- WaterMark compliance: A specialist ensures every product is certified — protecting you legally and for insurance purposes
- Correct system specification: The right filter for your water source and concerns — not a generic recommendation
- Certificate of Compliance: Required documentation provided on completion
- Warranty protection: Professional installation maintains product warranties
Why you need a licensed plumber
All water filter installations that connect to your mains plumbing must be performed by a licensed plumber in Australia — without exception. This covers under-sink filters, reverse osmosis systems, and whole house filters. The legal requirement exists because incorrect plumbing of a water supply system can contaminate your drinking water, damage your property through leaks, and create public health risks.
Using an unlicensed person to install a plumbed water filter is illegal, voids your home and contents insurance, voids the product warranty, and could result in a defective work notice requiring you to have the work redone at your cost.
Specialist vs generalist plumber
✓ Water filter specialist
- Specifies the right system for your water quality and concerns
- Supplies WaterMark certified products as standard
- Knows which cartridge types work for chloramines vs chlorine
- Can advise on RO vs carbon vs whole house based on your situation
- Issues Certificate of Compliance as standard
- Provides ongoing service reminders for cartridge replacement
⚠️ General plumber
- May recommend whatever's easiest to source locally
- May not know the difference between chlorine and chloramine filtration
- WaterMark verification may not be standard practice
- Usually handles installation competently but may not advise on system selection
- Fine for straightforward under-sink installs where you've already chosen the system
Find installers by location
☀️ Brisbane & SEQ
Strong network of filter specialists. Chloramines in SEQ water require specific catalytic carbon — local specialists understand this.
Brisbane specialists →🏙️ Sydney & NSW
Large market, good coverage. Some PFAS-affected areas near bases and airports — ask specifically about PFAS if relevant to your location.
Sydney specialists →🌆 Melbourne & VIC
Good quality mains water base, competitive pricing. Whole house filters less common than in QLD. Under-sink and RO most popular.
Melbourne specialists →🌴 Perth & WA
Hard water capital of Australia. Water softening and RO systems in highest demand. Specialists with hard water experience essential.
Perth specialists →🍷 Adelaide & SA
Highest chlorine levels in Australia make taste filtration in highest demand. Good specialist coverage across metro Adelaide.
Adelaide specialists →🌊 Gold Coast & regional QLD
SEQ water supply area — same chloramine considerations as Brisbane. Coastal lifestyle market growing.
Gold Coast specialists →Questions to ask every installer
- Are all products you supply WaterMark certified? Can you provide the licence numbers?
- Will you provide a Certificate of Compliance on completion?
- Do you hold a current plumbing licence for this state? (Ask for the licence number)
- What system do you recommend for my specific water source and concerns — and why?
- What is the total installed cost — unit, tap, installation, and any benchtop drilling?
- What are the ongoing cartridge costs and replacement schedule?
- Do you offer a service reminder when cartridges are due?
For under-sink and RO installs: at least two quotes. Pricing varies between suppliers — a system that costs $350 from one supplier may be $650 from another for equivalent quality. For whole house systems: three quotes, as complexity and pricing vary more significantly. Our matching service makes this fast — submit once and receive multiple quotes.
Having the installer supply the system is generally preferable — they are then accountable for both the product and the installation as a single warranty. If you buy separately, make sure the product is WaterMark certified and compatible with your plumbing before the plumber arrives. Some plumbers will only install products they supply, for exactly this reason.