What is a plumbing Certificate of Compliance in Victoria?

A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a legal document issued by a licensed plumber certifying that regulated plumbing work has been completed in accordance with the Plumbing Regulations 2018 (Vic) and the National Construction Code. A CoC must be issued for all regulated plumbing work in Victoria — including hot water system installation, new plumbing rough-ins, drainage works, gas appliance installation, and waterproofing. Minor repairs like tap washer replacement do not require a CoC.

Why does a Certificate of Compliance matter when selling a Melbourne property?

When selling a Melbourne property, buyers and their solicitors may request CoCs for any significant plumbing work done during your ownership. Inability to provide CoCs can indicate unlicensed work was performed, which can complicate the sale, create price negotiation pressure, or require rectification work as a condition of sale. CoCs also protect you from insurance disputes if a claim arises from regulated plumbing work.

Can a plumber issue a Certificate of Compliance after the work is complete?

A licensed plumber can issue a CoC after work is complete, but only for work they personally performed and certified. They cannot issue a CoC for work done by another person. If work was done by an unlicensed operator, there is no legal path to obtaining a legitimate CoC for that work — the work would need to be inspected and potentially rectified by a licensed plumber. This is one reason why unlicensed plumbing is a serious issue in Victoria.

Plumbing Certificate of Compliance Melbourne: What It Is and Why You Need It

If you’ve recently had plumbing work done in Melbourne, you may have heard about a Certificate of Compliance (CoC). Understanding what it is, why it matters, and when you should have one can protect you legally and financially.

What Is a Certificate of Compliance?

A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a document issued by a licensed plumber or drainer certifying that regulated plumbing work has been completed in accordance with the Plumbing Regulations 2018 (Vic) and the National Construction Code. It is a legal requirement that a CoC be issued for all regulated plumbing work in Victoria. The licensed plumber who performs the work must issue it — it cannot be issued by anyone else.

What Work Requires a Certificate of Compliance?

In Victoria, a CoC is required for: installation of a hot water system, any new plumbing rough-in (bathrooms, kitchens, extensions), installation or modification of drainage systems, gas appliance installation, any new water supply connection, and waterproofing work. Minor repairs like tap washer replacement do not require a CoC. If you’re unsure whether your job requires one, ask your plumber explicitly before work begins.

Why It Matters for Melbourne Property Owners

A CoC protects you in several ways: it confirms the work meets Victorian standards; it provides documentation if there is a dispute about the work quality; it is required by insurers when making claims related to plumbing; it is often requested during property sale due diligence; and it is the evidence that the tradesperson was legitimately licensed. Plumbing work done without a CoC — by unlicensed operators or licensed plumbers cutting corners — can void your home insurance for related claims.

How Long Should You Keep a CoC?

Keep CoCs permanently with your property records. There is no expiry — a CoC issued 20 years ago for the installation of a hot water system is still valid evidence that the work was compliant at the time. When selling a Melbourne property, buyers may request CoCs for any significant plumbing work. Inability to provide them can create due diligence complications or price negotiation pressure.

Sedcon Plumbing — CoC Issued for All Regulated Work in Melbourne

We issue Certificates of Compliance for all regulated plumbing work across Melbourne. Call 0468 013 012 to book a licensed plumber.