Plumbing supervision rules refined by building watchdog
Clarified supervision standards have been outlined in a Statement of Regulatory Intent (SRI) for apprentice plumbers, plumbing certificate holders and unlicensed and unqualified staff, after Building Commission NSW worked with industry to find a path towards lifting standards in the sector.
The updated approach, which comes into effect 1 February 2026, addresses concerns licensed plumbers were not adequately supervising their employees leading to substandard work.
Under the new supervision standards Building Commission NSW will clarify the existing two-tiered approach to enforcing supervision rules under the categories of Immediate Supervision and General Supervision.
Immediate Supervision will apply to first to third year apprentices and unlicensed and unqualified staff. It will require a licensed supervisor to be physically present and available to provide guidance and feedback on work.
General supervision will apply to fourth year apprentices and tradesperson certificate holders and requires a licensed plumber to provide intermittent guidance, monitoring and supervision.
As part of the General Supervision rules a supervisor does not need to be physically present on site, however, they must remain accessible either through phone or virtual means.
This is a practical approach to improving supervision and standards while the industry overcomes a shortage of plumbing supervisors.
Earlier this year, Building Commission NSW launched a blitz on unsupervised plumbing work after detecting non-compliance at sites during inspections around different parts of the state.
In one compliance visit to site in Port Macquarie, Building Commission NSW found five apprentices working unsupervised, resulting in the licensed plumber being fined $1,500.
The blitz led to the regulator issuing six penalty infringement notices (PINs) and six education letters being issued to employers about supervision offences.
The SRI was developed in tandem with peak plumbing bodies, who raised concerns that the existing supervision rules were confusing and would hamper industry and not increase the quality of work.
The new supervision rules aim to find a balanced approach to maintaining standards, while also allowing the plumbing sector to get on with the job of meeting demand during a housing crisis.
The SRI will remain in effect until 31 January 2028.
This will allow time for industry to obtain the necessary certificates under the Home Building Act, and to permit broader legislative reforms to be considered if necessary.
You can view the Plumbing Supervision SRI on the Building Commission NSW website.
Quotes attributable to NSW Building Commissioner, James Sherrard:
"We recognise the important role plumbers play in the state's construction sector, as one of the most in demand, experienced and highly trained occupations operating on building sites across the state."
"Over the years, there has been confusion over the existing supervision rules for apprentices, especially when it comes to terms like immediate and general supervision.
"These new rules clarify what plumbing supervision requirements are and will help ensure apprentices receive appropriate direction, but also empower them to operate independently when ready."
"I want to thank industry for working with us on these new rules, your help has been invaluable to striking the right balance between regulation and allowing the industry to get on with the job."