When Do You Need a Form 7 in QLD? Complete 2026 Guide for Plumbers
What Is a Form 7?
Form 7 is the official "Compliance Notice for Notifiable Work" under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 (QLD). When you complete notifiable plumbing or drainage work, you must certify that the work complies with the relevant standards (AS/NZS 3500, AS/NZS 5601) and lodge the form with the local council responsible for the property's location.
What Work Requires a Form 7?
| Work Type | Form 7 Required? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| New installation | YES | New bathroom, new sewer connection, new gas line, new hot water system |
| Alteration to existing | YES | Moving a toilet, extending drainage, adding a fixture, relocating gas point |
| Disconnection | YES | Capping a sewer, removing a gas line, disconnecting water supply permanently |
| Like-for-like replacement (same location) | NO* | Replacing a hot water system in the same spot, replacing a tap |
| Maintenance/repair | NO | Clearing a blocked drain, fixing a leaking tap, replacing a washer |
| Gas appliance connection (new location) | YES | Installing a gas cooktop where there wasn't one before |
| Gas appliance replacement (same location) | NO* | Swapping a gas cooktop for a new gas cooktop in the same spot |
*Note: "Like-for-like" is narrowly defined. If the replacement requires ANY modification to pipework, drainage, or connections, it becomes an alteration and requires Form 7.
The Grey Areas That Trip Plumbers Up
Hot Water System Replacement
Same location, same type: No Form 7 (e.g., replacing a gas storage HWS with another gas storage HWS in the same spot).
Different location OR different type: Form 7 required (e.g., moving HWS from ground to roof, or switching from gas to heat pump — new pipework = alteration).
Adding a Dishwasher
If there's an existing dishwasher connection point — no Form 7. If you're creating a new connection to the water supply and drainage — Form 7 required (new installation).
Replacing a Toilet
Same location, connecting to existing drainage — no Form 7. Moving the toilet to a different position — Form 7 required (alteration to drainage).
How to Lodge a Form 7
- Complete the work
- Fill out Form 7 with: your QBCC licence details, property address, description of work, applicable standards, compliance declaration
- Sign the form (you're certifying compliance)
- Lodge with the local council within 5 business days
- Pay the lodgement fee (varies by council — typically $30-120)
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