Plumbing and drainage

Find out what council permissions you might need for plumbing and drainage.

Building consent requirements

This exemption enables a range of work relating to the repair, maintenance and replacement of sanitary plumbing or drainage to be done without a building consent - as long as it is carried out by an authorised person provided that the following true:

1. The repair and maintenance of any sanitary plumbing and drainage in or associated with a building, provided that comparable materials are used.
2. Replacement of sanitary plumbing and drainage in or associated with a building, provided that:
   1. a comparable component or assembly is used; and
   2. the replacement is in the same position.
3. However, subclauses (1) and (2) do not include the following building work:
   1. complete or substantial replacement of a specified system; or
   2. repair or replacement (other than maintenance) of any component or assembly that has failed to satisfy the provisions of the Building Code for durability, for example, through a failure to comply with the external moisture requirements of the Building Code; or
   3. repair or replacement of any water heater (unless permitted under clauses 36 to 38 (sections 4.3., 4.4. and 4.5.).

More information about building consents

Resource consent requirements

Many building projects may also require a resource consent. As part of the building consent process, applications are reviewed by a planner who can highlight any potential requirements, and provide some advice on what might be needed. You can also contact our duty planner, or read more about where a resource consent may be required below and avoid any potential delays to your project.

More information about resource consents