Do I need to notify Sydney Water for plumbing relocation? (Bathroom | Building & Approvals)

1. When Sydney Water Approval Is Required

You need to talk to Sydney Water (and get approval) when your bathroom renovation involves plumbing or drainage work that could affect their infrastructure. Key scenarios include:

• Relocating or modifying sewer or water pipes. If your renovation shifts floor drains or waste plumbing in a way that touches Sydney Water’s mains or private sewer lines, you need their written approval. Their “Building Plan Approval” process ensures the work doesn’t compromise their assets. (Sydney Water)

• Excavation near Sydney Water assets. If you dig or build close to or over Sydney Water’s mains, they must assess the risk and issue relevant approvals. (Sydney Water)

• Connection or disconnection of water or sewer lines. If you're adding or altering how your bathroom connects to the water or sewer system, you may need a formal “connection approval.” (ABLiS)

• Major works or development. For larger or more complex renovation work (especially where plumbing is reconfigured), Sydney Water might require detailed plans reviewed by a Water Servicing Coordinator. (Sydney Water)

In these circumstances, you must submit plans via Sydney Water’s “Tap In” portal, and receive written approval before conducting the work. (Sydney Water)

2. Why It Matters: Risks of Skipping Sydney Water Approval

• Legal & Compliance Risk: If work affects Sydney Water’s infrastructure and you start without approval, they can stop the job and take action under their regulatory powers.

• Damage Risk: Without proper coordination, building work could damage their pipes, making future maintenance difficult. Approval ensures they assess and mitigate these risks. (Sydney Water)

• Insurance & Liability: Doing plumbing work that interferes with water or sewer lines without Sydney Water’s sign-off may raise insurance or liability issues.

• Costly Rework: If you build over or around a connection point incorrectly, you may be forced to redo it to Sydney Water’s standards — which can be very expensive.

3. When You Might Not Need Sydney Water Approval

There are renovation scenarios where notifying Sydney Water may not be necessary:

• Internal work only: If you're only changing taps, vanities, or shower fixtures without touching drainage or sewer lines, you likely don't need their approval.

• No relocation of waste lines: Simply replacing existing plumbing in the same location typically doesn’t need Sydney Water’s input, as long as you’re not affecting their mains.

• Small cosmetic upgrades: Activities such as tiling, painting, or replacing a toilet in the same spot often don’t require Sydney Water involvement — though licensed plumbers and waterproofers are still required. (ultrarenovations.com.au)

Still, even with no direct Sydney Water approval needed, your plumber will need to follow NSW plumbing regulation: you’ll need a Notice of Work (NoW) for most plumbing changes, and a Certificate of Compliance once the job is done. (NSW Government)

4. How to Notify or Apply to Sydney Water

If your project does require Sydney Water approval, here’s what to do:

1. Use Sydney Water’s Tap In Portal.

   • Lodge your building plans through Tap In, including detailed plumbing or drainage changes. (Sydney Water)

   • Provide relevant plans, drawings, and information on how your renovation might impact existing water or sewer infrastructure.

2. Get a Water Servicing Coordinator (if needed).

   • For more complex projects, Sydney Water may refer your application to a water servicing coordinator, who reviews and makes sure your plans protect water and sewer assets. (Sydney Water)

   • They’ll help manage how your renovation interfaces with Sydney Water infrastructure.

3. Receive Sydney Water Approval Before Starting.

   • You must not begin work that affects Sydney Water’s pipes until you have their written approval.

   • If you don’t, Sydney Water has the authority to stop your works under Section 44 of the Sydney Water Act.

4. Section 73 Certificate (if relevant).

   • If your renovation is part of a development or reconfiguration, you may need a Section 73 Compliance Certificate, which Sydney Water issues to confirm that your sewer and water connections meet their requirements. (Sydney Water)

   • This is common if you're building or remodeling in a way that significantly impacts servicing.

5. Comply with Plumbing Codes.

   • All plumbing work must follow the Plumbing Code of Australia and AS/NZS 3500 standards. (NSW Government)

   • Your plumber should submit a Notice of Work, perform the job, and then issue a Certificate of Compliance once complete. (NSW Government)

5. Practical Tips for Your Bathroom Reno in Sydney

• Talk to your plumber early. Let them know you may need to get Sydney Water involved — a good plumber will guide you whether an application is needed.

• Get your drawings ready. Even for a bathroom, you may need plumbing/ drainage layouts to submit via Tap In.

• Use licensed trades. Any work on water or sewer systems must be done by licensed plumbers to meet compliance.

• Factor in lead time. Sydney Water approvals take time; don’t assume you can start plumbing work immediately.

• Retain documentation. Keep copies of your Sydney Water approval, plumbing NoW, and Certificate of Compliance for your records, insurance, or future sale.

6. Real Sydney Scenarios

• Inner West Renovation: A homeowner moved their shower drain 50 cm to fit a larger shower base. Their plumber lodged plans via Tap In, got Sydney Water’s building plan approval, and then proceeded.

• North Shore Extension: In a major bathroom rebuild, the job required moving sewer connections. Sydney Water referred the renovation to a water servicing coordinator who reviewed and approved the plans to ensure the work didn’t interfere with existing wastewater mains.

• Small Cosmetic Update: Another Sydney owner replaced their vanity, taps, and tiles but didn’t touch any drainage lines. The plumber completed the work, lodged the NoW with the NSW plumbing regulator, and no Sydney Water application was needed.

Final Takeaway

• Yes — in some bathroom renovations in Sydney, you do need to notify and get written approval from Sydney Water, especially if relocating plumbing or interfering with sewer or water main connections.

• Use Sydney Water’s Tap In portal to apply for approvals, or engage a Water Servicing Coordinator for more complex changes.

• Licensed tradespeople and compliance with plumbing standards are essential, regardless of whether Sydney Water signs off.

• Starting work without Sydney Water’s approval in situations where it’s needed can lead to legal, financial, and structural risk.

For reliable execution, it's wise to involve a renovation team (like MB9) familiar with Sydney Water requirements, council approvals, and certified plumbers, so your bathroom upgrade runs smoothly and legally. Visit www.mb9.com.au to learn more about how MB9 Australia handles bathroom renovations — from design and approvals to certified plumbing and waterproofing.