Checking whether your plumber is registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) is straightforward, free, and takes only a couple of minutes online. In New Zealand, plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying are restricted trades, meaning certain work can only be carried out legally by a licensed professional. Knowing how to verify your tradesperson's credentials protects you, your home, and your family.
Why Registration Matters
Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006, it is illegal for anyone to carry out restricted sanitary plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying work unless they hold the appropriate licence or are working under the direct supervision of someone who does. Hiring an unregistered person for this type of work can:
- Void your home insurance if something goes wrong
- Result in work that doesn't comply with the NZ Building Code
- Create serious health and safety risks, particularly with gas or drainage
- Leave you with no formal avenue for complaints or remediation
The Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board is the statutory body responsible for licensing and regulating tradespeople in these fields across New Zealand.
How to Check Registration Online
The quickest way to verify your plumber's registration is to use the PGDB's online public register. Here's how:
- Visit www.pgdb.co.nz
- Navigate to the "Find a Practitioner" or public register section
- Search by the tradesperson's name or licence number
- Review the result — it will show their licence type, current status, and any conditions on their licence
This register is publicly available and updated regularly. If your plumber doesn't appear, or their licence shows as lapsed or cancelled, that's a serious red flag.
What to Ask Your Plumber Directly
Before work begins, don't hesitate to ask your tradesperson directly:
- "Can I see your licence card?" — Registered practitioners are issued a licence card with their name, licence number, and the class of work they're authorised to do.
- "What class of licence do you hold?" — There are different licence classes for sanitary plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying. Make sure the licence covers the specific work you need done.
- "Are you a certifying practitioner?" — A certifying practitioner can issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for completed work, which is often required by your council or insurer.
A legitimate, professional tradesperson will have no problem answering these questions.
Understanding Licence Classes
The PGDB issues licences across several categories. Here's a simplified overview:
| Licence Class | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Certifying Plumber | Sanitary plumbing + can issue CoC |
| Journeyman Plumber | Sanitary plumbing (supervised or independent, no CoC) |
| Certifying Gasfitter | Gas installation + can issue CoC |
| Journeyman Gasfitter | Gas work under supervision or independently (no CoC) |
| Certifying Drainlayer | Drainage work + can issue CoC |
| Tradesman Drainlayer | Drainage work (no CoC) |
For most household jobs — like replacing a hot water cylinder, installing a new bathroom, or connecting a gas hob — you'll want a certifying practitioner so you receive the proper paperwork at the end.
What Work Is Legally Restricted?
Under NZ law, the following types of work must be performed by a licensed practitioner:
- Any work on sanitary plumbing (toilets, sinks, showers, baths, and their connections to the drainage system)
- Gasfitting — connecting, installing, or modifying any gas appliance or pipework
- Drainlaying — installing or altering underground drainage connected to the public sewer or stormwater system
Homeowners can generally do minor maintenance tasks — like replacing a tap washer or a showerhead — but anything involving pipework connections, drainage, or gas must be left to a licensed professional. If you're unsure, check with MBIE Building Performance or contact the PGDB directly.
Safety Note
Gas work in particular carries serious risks. Faulty gas installations can cause fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Never allow unlicensed work on any gas appliance or pipework. If you smell gas, leave the building, ventilate if safe to do so, and call your gas supplier or 111 immediately. WorkSafe NZ provides guidance on gas safety for homeowners.
When to Call a Professional
Always engage a registered, licensed plumber or gasfitter for:
- Installing or replacing hot water cylinders or heat pumps
- Any new bathroom, kitchen, or laundry plumbing
- Gas appliance installation or servicing
- Blocked or broken drains requiring excavation or pipe replacement
- Any work that may require a building consent — check with your local council, as requirements vary
You can find qualified, registered local plumbers on tradedirectory.co.nz, where you can read reviews and compare tradespeople in your area.
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