Plumbing Applications

Plumbing approvals and inspections

All plumbing work in Queensland is regulated to protect community health, safety and water quality. This page explains when plumbing approval is required, what Council’s role is, and the correct process to follow before work starts.

How plumbing work is regulated

All plumbing and drainage work in Queensland is regulated under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 and falls into one of four categories: 

  • Notifiable work; 

  • Compliance assessable work (permit work); 

  • Minor work; or 

  • Unregulated work. 

What type of work needs Council approval?

Compliance assessable work (permit work) 

Compliance assessable work: 

  • must be carried out by a licensed plumber or drainer; 

  • requires a permit from Council before work starts; and 

  • is assessed and inspected by Council. 

To determine whether your proposed work is compliance assessable: 

  • check the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 and associated regulations. 

Your licensed plumber or contractor can also assist in confirming this. 

How plumbing approvals and inspections work

Step 1: Lodge a plumbing application (if required) 

For compliance assessable work: 

  • an application with the required accompanying documentation outlined within the application form must be lodged with Council; and 

  • this can be done by you or by your plumber on your behalf; and 

  • work must not start until the permit is approved and issued by Council.  

Step 2: Book the required inspections 

Council must inspect all permit work before it is covered. 

Important points: 

  • inspections are booked by the licensed plumber or drainer; 

  • to help Council manage inspections, bookings at least 48 hours in advance are recommended. 

Council inspections confirm compliance with approvals, not the quality of workmanship. 

Step 3: Receive a final inspection certificate 

Once the permitted work (or a distinct stage of work) is complete and compliant: 

  • Council issues a final inspection certificate; 

  • copies are provided to:  

  • the licensed plumber; 

  • the permit holder; and 

  • the property owner. 

If you need a replacement certificate, please email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au  

 

Building near or over Council infrastructure

Some plumbing and building work require Council Referral Agency Response approval, in addition to other permits. 

This applies when building near or over: 

  • sewer mains; 

  • water mains; 

  • stormwater drains; or 

  • combined sanitary drains. 

Council assesses these applications against Queensland Development Code MP 1.4. 

To apply for a Referral Agency Response, please submit: 

  • all supporting information listed in the checklist. 

This process ensures essential infrastructure remains protected and accessible. 

Backflow Prevention – what owners need to know

A backflow prevention device protects the drinking water supply from contamination caused by: 

  • back‑siphonage; and 

  • cross‑connections. 

Installation and registration 

  • devices must be installed by a licensed plumber; and 

  • devices must be registered with Council after initial testing. 

Ongoing testing 

If your property has a backflow prevention device: 

  • it must be tested every year; 

  • testing must be carried out by a backflow‑endorsed licensed plumber; and 

  • failure to test annually may result in penalties.  

The plumber must lodge the appropriate Form 9 with Council within 10 days of testing. 

Preferred lodgement: council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au  

Forms may also be lodged: 

  • by mail; or 

  • in person at 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham QLD 4850. 

 

Plumbing checklists

The following documents are available to help you prepare an application:

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