Can I Remove Old Asbestos Cement Downpipes From My House Without a Licence?

In New Zealand, homeowners are permitted to remove small amounts of non-friable asbestos cement (AC) downpipes themselves without a licence — but only within strict legal limits. If the job exceeds those limits, or if the material is in poor condition, you must hire a licensed asbestos removalist. Getting this wrong can put your family's health at serious risk, so it pays to understand the rules before you pick up a screwdriver.

What Is Asbestos Cement and Why Does It Matter?

Asbestos cement is a compressed mixture of cement and asbestos fibres. It was widely used in NZ homes built before the mid-1980s for downpipes, guttering, roofing, and cladding. When intact and undamaged, AC products are considered non-friable — meaning the fibres are bound in the cement and less likely to become airborne. However, if the material is cracked, crumbling, or drilled, fibres can be released and inhaled, causing serious lung diseases including mesothelioma.

The Legal Limits for Homeowner Removal

Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, the rules differ depending on whether you are a homeowner doing your own domestic work or a tradesperson working on someone else's property.

For owner-occupiers doing their own domestic DIY work, you are not classed as a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) under the regulations, so the licensing requirements that apply to tradespeople do not technically apply to you. However, WorkSafe NZ strongly recommends following safe work practices regardless.

For any tradesperson or contractor, removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos requires a Class B asbestos removal licence. Friable asbestos (loose, crumbly, or damaged material) always requires a Class A licence, no matter the quantity.

As a homeowner, the key practical rules are:

• Keep the total area of non-friable AC material you remove well under 10 m²
• The material must be intact and non-friable — not cracked, crumbling, or deteriorated
• You must follow safe handling and disposal procedures
• If in doubt about the condition of the material, stop and get a professional assessment

How to Identify Asbestos Cement Downpipes

Asbestos cement downpipes are typically grey, slightly rough-textured, and rigid. They were common in NZ homes built between roughly 1940 and 1985. If your home is from this era and has older-style downpipes, assume they may contain asbestos until proven otherwise. The only way to confirm is through laboratory testing — a sample sent to an accredited NZ lab. Do not attempt to test by breaking or sanding the material.

Safe Removal Steps for Homeowners

If your downpipes are intact, the quantity is small, and you've decided to proceed yourself, follow these steps carefully:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Wear a P2-rated disposable respirator (not a basic dust mask)
• Wear disposable coveralls, gloves, and safety glasses
• Remove and bag disposable clothing before leaving the work area

During Removal

• Do not cut, drill, sand, or use power tools on asbestos cement — this releases fibres
• Unscrew or gently unclip downpipe sections by hand where possible
• Keep the material damp using a garden sprayer with water and a small amount of detergent — this suppresses dust
• Handle pieces carefully to avoid breaking them
• Work on a calm, still day to minimise fibre spread

Containment and Clean-Up

• Double-bag all material and PPE in heavy-duty polythene bags (at least 0.2 mm thick)
• Seal bags with tape and label them clearly as "Asbestos Waste"
• Wipe down the work area with damp cloths — do not dry sweep or vacuum with a standard vacuum

Disposal

• Contact your local council to find an approved asbestos disposal site — not all transfer stations accept asbestos waste, and requirements vary by region
• Never put asbestos in your general rubbish or recycling

When to Call a Professional

You should always hire a licensed asbestos removalist if:

• The downpipes are cracked, crumbling, or in poor condition (friable material)
• The total area of asbestos material on your property exceeds or approaches 10 m²
• You are unsure whether the material contains asbestos
• You have any respiratory conditions or health concerns
• The work involves disturbing other asbestos materials nearby (e.g., AC roofing or cladding)
• You are a landlord — Healthy Homes Standards and your duty of care to tenants means professional removal is strongly advisable

A Class B licensed removalist can handle non-friable asbestos safely and legally, and will manage disposal for you. You can find qualified local asbestos removal specialists on tradedirectory.co.nz.

Safety note: Asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period — symptoms may not appear for 20–40 years after exposure. There is no safe level of asbestos fibre inhalation. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and engage a professional.

Building Consent Considerations

Removing downpipes is generally maintenance work and unlikely to require a building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 — but if you are replacing them as part of broader building work, check with your local council to confirm. Visit MBIE Building Performance for guidance on consent exemptions.

Sources & Further Reading

• WorkSafe NZ – Asbestos guidance for homeowners
• MBIE Building Performance – Building consent information
• BRANZ – Asbestos in homes
• Tenancy Services – Healthy Homes Standards
• Standards NZ – NZS guidelines