Unblocking the consents pipeline for plumbers and drainlayers
25 June 2026

The Government’s new self-certification scheme for plumbers and drainlayers is likely to become law in July.

This is designed to take some of the hold-ups out of the building consent process, allowing approved plumbers and drainlayers to sign off certain work themselves, without the need for a Building Consent Authority (BCA) inspection.

What will this mean?

Self-certification won’t mean “no consent”. A building consent will still be required, and the BCA will still check that the plans comply with the Building Code and confirm the work qualifies for self-certification. The difference is that the BCA won’t inspect the work on site. Instead, it’s the job of the plumber or drainlayer to provide a declaration that the work qualifies for self-certification as part of a building consent application, and ensure that the work complies with the building consent, whether they are doing it themselves or just supervising.

They’ll need to provide a Certificate of Compliance to both the building owner and the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, within 10 working days of completing the work. This will include evidence such as testing results, photos and as-built designs. These certificates will be uploaded to a public register and can be audited by the Board.

The scope is expected to cover defined, lower-risk plumbing and drainlaying work. The Government has indicated it will include the majority of plumbing and drainlaying work in homes, some small commercial work, such as a kitchenette in a small office staff room, and common onsite systems such as septic tanks and stormwater retention tanks. It is likely to apply to buildings up to three storeys, excluding apartments, where standard designs are used and the work does not affect fire-rated or shared walls. BCAs will continue to oversee complex or higher-risk projects.

Who can self-certify?

Plumbers and drainlayers don’t automatically qualify to certify their own work. They need to be a licensed plumber or drainlayer, and to apply for a self-certification endorsement from the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board to be able to use the scheme. That means they’ll have to meet eligibility criteria around technical competency, civil liability cover, business systems and recordkeeping. Endorsed practitioners will be listed on a public register, and the endorsement must be renewed every three years, so ongoing professional development is required.

For builders and developers contracting a plumber or drainlayer, it’s important to check their endorsement is up to date if they’re going to self-certify work, or you could end up failing to get consent. It’s also worth checking the scope of every job early. Complex or higher-risk work (especially apartments) may sit outside the scheme. When in doubt, confirm before pricing the job or providing a timeline.

For the latest guidance on how self-certification will work, check out the Building Performance website.