Plumbing Work - What is Permitted

[juan]

I am a sparky who is undertaking a bathroom renovation.

Always like to do things by the book and wonder what plumbing work can be performed legally by a DIYer like me.

Can I do the hot and cold water to the HWS outlet including installing mixers etc?
Can I install the underfloor plumbing back to the sewer when I replace the concrete floor?

I am on a budget (arent we all) but do not want to break any regulations.

Cheers
Juan

[Barry_White]

If you are connected to the water/council mains you can't even install a washer in a tap legally. It's a bit like electricity and gas it's a closed shop protection for the boys.

[munruben]

Guy I knew installed all his own pipes for the plumbing for his mobile home but got a plumber to connect it up. apparently this is allowed as long as it conforms to rule. This was in Sydney a few years ago.

[juan]

Thanks for the feedback

[wonderplumb]

Mate bite the bullet and call a plumber, Im not saying this in a biased fashion but it will save you a lot of time and hassle, horses for courses I say, I wouldnt even pull cables in my own house! After all, thats what sparkies are for! It will also give you peace of mind. If you want to do it on the side, find a 3rd year that works for cash, make sure you suss him out for confidence, but after all this is how I saved for my first home whilst going through my trade. Being a sparky Im sure you'd find one on site.

[ricgstevens]

Very interesting question - you beat me to it.

At the risk of starting World War 3 with the plumbing folk on this forum, I have often wondered how I could get past having to employ a plumber.

Why? I hear you ask. I'll be straight up - the workmanship in some building trades these days, quite frankly, is a disgrace. Too much work, not enough supply of trades resulting in shoddy, slap-dash worksmanship for nothing less than top dollar. On top of which you just about have to beg to get them to quote on a job in the first place. Read into this what ya like. But those are the facts. Kids coming out of apprenticeship driving V8 utes and cocky as all get up.

I have seen the quality of work out there and it isn't impressive. What ever happened to pride in one's workmanship, attention to detail and above all reasonable prices. I am about to undertake a complete gut and re-fit of all the wet areas in my 1960's house and I am dreading having to go through the process of employing the services of a plumber. First of all, tradesmen tend to dislike renovations (too messy, too much hassle) and then price accordingly. Second, the very thought of seeing my Vic Ash framing work getting butchered by their boring implements and gas torches char grilling my wood sends a chill down my spine.

By the way, I don't mind paying for a top job (and have done so in the past) but I have ALWAYS been disappointed because of short cuts and a she'll be right, no one can see it attitude towards completing a job.

So much so I just want to do the job myself, to a standard that (I say this quite humbly) that would embarrass most trades. I won't for the simple reason it is illegal and dangerous. For example I happened to do some pipe work (water) myself a few years ago (about half a dozen solded joints) and some years later when a plumber came to do some other work for me, he asked me who had done the job. I said it was a plumber. He laughed at me at said, "bulls*it!" "It was you who did it, wasn't it?" I said whaddaya mean? He replied "I don't think there are any plumbers left in Australia who would take the trouble to clean the joints and true everything up the way this job was done" Technically he said the job was perfect and that in itself was the dead give away. He cautioned me not to try it again. Not because my workmanship was crap but more the point if something were to go wrong (eg leak causing flooding) my insurance company would run away from me like a scalded cat and even worse still if someone got hurt, I could see myself facing time in the lock up. Not sure if this is true, but I believed him at the time.

So it is pretty much is a case of finding a tradesmen who will do a great job, is dependable and won't charge the earth for it. Division One Tatts Lotto would be easier. In some ways, I think I can do it but for the reasons outlined above, I am scared to. Can you guys see the irony in all this?

