132: Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying: what designers need to know

Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying is now open to certifying plumbers and drainlayers to apply for endorsement.

This allows endorsed plumbers and drainlayers to certify eligible plumbing and drainlaying as complying with the building consent. For that work, building consent authorities (BCAs) will rely on a certificate of compliance issued by the endorsed plumber or drainlayer instead of carrying out inspections.

While self-certification is aimed at plumbers and drainlayers, it is also important for designers to understand how the scheme interacts with the building consent process.

A building consent will still be required where one is currently required. BCAs will continue to assess building consent applications and determine whether the proposed work complies with the Building Code before issuing a building consent.

If plumbing and drainlaying doesn’t need a building consent, then it does not qualify for self-certification.

For designers, clear documentation will be more important than ever. Building consent documentation should clearly identify plumbing and drainlaying proposed as self-certifiable and provide sufficient information for the BCA to assess compliance at the application stage.

How it works

Plumbing and drainlaying that is intended to be self-certified must be listed in the building consent application. If the BCA is satisfied that the design complies with the Building Code and meets the definition of self-certifiable plumbing and drainlaying, it will list that work on the building consent.

Not all plumbing and drainlaying is eligible. Eligible plumbing and drainlaying must be designed to an Acceptable Solution or Verification Method (AS/VM), subject to some exceptions. Certain work, including plumbing within common walls or work that penetrates fire separations, is still subject to BCA inspections.

Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying also has limits on the type of buildings. To be eligible for self-certification, the building must not be taller than 3 storeys and not contain apartments.

Designers should understand the limits of the scheme and work closely with project teams to ensure building consent documents accurately reflect what is proposed. This includes clearly identifying the work intended to be self-certified on plans and specifications, as well as any requirements necessary for the completed work to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code.

Find out more

• Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying scheme(external link) – Building Performance
• Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying scheme guidance(external link) [PDF 2MB]

Quiz

1. What is the primary role of a designer when a project includes proposed self-certifiable plumbing or drainlaying?

• 1. Carry out the self-certification themselves.
  2. Clearly identify and document the proposed self-certifiable work within the building consent application and documentation.
  3. Approve the plumber's certificate of compliance.
  4. Conduct inspections on behalf of the BCA.

2. Which statement about building consents under self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying is correct?

• 1. Building consents will no longer be required for eligible plumbing and drainlaying work.
  2. The designer decides whether a building consent is required.
  3. Building consent requirements continue, and BCAs will still assess compliance of proposed building work before issuing a building consent.
  4. The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board issues building consents.

3. Why is it important for designers to understand the scope of self-certifiable plumbing and drainlaying work?

• 1. So they can issue certificates of compliance.
  2. So they can determine whether proposed work can be self-certified within the building consent application.
  3. So they can perform all compliance testing themselves.
  4. So they can remove Building Code requirements from the design.