This is what Brighton homeowners need to know.
The Rule Is Simple
Victorian law is pretty straightforward on this one. Any plumbing job worth more than $750 has to be done by a licensed plumber.
Nationally, plumbing standards are set by the National Construction Code, which is maintained by the Australian Building Codes Board. You can read more at ncc.abcb.gov.au.
Ready to book a licensed plumber in Brighton? Ezy-Plumb is VBA licensed and covers everything from blocked drains to gas fitting.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong
Here is where things get expensive.
If you hire an unlicensed plumber and the work fails, you are largely on your own. Unlicensed tradies are not insured and they operate outside the system entirely. You cannot lodge a complaint with the VBA and expect it to be sorted. The VBA has been clear about this: your only real option is to take the matter to court, and that process is slow and costly.
It does not stop there. If unlicensed work is discovered when you try to sell your home, it can delay settlement, knock money off your sale price, or force you to have the job completely redone by a licensed plumber at your own expense. Buyers' solicitors check for this kind of thing, especially for drainage, hot water, and gas work.
Your home insurance can also take a hit. If you make a claim related to plumbing work that was done without a licence, your insurer may reduce the payout or refuse it altogether.
The VBA Is Actively Looking for Unlicensed Work
The VBA has been actively hunting unlicensed tradies. In late 2024, inspectors checked more than 1,200 sites across Victoria and found dozens of unlicensed practitioners working illegally. A public tip-off form followed, with more than half of all reports leading to further investigation. The penalties are not symbolic either.
A Pakenham man was fined $10,000 for carrying out unlicensed plumbing work, with the magistrate refusing a good behaviour bond on the grounds that consumer protection under the Building Act is not negotiable.
From 1 July 2025, the VBA became part of the new Building and Plumbing Commission, which has even stronger powers to act against dodgy tradies. The protections for homeowners have only grown stronger.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics formally classifies plumbing as a licensed trade requiring recognised qualifications and registration. You can see the full classification at abs.gov.au. This is not a local rule. It is a nationally recognised standard that exists to protect you.
Worried a past plumbing job was not done by a licensed tradie? If you have any doubt about work that has already been done on your home, it is worth getting it checked.
Ezy-Plumb can inspect your plumbing for peace of mind. Call us on 0402 169 096 or visit ezyplumb.com.au.
How to Check Before You Hire
Before anyone starts work on your property, ask for their licence number and look them up on the VBA’s Find a Practitioner register at vba.vic.gov.au. A legitimate plumber will give you that number without hesitation.
Watch out for quotes that seem too good to be true, anyone who wants to do the job for cash with no paperwork, and tradies who cannot show you their credentials straight away. These are the warning signs the VBA has flagged directly to consumers.
Brighton Homes Are Worth Protecting
Brighton has a lot of older homes with aging plumbing systems that need proper care. Add in the salt air and soil conditions near Port Phillip Bay, and you have a suburb where corners should not be cut on plumbing work.
A licensed plumber costs more upfront. But they are insured, qualified, and accountable. And when something does go wrong, you have proper channels to sort it out. That is worth a lot more than a cheap quote and a handshake.
Ezy-Plumb: Brighton’s trusted licensed plumbing and gasfitting team. Fully licensed under the VBA. Contact us today.
FAQs
Q: Can I hire whoever is cheapest to fix my plumbing in Brighton?
Ans: You can, but cheapest isn’t always a good idea, especially if they’re not licensed. Also, over $750, you’re actually supposed to use a licensed plumber in Victoria.
Q: What is a compliance certificate and why do I need one?
Ans: It’s just a document showing the job was done properly by a licensed plumber. Comes in handy later if there’s an insurance issue or you sell the house.
Q: How do I check if my plumber is actually licensed?
Ans: Just check the VBA site and use their search tool. Put in their name and it’ll tell you pretty quickly if they’re licensed or not.
Q: What if I already had unlicensed work done on my home?
Ans: Honestly, better to get it checked by a licensed plumber now. It can cause problems later, especially if you’re trying to sell.