OK, OK, I admit I'm stereotyping based on a small sample base. By the way it happened to my mum in law a couple of years back when she asked her nephew (then in his early twenties) who was starting up his own electrical contracting business. She thought she would help out by getting him to quote for all the electrical work on her new house. She wanted to give him the job but to keep him honest we decided to get two more quotes. Guess what? - his was the most expensive quote and to be frank I was glad he didn't get the job. We later heard his work was quite ordinary. So much for that. He didn't really care that he missed out on the job, and said so himself. Sheer bloody arrogance. Last time he saw any business from our side of the family, I tell ya! Still didn't stop him though - he now has a small business with about 10 guys working for him and making a fistful of cash.

Instead of going to uni, I should have done either an electrical or plumbing apprenticeship.

Sorry for the rant!!

Ric

[wonderplumb]

Well said Ric, thats why I said, "Suss him out" cause you can tell the ones that want to work from the ones that want to rip you off. And a young bloke who is worth his salt, and wants to get ahead in life will take on any job, cashy or not and not only that is out there making a name for himself. Im still doing work for people that I done cashys for when I was a 2nd yr, 12 yrs ago! And ther is still blokes out there who do take pride in there work, I am one of them, behind a wall or in the ground dont matter, it comes down to presentation when inspection time comes around.

[Honorary Bloke]

We have been down this road many times before and I never come away with that warm fuzzy feeling that anyone's being helped, because it appears they are not permitted to be helped. :(

[First off, I am referring specifically to plumbing, not electrical work, which is another kettle of fish. Don't go there.]

Okay, we discuss the regulations and I suppose that is what was asked about here, but for every complex plumbing connection that requires professional installation, there are 10 or a hundred that the average handy person can do themselves and do well. If a bloke wants to change out a toilet, let him change it out. If it leaks afterward, let him figure out why and fix it. Connecting mixers is not rocket science.

Somebody must be doing something themselves, or how are Bunnies staying in business?

Ricgstevens says: "So much so I just want to do the job myself, . . . I won't for the simple reason it is illegal and dangerous." What's dangerous about installing a new dunny? :? (Unless the lid falls on your head. :D )

I keep all my old licence plates because they are great for protecting the framing when soldering a copper pipe. Just nail 'em up all around the work and go to it. It's not hi-tech but it's safe and fairly simple. Learned it from a plumber.

I just don't get it, and I have to assume that Barry White is right when he says it is just a way to keep a closed shop.

Now I value good plumbers and there are a lot of jobs I won't undertake. And I guess I've been fortunate in that I've used several very good plumbers over the years who not only did great work but usually said to me at the end "Now if this happens again, just do this and you won't have to call me." [True, I swear.]

But if you own a measuring tape and a tube cutter, you can make pipe to length. If you own a hacksaw and buy some glue, you can work PVC pipe all day long.

I can't explain why this nags at me so. I guess it's because I know the blokes on this Forum are smarter than the average Drop Bear and could easily do this stuff if allowed.

There, I feel better now. :)

[TJAY]

Luckily found a great plumber, lives just around the corner. Doesn't charge the earth, comes when he says he will and doesn't mind if I do all the labouring first so he just does the connections.

I hadn't picked up a tool until a few months ago when I bought this renovator's delight, but like most things I've discovered, if a pimply faced 15 year old 1st year can do it, I can probably do it too, and I'll put a hell of a lot more care into it.

I don't mind leaving the important/dangerous stuff to an expert, but everything else I'll have a crack at, if I stuff it up then at least I can call them in.

[wonderplumb]

Anyone can change a toilet or solder copper pipes together or cut DWV and glue it together but its the rules and regulations behind it, how far you can run a certain sized pipe, available head pressure, existing pipework if your doing a reno, etc. etc. there's a reason why it takes 6 years to become a plumber and its not to keep a closed shop. I dont mind giving advice as far as what can and cant be done but im not going to tell someone flat out how to do something. If I want to move a power point ill call a sparky(and ive done my restricted course) if I want to hang a door or buld stairs ill call a chippy, the only thing I can do with wood is burn it.
Too many times ive had to "Repair what your husband has fixed" and its ended up costing them double only cause some moron at bunnings has said yeah this all you need and how you do it, and I enjoy making them feel silly! Sick isnt it.
Aaah, feel better now.
Thanks Fellas

[peter_sm]

Yet anyone can do brake repairs on a car??????

