Drainer (ANZSCO 334113)

    Updated

    What a Drainer does

    Installs, maintains and designs below-ground drainage systems and associated sewerage or effluent disposal systems. Registration or licensing is required.

    Also called
    Plumber and Drainer

    Key facts

    ANZSCO code
    334113
    Skill level
    3Certificate IV, or Certificate III with on-the-job training
    Visas that list it
    189190491482186494
    Assessing authority
    TRA
    National shortage
    Shortage

    Visa options

    Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.

    Main tasks

    • studying blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing systems and materials required
    • setting out and installing hot and cold water systems and associated equipment
    • installing water-based fire protections systems, including fire hydrants, hose reels and sprinkler systems
    • designing and installing sanitary plumbing and water supply systems, discharge pipes and sanitary fixtures
    • fabricating and installing soil and waste stacks
    • assembling and installing mechanical services plant, air handling and conditioning equipment and small bore heating systems
    • installing sewerage and effluent pumping equipment and disposal systems
    • installing below-ground drainage systems and associated ground support systems
    • installing, maintaining and repairing gas mains, piping systems downstream of the billing meter, and appliances and ancillary equipment associated with the use of fuel gases
    • fabricating and installing metal roofing, rainwater goods and flashings

    Shortage by state

    • NationalShortage
    • ACTShortage
    • NSWShortage
    • NTShortage
    • QLDShortage
    • SAShortage
    • TASShortage
    • VICShortage
    • WAShortage

    State and territory nomination

    For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.

    Common questions

    What does a Drainer do?

    Installs, maintains and designs below-ground drainage systems and associated sewerage or effluent disposal systems. Registration or licensing is required. Also called: Plumber and Drainer. (ABS ANZSCO description.)

    Is Drainer on the skilled occupation list?

    Yes. Drainer (ANZSCO 334113) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 189, 190, 482, 491 and 494 visas.

    What is the ANZSCO code for Drainer?

    334113. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.

    How can a Drainer migrate to Australia?

    The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Drainer for the Subclass 186, Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 482, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.

    Who assesses Drainer for an Australian visa?

    TRA, the skills assessing authority listed for 334113.

    Is Drainer in demand in Australia?

    Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "Shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.

    Sources

    1. 1Department of Home Affairs, skilled occupation listimmi.homeaffairs.gov.au
    2. 2Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2022, CC BY 4.0abs.gov.au
    3. 3Jobs and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List, 2025 listjobsandskills.gov.au