This Water Isolation & Depressurisation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives plumbers a clear method for isolating and depressurising a water supply before cutting into pipework, replacing fittings or making repairs. It covers finding the right isolation point, tagging it, draining down, confirming zero pressure, hot water systems, temporary bonding straps on earthed metal pipe and pressure testing before return to service. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Plumbing businesses and licensed plumbers
Maintenance plumbers in facilities and strata
Property maintenance contractors
Bathroom and kitchen renovators
Hot water system installers
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Electric shock from cutting metal pipe that is part of the earthing system
Pressurised water spray from pipework opened too early
Scalding from residual hot water or steam
Flooding and slips if isolation fails or the supply is reopened
Strain from working in cupboards, ceiling spaces and meter boxes
Cuts from pipe edges, cutting tools and fittings
Fittings or pipe released under residual pressure
Contamination from stagnant water, backflow or cross-connection
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from licence and isolation point to earthing checks, tags, bonding straps, drain-down outlet and notifying occupants
A 9-step operating procedure covering confirming isolation, supporting and cutting pipe, catching water, bonding straps and repairs
Isolation and energy control for closing and tagging the supply, draining down, confirming zero pressure and hot water systems
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for flooding, burst pipes under pressure and electric shock from pipework
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Plumbing SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover cutting metal pipe that is earthed?
Yes. It requires a licensed electrician to confirm the earthing arrangement or a temporary bonding strap to be fitted across the section before the pipe is cut.
Does it cover gas fitting or water authority mains?
No. Gas fitting work and work on water authority infrastructure outside the property boundary are not covered.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