I have not done any work on my house myself at all whatsoever. It is all how we bought the house.

Looks good now :)

[Sturdee]

[First off, I am referring specifically to plumbing, not electrical work, which is another kettle of fish. Don't go there.]


Actually here all plumbing works that connect in some way to the main water supply, sewerage systems and roof plumbing (including guttering and down pipes) need to be done by a licensed plumber. Admittedly a water leak is not as dangerous as an electrical wiring fault but improper gas plumbing can and will kill people. Hence my objections to posting "how to do" replies apply to this topic as well.




I keep all my old licence plates because they are great for protecting the framing when soldering a copper pipe. Just nail 'em up all around the work and go to it. It's not hi-tech but it's safe and fairly simple. Learned it from a plumber.



Here you must return old registration plates after car registration expires, else the cops come and collect it from you and hand you a large fine as well.


Peter.

[boban]

there's a reason why it takes 6 years to become a plumber and its not to keep a closed shop.

But it was OK for you to go out as a 2nd year for your cashy.

6 years, to learn plumbing theory. Hmmmmm.

[Learner]

I did plumbing of very very high standard for my garden irrigation drip system:D:D

Used a Natafin disc filter 120 MICRON followed by senninger pressure regulator limit valve (THIS IS THE MAIN REGULATOR 275KPA FROM WHICH THE DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF THE IRRAGATION SYSTEM ARE FED), http://www.senninger.com/pages/new_prlv.html http://www.senninger.com/images/PRLVinst.jpg
followed by a timer followed by another pressure reducer to bring the pressure down to 100 KPa.

Besides all my drip emitters were Toro pressure compensated types 8 ltr and 4 ltr per hour hour.

Even put in a automatic flush valve at the end of the lines.

Even bought a PRESSURE GUAGE LIQUID FILLED.

NOW ONLY THING REMAINING IS THE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT INSTALLED AND APPROVED BY LICENCED PLUMBER.
FOR THIS CRIME I EXPECT TO BE JAILED 100 YEARS.:C:o:no::~

Every day I take Temazepam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temazepam)

I have never ever back fed toilet water or germs or worms back into the drinking water supply system.

Now can plumber explain to me if dual check, double check, non-return , anti-siphon valves are really needed please!!!.

I am writing this in the middle of the night. Need two more Tamazepam tablets to comply with my bodies sleeping regulations!

[wonderplumb]

But it was OK for you to go out as a 2nd year for your cashy.

6 years, to learn plumbing theory. Hmmmmm.
Yes, 6yrs. I recommend it! In saying that I would only take on jobs that my limited knowledge of the time would allow, basic stuff but still knew rules and regulations on that basic stuff. Anything too involved required the help of my older cousin, god bless him, who was a licensee that I was working directly under.

[Learner]

Yes, 6yrs. I recommend it! In saying that I would only take on jobs that my limited knowledge of the time would allow, basic stuff but still knew rules and regulations on that basic stuff. Anything too involved required the help of my older cousin, god bless him, who was a licensee that I was working directly under.

Tell me how much pressure can washing machine inlet hose handle.? I heard washing machine and dishwasher hoses can burst and flood a house.

[wonderplumb]

Off the top of my head mate they handle quite a lot, probably in the range of 1500/2000 kPa, they do burst, like anything with age the rubber inside will start to perish and they gradually go. Bare in mind that you must follow the manufacturers recommendations as far as inlet pressure is concerned and if needed install a pressure limiting valve, otherwise you will end up with warranty voided. It also states in the standard that no fixture shall be supplied with a pressure above 500kPa, this obviously applies to new installations and major renovations. If you are worried you can buy a valve called a floodguard that screws on to your machine cocks before the hose goes on, they work on flow rates rather than pressure so if a hose bursts they snap shut.

