Current plumbing and drainage laws and codes

This section lists the plumbing laws and codes that apply to Queensland's plumbers and drainers, builders, developers, local governments, community title managers, water service providers and householders.

New plumbing laws and regulations commenced on 1 July 2019.

Read more about changes to the legislation.

Make sure you're aware of the penalties for breaching plumbing law.

Current laws and regulations

• Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 – Queensland law governing plumbing and drainage, the licensing of plumbers and drainers, on-site sewerage facilities and other matters
• Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019 – specific laws to ensure plumbing and drainage work is compliant
• Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (Version 1: 2019) (PDF, 1MB) – published 26 March 2019

Superseded Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Codes

• Published 26 October 2017, commenced 27 October 2017 – Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (PDF, 422KB)
• Published 15 January 2013, commenced 1 February 2013 – Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (PDF, 245KB)
• Published 1 April 2011, commenced 6 May 2011 – Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (PDF, 310KB)
• Published 19 January 2011, commenced 21 January 2011 – Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (PDF, 254KB)
• Published 21 April 2010, commenced 28 May 2010 – Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (PDF, 248KB)
• Published 3 February 2010, commenced 1 March 2010 – Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (PDF, 270KB)
• Published 17 June 2009, commenced 17 July 2009 – Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (PDF, 400KB)
• Published 3 February 2009, commenced 1 March 2009 – Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (PDF, 252KB)
• Published 3 November 2008, commenced 14 November 2008 – Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (PDF, 325KB)
• Published 23 November 2007, commenced 1 January 2008 – Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (currently unavailable)
• Published 1 March 2006, commenced 1 March 2006 – Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (PDF, 303KB)

Note: The Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code replaced the On-Site Sewerage Code published in November 2003.