When a drainlayer finishes work on your property, the job isn't truly complete until you have the right paperwork in hand. These records protect you legally, help future tradespeople understand your drainage system, and may be required if you ever sell your home or make an insurance claim. Here's a clear rundown of what you should expect to receive.
A Code Compliance Certificate (CCC)
If your drainlaying work required a building consent — which is common for new drainage installations, significant alterations, or connections to the public sewer — your local council will issue a Code Compliance Certificate once the work has been inspected and approved. This document confirms the work meets the NZ Building Code requirements, including the relevant provisions under G13 (Foul Water) and E1 (Surface Water).
Your drainlayer should help facilitate the inspection process, but the CCC itself comes from your council. Make sure you receive and safely store this document — it's one of the most important records for your property.
As-Built Drainage Plans
One of the most valuable documents your drainlayer should provide is a set of as-built plans (sometimes called as-constructed drawings). These are accurate diagrams showing:
- The exact location and depth of all drain lines
- Pipe sizes and materials used
- The position of manholes, inspection openings, and sumps
- Connection points to the public sewer or stormwater system
- Any changes made from the original consented plans
As-built plans are essential if you ever need to dig in your yard, extend your drainage, or troubleshoot a blockage. Without them, future tradespeople are working blind. In many councils, submitting as-builts is a mandatory step before a CCC can be issued, so your drainlayer should be well aware of this requirement.
Producer Statement (PS3 / PS4)
For more complex drainage work, you may also receive a Producer Statement. These are written assurances from the drainlayer or supervising engineer:
- PS3 – A statement from the licensed drainlayer confirming the work was constructed in accordance with the consented plans and the Building Code.
- PS4 – A statement from an engineer confirming they have inspected the completed work.
Not every job will require these, but they're common on larger residential or commercial projects. Check with your council or drainlayer whether a Producer Statement is needed for your specific job.
Certificate of Authorisation or Licence Details
Your drainlayer should be able to provide — or at least confirm — their licence number issued by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Drainlaying is restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006, meaning only licensed practitioners can legally carry out and certify this work. You can verify a drainlayer's licence on the PGDB website.
Inspection Records and Council Sign-Offs
During the work, your council's building inspector may visit the site at key stages — for example, before pipes are backfilled. Ask your drainlayer to keep you informed of these inspections and to provide copies of any inspection records or sign-off sheets issued by the council. These form part of the overall compliance trail for your project.
Invoice and Warranty Information
Always request a detailed invoice that clearly describes the work completed, materials used, and labour charges. A reputable drainlayer will also advise you of any warranty on their workmanship, as well as the manufacturer's warranty on any products installed (such as PVC pipe fittings or inspection chambers).
What to Do If You Don't Receive the Right Documents
If your drainlayer hasn't provided the expected paperwork:
- Ask in writing — send an email or letter requesting the outstanding documents.
- Contact your council — they can confirm what was consented and whether a CCC has been issued.
- Contact the PGDB — if you believe a licensed drainlayer has failed to meet their professional obligations, the PGDB handles complaints about licensed practitioners.
- Seek advice — Consumer NZ has useful guidance on resolving disputes with tradespeople.
Keeping Your Records Safe
Store all drainage documentation somewhere secure — ideally both a physical copy and a digital scan. If you sell your property, these records will be requested during due diligence. They also help future drainlayers, plumbers, or builders understand your system without costly investigation work.
When to Call a Professional
Drainlaying is restricted work in New Zealand — homeowners cannot legally carry out or certify drainage connections to the public sewer or stormwater network themselves. Always engage a licensed drainlayer for any work beyond basic maintenance. If you're unsure whether your project needs a building consent, check with your local council before any work begins — consent requirements vary and MBIE Building Performance has helpful guidance on Schedule 1 exemptions.
You can find qualified, local drainlayers on tradedirectory.co.nz to ensure your job is done right and fully documented from start to finish.
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