To undertake plumbing and drainage work, you must have a current Queensland licence or endorsements that authorise you to undertake the particular work. Fact sheets, guidelines, forms and a schedule of fees ( 26 KB) are available to assist you with licencing.

The Plumbers and Drainers Board

The Plumbers and Drainers Board is responsible for:

• granting plumbing and drainage licences and endorsements on licences
• hearing complaints
• investigating alleged breaches by plumbers performing work that does not meet the relevant technical standards or is in breach of their licence
• disciplining licensees by issuing reprimands or cautions, imposing conditions on their licence, suspending or cancelling their licence.

Strategic Plan 2008-2010

The Plumbers and Drainers Board recently endorsed a number of priority projects in its Strategic Plan 2008-2010 ( 61 KB).

Greater enforcement activity is planned. Board officers will be working closely with local governments to respond effectively to complaints about unlicensed operators and poor workmanship. Communication of board activities will improve, with information circulated regularly on licensing decisions, policy determinations and progress with key projects.

Mutual recognition: other states and territories

The board wants to make it easier for Queensland plumbers to work in other states. A review is being conducted of the current occupational licensing system for plumbers and drainers in Queensland to make licenses align more closely with licenses in other states.

In February 2007, the Commonwealth Government gazetted a declaration under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 that requires licensing authorities, in selected occupations, to recognise accreditations from other states and territories. Occupations covered by this declaration include:

• plumbing practitioners
• air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics
• carpenters
• joiners
• bricklayers
• builders
• automotive gas installers
• electricians and other electrical industry occupations.

Further information

Visit Licence Registration if you:

• are currently licensed with the Plumbers and Drainers Board and wish to see what accreditation you are eligible for under mutual recognition in another state or territory
• hold a plumbing accreditation in another state or territory and wish to see what your mutual recognition eligibility is in Queensland.

Contact the Plumbers and Drainers Board if you wish to apply for a registration or licence with the Plumbers and Drainers Board under mutual recognition.