Final inspection of completed plumbing and drainage works

We carry out a final inspection of the work to ensure that it meets the relevant standards and that there are no matters that could impact upon our sewer and water infrastructure. 

To check the fees see our fees and charges

Inspections must be booked for the following works prior to covering or backfilling:

  • All external drainage including the point of connection to City of Coffs Harbour's sewer
  • All drainage (internal and external) including trade waste
  • Work that did not comply with an earlier inspection
  • Sealing of disused services (water and sewer)
  • Final inspection at the completion of work and prior to premises being occupied

Our inspecting officer will make contact and advise in the event that an inspection booking request will not be undertaken.

The Applicant or responsible plumber must contact us no later than 4.30pm the day prior to book a final drainage inspection.

To make you booking call our Customer Service number 02 6648 4000 no later than 4.30pm the day prior to inspection and have your approval number handy. 

Council’s booking officer will confirm:

  • the applicant and plumber’s e-mail address and phone contact details
  • that a completed a notice of work, sewer diagram and certificate of completion have been submitted (see applications for plumbing and drainage for details)
  • that any requested information from previous inspection/s has been submitted e.g. photos of drainage installation

The plumber does not need to be in attendance but needs to provide access to the site for the final inspection to take place.

An inspection booking request will not be accepted if the sewer diagram or final compliance certificate has not been submitted.

Final Inspection considerations

Our final inspection will focus on the external components of the sewer and drainage works to ensure that they will not adversely impact our sewer and water infrastructure.
Final inspection checks will include a review of the following:

  • Height of the overflow relief gully (ORG) to ensure that it is a minimum of 150mm below the internal finished floor level and a minimum 75 mm above external finished ground level.

  • That at least one inspection opening has been brought to the surface and fitted off with a bolted trap screw on the main drain in addition to the Inspection Opening located at the sewer junction.

  • That all upstream Vent Pipes have been correctly terminated through the roof to atmosphere as required

  • That any manhole within the property remains visible and has not be affected by the placement of landscaping, garden edges, retaining walls and the like

  • That water meter’s are correctly installed; are located in a readily accessible position to enable future meter reading and any attached taps are securely supported

  • That the sewer diagram has been correctly completed in accordance with the NSW Fair Trading requirements

Inspection Reports

Any matters observed during the inspection that do not comply with The Plumbing Code of Australia, AS3500 and the Plumbing and Drainage Act and Regulations will result in an inspection report being sent to the Applicant via email. The report will detail any required rectification works and the timeframe in which the works are to be completed. A formal letter will be issued in respect to any matters involving significant rectification works.

Reinspection fees

The Applicant and or plumber must contact and book a re-inspection upon completion of any identified non-compliant matters. A reinspection fee may be levied for the inspection as determined in accordance with our adopted Fees and Charges.

Completion of Works

We will finalise the application record upon satisfactory completion of plumbing and drainage works.

We cross check upon issue of Occupation Certificates to ensure that Sewer and Drainage works have been finalised. If it is found that an Occupation Certificate has been issued but the sewer and drainage application has not been finalised, correspondence will be issued to the Applicant (and a copy forwarded to the owner) advising of the outstanding status of the application.