Which Queensland plumbing work needs a Form 4?

Notifiable work is not all plumbing work

Notifiable work is a category that can be done without a local government permit or mandatory inspections. It includes most work in existing homes, and some commercial work. Plumbing and drainage for new construction is permit work, not notifiable work.

The QBCC warns that some jobs look notifiable but are not. Installing new fixtures in a building on a combined sanitary drain is its example: it can become permit work, which needs a permit application to the local government and the required inspections.

Sources[1][2]

Timing and progress invoices

Register within 10 business days after notifiable work is finished. Under section 82 of the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018, paid work is finished when an invoice for that work is given to the person who requested it; otherwise, it is finished when the work becomes operational.

Register each invoice associated with notifiable work, including progress invoices. Keep the invoice, work description, registration and customer copy together so each stage can be traced.

Section 83 also requires the notice copy and explanatory statement to go to an occupier or the person who requested the work within 20 business days after the work is finished. Send that customer packet when you lodge the notice to keep the close-out together.

Sources[1][2][4]

Backflow devices and drawings

Repairing, servicing or maintaining a testable backflow prevention device is minor work. Inspecting or testing one is also minor, but you send a Form 9 to the local government within 10 business days. Installing, replacing or removing one is notifiable work.

For underground sanitary drainage on a class 1a or 1b detached house, a class 1a townhouse or a class 10a shed, the online Form 4 needs an as-constructed diagram.

Sources[2]

Invoice-linked closeout note you can copy

This note is our suggestion, not a mandated form. It ties each registration to the invoice that triggers it.

FORM 4 CLOSEOUT NOTE

Job and site: [address]
Notifiable work category confirmed with the QBCC tool: [category]
New construction or combined drain (permit work)? [no / yes, permit route]
Invoice number: [INV-0000], issued [DD/MM/YYYY]
Form 4 (private or business) or 4a (public sector): [form]
Registration due (10 business days from invoice): [DD/MM/YYYY]
Registered on: [DD/MM/YYYY]
As-constructed diagram attached (if underground sanitary drain): [yes / no / not needed]
Notice copy AND explanatory statement to occupier or engager (within20businessdays) on: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Backflow work: Form 9 sent to local government AND owner within section103 deadline (if applicable)? [yes / no / not needed]
Next progress invoice, if any: [INV-0000] and a new registration due [DD/MM/YYYY]

Sources[1][2]

Common questions

Do I need a plumbing compliance certificate?

In Queensland, first work out whether the job is notifiable or permit work. Notifiable work is registered with the QBCC on Form 4 or 4a and a copy goes to the owner or whoever engaged you. Permit work follows a permit and inspection process with the local government.[1][2]