Plumbing Obligations Under the 2025 Code

Plus: What Property and Facility Managers Need to Know

As the plumbing industry prepares for one of its most significant regulatory shifts in recent years, Thoroughgood Plumbing is already ahead of the curve. With the compliance deadline of 20 October 2025 fast approaching, we’re ready – and we’re here to help you get ready too.

Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or facility manager, it’s important to understand your responsibilities under the new AS/NZS 3500:2025 Compliance Regulations. These changes will affect how your water and drainage systems must be designed, installed, and maintained to stay compliant.

What’s Changing in AS/NZS 3500:2025 – and Why It Matters

The updated standards are designed to:

Improve clarity in plumbing guidelines
Strengthen public health and safety
Support national water efficiency goals
Promote consistent, reliable compliance across the industry

For local plumbers like us, these updates influence how we handle everything – from product selection to documentation and inspections.

Key Areas of Impact to Your Plumbing & Water Services

Updated Plumbing Materials and Installation Rules

Stricter specifications for both plastic and metal pipework mean improved safety and consistency. New installation rules for flexible hose assemblies (often used under sinks/basins) also address common failure points, reducing risk in the home.
Enhanced Backflow Prevention – Protecting Drinking Water Supplies

Revised risk-based backflow protocols aim to increase protection of our drinking water supplies. These updates require more site-specific assessments and increased attention to detail.
Improved Stormwater and Roof Drainage Guidelines

With more extreme weather events occurring, the new standards offer clearer design guidance to reduce the risk of overflow, leaks, and water damage.
Mandatory Water Efficiency Measures

Water-saving is now non-negotiable. All new builds and major renovations must include high-efficiency fixtures—such as smart taps, low-flow toilets, and modern water-saving technologies.
Stronger Documentation and Inspection Requirements

The new code places a greater emphasis on detailed records for materials used, system testing, and commissioning. This ensures smoother inspections and greater confidence in compliance outcomes.

Why It Matters for Our Customers

These updates might seem technical, but they directly impact the long-term quality and performance of your plumbing systems. The benefits include:

Increased safety and system reliability
More efficient water usage
Future-proofed installations that meet current and upcoming standards
Fewer risks of non-compliance and costly rework

At Thoroughgood Plumbing, we don’t just aim to comply—we strive to lead. The AS/NZS 3500:2025 standards raise the bar, and we’re proud to be setting the pace.

How Thoroughgood Plumbing is Preparing

We believe professionalism starts with preparation. That’s why we’ve already begun implementing changes and supporting our team, partners, and clients ahead of the deadline.

Here’s What We’re Doing:

Ongoing Training & Upskilling

Our entire team—from apprentices to project managers—is receiving regular training to stay across all technical updates.
Compliance-Ready Supply Chain

We’re working closely with our suppliers to ensure all materials and products meet the new 2025 standards—so there are no surprises or costly rework later.
Smarter Project Planning

We’re adapting our project timelines to align with the new approval and inspection processes, reducing delays and keeping everything on track.
Customer Education

We’re actively helping clients understand how these changes affect their property, particularly around compliance, water savings, and long-term system performance.

Looking Ahead: Ready for 2025 and Beyond

The plumbing industry never stands still-and neither do we. Staying proactive-not reactive-is at the core of how we deliver quality, safety, and value in every project.

Whether you’re managing a home, a property portfolio, or a large facility, Thoroughgood Plumbing is your trusted partner for staying compliant, efficient, and future-ready.