All prescribed plumbing work is required to be performed by a plumbing practitioner who is accredited by the VBA to do that work, or by an apprentice working under the supervision of a plumbing practitioner licensed by the VBA to do that work.
If a heat pump water-heater installation involves removing a gas water heater, the relevant class of plumbing work is gasfitting work. Gasfitting work differs in nature, complexity and risk. For this reason, gasfitters need to be qualified for and experienced with the type of appliance on which they are working.
If the heat pump water-heater installation requires connection of refrigerant pipework, the plumber needs to be accredited in water supply and refrigerated air conditioning.
If the heat pump water-heater installed is a self-contained unit or does not require the connection of refrigerant pipework, the plumber needs to be accredited in water supply.
If a gas water heater is being removed and a heat pump water-heater installed by the same plumber, requiring connection of refrigerant pipework, they need to be accredited in gasfitting work, water supply and refrigerated air conditioning.
Solar Homes Program hot water retailers must use plumbers with the right VBA accreditation. Penalties apply for plumbing work that is carried out without the right VBA accreditation.
To learn more about the legal obligations around the installation of heat pumps, register for the VBA's upcoming Navigating Regulations: Ensuring Compliant Heat Pump Hot Water System Installations webinar on Thursday 5 December.
Use the VBA's Find a practitioner tool to check what class(es) a plumber is licensed or registered in.
Learn more about heat pump installations by visiting the VBA website .
