Last updated: July 2026
It’s important to buy tapware and fixtures that are up to Australian standards. Plumbing codes exist to make sure your home project is safe, efficient and sustainable. Here, we break down the Australian plumbing codes you need to know.
The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA)
The PCA is Volume Three of the National Construction Code (NCC) and establishes the minimum technical standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of plumbing and drainage systems across all Australian states and territories.
To find out more about the most up to date PCA - NCC 2022 Plumbing | NCC
Key plumbing codes for DIYers
Water supply
When choosing taps or shower heads, check their pressure requirements.
The codes outline the requirements for water pressure, pipe sizes and materials. This ensures that when you turn on your tap, you get a consistent and safe flow of water.
Water efficiency
When selecting new fixtures, check the WELS rating. Higher star ratings mean greater water efficiency.
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme mandates water efficiency ratings for fixtures:
Lead Free Taps in Australia
Australia is transitioning to lead-free requirements for plumbing products used to convey drinking water. Products required to comply must be certified with the Lead-Free Watermark must have a weighted average lead content of no more than 0.25%.
Please note that plumbing regulations and transition arrangements may vary between Australian states and territories.
Victoria Lead Free plumbing regulations came into effect on 1 May 2026 – which means you can only install Lead Free taps in Victoria. If you are wanting to install tapware in Victoria, please make sure the product is marked as Lead Free in the Product Name.
We recommend checking the official resources below before purchasing or installing plumbing products:
If you are unsure whether a product is suitable for installation in your state, we recommend consulting your licensed plumber or local plumbing authority before purchasing.
What other certifications should DIYers know?
WaterMark is a certification that captures all of the above — it makes sure the plumbing fixtures you’re about to buy meet Australian standards for water quality, safety and performance. When purchasing tapware or other plumbing fixtures, check to see if they are WaterMark certified.
In plumbing code words, a WaterMark certification guarantees that the product is up to Australian standards AS/NZS 3718:2013.
Staying up to date on plumbing code
Plumbing codes evolve.
Stay updated by:
If you’re shopping with Kodilo, you can be confident your tapware is high quality and meets all plumbing codes. For more info on how our products comply with Australian plumbing standards, go to our product pages or get in touch with our team at sales@kodilo.com.au.
