Knowing whether your drainlayer has filed the correct paperwork with council can feel confusing, but there are clear steps you can take to check. In New Zealand, drainage work is regulated under the Building Act 2004 and the NZ Building Code, and most drainage work requires either a building consent or a certificate of compliance — sometimes both. Getting this right protects you legally and ensures your property can be sold or refinanced without nasty surprises down the track.
Why Paperwork Matters for Drainage Work
Drainlaying is restricted work under New Zealand law. Only a licensed drainlayer registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) can legally carry out, supervise, or certify sanitary drainage work. Once the work is complete, the correct documentation must be filed so there is a permanent record that the work was done to the required standard.
Without the right paperwork:
- Your property's LIM report may show unconsented work
- You could face difficulties selling or refinancing your home
- Future owners may be required to bring the work up to code at their own cost
- You may be liable if the drainage fails and causes damage
What Paperwork Should Be Filed?
Depending on the scope of work, your drainlayer and/or your council may need to process several documents:
| Document | Who Files It | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| Building Consent | Homeowner or agent (often the drainlayer) | New drains, major alterations, new connections |
| Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) | Council issues after inspection | After consented work passes final inspection |
| Certificate of Authorised Work | Licensed drainlayer | For restricted drainlaying work |
| Producer Statement (PS3/PS4) | Drainlayer or inspector | Sometimes required by council |
Not all drainage work requires a building consent — some minor work may fall under Schedule 1 exemptions of the Building Act. However, always confirm with your local council whether your specific job is exempt before assuming no consent is needed.
How to Check the Paperwork Has Been Filed
1. Ask Your Drainlayer Directly
A reputable, licensed drainlayer should be able to show you:
- A copy of the building consent (if one was required)
- Their PGDB licence number and the Certificate of Authorised Work they are required to provide
- Any inspection records from council
Don't be shy about asking — this is standard practice and a professional will expect it.
2. Contact Your Local Council
You can contact your local council's building department and ask them to check whether a consent was lodged and whether a Code Compliance Certificate has been issued for the work at your address. Most councils have online property information portals where you can look this up yourself, or you can request a LIM report (Land Information Memorandum) which will show all consented building work on record.
3. Check the PGDB Register
You can verify that your drainlayer holds a current licence by searching the PGDB online register. If they are not registered, any work they have done is unlicensed and potentially illegal — contact your council immediately if this is the case.
4. Review Your Contract and Invoices
Your written contract or quote should outline who is responsible for obtaining consents. If the drainlayer agreed to handle consenting on your behalf, ask them for copies of all lodgement receipts and council correspondence.
5. Request a Final Inspection
If a building consent was required, council must carry out a final inspection before issuing a Code Compliance Certificate. If your drainlayer has not arranged this inspection, the consent will remain open and uncertified. Follow up with your council to confirm the inspection has been booked or completed.
What If the Paperwork Hasn't Been Filed?
If you discover that consents were not obtained or certificates were not filed, act quickly:
- Contact your council to discuss options for retrospective consent (sometimes called a certificate of acceptance, though these are not always available)
- Contact the PGDB if you believe your drainlayer has not met their obligations — the Board can investigate complaints about licensed practitioners
- Seek independent legal advice if the situation is complex or if you have suffered financial loss
For guidance on the building consent process and what work requires consent, MBIE Building Performance is an excellent starting point.
When to Call a Professional
If you are unsure whether the work on your property was done correctly or legally, it is worth engaging a second licensed drainlayer or other suitably qualified professional to assess the situation. You can find qualified local drainlayers on tradedirectory.co.nz. Always use a PGDB-registered drainlayer for any sanitary drainage work — this is a legal requirement in New Zealand, not just a recommendation.
For broader context on building standards and compliance, BRANZ provides research and guidance relevant to NZ construction practice.
Certifying Drainlayer
