WATER SERVICES
Cold water service compliance: a practical checklist
Cold water work under AS/NZS 3500.1 covers a lot of ground. Here is a practical checklist of what a compliant cold water service needs, and what to capture as you go.
Pipe materials and marking
Use approved, marked materials. Copper carries its compliance marking, PVC systems comply with their material standard, and anything in contact with drinking water also meets the potable-contact requirement. WaterMark certification applies to the plumbing products themselves.
Separation from other services
Water pipework keeps the required clearances from electrical, gas, telecommunications, sanitary, and stormwater services, both above and below ground. The separations differ for marked versus unmarked services and for larger pipe sizes, so check the figure for the situation.
Cover, support, and valves
- Buried pipe has the minimum cover for its location, from under-slab through to trafficked areas.
- Above-ground pipe is clipped at the maximum spacings for the material and size.
- Isolation valves are fitted at the required points, including the meter and each appliance.
Testing and what to photograph
The service is pressure-tested before it is buried or concealed. Photograph the materials and markings, the separations, the valves, and the test. Elemetric runs this list as you document the job.
Common questions
What does a compliant cold water service need?
Approved marked materials, the required separations from other services, correct buried cover and support spacing, isolation valves at the required points, and a pressure test before concealment.
When is the service pressure-tested?
Before it is buried or concealed, so a leak can be found and fixed while the pipework is still accessible.
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Download on the App Store →General information for licensed tradespeople, not legal or regulatory advice. The licensed plumber remains solely responsible for compliance. Refer to the current AS/NZS 3500 standards and the Building and Plumbing Commission (formerly the VBA) for authoritative requirements.