[Learner]

Off the top of my head mate they handle quite a lot, probably in the range of 1500/2000 kPa, they do burst, like anything with age the rubber inside will start to perish and they gradually go. Bare in mind that you must follow the manufacturers recommendations as far as inlet pressure is concerned and if needed install a pressure limiting valve, otherwise you will end up with warranty voided. It also states in the standard that no fixture shall be supplied with a pressure above 500kPa, this obviously applies to new installations and major renovations. If you are worried you can buy a valve called a floodguard that screws on to your machine cocks before the hose goes on, they work on flow rates rather than pressure so if a hose bursts they snap shut.

I have seen that floodguard fitting. Costs around 26 dollars. I will put senninger irrigation pressure limit regulation valves for my dishwashers and washing machines to reduce pressure to 275 KPa and extend the el cheapo hose life. Works perfect for 3/4 inch fitting. I think for 3/4 inch sizes american NPT and Australian BSP threads per inch are the same with minor thread profile variation which can be sealed by rubber washer in hose or teflon tape around threads.

The senninger PRLVs are 1/3 the price of the brass type pressure reducers used by plumbers and they are of high quality.

As you know chimpanzees are toolmakers:D:2tsup::U:p

http://www.senninger.com/images/PRLV.jpg

http://www.senninger.com/pages/new_prlv.html

Allows shutoff valve to be used downstream from device. (If no shutoff valves are needed downstream, the use of Senninger's standard Pressure Master Regulator is recommended.)
Maintains preset pressure (30, 40, or 50 psi) at flows from 1/2 to 15 gpm.
In static (no flow) situations, limits downstream pressure to no more than 15 psi above preset regulated pressure.Simple solution not available in Australia is this

http://floodchek.com/images/floodart.gif

http://floodchek.com/

[bricks]

I did plumbing of very very high standard for my garden irrigation drip system:D:D


Now can plumber explain to me if dual check, double check, non-return , anti-siphon valves are really needed please!!!.




Yes.

If the water authority shut of the water for maintainence, there is a possibility of backflow.

If any of your water points are under ground - eg a soaker hose, they will fill up with particles of dirt and whatever fetilisers or chemicals on your lawn. without the backflow device there is an un-obstructed conduit for them to travel into your house.

Although- if your pressure limiting valve is of the correct type and make up ( youd need to see the manufacturer) then it may operate as a backflow valve under backflow conditions.

All this with one thought in mind. It's your risk, and the risk of anyone connected to your water supply, and your family. Similar to a loaded gun sitting on your kitchen table, just because you havn't been shot yet doesn't mean it can't happen. The consequences may be just as devestating.

[Bloss]

Reminds me of the old joke:

Couple had a leaky waste pipe in the kitchen and called out the plumber who crawled underneath undoes the waste removed a perished o-ring replaced it with a new one and tightened it back up. Job finished in under 30 mins.

The plumbers says that'll be $100 please. The owners are taken aback and say "$100 that is outrageous, it only took you half an hour and it was so simple we could have done it ourselves. We want and itemised account." The plumber says "no problems I'll duck out to my van and do one up for you."

He comes in and hands them an invoice:

Call out fee: $29
O-ring :$1.0
Labor :$30
Knowing how to fix the problem: $60
Total $100 Thank You

As others have said there are many things that are restricted and shouldn't be - perhaps some loosening up of the rules with some certification mechanism for minor works by a licensed plumber would be a reasonable balance.

I have done much minor plumbing myself over many years, but I have seen many stuff ups by well-meaning handy people who just aren't quite up to doing the job or haven't access to the right tools let alone the right experience and knowledge.

