Do I need approval to move a floor drain? (Bathroom | Building & Approvals)

Short answer: yes, in many cases you’ll need approval (or at least certification) to move a floor drain in a bathroom renovation in Sydney — but it depends on how “major” the plumbing work is, your local council, and how the renovation is structured. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you understand when approvals are required, what regulations apply in NSW (including Sydney), and how to navigate building & plumbing compliance.

Why Relocating a Floor Drain Can Require Approval

1. It’s Plumbing & Drainage Work

   • Moving a floor drain isn’t just cosmetic: you’re changing the drainage line or its position, which can impact how waste water is collected and routed.

   • Council plumbing approval is often required when you “intend to carry out work … which may affect its [council’s drainage] system.” (federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au)

   • For example, Ballina Shire Council explicitly requires approval under a Section 68 application for “relocation of an existing drainage line.” (ballina.nsw.gov.au)

2. Licensing & Standards

   • Any drainage or sanitary plumbing work must be done by a licensed plumber in NSW. (Shoalhaven City Council)

   • The work must comply with AS/NZS 3500 (the national plumbing / drainage standard) as well as local plumbing codes.

   • After doing the work, the plumber must issue a Certificate of Compliance to confirm the job meets legal and technical standards. (NSW Government)

   • Plumbers often need to submit a “Notice of Work” (NoW) before starting: this is required for many non-minor plumbing jobs. (NSW Government)

3. Inspections & Certification

   • Council inspections are commonly required before covering or concealing drainage lines. That means once the pipe is back under the slab or wall, issues can be very difficult (and expensive) to fix. (Shoalhaven City Council)

   • A Sewer Service Diagram (layout of drainage system) may also be required. After work is completed, this diagram, along with the plumber’s Certificate of Compliance, typically needs to be submitted. (NSW Government)

4. Waterproofing & Wet Area Standards

   • Bathrooms are “wet areas” and must be waterproofed properly to Australian Standard AS 3740 before tiles and finishes go down.

   • If you move a floor drain, the slope of the floor and how the waterproof membrane ties into the drain are critical: incorrect slope or poor membrane detailing can lead to leaks, so inspectors often check these before waterproofing is covered.

When You Might Not Need Formal Approvals

There are scenarios where moving a floor drain might not trigger a full council approval, but you’ll still need to follow plumbing regulations:

• According to NSW Fair Trading and plumbing regulation guidelines, minor plumbing renovations that do not involve relocating fixtures or creating new drainage lines may be exempt from NoW submissions. (NSW Government)

• Some internal renovations are classified as “exempt development” under NSW planning rules — meaning no DA (Development Application) needed. But, this doesn’t exempt you from plumbing compliance. (RJG Group PTY LTD)

• Even if council approval isn't mandatory, you must still comply with plumbing standards and use licensed tradespeople. (ultrarenovations.com.au)

What Happens If You Skip Approval or Certification

If you try to move a floor drain without the right permits or documentation:

• Council could refuse to inspect or sign off the work, which could stop progress (or force you to undo it).

• Insurance might not cover water damage if the plumbing wasn’t done by a licensed plumber or wasn’t certified.

• Future buyers or certifiers may flag compliance issues if there’s no “paper trail” for plumbing changes.

• Code violations (e.g. non‑compliance with AS 3500) could require rework, which is expensive, especially once everything is tiled and finished.

What You Should Do When Planning Drain Relocation

1. Talk to a Licensed Plumber Early

   • Explain that you want to move or relocate a floor waste or drain.

   • Make sure they are experienced with plumbing code and inspections.

   • Ask them about delivering a Certificate of Compliance once the job is done.

2. Submit a Notice of Work (NoW)

   • If necessary, your plumber should lodge a NoW before starting the project. (NSW Government)

   • This notifies the relevant regulator (e.g. local council or NSW Building Commission) that plumbing work will be inspected.

3. Get Sewer Service Diagram Prepared

   • Your plumber should draw up a sewer-service diagram showing the relocated drain. (NSW Government)

   • This may need to be submitted to your certifier or council.

4. Plan for Inspections

   • Schedule inspections before concealing the new drain.

   • Inspections will likely include checking membrane, drain connections, and floor falls. (Shoalhaven City Council)

5. Waterproofing Compliance

   • After plumbing, ensure wet-area waterproofing is applied by a licensed applicator.

   • Get a waterproofing compliance certificate before tiling. Many certifying authorities will require this.

6. Retain Documentation

   • Keep all relevant certificates (plumbing, waterproofing) and diagrams — they may be needed for future inspections, your insurance, or when selling.

Real-World Sydney Scenarios

• In a Mosman bathroom renovation, a homeowner relocated the shower drain to fit a larger shower base. Their plumber filed a NoW, did a layout diagram, and the council inspected before the slab was re-covered — no issue.

• In a Balmain terrace upgrade, moving the bathroom waste line under floorboards triggered a requirement for a Certificate of Compliance and a sewer diagram. Proper documentation made the final inspection straightforward.

• In a Surry Hills apartment, a DIY plumber tried to move the drain without certification. When the strata certified building asked for compliance proof later, the lack of paperwork caused insurance and inspection headaches.

Final Takeaway

• Yes — you often need approval or certification to move a floor drain in a bathroom renovation in Sydney.

• The key regulations: plumbing work must comply with AS 3500, be done by a licensed plumber, and include a Notice of Work and Certificate of Compliance. (NSW Government)

• Inspectors may check drainage connections and waterproofing before leaks or tiling work are covered up.

• Skipping these steps can lead to legal, financial, and structural risks.

If you're planning this kind of renovation, it's a smart move to speak with a qualified plumber (or renovation company) before removing your old drain. They can guide you through approvals, provide the right documentation, and make sure everything is compliant from the get-go.

Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.Ltd.