Plumbing Testing and Compliance Certification Procedure

Purpose. Describes how plumbing work is tested, recorded and certified so that every job that requires a compliance certificate has one lodged within the required time.

1.Scope

This procedure applies to all water supply, sanitary, drainage, stormwater, gas, roof plumbing, fire services and mechanical services work done by Keystone's plumbers. It covers testing, the completion of the job record in the Plumbing Work Orders system and the lodgement of compliance certificates with the Victorian Building Authority.

2.Who can certify

Only a licensed plumber is permitted to issue a compliance certificate, and only for work in the classes on their licence. Registered plumbers and apprentices work under the supervision of a licensed plumber who is responsible for inspecting and testing the work. The Plumbing Services Manager keeps the list of licensed plumbers and their classes in the Licences and Training Matrix.

3.Testing before cover

Water services must be pressure tested and drainage must be water or air tested before the work is covered or concealed. Gas installations must be pressure tested and purged in line with the gas installation standards. Test results, the test method, pressure, duration and the name of the tester must be recorded on the work order before the job status is changed to Complete.

• Cold and heated water: pressure test held for 30 minutes with no drop
• Sanitary and stormwater drains: water test or air test to the standard
• Gas consumer piping: pressure test then purge before appliance connection
• Backflow devices: commissioning test by an accredited tester
• Hot water tempering: outlet temperature checked and recorded

4.Compliance certificates

Where the value or type of work requires a compliance certificate, the licensed plumber must lodge it with the Victorian Building Authority within five days of completing the work and must give a copy to the property owner. The certificate number must be entered on the work order. Work that requires notification before it starts, such as certain drainage and gas work, must be notified before work begins.

5.Defects and rework

If a test fails, the fault must be fixed and the test repeated before the work proceeds. A failed test must be recorded on the work order with the cause and the rectification. Repeat failures of the same kind are reviewed by the Plumbing Services Manager at the monthly quality meeting.

6.Records

Work orders, test records, photographs and compliance certificate numbers must be kept for at least ten years. Business Support files the client copy of each certificate with the project or the maintenance contract.