[MrFixIt]

Hi
Anyone can change a toilet or solder copper pipes together or cut DWV and glue it together but its the rules and regulations behind it, how far you can run a certain sized pipe, available head pressure, existing pipework if your doing a reno, etc. etc. there's a reason why it takes 6 years to become a plumber and its not to keep a closed shop. I dont mind giving advice as far as what can and cant be done but im not going to tell someone flat out how to do something. If I want to move a power point ill call a sparky(and ive done my restricted course) if I want to hang a door or buld stairs ill call a chippy, the only thing I can do with wood is burn it.
Too many times ive had to "Repair what your husband has fixed" and its ended up costing them double only cause some moron at bunnings has said yeah this all you need and how you do it, and I enjoy making them feel silly! Sick isnt it.
Aaah, feel better now.
Thanks Fellas

ALL of these kinds of posts, need to be put into perspective.

Sure there are "husbands" out there that "THINK" they know what to do, find out they don't and usually the wives take over from there and call the required trades.

For those of us that have the ability and I include myself in this group, we should be able to do the things we feel competant to do. The UK DIY'ers are allowed to do anything of their own on their OWN homes. This to me is fair and should be allowed here.

As I have been in various industries and have an extensive knowledge of "things" built up over the years, I combine this fact with the absolute POOR quality and availablity of tradespeople these days and JUST DO IT myself.

The nett result FOR ME is a cheaper better quality job in a respectable time frame.

That said there are things that I don't do, IF I don't know how to do it or what the regulations may be - such as sewerage plumbing.

My father was a bricklayer, my brother is a roofing carpenter (now a construction manager for a builder). I learned from a very young age from my father and also at Technical college about welding, soldering, sheetmetal work, carpentry, cabinet making, electrical wriing, home construction and engineering.

I have done sooo many things on a DIY basis for sooo many years that I DO have the capability to handle the jobs I choose to tackle.

I think that anyone that has or is sure of their own capabilities should be allowed to do so.

As an example, in my last reno & extenion, I did the following...

built new jarrah timber boundary fence
brick paving
knocked down the original (illegal and crappy) patio extension
Designed the extension and drew the plans
picked up most of the construction materials
directed a bobcat driver in the removal of brick wall and concrete slab
directed the bobcat driver in levelling and ground works
Laid out and dug the footings
Used a friends theodolite to set the levels
poured the footings
laid the slab for the wet area (toliet and bathroom)
laid the internal brickwalls around wet areas
built the brick piers for timber flooring
constructed the timber framing for the other internal walls
helped my brother (roofing carpenter) layout and build the roof
laid (computer) network cabling to five rooms
ran and installed the powerpoint wiring
ran and installed the lighting wiring including several two way switchings
installed new trip switches at main switchboard for new extension wiring
installed my own security alarm and wiring
removed a steel pole that supported patio roof replaced it with steel lintel
installed roof tile battens and roof tiles
installed extension guttering and downpipes
directed dingo driver in the digging (auger) of soakwell holes
installed concrete soakwells
replaced the existing but corroded gutters and downpipes on house
installed eave lining
gutted existing bathroom
removed cast iron bath for reinstall in new ensuite bathroom
broke through bathroom/external wall to newly added extension
chased walls for plumbing
installed the old cast iron bath and plumbed drain
installed new hot and coldwater plumbing to ensuite sink, bath and shower
plumbed sink drain
installed and finished gyprock to all internal walls
installed gyprock to ceilings in new bedroom/bathroom/toilet extension
installed all new cornices
desiged and built built-in bathroom cabinetry
built and installed floor to ceiling built in wardrobes in bedroom
installed ceiling fans
sanded floors in new extension
converted original bathroom into study with built in desk
installed downlighting to my specifications and design
redesigned kitchen layout and moved gas stove
installed and plumbed dishwasher
installed new kitchen cabinets
built and installed postformed new laminate tops to kitchen
installed new sink and rerouted plumbing in kitchen
removed old kitchen ceiling and replaced with new gyprock
tiled new kitchen splashback 750mm high
replaced old batten fixed lights with new modern light fittings
repainted inside throughout
built new pergola to front verandah
installed reticulation system (run off bore water)

...and possibly a few other things that I don't remember

As you can imagine I saved myself a small fortune and enjoyed the final result.

