Know the hot topics

Q: If I would like to be able to complete gas-safety checks, what licence do I require to be able to do this?

A: Residential gas-safety checks are to be completed by plumbers who hold a licence or registration in the main class of gas fitting and the specialised class of type A gas servicing (see image of licence r

egistration card on page 17).

If you are unsure if you have this licence, check the back of your Victorian Building Authority Plumbing Licence.

Additionally, any individual who does this work needs to be at least Registered in this specialised class of work, even if Supervised by a licence holder.

Q: Is there a maximum distance you can run a PTR drain line off a hot water service?

A: The short answer to this question is yes!

AS/NZS 3500.4, Clause 5.11. outlines the standards for PTR drains including size, material, lengths, and changes of directions greater than 45° you can have in a PTR drain. Check out the specifics to be sure.

Lengths and changes of direction:

Q: What type of work do I need to submit a compliance certificate with the Victorian Building Authority?

A: As the VBA’s website states:

1. Where the total value of the work (including materials, appliances, labour and GST) exceeds $750.

Note: The cost of materials and appliances must be included, regardless of whether they were supplied by another person.

2. For the following types of plumbing work, regardless of the total value of the work - the installation, relocation, or replacement of any Type A gas-using appliances, regardless of the cost. Note: Complex gas installation and Type B appliances are not covered by the VBA’s compliance certificate scheme.

This work is overseen by Energy Safe Victoria.

3. The conversion of a gas-using appliance for use with a different gaseous fuel.

4. including the installation, modification, or relocation of consumer gas piping (other than work carried out on behalf of a gas company).

5. The construction, installation or alteration of any below-ground sanitary drain or associated gullies.

6. The construction, installation, alteration, relocation, or replacement of a cooling tower
or of any other part of a cooling tower system, including the installation or replacement of any associated device or equipment.

If you are a licensed plumber issuing a compliance certificate, you must issue it to the customer within five days of completing the plumbing work, or within five days of the
termination of a plumbing work contract. You must also lodge the compliance certificate with the VBA within five days of completion of plumbing work. This needs to be done through VBA360.

Q: I’m installing a fire hose reel, is there a certain clearance there must be around the outside of the hose reel?

A: All standards needed to install a fire hose reel can be found AS 2441. Clause 11 explains that you must have 100mm clearance around the outside of the hose reel when surface mounted, in a cabinet, recess or cavity.