Written by Silverleaf Roofing | Published on June 2025
A roof plumber and a roof tiler are not the same trade, and in NSW they hold completely different licences. Hiring the wrong one for your job can lead to failed inspections, voided insurance, and expensive rework. This article breaks down what each trade does, what their licences cover, and how to check credentials before any work starts in Penrith, Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, or Hawkesbury.
Understand what each trade actually does
The confusion between these two trades is common, and understandable. Both work on roofs. But their scope of work is governed by entirely separate legislation and licensing bodies in NSW.
A roof plumber handles anything involving water management on a roof. That includes gutters, downpipes, roof drainage, flashings, valleys, and the installation of metal roofing sheets. Their work falls under plumbing law.
A roof tiler installs tile-based roofing systems. That covers concrete roof tiles, terracotta tiles, and the battens and sarking beneath them. Their licence is a building trade licence, not a plumbing licence.
Some contractors hold both licences, but many do not. Always confirm before you book.
Compare the licences side by side in NSW
| Trade | Licence Type | Issuing Body | Licence Category | Work Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Plumber | Plumbing and Drainage Licence | NSW Fair Trading | Roof Plumbing (RP) | Gutters, downpipes, flashings, metal roofing, valleys, roof drainage |
| Roof Tiler | Contractor Licence (Building) | NSW Fair Trading | Roof Tiling (RT) | Concrete and terracotta tiles, sarking, battens, ridge capping |
Both licences are issued by NSW Fair Trading but under different legislative frameworks. Roof plumbing is regulated under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011. Roof tiling falls under the Home Building Act 1989.
This matters because each Act sets out different insurance requirements, defect liability periods, and compliance certificates. A roof plumber issues a Certificate of Compliance for Plumbing and Drainage (CCPD). A roof tiler does not issue that certificate.
Know which trade you need for your specific job
Getting this right before you call anyone will save you time and money. Here is a practical guide based on common job types.
- Leaking gutters or blocked downpipes: Roof plumber.
- Cracked or slipped roof tiles: Roof tiler.
- Flashing around a skylight or chimney: Roof plumber.
- Full tile roof replacement: Roof tiler (plus a roof plumber for the gutters and downpipes).
- Colorbond or corrugated metal roof installation: Roof plumber.
- Ridge capping repairs: Roof tiler.
- Valley replacement or repair: Roof plumber (metal valleys) or roof tiler (tile valleys, depending on material).
- New gutter installation after a renovation: Roof plumber.
Many full roof replacement jobs in Penrith and the broader Western Sydney region require both trades. A roof tiler lays the tiles, and a roof plumber handles all the water management elements. At Silverleaf Roofing, we coordinate both components so nothing falls through the cracks.
Check what these licences do NOT cover
Licence conditions have boundaries. Knowing what each trade cannot legally do helps you spot unlicensed or out-of-scope work before it causes problems.
| Task | Roof Plumber Allowed? | Roof Tiler Allowed? | Who to Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install concrete tiles | No | Yes | Roof Tiler |
| Install metal roofing sheets | Yes | No | Roof Plumber |
| Fix gutters and downpipes | Yes | No | Roof Plumber |
| Re-bed and repoint ridge caps | No | Yes | Roof Tiler |
| Install sarking and battens | No | Yes | Roof Tiler |
| Install roof drainage flashings | Yes | No | Roof Plumber |
If a tradesperson claims they can do it all under one of these licences, ask to see written evidence. In NSW, unlicensed work over $5,000 in labour and materials is a serious offence under the Home Building Act.
Verify licences before any work starts in NSW
You can verify any contractor licence in NSW in under two minutes. This step is non-negotiable for any job on your home.
- Go to the NSW Fair Trading licence check at fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
- Search by the contractor’s name, business name, or licence number.
- Confirm the licence category matches the work being done (RP for roof plumbing, RT for roof tiling).
- Check that the licence status shows as current and active.
- For jobs over $20,000, confirm the contractor holds Home Building Compensation (HBC) insurance.
In the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains areas, council requirements can add an extra layer. Some bushfire-prone zones under the Hawkesbury-Nepean area have specific requirements around roof materials under AS 3959. Make sure your contractor knows the local BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) requirements before selecting materials.
Silverleaf Roofing carries all required licences and insurances for roof plumbing and roofing work across Penrith, the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, and Western Sydney.
Understand how licensing affects your home insurance and warranties
This is the part most homeowners do not think about until something goes wrong. Unlicensed or out-of-scope work can directly affect your building insurance.
If your insurer finds that work was performed by an unlicensed or incorrectly licensed trade, they may decline your claim. This applies even if the work appeared fine at the time.
Key points to understand:
- Home Building Act warranties last 2 years for minor defects and 6 years for major defects in NSW.
- These warranties only apply if the work was done by a correctly licensed contractor.
- Plumbing compliance certificates (CCPD) may be required by your insurer or local council after roof plumbing work.
- If you are selling your property, uncertified or unlicensed roof work can surface in building inspections and complicate settlement.
- In Penrith and Western Sydney, storm damage is common. If a claim is lodged after storm damage, insurers often check whether existing roof work was done correctly and legally.
Always ask for a copy of the CCPD from your roof plumber and a copy of your contractor’s licence before signing any agreement.
FAQs on roof plumber vs roof tiler licensing in NSW
Can one person hold both a roof plumbing and roof tiling licence in NSW?
Yes, a contractor can hold both licences. Some experienced roofing businesses have staff who are licensed in both trades. Always ask to see the specific licence number for each category before work begins.
Do I need a permit for roof work in Penrith or Hawkesbury?
Routine maintenance like replacing a few broken tiles or fixing gutters generally does not require a council permit. However, full roof replacements or structural changes often need a Development Application or Complying Development Certificate. Check with Penrith City Council or Hawkesbury City Council for your specific job.
What happens if unlicensed roofing work is done on my home?
Unlicensed roofing work in NSW can result in fines for the contractor, but the homeowner also bears risk. Your home insurance policy may not cover damage linked to unlicensed work, and warranty protections under the Home Building Act will not apply.
How do I know if my roof needs a plumber or a tiler first?
If your roof is leaking around a gutter, downpipe, flashing, or valley, start with a roof plumber. If you have cracked, lifted, or missing tiles, start with a roof tiler. For a full roof assessment in Penrith or Western Sydney, Silverleaf Roofing can inspect the roof and advise on which trade is needed.
Are roof plumbers more expensive than roof tilers?
Hourly rates are broadly similar, typically ranging from $80 to $150 per hour in NSW depending on the contractor and job complexity. The total cost depends on the scope of work, materials, and whether both trades are required for the same project.
Can a general builder do roof plumbing work in NSW?
No. General building licences do not cover roof plumbing. Roof plumbing must be done by a contractor with a current Plumbing and Drainage Licence with a Roof Plumbing (RP) endorsement. A general builder who installs gutters or flashings without that licence is working outside their authorisation.
Wrap up and next steps
Roof plumbers and roof tilers hold separate licences in NSW for a clear reason. They do different work governed by different laws. Knowing which one you need before you call protects your home, your insurance, and your wallet.
If you are unsure which trade your job requires, or you need both coordinated on the same project, Silverleaf Roofing can help. We work across Penrith, Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and Hawkesbury with all required licences in place.
Call Silverleaf Roofing on 0413 461 110 to book an inspection or request a quote. We will assess your roof, confirm exactly what work is needed, and ensure every trade on the job is fully licensed and compliant.