What is a water efficiency certificate and why do you need one?
Gaining a water efficiency certificate is as simple as calling the friendly and qualified team from Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage to come and measure your properties water efficiency and ensure it’s up to scratch. However it’s important to not only know how to gain your water efficiency certificate but to understand why you need one, to avoid getting yourself into any hot water down the track.
Do you need a Water Efficiency Certificate?
If you are a property manager or a property owner, it is crucial that you have your water efficiency tested and have gained the correct compliance certificates before the start of the tenancy to avoid any disputes or issues. Proven water efficiency is one of the minimum criteria for water charging, and you must meet this before you are able to charge tenants with full water usage charges according to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2009 .
If you’re living on a rental property, it is also important to understand what you are legally required to pay for and what you’re not. According to the Residential Tenancies Authority, tenants can only be charged for excess water consumption costs if the rental premises is water efficient, the property is individually metered, and the specific tenancy agreement states that the tenant must pay for water consumption. It is important to know your rights as a renter before your sign any agreements therefore you should get into the habit of discussing the water efficiency levels of your new rental for peace of mind.
So what is considered a water efficient property?
A property can be considered water efficient if specific water fixtures meet the following standards:
- For internal cold water taps and single mixer taps (excluding bathtub taps and taps for appliances) the minimum standard is a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute
- For shower heads the minimum standard is a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute or a WELS 3 star
- For toilets the minimum standard is a dual flush function not exceeding 6.5 litres on full flush and 3.5 litres on half flush and a maximum average flush volume of 4 litres (based on the average of 1 full flush and 4 half flushes)
It should also be noted that only internal taps installed over a hand basin, kitchen sink or laundry trough (including single mixer taps) need to be water efficient. Other taps such as bathtub, outside taps for the garden, or taps which supply washing machines or dishwashers do not have to be water efficient to meet the previous requirements.
If you’re wanting to find out if your property is currently up to the RTA standard, Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage can provide comprehensive water efficiency tests 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. If you have a more extensive enquiry regarding what is involved, simply book online at the top of the page and one of our friendly team members will give you a call.
Your local water efficiency specialists
Our Plumbers can come out and make sure your home (or business) is water efficient.
Call Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage today on 1300 616 203.
What BRISBANE LOCALS say about our Plumbers
We’ve helped thousands of Brisbane residents just like you with plumbing emergencies, repairs and installations. What did they have to say about our Brisbane Plumbing And Drainage? Read some of our many five-star reviews to find out!
Why Choose Brisbane Plumbing and drainage?
At Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage, we believe great service is more than just fixing pipes—it’s about giving you peace of mind from the moment you call. Here’s why thousands of Brisbane homeowners choose us time and again:
Fixed Upfront Pricing
Know the cost before we start, with no hidden surprises.
Flexible Financing Options
Making essential plumbing work affordable for every household.
100k+ Jobs Completed
No matter the job size, we have the experience to get it fixed right.
3,300+ 5-Star Customer Reviews
Free Annual Inspections*
Stay ahead of costly repairs with our complimentary yearly check-ups.
Trusted by Brisbane Locals
We have been a proud member of the Brisbane community since 2014.
We're on our way
Plumbing Solutions Made Affordable
At Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage, we know plumbing problems can happen at the worst times—both for your home and your budget. That’s why we’ve made it easier than ever to get the work done now and spread the cost over time.
Our flexible payment options include:
Interest-Free Plans
Pay in manageable instalments without extra charges
Custom Terms
Choose a repayment schedule that suits your lifestyle
Quick, Simple Approval
No lengthy forms or stressful processes
Start Now, Pay Later
Get essential plumbing work done without upfront costs
Whether it’s fixing a blocked drain, removing drain smell, replacing a hot water system, or completing a full bathroom fit-out, our payment plans help you protect your home without financial strain.
what to expect
We believe plumbing should be straightforward, stress-free, and done right the first time. Here’s how the process works when you choose Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage:
Get in Touch
Connect with our Brisbane-based dispatch team 24/7 via phone or online booking. We’re ready to prioritise your request and provide a clear arrival window.
expert diagnosis
Share your plumbing concerns with our specialists. We’ll match you with a licensed technician who specialises in your specific issue for a targeted, efficient fix.
fixed, upfront pricing
After a physical site assessment, you’ll receive a fixed-price quote. You approve the cost before we lift a tool - no hourly rates, no hidden fees.
specialist repair
Our fully insured, licensed plumbers execute the repair using premium components. Every job is backed by our Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee* for your peace of mind.
cleanup and testing
We don't just fix it; we verify it. Our plumbers run comprehensive testing on repairs and installations, and ensure your home is left as clean as we found it before we depart.
verified 5-star service
Join the 3,000+ Brisbane residents who have rated us 5 stars. Your feedback drives our local reputation and ensures we maintain the highest service standards in the industry.
Plumbing Problems? Get A Quote!
NOTE: We’re sorry, but we’re unable to service rental properties.
If you’re a tenant, please reach out to your property manager or landlord first for assistance.
Bathroom Plumbing FAQs
Dangers of flexible hose?
Did you know that burst Flexi hoses can leak up to 1500 litres of water per hour?
Flexi hoses can be a ticking time bomb and unless maintained regularly they can cause irreversible water damage to your house.
According to reports by insurance companies -NRMA, Budget Direct, RACQ, IAG – Flexi hoses are the primary cause of internal flooding in homes.
There have been many instances wherein the Flexi hose burst while the residents were asleep. To their surprise, the whole house was flooded when they woke up. 1 out of 5 liquid claim to insurance companies is due to a burst flexi hose and the water damage claims can reach up to nearly $400,000. The damage caused by these leaky hoses can be very costly to fix and is totally preventable with regular maintenance.
When to call an emergency plumber?
Why do I have low water pressure?
Are you available after hours?
Yes. Our licensed plumbers are available 24/7 for emergency plumbing. Whether it’s a burst pipe, blocked drain, or hot water breakdown, we’ll respond quickly to keep your home safe.
Do you guarantee your work?
Absolutely. All our plumbing services come with a lifetime workmanship guarantee, so you can have complete peace of mind.
What areas do you service?
We cover all of Brisbane and surrounding suburbs, with local plumbers on the road daily for fast response times.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. We offer flexible, interest-free payment plans to make essential plumbing repairs and upgrades more affordable.
Why should I choose Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage?
With over 100,000 jobs completed, 2,800+ 5-star reviews, and a team that values punctuality, honesty, and care, we’ve built a reputation as Brisbane’s trusted plumbing experts since 2014.
How much will my plumbing job cost?
We provide fixed upfront pricing before any work begins. That means no hidden fees, no surprises—just clear, honest quotes every time.