When Can I DIY Plumbing?
Like all home owners, there has a been a time when there has been a plumbing issue at your home and you are not sure who to call or what you can do to help resolve the issue.
We will list the kind of tasks you can do yourself or when you need to hire a plumber.

Plumbing Work You Can DIY
In Qld, the QBCC set out what can and cannot be done by a homeowner or non licensed plumber. Please see here for the QBCC DIY Plumbing Guidelines
This is a list of what you can do yourself.
- Replacing a shower heads
- Replacing domestic water filter cartridges
- Replacing a jumper valve or washer in a tap
- Repairing or replacing a drop valve washer, float valve washer or suction cup rubber in a toilet cistern
- Connecting washing machine hoses
- Replacing caps to ground level inspection openings on a drain
- Cleaning or maintaining a ground-level grates for stormwater drains
- Simple drain cleaning
- Installing or maintaining an irrigation or lawn watering system downstream from a tap, isolating valve or backflow prevention device.
- Repairing or maintaining a grey water irrigation system
- Unskilled tasks (e.g. excavating or backfilling a trench).
Our biggest piece of advice, is to ALWAYS use a plumbing outlet like Reece or TradeLink to purchase all plumbing fittings or components.
You will ensure that you use only plumbing products that are approved to be used in Australia and are certified with a Watermark Certified from the Australian Building Codes Board. The National Construction Code requires this by law.
There are many inferior products that come into Australia that do not pass this!
Plumbers are not allowed to install any plumbing or drainage item that does not comply with this.
So if you purchase the item online or from a non plumbing wholesaler and ask a plumber to install it for you. They may say no if they are not sure about the product.
DIY Blocked Drains
Blocked drains are a nightmare and there are some things that you can try yourself before calling a plumber. Infact, we will normally ask you what have you already tried. Sometimes we can advise you on the steps to try and resolve it yourself before we come out to you.
Blocked drain DIY Cleaning and Maintenance steps
There are several do-it-yourself (DIY) methods that you can try before calling in a plumber. These methods are not only cost-effective but also relatively simple, making them accessible to anyone facing this common household issue.
Boiling Water Method: One of the easiest and most straightforward ways to clear a clogged sink drain is by using boiling water. Begin by boiling a kettle or a pot of water. Boil the kettle or a pot of water and once it has boiled, carefully pour it down the drain in a slow and steady stream. The hot water will help dissolve any grease or soap buildup that may be causing the blockage, allowing it to flow freely down the drain. Adding a good squirt of dish washing liquid is also a good idea as this will help dissolve any grease that is in the drain
Repeat this process a few times if necessary, and be cautious not to burn yourself in the process.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Method: Another tried-and-tested DIY method involves the dynamic duo of baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain to clear any loose debris. Then, pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain, ensuring it reaches the clogged area. Afterward, pour an equal amount of vinegar down the drain and quickly cover it with a plug or a cloth. The mixture will create a fizzy reaction that helps break down the blockage. Leave it for about 15 minutes before flushing the drain with hot water.
Plunger Method: If the clog persists, it may be time to bring out the trusty plunger.
To begin, ensure that there is enough water in the sink to cover the rubber part of the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain, ensuring a tight seal. Then, rapidly push and pull the plunger up and down, creating suction and pressure that dislodges the blockage.
Be persistent and continue plunging for a few minutes until the water starts to drain properly. This method is particularly effective for dealing with clogs caused by food particles or small objects.
Drain Snakes: These come in handy in bathrooms to unblock showers, bathtubs and sinks when hair is likely the culprit.
They are lightweight flexible plastic, so they will not damage your pipes and they will snag any clogs that contain hair, dental floss and cotton buds.

These DIY methods can work for minor clogs and restore the proper functioning of your sink or toilet.
However, if these methods do not work, OR you are having to clear the drain constantly OR you have sewerage water coming into your home or out onto your grass or paved areas – YOU MUST call a plumber. You never mess around with sewerage water.
Not only is it harmful for you, it cannot be allowed to get into the stormwater system.

