Do I Need a Floor Waste in My Laundry?

Let’s be honest, the laundry doesn’t usually get much love when planning a reno. But one thing you don’t want to overlook is the floor waste. It’s not the prettiest feature, but it might just save you from a whole lot of soggy drama.

So… do you actually need a floor waste in your laundry? Here's the lowdown

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Do I need one in the Laundry?

If you’re building or renovating in Australia or New Zealand, then yes, in most cases, a floor waste is required in the laundry.

According to the National Construction Code (NCC) and AS/NZS 3500 plumbing standards, a floor waste must be installed in laundries unless certain conditions are met, like if the washing machine is in a separate, fully contained area with proper drainage and water containment.

But to keep it simple: If your laundry is in a standard room setup, you’ll almost always need a floor waste.

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Building code recap

When it comes to laundries, floor wastes are often required:

Standard laundry: Yes, unless water is fully contained and managed.

Combined bathroom/laundry: Yes, at least one in the shared space.

Enclosed laundry cupboard: Sometimes, may be exempt with a drain tray and water stop.

Garage laundry: Usually, especially if on a concrete slab with no water containment.

Still unsure? It’s best to double-check with your plumber or builder, they'll know what applies to your type of build.

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When you might not need one

If your washing machine is installed in:

A completely sealed cupboard with a water stop and a drain tray
An apartment or unit where the laundry sits above a floor waste in the bathroom
A custom space that meets specific water containment requirements...then your setup might be exempt, but don’t assume. Always check with your certifier or plumber.

By Elise Pride

eCommerce Manager

09 September 2025

Elise is a design-focused content creator at The Blue Space, offering practical renovation advice and trend-led insights to help customers style their dream spaces with confidence.