Time Limits for Plumbing Claims in Victoria
Strict deadlines apply to plumbing disputes in Victoria. Missing them can mean losing your right to claim compensation. At Bastion Legal, we help homeowners and builders act on time, protect their rights, and recover losses.
Deadlines
Claims must be notified within 6 years of the compliance certificate or completed work.
Time Limits
Court or VCAT claims must be started within 10 years, no matter when the defect appears.
Risks of Delay
Missing deadlines can mean lost insurance rights and no compensation.
How We Help
Fast, practical advice to recover losses, resolve disputes, and protect your reputation.
Understanding plumbing claim time limits
If you’ve discovered defective or incomplete plumbing work, it’s vital to know that the law sets strict deadlines for action. Missing these deadlines can mean losing insurance cover or your right to go to court.
In Victoria, there are two key timeframes. First, insurance claims must generally be made within six years of the compliance certificate being issued - or, if no certificate exists, within six years of the work being completed. After this point, the plumber’s insurer does not have to cover the claim, even if the work is clearly defective.
Second, the Building Act 1993 (Vic) gives you ten years from the date of the compliance certificate to take legal action in court or at VCAT. This deadline is absolute: once the ten years expire, your right to bring a claim is gone, even if the defect has only just appeared. Cladding-related defects are treated differently, with up to fifteen years to act.
Why acting early matters
The most common mistake is waiting too long. Delays often mean insurance rights are lost or that the ten-year window closes without action being taken. Early legal advice helps preserve evidence, ensures your claim is lodged within time, and maximises your chances of a successful outcome.
By acting promptly, you not only protect your legal rights but also reduce stress and uncertainty. At Bastion Legal, we’ll help you understand your options, take the right steps at the right time, and make sure you are not left carrying the cost of defective plumbing work..
FAQ
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If the six-year time limit for notifying the plumber’s insurer has expired, you may still be able to bring a legal claim directly against the plumber (within the ten-year period), but:
The plumber may no longer be insured, and
You may face difficulties in recovering compensation, particularly if the plumber is insolvent or has disappeared.
This is why it is essential to act quickly and seek legal advice as soon as defective work is suspected.
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The six-year rule relates to insurance claims, while the ten-year limit applies to court or VCAT proceedings. Both can apply to the same dispute.
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If no compliance certificate was provided, the six-year insurance limitation period starts from when the plumber stopped working on the job.
However, not having a certificate may also mean that the plumber did not comply with their legal obligations, which may support other aspects of your claim. We can help you investigate whether a certificate should have been issued and how that affects your rights. -
Even if the defect was only recently discovered, the six-year insurance time limit still runs from the compliance certificate date or end of the work, not from when you discovered the issue. This is why it is important to act quickly and seek legal advice as soon as you suspect something may be wrong.
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Yes. At Bastion Legal, we assess your situation, review any compliance certificates, help you identify the applicable time limits, and advise whether your claim is still viable. If it is, we can notify the insurer, negotiate a cash settlement or initiate proceedings on your behalf.
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Helpful documents include:
The plumber’s compliance certificate(s)
Photos or videos of the defective work
An expert report confirming the issue and its cause
Any correspondence with the plumber
Receipts or quotes for rectification costs
How we can help…
At Bastion Legal, we know how complex and stressful plumbing disputes can be, especially when time limits add extra pressure. Our team provides clear, practical advice so you understand your rights and take the right steps before deadlines expire.
We assist by:
Identifying whether your claim is still within time.
Notifying insurers and protecting your insurance entitlements.
Investigating defects with expert evidence.
Preparing and lodging proceedings at VCAT or court where required.
Whether you’re a homeowner facing water damage or a builder managing subcontractor issues, we focus on resolving disputes efficiently and protecting your financial interests.
“Dean at Bastion Legal is professional, supportive, and compassionate.…”
Dean answered all my questions in regards to my plumbing issues and steered me in the right direction.
I highly recommend Bastion Legal.
- Ross
Contact us
If you are unsure whether your plumbing claim is still within time, or you need assistance navigating the notification and claims process, contact Bastion Legal for a free initial consultation.
We will assess your matter promptly, explain your rights clearly, and help you take the right steps to preserve your entitlements and secure a resolution.
* Reforms under the Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protections) Bill 2025 are not yet in effect; the information above reflects the current law.