Plumbing Work That Must Be Done by A Plumber
It can be confusing for a property owner, often they will Google if they can do something themselves and there will be many articles and step by step guides on how to do all sorts of plumbing work.
The Thing is….Australian laws are different to the rest of the world and even state by state the laws can be different.
In Queensland we are need to comply with the state laws and these are set out by the QBCC.
If you are building a new home or doing extensive drainage work, local council will also have bylaws that need to be taken into account.
Minor Plumbing Work
Minor work must be performed by a QBCC licensee but does not need to be registered.
Common types of minor work performed on rental properties include but are not limited to:
- Unblocking drains
- Repairing broken pipes
- Repairing or replacing a fitting or fixture.
- Maintaining, repairing, replacing or removing a fitting or fixture
- Installing a greywater diversion device
- Sealing a supply pipe downstream from the water meter for a class 1 or 10 building or structure
- Installing, removing or replacing an automatic switching device for a rainwater tank.
You can read more here from the QBCC
Notifiable Plumbing Work
In Queensland Plumbers have certain work that must be registered or Notified with the QBCC.
Plumbers and drainers are required to register their notifiable work with the QBCC so that plumbing work can be checked for compliance with the plumbing regulations and standards.
Read here for more information at the QBCC
Notifiable work must be registered with the QBCC within 10 business days of issuing an invoice for the work.
Compliance certificates are vital for any plumbing works. Not only do they show everything has been completed to meet the QBCC, but they maybe needed for any insurance claims.
When it is time to sell your home, DIY plumbing can also cause problems during the property sale if it is uncovered during the pre-purchase conveyancing checks.
This work will need to be corrected at your expense by a licensed plumber before the sale can go through.
Many trades will not fix up work that has been shoddily done, it will usually need to be all removed and then reinstalled professionally.
Notifiable Plumbing Work Examples
Notifiable work includes most work performed in existing homes and commercial buildings.
Some typical examples are:
- Extensions or renovations to kitchens and bathrooms
- Installing or replacing hot water heaters including electric, gas, solar or heat pumps
- Installing new or relocating fixtures such as toilets, showers, basins and kitchen sinks.
More indepth Information is here
How Can I Tell If I Have Plumbing Problems?
But how can you tell when it’s necessary to contact a plumber?
There are several tell-tale signs of an issue:
- First and foremost, watch out for poor water pressure or slow draining! This is usually caused by blocked pipes somewhere in your system – which can be tricky to pinpoint without professional help.
- Look out for odd noises coming from appliances like washing machines and dishwashers; these could also indicate blockages.
- If there’s unexplained water on the floor near showers, toilets or basins, there may be a leak. This is also in the garden. if you notice bright green grass in one area. There could be an underground leak.
It pays to be vigilant when identifying potential issues with your plumbing.
Doing regular checks yourself can save money down the line – plus put your mind at ease knowing everything is running smoothly. It’s important to be aware of any unusual sounds or smells that may indicate a plumbing issue.
So whether you’re dealing with a leaky tap or a dodgy drainage system, give some serious thought before trying any DIY fixes. It will save you time and money getting a licensed plumber in.
Prevention Is The Best Cure
Plumbing issues can be exasperating as they can occur unexpectedly. However, adopting a few preemptive measures can frequently prevent their occurrence.
- Invest in quality tapware and fixtures, it will last longer.
- Avoid using chemical drain cleaners as over time they cause damage to your pipes
- Do regular drain maintenance with using hot water and dish soap in the your sinks
- Install drain catchers in the shower to stop hair clogs
- Install sink catchers in your kitchen to prevent food scraps clogging your sink
- Do not flush anything down your toilet expect No1s, No2s and toilet paper. – No toilet wipes EVER
By doing all these things, hopefully, you won’t have to deal with too many plumbing issues anytime soon!
Like all industries, there are some plumbers that do take advantage of unknowing home owners and charge an exorbitant price to fix something straight forward.
You can see our article on How much do Brisbane plumbers charge, so you can see some examples.
Downie Plumbing and Gas, are your local and trusted emergency plumbers serving the Bayside of Brisbane. We know how inconvenient plumbing problems can be for homeowners.
We can handle any plumbing emergencies you may encounter and we offer a $0 call out fee and upfront pricing before we start any work.
In case of any other queries regarding plumbing, feel free to ask for a quote.
We are here for you 24/7 and you can call us on 0411 780 698