Plumbing News - Fines for DIY Plumbing

Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board in New Zealand is warning property owners again to not fall into a trap by unlicensed people in conducting restricted sanitary plumbing work. 

The Wellington District Court has fined and convicted Rodney Baker for carrying out unauthorised sanitary plumbing work. He was fined $2,625 for carrying out unauthorised work, and fined a further $2,625 for employing another person to carry out unauthorised sanitary plumbing. Mr Baker was also issued with a reparation order to be paid of $2,184.

Operating under the business name of RB Property Maintenance Limited, Mr Baker completed a bathroom renovation, involving all plumbing work associated with sanitary fixtures. The unfixing and fixing of two toilets, a basin, shower, bath, associated fittings, water supply pipes and waste pipes.

Mr Baker and the person he employed to assist with the renovation were not registered or licensed to carry out the plumbing work done by them. 

Sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying are regulated industries in New Zealand, and it is illegal to carry out restricted plumbing work unless it has been authorised by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. The risks associated are high, and your insurance policy may be invalidated. The maximum fine for carrying out unauthorised sanitary plumbing is $10,000. 

The Chief Executive for the PGDB, Martin Sawyers, says “To stay safe and avoid the risk it takes one simple action – ask to sight a licence card. It states the credentials of a tradesperson and the type of work they are authorised to carry out.”

“It is important for homeowners to know that plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work undertaken by unauthorised tradespeople, not only risks their family’s health and safety – but may also invalidate their insurance policy.”

The PGDB regulates trades in New Zealand to ensure those providing services are competent and safe.

This piece of content was sourced from Wellington Scoop.

From time to time, we publish plumbing related news on our website, so our customers can keep up-to-date with what is happening in the plumbing world in Wellington and across NZ.

Looking For a Trustworthy Plumber in Wellington?

We are a registered, certifying plumbers in Wellington. 

As proud members of Master Plumbers we are backed by their quality assurance guarantee. We pride ourselves on our workmanship, and enjoy nothing better than a job well done. All of your Wellington plumbing and gasfitting needs are in good hands with Maxey Plumbing and Gas!