What is notifiable work?

When having plumbing and drainage work carried out at a property you manage, it may be considered notifiable work.

Notifiable work is a type of plumbing and drainage work performed in existing buildings and includes changes to existing water supply and drainage systems. For example:

• kitchen and bathroom additions, extensions or renovations
• installing or replacing hot water heaters including electric, solar or heat pumps
• installing new or relocating fixtures such as toilets, showers and sinks.

Most work performed in existing buildings is classed as notifiable work. This means it can be performed without local government permits or inspections, saving the property owner time and money.

Instead, your licensed plumber and drainer can simply get on with the job. When they finish notifiable work, they must register a Form 4 (or a Form 4A if the work is being carried out on behalf of or for a public sector entity) with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) within 10 business days.

Notifiable work and the property manager's role

Some other work may require a local government permit instead, including:

• installing new fixtures in a building that is connected to a combined sanitary drain or a dual reticulated water supply
• work for, or connected to, trade waste (such as an apartment block with a street-level restaurant)
• when it is not practicable to perform the work within the required standards (eg. performance solution).

What is a Form 4/4A?

Who gets a copy of the Form 4/4A?

• their customer, as the owner of the premises where the work is carried out; or
• the person/entity that engaged the person providing the Form 4/4A

The property owner, where notifiable work has been performed, may visit the QBCC's website to search and obtain a copy of the Form 4. If you cannot find the form, it might be because the plumber or drainer hasn't registered the notifiable work or has not paid the fee. In this circumstance, you can consider submitting a Notification of Offence Form with the QBCC.

Notifiable work compliance

Once a Form 4/4A is registered, a plumbing inspector from your local government authority may inspect the work to ensure it complies with the plumbing code requirements.

You can also contact your local government authority to request an inspection at any stage during the work. They may charge a fee for this service.

Request a Form 4/4A