Do I need a licensed drainlayer in NZ?
Short answer
Yes, for any drainage work connecting to the public sewer or stormwater main — that must be done by a registered drainlayer under the Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006. Internal building drainage (within the property boundary, not connecting to main) sits with plumbers. Drainlayer licence verification at pgdb.co.nz.
Source: Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006. Updated May 2026.
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Check a builderKey facts
- Drainlayer is a separate licence to plumber and gasfitter
- Required for sewer/stormwater work connecting to council main
- Verify at pgdb.co.nz
- Internal building drainage usually done by plumbers
- Council Trade Waste consent may also apply
Where the line is
Drainlayer territory: the connection between your house and the public main, including the lateral pipe, sumps, and any external stormwater work. Critical because of public-health implications.
Plumber territory: drainage within the building, fixtures, sanitary plumbing, vent stacks.
Most working tradies hold both plumbing and drainlaying licences and present as 'plumber and drainlayer'. The PGDB register shows exactly which they hold.
Knowing the rules is half the job. The other half is knowing who you're hiring. Check any NZ builder against the public record: company status, licensing and insolvency notices, from the official NZ sources.
Related questions
Sources: Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006; PGDB — pgdb.co.nz. General information for NZ homeowners, not legal advice. Building rules change and vary by council, so confirm critical details on the official source before acting. Last updated 2026-05.