you consider handling a plumbing task on your own, it’s important to know what plumbing tasks you can DIY. The Victorian Building Authority oversees the plumbing industry and mandates that any work on sewer or drinking water systems should be performed by a licensed professional.
As an unlicensed person, you can do a few things like checking your water meter and turning your water supply off/on, and using a plunger to clear drains.
Work That Must Be Performed By a Licensed Plumber:
Plumbing work that must be performed by a licensed plumber falls under the following classes.
- Drainage work like installing or repairing underground sewer pipes and connecting a property to the main sewage system.
- Fire Protection, like setting up and servicing a sprinkler system in a commercial building to meet fire safety codes.
- Gas-Fitting, which includes connecting a new gas hot water system to the current gas supply.
- Non-agricultural Irrigation work, such as installing a garden irrigation system for landscaping needs.
- Mechanical Services, like setting up ductwork and ventilation systems to control air distribution.
- Stormwater installations, like downpipes and guttering along your roof, to prevent flooding.
- Sanitary fitting installations and repairs, such as those for waste pipes connected to toilets and sinks.
- Type B Gas Fitting, which includes installing large-scale commercial boilers or gas burners for industrial applications.
- Water Supply work, like setting up a new cold and hot water system for a residential property, which includes connecting taps and appliances.
If you need to get any of the above types of plumbing work done, hiring a licensed professional ensures quality workmanship, compliance with building codes, and peace of mind.
Why Use Licensed Trades For High-Value Bayside Homes
If you own or manage a high-value property in Bayside Melbourne, here’s why you should be hiring a licensed plumber to handle your projects.
Quality Services
The biggest reason to work with a licensed plumber is that they can deliver far better quality. Thanks to extensive training, experience, and industry expertise, they understand complex systems in high-value properties. With licensed plumbers, you can expect work excellence and long-lasting results that meet quality standards.
Compliance With Regulations
When done poorly, structural modifications in plumbing don’t just have a negative effect on the appearance of your property. They also lead to safety issues and lead to non-compliance with current building codes. Non-compliance can result in expensive re-work or fines, so it’s best to avoid it from the get-go by hiring a licensed plumber.
Liability Protection
Choosing a licensed plumber for your project also gives you liability protection because they’re insured. Even if something goes wrong, you won’t have to deal with the financial repercussions.
How to Check Licensing
To check if your plumber is licensed in Victoria, head over to the VBA online registry. Here, you can search for licensed and registered plumbers. Go to the ‘Find a Practitioner’ page, enter your plumber’s name or registration/licence number, and check their status. It should appear as ‘registered’ or ‘licensed.’
You should also ask the plumber for their licence number and use it to cross-check their credential on the VBA website
What to Expect From a Reputable Provider
- Transparent Quotes: Professionals always provide a detailed estimate before starting a project. They’re also transparent about the pricing structure to avoid ambiguity.
- Compliance Certificates: Licensed plumbers are required to provide a compliance certificates for plumbing work above a certain value.
- Emergency Services: Reputable plumbers offer 24/7 services because emergencies can occur at any time.
- Workmanship Warranty: Licensed plumbers don’t hesitate to provide a warranty on their workmanship, so any issues are addressed at no additional cost.
- Post-Job Clean-up and Inspection: After the job, professional plumbers clean up the area and inspect it to ensure it meets regulatory standards.
Work With Licensed Plumbers at Plumb Well Solutions
Hiring an unlicensed plumber can lead to problems like non-compliance, liability issues, or substandard work. With licensed, local plumbers ensures peace of mind, compliance, and long-term protection. At Plumb Well Solutions, we’re licensed plumbers in Bayside Melbourne offering quality work that meets current building codes. Get in touch with us today!