COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Quality Assurance & Control in Plumbing Systems course. This training is designed to equip you with the knowledge, systems, and practices required to deliver work that meets Australian standards, satisfies client expectations, and supports long-term system performance.

Whether working on residential, commercial, or industrial systems, delivering consistent quality is not just about technical precision—it is also a matter of compliance, performance, reputation, and client satisfaction. By understanding and applying principles of both Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC), plumbing teams can reduce rework, ensure compliance with Australian Standards, and deliver reliable systems that perform safely and effectively over the long term.

The course begins by clarifying the definitions and distinctions between QA and QC. You’ll explore how QA focuses on prevention through planning, procedures, and systems, while QC targets detection and correction through inspections and testing. Together, these processes form a comprehensive approach to achieving compliance, minimising defects, and exceeding client expectations.

Understanding regulatory and industry standards is essential for delivering quality outcomes. This section covers the key plumbing codes and requirements that govern work in Australia, including the AS/NZS 3500 series, the National Construction Code (Volume 3 – PCA), and licensing obligations from state-based regulators. Participants will also examine how WHS and environmental considerations are integral to plumbing quality.

To ensure consistent application, a structured QA framework must be established. This section outlines the components of an effective quality management system within plumbing organisations, including the role of QA policies, manuals, and SOPs. You’ll learn how to assign responsibilities across team members and integrate QA practices into every stage of the project.

Design verification plays a crucial role in preventing downstream defects. You’ll learn how to review plumbing drawings, fixture schedules, and specifications for compliance and constructability, and how to raise RFIs to clarify design issues before work begins. This proactive step reduces misinterpretation and site delays.

Planning for quality means integrating QA into every phase of construction. This section teaches you how to identify key inspection stages—such as pre-slab, rough-in, and fit-off—and allocate sufficient resources to carry out inspections, testing, and documentation. Proper planning supports better performance and reduces post-installation rectification.

Material compliance is equally critical. This section covers how to verify WaterMark certification, assess supplier documentation, and trace products through batch numbers to ensure compliance. You’ll also learn how to select materials based on durability, warranty terms, and compatibility with system designs.

Quality begins before installation. This section outlines the process for inspecting incoming materials, verifying deliveries, and rejecting damaged or non-compliant items. Documenting these checks is key for traceability and audit readiness.

Installation quality at the rough-in stage sets the foundation for compliance. Participants will learn best practices for pipe layout, fixing, clearances, and service separation to avoid costly rework. Common issues like incorrect gradients, tight bends, or unsupported pipework will also be addressed.

Testing is a core part of quality control. This section details how to conduct pressure tests for water, gas, and air systems, and how to document and witness those tests to ensure accuracy. Recording procedures, time durations, and results ensures integrity and regulatory acceptance.

At the fit-off stage, precision is key. You’ll learn how to check the installation of fixtures, tapware, and appliances for correct positioning, sealing, and appearance. This stage also includes checks for operational function, accessibility, and alignment with client expectations.

Final commissioning verifies that the system performs as designed. This section includes procedures for testing hot water systems, tempering valves, backflow devices, and pumps. You’ll learn how to complete commissioning documentation, gather performance data, and obtain formal sign-offs from clients or certifiers.

Recordkeeping underpins the entire QA process. This section provides strategies for maintaining comprehensive QA documentation, including checklists, test results, and photographic evidence. Participants will learn how to prepare QA packs for handover and store records securely for future reference or audit.

Supervisors play a key role in quality delivery. You’ll learn how to lead quality-focused site walkthroughs, provide real-time feedback to teams, and detect early warning signs of potential non-compliance. Supporting apprentices and tradespeople during installation reinforces learning and improves consistency.

Managing subcontractor quality is another leadership function. This section teaches how to assess subcontractor capabilities, clarify expectations, and monitor their work for alignment with QA standards. Coordinated inspections and mutual accountability help to maintain high standards across all teams.

Defect management is a major part of quality control. Participants will learn how to classify, log, and rectify defects proactively. Procedures for re-inspection, close-out, and formal documentation help avoid disputes and ensure that all work is signed off to standard before handover.

Client communication is essential for quality assurance. This section provides techniques for addressing client concerns, presenting QA documentation professionally, and achieving final acceptance of systems. Client satisfaction depends not only on function but also on transparency and trust.

