How Can I Check If My Plumber Is Licensed in Victoria?

Cat McCarthy

Do you need a plumber and are confused by the legitimacy of the search results when you type things like find a Plumber Near Me or find a local Plumber? Many of those who appear at the top of search results have either paid for their spots, or pay SEO marketers big money to get there. They often say they are local to the area you have searched, but further investigation shows they have said the same about 100 other suburbs and claim to be Melbourne’s best plumbers. Sometimes, they aren’t even licensed plumbers in the top results.

When it comes to hiring a plumber in Victoria, ensuring they’re licensed isn’t just a formality—it’s your guarantee of professionalism, safety, and compliance. Licensed plumbers are not only equipped to handle complex jobs, but they are adhering to state regulations and standards. But how can you verify that your plumber has the right credentials? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision.

Plumbing Licensing in Victoria Matters

Hiring a licensed plumber ensures that:

They have undergone rigorous training.
They possess the qualifications to carry out specialised plumbing work.
They follow industry regulations, ensuring safe and compliant installations or repairs.

Licensed plumbers are also required to have insurance, protecting you and your property if anything goes wrong during the job. Knowing your plumber is properly licensed offers you peace of mind and assurance in the quality of their work.

Understanding Plumbing Licensing in Victoria

In Victoria, plumbers need to be registered or licensed through the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). While registered plumbers can perform certain jobs, only licensed plumbers can:

Sign off on compliance certificates.
Undertake more complex tasks such as gas fitting and advanced plumbing installations.
Supervise and direct registered plumbers and apprentices on-site.

The jobs that must be performed by a licensed plumber all fall under ten main classes of plumbing work in Victoria, here is a breakdown:

Drainage (e.g. Installing or repairing underground sewer pipes to connect a house to the main sewage system).
Fire Protection (e.g. Installing and maintaining sprinkler systems in a commercial building to meet fire safety regulations).
Gasfitting (e.g. Installing a residential gas hot water system, including connecting it to the existing gas supply).
Irrigation (Non-agricultural) (e.g. Setting up a garden irrigation system for residential landscaping, including drip lines and spray heads).
Mechanical Services (e.g. Installing ductwork and ventilation systems in a commercial building to control air distribution and indoor air quality).
Refrigerated Air-conditioning (e.g. Installing a split system air-conditioning unit in a home, including refrigerant piping and electrical connections).
Roofing (Stormwater) (e.g. Installing downpipes and guttering on a roof to direct stormwater away from a building and prevent flooding).
Sanitary (e.g. Installing or repairing a bathroom’s waste pipes, such as those connected to a toilet or sink).
Type B Gasfitting (e.g. Installing a large commercial gas burner or boiler used in industrial settings for heating or steam generation).
Water Supply (e.g. Installing a new cold and hot water supply system for a residential home, including the connection of taps and appliances).

Steps to Verify a Plumber’s License

Here are the steps to check if your plumber is licensed in Victoria:

Check the VBA Online Register
The VBA website offers a public registry where you can search for licensed and registered practitioners. Simply:

Go to VBA’s Find a Practitioner page (click here)
Enter the plumber’s name or registration number.
Review their status to confirm they are listed as either ‘Licensed’ or ‘Registered.’

Ask for Their License Number
Legitimate plumbers should have no hesitation in providing their licence number. You can use this number on the VBA website to cross-check their credentials.

Verify Compliance Certificates
Licensed plumbers must provide a compliance certificate for work over $750. This certificate proves the work meets Victoria’s standards and regulations. If your plumber hesitates to issue one or suggests it’s unnecessary, it’s a red flag.

What if They Aren’t Licensed?

If your plumber isn’t licensed or cannot provide proof, consider other options. Hiring an unlicensed plumber can lead to:

Non-compliant work, which may result in costly repairs or safety hazards.
Lack of insurance coverage if accidents or damages occur.
Difficulty in resolving disputes or obtaining recourse in the event of unsatisfactory work.

A licensed plumber will carry a blue and white card (this is usually held by the business owner) a registered plumber carries a green and white card.