What is a Plumbing Certificate of Compliance (C.O.C)?

The Plumbing Industry registration Board are in the process of rolling out a system whereby a Licensed plumbing practitioner will self-certify their plumbing work by issuing of a plumbing certificate of compliance to the relevant owner, municipality, local authority and/or insurance. Through the process the licensed plumber shall take ownership for their plumbing work and be held accountable for the said works.

Plumbing Certificates of Compliance are issued by licensed plumbers to certify that their plumbing work complies with all regulatory installations requirements.

A plumbing certificate of compliance will be issued for most plumbing work, including:

Where the total value of work, including materials, labour and VAT, is more than R1500.00 (material costs must be included, regardless of whether the materials were supplied by another person)
The installation, relocation or replacement of any Hot Water Cylinder, regardless of the cost
The construction, installation or alteration of any below ground sanitary drain; regardless of the cost
The installation, relocation or replacement of any Hot Water Solar System

A Plumbing certificate of compliance should be issued to the relevant owner with five working days of the completion of the said plumbing works. Only a licensed's plumber my purchase and issue compliance certificates.

It is illegal for any person who works on plumbing installation if he/she is not a qualified plumber or not working under the adequate supervision of a qualified plumber. Registered persons under the category of Qualified plumbers are qualified plumbers and may carry out plumbing works and may supervise non-qualified plumbers or plumbing learners, however they will not be allowed to purchase or issue Plumbing Certificate Compliance for plumbing installations.

Purchasing Plumbing Certificates of Compliance

Plumbing Certificates of Compliance my be purchased directly from the PIRB or from the relevant resellers (merchants) that stock the Plumbing Certificate of Compliance. Each Plumbing Certificate of Compliance comes in a triplicate form with the top copy to be given to the owner, the 2nd copy to given to local authorities, municipalities and/or insurance if relevant and the last copy to be kept in a secure place by the licensed plumber as part of their administration process

Plumbing Certificates of Compliance can be purchased by licensed plumbing practitioners through any of the following methods:

Over the counter at the Plumbing Industry Registration Board office's.
Certificates will be couriered securely to the Licensed Plumber. The cost of the courier services will be bore by the Licensed Plumber.< Mail order form(49kb)>

Plumbing Inspections

Loging compliance certificate
All Plumbing Compliance Certificate issued must be log within five days with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board through the relevant web page or by contacting the Plumbing Industry Registration Board.

The following details from the issued Plumbing Compliance Certificate must be logged:

Your licence registration number
The compliance certificate number
The numeric code(s) of work undertaken (see compliance certificate for codes) •
The postcode where the work was undertaken.

Plumbing Certificates of Compliance Audits (Inspections)
To ensure that plumbing work, certified through compliance certificates, meets the standard required to ensure consumer safety, the Plumbing Industry Commission conducts compliance audits.

A minimum of five per cent, randomly selected of all Plumbing Certificates of Compliance logged will be audited, ensuring that the relevant plumbing laws and standards are being met. Audits are conducted by PIRB Plumbing Inspectors. Their role is to conduct on-site assessments of the work performed, against the particular Plumbing compliance certificate lodged and the plumbing laws and standards.

Audit process
Audits are conducted by qualified experienced trained plumbers authorised by the Plumbing Industry Registered Board to perform the function. PIRB Plumbing Inspectors are registered with the PIRB and carry identification cards.

You must meet the auditor at the agreed time and site, and provide access to the total installation. If roof work is involved, you must provide safe access to the roof. You must also have a copy of the compliance certificate on-site when the audit is conducted. Further information on what may be required to conduct the audit should be discussed when arranging the audit.

If a test is required during the audit, such as a pressure test, you will be required to attend the audit with all the testing equipment. If the installation is large or complex, you should advise the auditor when arranging the audit to allow sufficient time for the audit to take place.

The PIRB Plumbing Inspector will work to a Plumbing Inspection Checklist which is based on the plumbing laws and standards. Penalties apply if you fail to provide details or fail to meet the auditor at the site.

How will I know if my work has been selected for an audit?

If the work you have performed and certified is selected for a compliance audit, you will be contacted by the PIRB Plumbing Inspectors. You will be asked for details of were the work was performed and arrangements will need to arrange with the relevant person for the audit to be undertaken. Audits are usually carried out between 7am-4pm.

What happens if my work does not pass an audit?
If the audited work is found to be non-complying, you will be advised of the issues requiring attention in the form of a Rectification Notice. You are required to rectify the work in the time period specified by the auditor, this is usually 14 days. The work may then be re-inspected.

If you disagree with an audit result?
If you disagree with the result of an audit on your work, you should put your concerns in writing to the Plumbing Industry Registration Board.

What should be on a Plumbing Compliance Certificate?
Your compliance certificate should include:

The licensed plumber's name and licence number
The site address, including postcode
Date of completion of the work
The numeric code for each category of plumbing work undertaken should be circled
The numeric code for each category of plumbing work not undertaken should be crossed out
Details of appliances and fixtures installed and if relevant the serial codes.
Any clarification regarding the limit of work done should be written in the space provided (eg If a job started by a licenced plumber has been completed by another, it should be noted)
The licensed plumbers signature and the date signed, together with a statement that (either):
They did the work, or it was done under their mentorship/supervision
They were inspecting and testing the work of another registered plumbing