Book your Gold Coast plumbing job
In short
Start by checking whether the problem is private plumbing or a City of Gold Coast water fault. For a private repair, find a plumber who covers your suburb and handles the affected system, then check the contracting business and the person doing the work through the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). Give each plumber the same photos, symptoms and access details. Compare written quotes for the proposed repair, attendance charges and any work needed to leave the area usable.
Step 1
Check the leak location before booking
City of Gold Coast makes owners responsible for pipes and fittings connected to the property side of the meter tail, including water lost through private leaks.
For a suspected meter or public network leak, contact the City on 1300 000 928. Describe where water appears and whether the meter records use with taps and appliances off. A leaking fitting attached to the meter tail needs a licensed plumber to investigate.
Choose the first contact
| What you can see | What to do |
|---|---|
| Burst water main on a road or public land | Report it to City of Gold Coast on 1300 000 928. |
| Soggy ground around a meter that is not recording use | Call the City: its guidance says the leak is likely in City infrastructure. |
| Leaking private pipe, tap or toilet | Arrange a licensed plumber and describe the affected fixture. |
Step 2
Describe the symptoms and property access
Give your suburb, property type and when the fault started. For a blockage, list every affected sink, toilet or drain and say whether anything is overflowing. For hot water, include the unit label, fuel type and whether all taps are affected. Mention earlier repairs without assuming the same cause has returned.
For a Southport apartment, include the floor, lift access, parking arrangements and building manager's contact where appropriate. Ask the property manager or body corporate who can authorise work on shared plumbing and arrange any building water shutdown. For a house in a hinterland suburb, say whether the job involves town water, tank water or an on-site sewage system so the plumber can assess whether it fits their work.
Step 3
Check both Queensland licence records
QBCC distinguishes the contractor licence used to contract for plumbing and drainage work from the occupational licence held by the person performing that work. Ask for the legal business name and licence number on the quote, and identify the plumber or drainer attending.
Use the QBCC licensee register for the contracting business and the occupational plumber and drainer register for the person doing the work. Check current status, licence scope and conditions against your job. For hot-water work that also needs electrical or gas work, ask who will handle those parts and check their relevant licences separately.
Step 4
Compare what each quote will achieve
For planned work, ask each plumber to price the same tasks and fittings. Get the scope and amount in writing, including attendance, labour, parts, disposal and GST where applicable. If the cause needs investigation first, agree the investigation charge and the point at which the plumber must seek approval for repairs.
For a recurring blocked drain, clearing the blockage and inspecting the pipe are different tasks. Ask whether camera inspection, a report or later excavation is included. For a concealed leak, check whether locating the leak, exposing the pipe, repairing it and restoring paving or landscaping are all covered. Agree how extra work will be priced and authorised before it starts.
Step 5
Agree on the finish and keep the records
Ask whether the proposed work needs a Council permit or a QBCC notification, who will arrange it and which fees are included. Notifiable work is plumbing work the licensed person must report to QBCC using Form 4. Keep any required completion records alongside the accepted quote, approved changes and invoice.
After a concealed underground leak repair, check the City's criteria for a remission, a reduction in eligible water charges. Keep the licensed plumber's invoice and dated meter readings. Relief has conditions and is not automatic.
Sources and useful links
Sources checked 7 October 2026
- City of Gold Coast: water leaks
Meter-tail responsibility, meter and public-land fault reporting, and conditions for concealed leak remission.
- QBCC: lists and registers
Separate contractor and occupational plumber and drainer searches.
- QBCC: homeowner guide to plumbing matters
Contractor and occupational licensing, plumbing work categories and Form 4 notifications.
- QBCC: seeking and comparing quotes
Compare the same scope, materials, labour and exclusions before accepting a quote.
