How long is a plumber liable?

When it comes to plumbing, most of us are at the mercy of our plumber. We call them when something goes wrong, we pay their exorbitant rates, and hope that they can fix the problem quickly and without too much fuss. But what if your plumber is the one who's causing the problems? What if they're not fixing things properly, or worse, they're actually causing damage? Well, you may be surprised to learn that you can actually compensate for any damages caused by your plumber, provided you know your rights.

So, how long is a plumber liable?

In most cases, a plumber will be liable for any damage they cause for up to six years. This is known as the 'statutory period of limitation'.  In Australia, the statutory period of limitation is six years for most personal injury and property damage claims. This means that, in most cases, you will have six years from the date of the accident to make a claim.

Plumber negligence

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. For example, if you can prove that the plumber was negligent, then you may be able to claim damages outside of the statutory period. Similarly, if the damage was caused by a defective product, then you may also have a case against the manufacturer of that product.

So, if you think you may have a case against your plumber, it's important to get expert legal advice as soon as possible.  

is plumber liable for water damage?

Water damage is one of the most common problems caused by plumbers. If your plumber has left you with a leaky tap or a broken pipe, then they may be liable for any resulting water damage.

Water damage could be a small leak that has caused some dampness, or it could be a major flood that has caused extensive damage to your home. Either way, if the water damage was caused by your plumber's negligence, then you may be able to claim compensation.

Water damage to your property can be very costly to repair. If you have experienced water damage as a result of your plumber's negligence, then you may be able to claim for the cost of repairs, as well as any loss of earnings if your property has been put out of action.

What to do when a plumber caused water damage?

If you think you may have a case against your plumber, the first thing you should do is get in touch with a solicitor who specializes in personal injury claims. They will be able to give you expert advice on whether or not you have a case, and they will be able to help you gather evidence to support your claim.

In case of water damage to property, it is important to take photos or videos of the damage as soon as possible. This will be useful evidence to support your claim. You should also try to get a estimate for the cost of repairs from a reputable builder or contractor.

Does a plumber need to be registered?

In order to work as a plumber in Australia, you must be registered with the relevant authority in your state or territory.

Plumbers who are not registered are not allowed to carry out any plumbing work, regardless of whether it is for domestic or commercial purposes.

If you have been affected by unregistered plumbing work, you may be able to claim for any resulting damages.

How do you find out if a plumber is registered?

If you're unsure whether or not your plumber is registered, you can check the website of the relevant authority in your state or territory.

You should also ask to see proof of registration before allowing a plumber to carry out any work on your property.

If you allow an unregistered plumber to work on your property, you may be liable for any resulting damages.

What are the three main regulations that professional plumbers have to follow?

The three main regulations that professional plumbers have to follow are:

- they must be registered with the relevant authority in their state or territory;

- they must comply with the Plumbing Code of Australia;

- they must have insurance.

These regulations are in place to protect consumers from unqualified or uninsured plumbers. If you use an unregistered or uninsured plumber, you will not be protected if something goes wrong.

The type of insurance a plumber must have

All plumbers in Australia must have insurance to protect themselves and their customers from any potential accidents or liabilities.

There are two types of insurance that plumbers must have: public liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance.

Public liability insurance covers the plumber for any damage they may cause to your property. Workers' compensation insurance covers the plumber for any injuries they may sustain while working on your property.

If you use a plumber who does not have insurance, you will not be protected if something goes wrong.

The warranty period for plumbing work

Most plumbers in Australia offer a warranty period for their work. This is usually between 6 and 12 months, but it can vary depending on the type of work that has been carried out.

If you experience any problems with your plumbing within the warranty period, you should contact the plumber to arrange for them to come and fix the problem.

If the plumber is unable to fix the problem, or if the problem persists after they have attempted to fix it, you may be able to claim damages.

I hope this article has helped understand a plumber's liability. If you have any further questions, To avoid risking bad plumbing jobs and all the consequences, make sure to choose a plumber that is registered, insured and offers a warranty on their work.  

If you need plumbing and gas work in Brisbane, Contact us at Mitchell Plumbing and Gas. We are a team of professional, qualified and experienced plumbers who can help you with all your plumbing needs. Get a free quote!