The most expensive surprise in an older bathroom is rarely the plumbing. It is what comes off the wall behind the tiles. At Level Plumbing Tamworth we hold a licence for bonded asbestos removal, and this page covers where the material tends to sit and what the rules require before anyone disturbs it.

Asbestos cement sheeting, often called fibro, was used widely in Australian construction for decades, and wet areas were one of its common homes. Older housing around Tamworth and the wider New England region often dates from that era, which is why we treat demolition in an older bathroom as a question to settle before the quote rather than after.

 

Where Does It Turn Up in a Bathroom?

The places we look at before quoting demolition:

  • Wall sheeting behind tiles. Tiles were often fixed straight onto fibro sheet, so the material only appears once the tiles come off.
  • Backing board under vinyl or lino. Sheet flooring was frequently laid over a fibro underlay.
  • Ceiling sheeting and eaves. The bathroom ceiling and the eaves immediately outside are worth checking at the same time.
  • Cement pipework. Older drainage and vent pipes were sometimes made from asbestos cement.
  • Sheeting inside the vanity or behind the bath. These are the areas least likely to have been replaced during an earlier cosmetic update.

Left intact and undisturbed, this material is generally considered safe. A renovation disturbs it by definition, which is why the question belongs at the planning stage and not on the morning demolition begins.

 

What the NSW Rules Require

SafeWork NSW sets the rules here. Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, removal can be carried out without a licence only where the material is non-friable and the total area does not exceed 10 square metres. Anything above that needs a licensed removalist, and friable material needs a Class A licence whatever the quantity involved.

SafeWork NSW also recommends engaging a licensed removalist for any amount of asbestos, not only above that threshold. Requirements of this kind are reviewed over time, so confirm the current position with SafeWork NSW before work starts.

 

Settle the Question Before Demolition

Tell us the age of the house when you ask for a quote and we will build the check into the scope from the start. See our full bathroom plumbing and renovation service, or send us a message to book an inspection. At Level Plumbing Tamworth we hold a bonded asbestos removal licence alongside our plumbing and building licences. Call 02 6765 3235 for a quote.