Oh BTW, due to time constraints, I had somebody tile the new bathroom floor and walls floor to ceiling. I contacted NINE tradesmen (?) ONLY FIVE actually turned up to quote and ONLY ONE measured and quoted correctly - consequently he got the job.

So the point of all of this is that IF you are confident in your abilities then DO IT YOURSELF

BTW.2 Although I can silver solder copper pipes and could have done so for the plumbing I did, it was much easier to use the new plastic piping than work with an oxy outfit in inconvenient locations. The new push fit connections and the new plastic piping is great stuff.

[bricks]

Not trying to start an argument here MR Fixit but,

how do you get past the required C.O.C's required by councils these days ? ( at least in S.A. you need them submitted at time of compleation)?

Are you worried about your insurance company fobbing you on any possible claim you make because of your doing liscenced work yourself ?

PS : did you install any flick mixers in your reno? if so what backflow did you use?

[Tools]

COCs are required in Vic too.

Tools

[Harry72]

Cant even get a plumber here... its like 6~12mth wait if they can be bothered.
I dont agree with the rules, I think basic plumbing(like adding an extra tap in the backyard)should be allowed.
I would never condone doing a whole new house install myself(its well beyond my capability's), but the basic's of plumbing is a monkeys job(no insult to the plumbers) its dead easy... making furniture takes a lot more skill.

[ex-chippie]

Sound like a catfight to me! (I like that saying.):doh:


Jason.

[Barry_White]

What is a COC for us dumb ass DIY law breakers.

[Harry72]

COC= 50500 google results!
Certificate of compliance?

[wonderplumb]

I combine this fact with the absolute POOR quality and availablity of tradespeople these days and JUST DO IT myself.


Thats a bit rough, obviously havent been looking hard enough................

[bricks]

Cant even get a plumber here... its like 6~12mth wait if they can be bothered.
I dont agree with the rules, I think basic plumbing(like adding an extra tap in the backyard)should be allowed.
.


In S.A. harry it is not illegal to work on cold water, which is not for drinking, and the line is under 25mm in diameter. So you can install a garden tap.

In theory you can change cold water tap washers aswell, aslong as they arn't in a breacher with hot aswell.

Anything you need to know about simple cold water regs and fittings i can help you out with.

[Tools]

Yes, COC = certificate of compliance.

They are required for roofing,water and sanitary installations. If you are doing a new build or extension/reno, you won't get a C of O without them.



Tools

[maxpower]

Isnt it interesting how in the USA you are allowed to do your own plumbing and electrical work if it is inspected by the relevant authority and up to code ...

[juan]

Can anyone refer me to the correct AS/NZ Standard that covers underfloor plumbing in a bathroom. Just want to be sure the plumber is doing it correctly.

[Qldp]

The best way to make sure he is doing it right, is to be there when the local Plumbing Inspector checks his work before it is covered over. Anything that does not meet the standard will have to be fixed.
Thats assuming you are putting it through the council.

[bricks]

You need to buy the standards they arn't downloadable or issued for free. They cost round 150-200$$$$$.

What r u worried about.