Post-completion review allows your team to learn and grow. This section covers how to analyse project outcomes, identify quality trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing QA procedures. Lessons learned should be documented and used to update systems and improve future delivery.

Finally, embedding a culture of quality requires leadership and consistency. You’ll learn how to train staff in QA expectations, promote pride in workmanship, and recognise team members who consistently deliver high-quality results. A quality-focused culture enhances your company’s reputation, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the systems, procedures, and leadership practices necessary to implement and oversee robust Quality Assurance and Control processes across plumbing projects—ensuring consistent compliance, improved performance, and long-term client confidence.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in Plumbing

• Definitions and differences between QA and QC
• Objectives of implementing QA/QC in plumbing projects
• Benefits: compliance, performance, client satisfaction, and reduced rework

2. Understanding Industry Standards and Regulatory Requirements

• Key plumbing regulations: AS/NZS 3500 series and NCC Volume 3 (PCA)
• WHS and environmental obligations related to plumbing quality
• Licensing and inspection requirements under state-based regulators

3. Establishing a Plumbing Quality Management Framework

• Components of a QA system for plumbing companies
• Role of quality policies, manuals, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Assigning QA responsibilities across roles and project stages

4. Reviewing Design Documentation and Specifications

• Verifying plumbing drawings, fixture schedules, and product selections
• Checking system design against standards and constructability
• Raising RFIs and clarifying design issues before work begins

5. Planning for Quality Across Project Stages

• Integrating QA processes into scheduling and staging
• Identifying key quality checkpoints: rough-in, pre-slab, fit-off, commissioning
• Allocating resources for inspections and testing

6. Selecting Approved Materials and Products

• Verifying WaterMark certification and product suitability
• Comparing materials for compliance, longevity, and warranty
• Managing supplier documentation, batch numbers, and product traceability

7. Inspection and Testing of Incoming Materials

• Checking delivery dockets and condition of goods
• Rejecting damaged or incorrect items
• Logging material inspections for QA records

8. Ensuring Installation Quality During Rough-In

• Setting out pipework correctly to avoid clashes or non-compliance
• Ensuring correct fixings, supports, and separation from other services
• Avoiding defects such as kinks, poor joins, or incorrect gradients

9. Pressure Testing and System Validation

• Conducting water, air, or gas pressure tests in accordance with standards
• Documenting test procedures, pressure levels, and duration
• Ensuring testing is witnessed, verified, and recorded

10. Fit-Off Stage Quality Control Procedures

• Verifying correct fixture installation, alignment, and sealing
• Ensuring consistent tapware installation height and orientation
• Checking accessibility, operation, and visual appearance

11. Commissioning and Final System Verification

• Testing hot water units, tempering valves, and circulation systems
• Ensuring proper operation of pumps, meters, and backflow devices
• Recording commissioning data and client sign-offs

12. Documenting and Archiving QA Records

• Maintaining checklists, test reports, and photos as evidence
• Preparing QA packs for client handover and regulator submission
• Ensuring records are stored securely for future audits or claims

13. Supervising Work Quality On-Site

• Conducting daily walkthroughs and random inspections
• Supporting apprentices and trades with real-time feedback
• Identifying early signs of non-compliance and correcting immediately

14. Managing Subcontractor and External Installation Quality

• Reviewing subbie scopes, licences, and QA capabilities
• Monitoring external trades for consistency with plumbing QA
• Conducting joint inspections and coordinated QA procedures

15. Identifying and Rectifying Defects Proactively

• Classifying types of defects: minor, major, safety-critical
• Logging defects and assigning responsibility for rectification
• Re-inspecting and closing out defects formally

16. Client Communication and QA Sign-Off

• Presenting QA documentation to clients and certifiers
• Addressing client concerns about workmanship or compliance
• Ensuring final acceptance and system commissioning reports are signed

17. Post-Completion Review and Continuous Improvement

• Analysing defects, rework costs, and QA issues
• Reviewing subcontractor and team performance
• Updating QA procedures and lessons learned documentation

18. Embedding a Quality Culture in Plumbing Teams

• Training staff in standards, QA tools, and inspection techniques
• Encouraging pride in workmanship and attention to detail
• Recognising quality performance and rewarding consistent outcomes

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.