Planning some Plumbing & Drainage Work at Home?
Avoid cross-connections!
A common mistake home owners and handy people make with plumbing and drainage is cross-connecting wastewater pipes and stormwater drainage.
The two networks are separate and it is the home owners responsibility to ensure they stay that way.
Misconnecting wastewater (which includes sewage from toilets) to stormwater drains, or connecting rainwater pipes to wastewater drains (such as via gulley traps) results in pollution of our environment. The "no swimming" signs on Wellingtons waterfront are largely a result of cross connections.
Some facts you need to know:
Certain plumbing and drainage work requires you to have:
- A building consent before you start work
- One of more building inspections while work is under way
- A final inspection when work in completed
- A formal code of compliance certificate, issued once council inspectors are satisfied that the work complies with the building code and your building consent
Keep it "legit", keep it safe - for you and the environment
If you don't gain a code compliance certificate for plumbing or drainage work that requires a consent, or if you fail to ensure other work is done to the appropriate standard by accredited trades people, you could be liable for a fine and the cost of re-doing the entire job. It is safest to check with your council what work you need a building consent for.
Insurance Implications
Cross-connections and other non-consented work could affect your insurance cover for damage that could be linked to the work. It is always best to use an appropriately accredited/qualified trades person to do the work so that the work is done correctly and legally.
Help keep your environment, your home and your family healthy and protected.