What is notifiable work?

Notifiable work includes most work performed in existing homes but can also apply to work in commercial buildings. Some common examples of notifiable work are:

• additions, extensions or renovations to kitchens and bathrooms
• installing or replacing water heaters including electric, gas, solar or heat pumps 
• installing new or relocating fixtures such as toilets, showers, basins and kitchen sinks. 

Plumbing and drainage work associated with new construction is permit work, not notifiable work.

Identifying notifiable work

We have created a tool for you to use to establish whether the work to be undertaken is notifiable work.

Is this notifiable work?

Categories of notifiable work

There are 12 categories of notifiable work. You will need to identify which categories of notifiable work you have undertaken when registering the work with us.

These categories are outlined in schedule 1 of the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019.

Requirement to register notifiable work

Plumbers and drainers are required to register notifiable work with the QBCC to keep a record of work, and so that the work can be checked for compliance with the plumbing and drainage codes and standards. 

Notifiable work must be registered with the QBCC within 10 business days of issuing an invoice for the work. 

If you do not issue an invoice for the work (for example work on your own home), you must register it when the work becomes operational.

There are two versions of the registration form used depending on who the client is.

• Use Form 4 for work for private persons and businesses.
• Use Form 4a for public sector work.

Who gets a copy of Form 4/4a?

The person providing the Form 4/4a to the QBCC must also give a copy of the notice to either:

• the owner of the premises where the work was carried out; or
• the person/entity that engaged the plumber or drainer.

Read about how to register notifiable work with the QBCC, with tips on correctly completing the form.

Auditing of notifiable work

To ensure the health and safety of the community, the QBCC and local governments conduct routine audits of notifiable work to verify it complies with the relevant codes and standards.

Learn more about when you might get audited, how these audits are conducted and what happens if you are audited.