Do I Need Building Regulations Approval for Plumbing Work?

Work that does NOT need building regulations

Routine plumbing work is generally exempt:

• Replacing taps, washers, or valves
• Fixing a leaking tap
• Replacing a toilet, basin, or bath in the same position
• Bleeding radiators or replacing a radiator valve
• Clearing blocked drains
• Like-for-like boiler swaps (same type, same location)

Work that DOES need building regulations

The following work is notifiable under Part G (sanitation), Part J (combustion appliances), Part L (energy efficiency), or Part P (electrical) of the Building Regulations:

• Any gas work - must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer who self-certifies
• Boiler installation or relocation - notifiable under Part J and Part L
• Unvented hot water cylinders - must be installed by a G3-qualified engineer and notified
• New bathroom or kitchen where plumbing is being added to a room that did not have it before
• Replacement windows in a bathroom (Part L)

How does self-certification work?

Qualified installers registered with a Competent Person Scheme can self-certify their work. This means they notify Building Control directly and you receive a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate without needing a separate inspection. As Gas Safe registered engineers, we self-certify all notifiable gas and heating work we carry out.

What happens if work is not certified?

If notifiable work is done without certification, it can cause problems when you sell your home. The buyer’s solicitor will check for Building Regulations Compliance Certificates. Missing certificates can delay or reduce the sale price. You can apply retrospectively for a regularisation certificate, but it costs more and involves an inspection.

Our advice

Use a qualified, registered installer for any gas, heating, or pressurised hot water work. We handle all the building regulations paperwork as part of the job - you do not need to arrange anything separately.