Is It Legal To Do Your Own Home Plumbing?

As the cost of living crisis bites, we’re all looking for ways to save money. And if you have a tap that needs replacing, a dishwasher that needs installing, or perhaps a more advanced plumbing job; it might seem like a money-saving move to do it yourself instead of hiring a professional. But are you actually allowed to work on your own home plumbing? What are homeowners’ responsibilities when it comes to DIY plumbing work? Read on to find out… Is it legal to do your own plumbing? The short answer is mostly yes; but it’s probably better to hire a professional plumber instead. Homeowners are free to carry out simple DIY plumbing jobs, such as: • Bleeding or replacing radiators • Replacing taps and outlets • Installing a washing machine or dishwasher • Replacing roof guttering When it comes to major plumbing works, however, you’ll need to notify and get approval from your local water authority before any work begins. Examples of notifiable plumbing works include (but aren’t limited to): • Starting a new build and installing water fittings • New water systems in an existing property • Pools or ponds that holds over 10,000 litres of water • Baths that hold more than 230 litres of water • Altering or extending water systems in a non-residential property • New wastewater treatment units • New pumps or boosters which deliver more than 12 litres of water per minute and are directly connected or indirectly connected to a supply pipe • Material change of building use • New drinking water fountains • New outdoor water systems either less than 750mm or more than 1,350mm below ground • New gardening water systems (apart from hand-operated systems You’ll also need to ensure all your DIY work meets the Building Regulations, as well as the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations as set out by the Water Regulations Approval Scheme. Failing to do these things could see you having to pay out for further plumbing renovations, or even on the end of a court prosecution if things go seriously wrong; which brings us neatly onto the next question…

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