Search BPC
Search for content, licensing, rules, regulations, building issues or anything else.
Log in
-
Log in to BPC Online
- Apply for and manage building permits (replaces BAMS)
- Apply for and maintain registration
- Keep insurance up to date
-
Log in to BAMS
- Apply for building permit numbers (BPNs)
- Process levy payments
- Submit relevant building surveyor monthly reports for prescribed events
- Amend BPN records and building permit details
- Advise changes to the cost of buildding work
-
Log in to VBA360
- Purchase and manage compliance certificates
- Create and amend drain inpection bookings
- Submit and track a building or plumbing complaint
- Submit, manage and track an owner-builder application
-
Log in to eToolbox
- Apply for a plumbing licence and/or registration
- Renew a plumbing licence or registration
- Update plumber persional details
- Request a plumber ID card
-
Log in to BuildVic
- Purchase domestic building insurance (DBI)
- View certificates of insurance
- Access your DBI letter of eligibility
- Check current job limits and premium rates
- Plumbing
One in three drains fail BPC inspection blitz
BPC warns faulty drains can cause costly damage. A statewide blitz found one in three drains failed inspection. Always use a licensed plumber.
Published 19 August 2025
The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) is warning plumbers to ensure their drainage work is compliant.
Over two weeks, BPC inspectors conducted 440 inspections of below-ground sanitary drainage work. Of these, 146 drains either failed standards or were not ready for inspection.
Inspectors issued:
- 35 fines totalling more than $20,000
- 51 directions to fix non-compliant work
- referrals for 14 potential disciplinary cases
Four unregistered workers were also detected and face prosecution.
The most common issues included incorrect pipe gradients, poor alignment, and a lack of maintenance openings and fittings.
State Building Surveyor Steven Baxas said underground drainage needed to be done correctly from the outset.
“Getting underground drainage right is critical to preventing long-term problems for homeowners. That’s why our inspectors will continue to be out in force.”
“Drainage inspections are mandatory for a reason and plumbers must comply.”
Why it matters for consumers
Faulty drainage can cause flooding, structural damage and costly repairs once a home is occupied. All below-ground drainage work must be inspected and approved by the BPC before being backfilled.
If inspectors do not attend within 30 minutes of the booked inspection time, plumbers are permitted to backfill. A fine of $611 may apply if a drain is not ready for inspection when booked.
What consumers can do
Homeowners can protect themselves by:
- always using a licensed plumber for drainage work
- checking plumber registration and disciplinary history on the Find a Practitioner tool.
The BPC conducts drainage inspections between 7am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.