Plumbing Applications

Plumbing Approvals and Inspections

All plumbing work in Queensland is regulated by the State Government and is categorised under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 into the following:

• Notifiable Work;
• Compliance Assessable Work;
• Minor Work; and
• Unregulated Work.

Only Compliance Assessable Work requires an application to be lodged with Council.

Compliance Assessable Work, also known as Permit Work, must be done by a licensed plumber and you (or your plumber on your behalf) must obtain a permit before work commences.  Council will assess and inspect the work to ensure it complies with the relevant laws, regulations and codes.

To determine if your proposed work is Compliance Assessable Work, refer to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) website or check the legislation and regulations referenced above. 

Plumbing Inspections

Council must inspect all Permit Work before it is covered, to ensure the work complies with the relevant laws, regulations and codes.

Council’s inspection indicates compliance with approvals, not quality of workmanship.

Your licensed plumber or drainer will book the plumbing inspection with Council. In most cases, bookings can be taken for the following day if requested before midday. However, times are limited and to effectively manage our resources so we can provide a high level of customer service, we suggest you book the inspection at least 48 hours in advance.

Final Inspection Certificate

Upon completion of an inspection - Council issues a final inspection certificate to certify that the works are compliant, operational and fit for use.  The certificate is issued when all work under the permit, or a distinct part of the work, is complete.

Copies of the final inspection certificate are issued to the licensed plumber, permit holder and owner. 

If you need a replacement copy of the final inspection certificate, please email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au 

Plumbing and Sewer Plan Records

You can request details of sewer mains (as-constructed plans):

• Sewerage As-Constructed Drainage Plan

This service includes a search of Council's electronic and historical plumbing and drainage records, but Council does not perform a physical inspection of the premises in preparing this information. 

Turnaround time for an as-constructed sewer plan request is five working days and Council will contact you if it is likely to take longer.  All search fees are non-refundable and as Council may not hold the requested information, searches are ordered at your own discretion. 

Limitation on Records

Council was not required to record As-Constructed house drainage prior to 2002 in un-sewered areas.  If your property was built in an un-sewered area pre-2002, it is unlikely Council will hold any plumbing and sewer plans. 

Building Over and Near Sewer Mains

Referral agency approval for building near or over Council sewer mains

For certain building work near or over relevant infrastructure, Council is the Referral Agency and must give permission.  This is in addition to any other building and development approvals. 

Relevant infrastructure includes sewers, water mains, stormwater drains and combined sanitary drains.  Structures built over or near these assets must be assessed against the Queensland Development Code MP 1.4 (PDF)

To apply for a Referral Agency Response under QDC MP1.4, submit a completed application form with all supporting documents listed in the checklist.

• Referral Agency Response - Building Near or Over Relevant Infrastructure

This process is required when building near or over infrastructure such as water, sewer, or stormwater services.  It ensures development does not impact the integrity, function, or access to essential infrastructure. 

Backflow Prevention

A backflow prevention device stops polluted or contaminated water entering the drinking water supply through cross-connections or back-siphonage.

Backflow prevention devices must be installed by a licensed plumber and registered with Council after the initial test.

Annual Inspection and Testing

If your property has a backflow prevention device, you must have it inspected and tested annually by a backflow-endorsed licensed plumber.  Penalties apply to property owners who fail to have their devices tested annually.

The plumber must lodge the test results (Form 9) with Council within 10 days of the inspection.  Council's preferred lodgment method is via email to council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au 

The Form 9 can also be lodged via mail or over the counter at Council - 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham.

Plumbing Resources

Checklists and other documentation can be found below.