An unlicensed plumber and drainlayer has been fined $8000 after carrying out illegal and non compliant work at multiple properties in Central Otago, posing a moderate risk to public health and safety.
Ben DeClifford carried out illegal plumbing and drainlaying work at five properties in Wānaka and Cromwell between 2023 and 2025, including installing sewerage drains, potable water pipes and a hot water cylinder.
He did not hold an authorisation to carry out restricted sanitary plumbing or restricted drainlaying work.
While he had previously held an exemption to carry out restricted drainlaying work under supervision between December 2015 and March 2020, and a trainee authorisation for sanitary plumbing from November 2015 to March 2021, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board said he never held a formal registration or practising licence.
A technical review of the work found it was non compliant with the New Zealand Building Code and presented a moderate risk to public health and safety.
Issues identified included incorrectly sized drainage pipes, unsafe proximity between potable water and wastewater pipes, and pipework installed beneath concrete slabs without accessible ducts.
The review also found water pipes installed below slabs were likely to fail before the required durability period of 50 years, and the work created a potential for sewer blockages.
DeClifford was also charged with falsely representing himself as a licensed practitioner, including signing a producer statement using another practitioner’s registration number.
The practitioner whose details were used was unaware DeClifford had been using his registration number on council documents.
He was sentenced in the Invercargill District Court on March 31 after pleading guilty to eight charges relating to unauthorised plumbing and drainlaying work. He did not appear at his sentencing.
The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board said the case highlighted the serious risks that can arise when restricted work is carried out by unauthorised individuals.
"Restricted plumbing and drainlaying work can only be carried out by licensed or authorised people. These requirements are in place to protect public health and safety."
The board added there was a higher risk of non-compliance and potential harm with unlicensed work.
"This outcome reflects the importance of maintaining standards and ensuring only authorised practitioners carry out restricted work."
SHARE ME