Marine Plumbing Australia

[tronic72]

Hi,

Just a quick question for some of the boaties here in AU. Does anyone know if plastic house type plumbing can be used to plumb hot and cold water plumbing on a boat ? My boat currently has copper which is corroded and needs replacing.

The gas also needs replacing and was going to use copper for that but would consider new flexible plastic coated stainless steel pipe used in commercial and residential applications . My brother is a plumber and can do the work but I need to know if these types of pipe are safe and will pass the survey.

Thanks everyone.

[44'cruisingcat]

The plastic water pipes will be fine, but possibly not the gas. It can vary state to state.

Chemlag (plastic coated) copper pipe is acceptable in all states in Aus, AFAIK.

[tronic72]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

The plastic water pipes will be fine, but possibly not the gas. It can vary state to state.

Chemlag (plastic coated) copper pipe is acceptable in all states in Aus, AFAIK.

Chemlag for gas or water or both?

Thanks for the reply.

[44'cruisingcat]

For the gas.

[tronic72]

[emoji1303]

[Reefmagnet]

Gas has to be certified on a boat but water doesn't. For water, you can also use the stuff that's used on caravans. It's flexible plastic tube 12 mm diameter and you join it together with "John Guest" push on fittings. These fittings can also be used to adapt back to your bsp or unc plumbing fittings. As for gas, I think marine and caravan requirements are the same and regulation requirements may vary from state to state. In our case, we have a copper pipe covered by what looks like garden hose which passed certification a few years back.

[44'cruisingcat]

If you're going to register the boat in Qld, you'll need a certificate from a gasfitter.

[tronic72]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

If you're going to register the boat in Qld, you'll need a certificate from a gasfitter.

Brother is a Plumber so he can provide compliance certificate. It will all be done safely we just aren't sure of the boat regs pertaining to marine use. I'm here in Victoria.

Thanks for the reply.

[IslandHopper]

Originally Posted by tronic72

Brother is a Plumber so he can provide compliance certificate. It will all be done safely we just aren't sure of the boat regs pertaining to marine use. I'm here in Victoria.

Thanks for the reply.

Not sure about Vic, but here in Qld not just any plumber/gas fitter can do marine installations. Took me ages to find one here in Bundaberg, plenty of plumbers here but none at the time authorised to do the work, had to get a fella up from Hervey Bay to do the install and certification....

All states are different so might pay to just check up on that first

[dirkdig]

In vic gas will need to be the focus, water not such a big deal as you are not connected to the utility company service.
Gas for safety and insurance should there be an issue.

[tronic72]

Originally Posted by dirkdig

In vic gas will need to be the focus, water not such a big deal as you are not connected to the utility company service.
Gas for safety and insurance should there be an issue.

Ah okay. I might speak to the Shipright who did the condition report and ask him. He's been a great support and wealth of advice.