When you may need a consent for minor plumbing alterations
You may need a building consent if you are making alterations to your existing bathroom or laundry, such as adding a:
- bathtub
- toilet
- laundry fixture
- shower vanity.
You will also need to apply for a building consent if the work involves either:
- adding an extra sanitary fixture to your house where there was not one previously
- replacing a fixture that requires a larger plumbing outlet.
You may also need a consent for a gully trap for a new bathroom or laundry.
Terraced housing, apartment units and tiled floor finishing
If the alterations are being made in terraced housing, apartment units or areas with tiled floor finishing then you may need a consent, see Apply for a project information memorandum or building consent.
When you do not need consent
You are unlikely to need a building consent for plumbing and drainage work involving the repair or replacement of an existing sanitary fixture, such as a sink or toilet pan.
However, you need to seek advice and do your research before undertaking any work.
More information on work that is exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 is available on the MBIE Building Performance website.
Work by an authorised person
You must make sure the plumber or drainlayer you are using for your building work has current authorisation from the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board.
You will still need to apply for consent even if an authorised person completes the work.
The term "authorised person" covers:
- registered certifying plumbers and drainlayers
- plumbers and drainlayers with a provisional licence working under supervision
- trainee plumbers and drainlayers working under supervision.
Before you apply
We recommend that the supplier or installer of the appliance completes and submits the application on your behalf.
You will need to supply a letter authorising the installer to act on your behalf with the application.
After your device has been installed, your installer will also need to provide a completed producer statement construction (PS3) plumbing document.