[wonderplumb]

Yep, just bought a current set, as my old ones where 1996/98 and they set me back $185, but I got a free SAI Global t-shirt.........yippeee

[Gravy258]

Hiya all, I've just read thru all the posts on this subject,
after reading in the media that some plumbers can demand upto $1500 a day(The Age last week) what chance has your average householder got of getting someone to quote on a messy small renovation. I've wasted hours on end waiting for varios tradies to turn up just to quote. If only they would say they wasn't interested when you first phone up.
The licenced trade system in Victoria is a good idea, but it locks allied trades out of doing the same job competently. I work as a transport refrigeration mechanic. So I can pipe up a fridge that holds 12kg of gas and runs at pressures of upto 440psi. But yet I can't touch my household plumbing. Simillary I can't work on Domestic splits as my licence only covers mobile equipment. It doesn't cover car a/c either.
I'm a quailified diesel mechanic also. No qualifications are needed for that trade. Yet my actions could lead to a truck driving over the top of your car.
So I can't see the harm in doing your own basic plumbing if your competent. The worse scenario is that you'll flood the place, and if that happens, you know whose to blame.
If its a licenced restricted trade why will anybody sell you the parts?
You certaintly can't go and buy refrigerant from Bunnings.
For all wanna be D.I.Y ers, go and buy an american D.I.Y book, they tell you how do everything!

[bricks]

Hiya all, I've just read thru all the posts on this subject,

If its a licenced restricted trade why will anybody sell you the parts?
You certaintly can't go and buy refrigerant from Bunnings.
For all wanna be D.I.Y ers, go and buy an american D.I.Y book, they tell you how do everything!

Do not buy american info books- You will get it wrong- Our system is compleately different!!!!

Im sorry to say it gravy but thought's like that are the reason you cant do your own liscenced work.

The reason that anyone can buy the parts is because the parts arn't liscenced and it is illegal not to sell them to anyone who asks. Refrigeration gas- i belive you need to be qualified to buy it, same as termite poisions and industrial solvents and the like, but you can buy an airconditioner with fridge gas loaded into it from bunnings??

At the end of the day- If you don't have a liscence, you can't do it because it's illegal.

[Terrian]

Do not buy american info books- You will get it wrong- Our system is compleately different!!!!


but fine if you are in America :-)

[bricks]

That's a no brainer terrain?

[wonderplumb]

Hiya all, I've just read thru all the posts on this subject,
after reading in the media that some plumbers can demand upto $1500 a day(The Age last week)

I wish!!!!!!
The bosses might get that running 1/2 dozen blokes, might scratch it in doing jet/camera surveys all day but the lone plumber wont get that working at your place for $65/$70ph or for a builder at $50/$55ph.
If I could 'demand' $1500 per day id only be doing it for 4 days per week, instead of the usual 6 and more often than not 7 days per week!

[benp]

Having just moved over here from the UK with the express purpose of renovating my other half’s house i have been gob smacked by the restrictions over here.
I have an Engineering degree and a great deal of experience maintaining equipment to supply chemicals (many potentially dangerous) to large industrial equipment where the consequences of a failure/leek could cost hundreds of thousands an hour or at worst seriously injure somebody! Yet it seems i am not allowed to plumb a bathroom or replace a tap! My old man was a plumber and taught me plenty about what to do and i have done all manner of jobs from guttering replacement to installing a gas combi boiler (although i didn’t touch the gas). I have re-wired a house with my dad, we had it inspected by a sparky mate and it was given the all clear, he reckoned it was spot on. <O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Now there is plenty i won’t do but i am an intelligent capable person, why the hell should i be forced to pay someone to do a job i can do as well and with 100 times more care. It is just indicative of the `nanny` culture that pervades everything we do these days, or can’t do! Now we are going a similar way in the UK and i thought i could escape this by moving to somewhere like OZ, in many ways its worse over here. <O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Needless to say i have installed the bathroom and i shall do the same with the kitchen we are about to buy, neither of us can afford to pay the small fortune to tradies who have no time for `small` jobs so why should we. I’m not going to endanger anyone else, and if i choose to endanger myself then that is my choice. I mean not even being able to replace guttering, for gods sake what harm can poorly installed guttering do its not rocket science!

Sorry bout the rant everyone but i just found this site what better place to vent my frustrations, and the girlfriend is very sick of hearing all about it!! :roll: