Can I Do My Own Plumbing? Rules You Must Know

Many homeowners and business owners wonder:  “Can I plumb my own house or workplace?” Saving money with a quick fix sounds appealing, whether it’s changing shower heads, trying to fix a leaking tap, or connecting a dishwasher or washing machine. But while these jobs might look simple, most work that involves sanitary systems comes with strict rules. Before you grab your tools, it’s important to understand what the law allows and why it’s often safer to leave the job to a licensed expert.

Is It Legal to Do Your Own Plumbing?

Plumbing isn’t like other household repairs. While it may be tempting to try small fixes yourself, most tasks that involve water supply or sanitary systems can only be carried out by qualified professionals. Jobs such as fixing a toilet cistern, repairing a trap waste or ventilation pipe, reconnecting an overflow pipe, or installing fixtures and appliances like showers, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines require the skills of an authorised plumber.

By choosing a licensed expert, you’re not only protecting your property but also making sure the work is safe, reliable, and compliant. At Water Works, our team of Registered Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers works to the standards set under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006. With the right skills and experience, we handle every plumbing task, big or small, the right way the first time.

DIY Plumbing Risks: What You Need to Know

DIY plumbing might seem like a quick shortcut, but it often creates bigger problems than it solves. Small mistakes with ball valves, float valves, or fixture connections can lead to leaks, contamination, and even health risks. Common issues include flooding from washing machines or dishwashers that weren’t fitted correctly, overflow or ventilation pipes installed the wrong way, or broken toilet cisterns and shower heads that fail later on. In many cases, insurance won’t cover the damage if the work wasn’t carried out by a licensed professional.

Every water system in your home is linked together. That means a single error, whether it’s an incorrectly fitted overflow pipe, a faulty cistern, or a leaking fixture, can spread problems throughout the house. What looks like a minor issue can quickly escalate into major water damage, expensive repairs, and long-term risks to your home’s safety.

By calling an authorised plumber from the start, you ensure the installation is done correctly, compliantly, and safely. Your fixtures and appliances will work as intended, your water system will remain protected, and you’ll avoid the stress and costs that often come with DIY mistakes.

Trusted Plumbing Experts You Can Rely On

At Water Works, we do more than fix pipes, we solve problems and keep your home or business running without the hassle. Our licensed plumbers handle everything from routine servicing and new installations to urgent emergency repairs, so you never have to worry about your water or drainage systems.

Here’s what we can do for you:

• General Repairs - We take care of leaking taps, blocked drains, running toilets, and faulty pipes before they turn into bigger problems.
• Hot Water Cylinder Services - Whether you need a new installation, a repair, or a replacement, we make sure you always have hot water when you need it.
• Drainage and Sewer Solutions - From unblocking drains to fixing broken sewer lines and maintaining stormwater systems, we’ve got you covered.
• Gas Fitting - Safe installation and servicing of gas lines, heaters, and appliances, carried out by trained experts.
• 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Support - Burst pipes or overflowing drains can’t wait. That’s why we provide 24/7 response when you need us most.
• New Installations - Renovating your kitchen or bathroom? Building a new space? We handle everything from fixture installs to complete water system setups.

Whether it’s a leaking shower head, a faulty toilet cistern, reconnecting dishwashers and washing machines, or complex sanitary plumbing work on overflow and ventilation pipes, we handle every task with skill and care.

Book online today and save $15, or call us for a free quote. With Water Works, you don’t just get a quick fix, you get professional service that lasts.