A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a legal document issued by a licensed plumber to certify that plumbing work has been completed in accordance with the National Construction Code and Victorian plumbing regulations. If you’ve had any licensed plumbing work done in Victoria, you should have a CoC for it.
What Work Requires a Certificate of Compliance?
In Victoria, a CoC is required for all licensed plumbing work, including:
- Hot water system installation or replacement
- New drainage connections or drain modifications
- Water supply pipe installation or modification
- Gas fitting work
- Fixture installation (where supply or drainage work is involved)
- Backflow prevention device installation or testing
- Roof plumbing
Simple like-for-like washer replacement does not require a CoC. A plumber charging for licensed work without issuing a CoC is operating non-compliant.
What Does the Certificate of Compliance Cover?
The CoC states:
- The address of the property
- The plumber’s VBA licence number
- Description of the work completed
- Date of completion
- Certification that the work complies with applicable standards
The plumber lodges the CoC with the VBA within 28 days of completing the work. You receive a copy.
Why Does It Matter?
- Insurance: Home insurance policies require licensed work. If unlicensed plumbing causes damage and you can’t produce a CoC, the insurer may decline the claim
- Property sale: Buyers’solicitors increasingly request evidence of compliant plumbing work. Missing CoCs for known work are a red flag
- Building permit compliance: CoCs form part of the documentation required for building permit sign-off where plumbing is involved
- Warranty: Appliance warranties (hot water systems in particular) often require professional installation with a CoC to remain valid
What If My Plumber Didn’t Issue a CoC?
If a plumber completed work and didn’t issue a CoC, you can check the VBA portal to see if they lodged one (CoCs are lodged electronically and linked to the property address). If no CoC was lodged for work that required one, the plumber is non-compliant — you can report this to the VBA.
For work done years ago, it’s worth checking your records or contacting the plumber who did the work to request a copy.
Sedcon Plumbing issues a Certificate of Compliance for all applicable work, lodged with the VBA as required. Call 0468 013 012 | VBA Lic. 120392