Every part of your plumbing system is bound by rules and regulations. In turn, every task your plumber performs is also bound by Australian Standards (AS3500 and 5601) and the Plumbing Code of Australia. Failure to comply with these Standards could land your plumber or appliance manufacturer in a great deal of hot water (if you'll pardon the pun), and could also have dire consequences for your safety and that of your home.
While you're not expected to know all of the regulations inside and out, understanding the basics can help you ensure that your plumbing's what it's meant to be.
Water meters
Find out what the law says about the installation and operation of water meters, how they work, and what you can and can't do with them.
Sub metering and smart water meters
See what the law says about water sub metering for apartment blocks, and using smart meters to assess and manage your water usage.
Gas installation and use
There are special laws and regulations in place in Australia that control to how gas appliances should be chosen, who can install them and who can maintain them. Here's what you need to know.
Temperature restrictions and tempering valves
Find out what sorts of restrictions apply to the temperature of water coming out of any given tap in an Australian household, and how that can be controlled.
Grey water systems
Just because water from the tap has been used, it doesn't mean it can't be used again. See how grey water systems can help reduce your water waste.
WELS labels and ratings
Water-producing bathroom fittings in Australia need to comply with basic water-efficiency standards. As a part of the WELS scheme, they are rated and given a label that shows how efficient they are.
WaterMark labels
The WaterMark certification label signifies that a plumbing product complies with certain quality and performance standards.
Distance between water and power points
Regulations in Australia restrict where you're able to position power points in relation to sinks and taps. Find out what the rules say, and how far your power points will need to be from your kitchen sink.