When it comes to plumbing, gas, guttering and drainage, there are a lot of restrictions on what non-qualified people can do. DIYers could land themselves in legal trouble if they are not correctly informed on what they can do and what requires a professional.

‘The Block’ effect

Reality TV shows inspire people to get stuck into their own renovations, but the general public should not be carrying out DIY when it involves plumbing, gasfitting and drainage in their homes.

It’s a legal matter

“The plumbing trade is licensed and protected under Ministry of Health guidelines for public safety reasons, so apart from replacing tap washers there is not a lot consumers can do for themselves,” says Greg Wallace, Chief Executive of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ.

“For example, people think they can replace basins, vanity units or toilets in their homes or rental properties because they are replacing like with like, but because there’s a waste pipe connected to these things they are not allowed to complete this work.”

Worst case scenarios – the reasons why you need a professional

A blocked drain can cause all sorts of problems in your home – from foul smells to flooding. And if you don’t have a professional drainlayer on hand to fix the problem, it can be a real nightmare.

There are a few reasons why you might need to call in a professional drainlayer:

Your drain is blocked

A blocked drain is one of the most common – and most annoying – problems that homeowners face. It’s usually caused by a build-up of hair, soap scum and other debris, and can be a real pain to clear.

If you’ve tried all the DIY methods and your drain is still blocked, it’s time to call in a professional. They’ll be able to quickly and easily clear the blockage, so you can get on with your day.

You’re having sewerage problems

If you’ve noticed that your toilets are backing up or your drains are overflowing, it’s a sign that you have a sewerage problem. This is usually caused by a blockage in the main sewer line, and it’s not something that you can fix yourself.

Sewerage problems can be really serious, so it’s important to call in a professional as soon as you notice a problem. They’ll be able to quickly diagnose the problem and get your sewerage system back up and running.

You’re renovating your home

If you’re planning on renovating your home, it’s a good idea to call in a professional drainlayer. They’ll be able to assess your drains and make sure that they’re in good condition before you start your renovations.

If your drains are old or in poor condition, they might not be able to handle the extra water that comes with a renovation. This can lead to flooding or other problems, so it’s best to get them checked out before you start your project.

You’re having problems with your septic tank

If you have a septic tank, it’s important to keep it in good working order. Otherwise, you could end up with sewage backing up into your home.

If you’re having problems with your septic tank, it’s a good idea to call in a professional. They’ll be able to assess the problem and give you advice on how to fix it.

You want to prevent problems in the future

If you’ve had problems with your drains in the past, you might want to call in a professional to prevent them from happening again. They’ll be able to check your drains and make sure that they’re in good condition.

They can also give you advice on how to prevent drain problems in the future. This might include things like using drain covers or avoiding putting certain things down your drains.

If you’re having problems with your drains, it’s important to call in a professional. They’ll be able to assess the problem and give you advice on how to fix it.

The easy way to know when you need a licensed plumber or drainlayer

There are a few easy ways to know when you need a licensed plumber or drainlayer. If you have a plumbing or drainage problem that is causing water to back up into your home, or if you have a sewage smell in your home, these are both signs that you need to call a professional. 

If you have a clogged drain, you may be able to fix it yourself with a plunger or a snake, but if the clog is severe, you will need to call a licensed plumber.

Some drainlaying work also requires a council consent

If you’re planning on doing any drainlaying work, you may also need to get council consent. This is because some drainlaying work can have an impact on the environment or public health and safety.

Councils have different requirements for consent, so it’s important to check with your local council before you start any work. Some types of work may require resource consent, while other work may only need a building consent.

Drainlaying work may require council consent depending on the type and location of work. For example, some councils require consent for any drainlaying work within three metres of a public road or footpath.

Drainlaying work also requires a site-specific assessment to be carried out to determine the need for any additional support, such as shoring or propping, to protect the public and workers during the course of the work.

If you’re not sure whether you need consent, you can always ask your local council for advice.

Once you have your consent, you can start your drainlaying work. Remember to follow all the requirements of the consent, as well as any other regulations that apply to your work. This will help ensure that your work is safe and compliant.

What is a drainlayer and what do they do?

A professional drainlayer is someone who is trained and experienced in the installation and maintenance of drains. They are usually required when there is a problem with a drain, such as a blockage, or when a new drain is being installed.

There are many benefits to using a professional drainlayer, rather than attempting to fix the problem yourself. Firstly, professional drainlayers have the knowledge and experience to quickly identify the cause of the problem and fix it correctly. This can save you time and money, as well as avoid further damage to your drains.

Secondly, professional drainlayers have the right tools and equipment to carry out the job properly. This includes drain snakes, cameras and other specialist equipment that you is unlikely to have access to.

Finally, professional drainlayers will be insured, meaning that if anything does go wrong, you will not be liable for any damage or repairs.

While it may be tempting to try and fix a drain problem yourself, it is always best to call in a professional. Not only will they be able to fix the problem quickly and correctly, but you will also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the job has been done properly.