Plumbing code standards and notes

Essential resources for the plumbing industry including standards, advisory notes, compliance requirements and technical guidance.

Code compliance

The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) is the code of which all plumbing and drainage work in NSW must comply.

The PCA sets out the requirements for the design, construction, installation, replacement, repair, alteration and maintenance of plumbing and drainage installations.

The PCA has two provisions for plumbers and drainers to achieve code compliance. One option is for the work to be done under the ‘Deemed to Satisfy’ provision which means that it has been done in accordance with AS/NZS 3500. The other is the performance based solution where work (usually designed by a hydraulic engineer or consultant) meets or exceeds the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.

The PCA 2019 and PCA 2022 can be viewed on the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) website. NSW Variations to PCA 2019 and PCA 2022 can also be viewed on the ABCB website.

Connection conditions, pump to sewer and, tradewaste requirements

The Network Utility Operator (NUO) provides connection condition information and approvals for:

  • Surcharge Area,
  • Boundary Trap Area,
  • Containment backflow requirements,
  • Drinking water and wastewater approvals,
  • Tradewaste connection requirements and application (example sizing and types of apparatus that can be used),
  • Pump to sewer application.

For more information contact the relevant NUO (Sydney Water, Hunter Water or Local Water Authority).

Advisory notes

Building Commission NSW has a selection of advisory notes for the plumbing industry that provide information on safety advice, technical solutions, installation requirements, PCA compliance and standards interpretations.

2025

Heat pump hot water installation for plumbing

Note: 1/2025
Scope: Applies to all of New South Wales

2023

Floor waste and fixture requirements

Note: 2/2023
Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in New South Wales

Drains in other than stable ground

Note: 1/2023
Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in New South Wales

2022

Use of flexible joints in drains

Note: 19/2022
Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in NSW
 

General accessibility requirements

Note: 18/2022
Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in NSW

2021

Cross connection and backflow control

Note: 21/2021
Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in New South Wales

Installing automatic air elimination valves

Note: 17/2021
Scope: Applies to all of New South Wales

Junctions at grade

Note: 14/2021
Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in New South Wales

Tundish installation

Note: 13/2021
Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in New South Wales

2019

Automatic fire sprinkler system, design and installation - Domestic water supply

Note: 16/2019
Scope: Applies to all of New South Wales

2018

Protection of fixtures where overflow relief gully height requirements cannot be met

Note: 13/2018
Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in New South Wales

2017

Code Compliant and Performance Solution Guideline

Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in NSW

2015

Inspection openings

Note: 11/2015
Scope: Applies to all installations in New South Wales

2013

Final audit inspection

Note: 6/2013
Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in New South Wales

Installation requirements of Air Admittance Valves

Note: 4/2013
Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in New South Wales

Point of connection explanatory notes

Note: 3/2013
Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in New South Wales

Soffit requirements when connecting to a Sydney Water sewer main

Note: 2/2013
Scope: Applies to all areas in Sydney Water area of operation

Installation requirements of temperature control devices

Note: 1/2013
Scope: Applies to all metropolitan and regional areas in New South Wales

More information and resources

Need help?

For technical or safety matters, we recommend contacting a licensed plumber in your area.
If you have an enquiry or need to make a complaint, use the forms below or contact Building Commission NSW directly.

Home building complaints and enquiries

Home building:Complaints form
Design and Building Practitioners:Enquiries and complaints form
Certifier complaint form:Complaint form
Make an enquiry:Enquiry form

Contact Building Commission NSW

Call:132 700Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm (excluding public holidays)
From overseas, call:+612 3814 0545
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