Gas Fitting.Done Right.

What gas fitting covers

Gas fitting covers pipework from the meter to the appliance, connections for cooktops, ovens, heaters and hot water systems, and leak testing. It is a regulated part of plumbing work.

Gas leaks

A gas smell, a hissing sound near a pipe or appliance, and a pilot light that keeps going out can all point to a leak. Treat a gas smell as an emergency.

Paperwork

Installation of consumer gas piping and gas-using appliances falls under Victorian compliance certificate rules. Ask us about the paperwork when you book the job.

Gas work is licensed work

Installing, replacing or repairing gas appliances and gas piping must be done by a licensed gas fitter. A compliance certificate is needed for gas appliance installation or replacement and consumer gas piping work, and it must be lodged with the regulator. We handle this as part of the job.

Common gas jobs

New gas cooktops, ovens and heaters, outdoor gas points for barbecues and patio heaters, gas hot water connections, moving or extending gas pipes during a renovation, and testing for leaks.

Checking supply and capacity

Before adding appliances, we check the meter and pipe size. Too many appliances on a small supply gives weak flames and poor performance. We tell you if the supply needs an upgrade.

Leak testing

After any gas work we pressure test the system. If you smell gas at any time, do not use electrical switches or devices, open doors and windows, keep people away and call the gas emergency number on your gas bill. Energy Safe Victoria sets out the steps on its gas emergencies page.

Appliance choices

Gas and electric options have different running costs, so ask about both. We work with the appliance you choose and the brand you prefer.

Why gas work is regulated

Installing, replacing or modifying gas appliances and consumer gas piping must be done by a licensed person, and the Victorian Building Authority requires a compliance certificate for this work. Ask for the licence details of whoever does the work and for the certificate afterwards. A cheap quote from an unlicensed person is a safety and insurance risk.

Gas work you should never do yourself

Connecting a gas appliance, extending a gas line, changing a gas regulator or repairing a gas leak is licensed work. DIY gas work can cause leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. The same applies to portable LPG fittings and cylinders connected to fixed appliances.

Ask your fitter for their licence details and for the compliance certificate afterwards.

What to prepare for a gas job

Know where your meter and isolation valve are. Clear the area around the appliance. If you are adding a gas point, think about where you want it, such as a patio heater or an outdoor kitchen. Check whether the gas supply and meter can handle the extra load.

Tell the fitter what you have and what you want to add. Gas load matters when several appliances run at once.

Gas appliances in the home

Gas is used for cooking, hot water, heating and sometimes outdoor appliances such as barbecues and patio heaters. Each appliance has its own requirements for gas supply, ventilation and a flue. Moving or adding an appliance changes those requirements, so plan with a licensed gasfitter.

Gas meters, regulators and bottled gas

Mains gas connects through a meter and regulator. Some properties use bottled gas instead, with its own regulator and cylinder storage rules. If you are changing from one to the other, appliances may need to be converted, and not all can be. Ask a licensed gasfitter what suits your property.

What to do if you smell gas

Do not use switches or flames. Leave the building, and follow the Energy Safe Victoria steps on its gas emergencies page. Call the gas emergency number from outside. Do not go back inside until you are told it is safe.

New gas connections

A new gas connection needs a meter, a regulator and pipework to each appliance, and the supply must be big enough for all the appliances. The gas distributor decides meter work. Your gasfitter handles the pipes on the property.

Moving or adding an appliance

Moving a cooktop, hot water system or heater changes the gas pipework, ventilation and flue. A licensed gasfitter plans the new route, tests for leaks and lodges the compliance certificate where it is required.

Outdoor gas appliances

Outdoor heaters and barbecues need correct gas connections and suitable positions. Natural gas and LPG appliances are different. Check what an appliance is rated for before buying, and ask a licensed gasfitter to connect it.

Compliance paperwork

Gas work needs a compliance certificate in many cases. Keep it with your records. If you sell, the buyer may ask for it. See the Victorian Building Authority page on compliance certificates.

Planning a new gas point

A new gas point needs the supply capacity to carry the extra load. A gasfitter checks the meter, pipe size and appliance demand. Ask whether the existing supply is enough.

Tell the plumber about all gas appliances you plan to add.

Ventilation and flue basics

Gas appliances need air and a safe way to remove exhaust. Indoor appliances need correct ventilation. Do not block vents.

A gasfitter confirms requirements for your appliance.

Moving or adding a gas appliance

Moving a cooktop or heater needs new pipework, an assessment of the gas supply and a leak test. Check the position against clearances in the manual. Tell your plumber before the builder finishes walls and cabinets.

Gas work must be done by a licensed person, and a compliance certificate applies to some work. Ask what will be provided.

Guides worth reading

• What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency Before the Plumber Arrives
• Gas Appliance Safety Tips for Victorian Homes

Related plumbing services

• Hot Water Systems: Hot water repairs and replacement for gas, electric, heat pump and solar systems.
• Gas Hot Water Systems: Gas storage and continuous flow hot water systems repaired, serviced and installed.
• Electric Hot Water Systems: Electric storage hot water repaired and replaced, including element and thermostat faults.
• Heat Pump Hot Water: Heat pump hot water installation and plumbing for lower running costs.
• Emergency plumbing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Talk to GSA Plumbing Services

Call 0401 041 103 or send an enquiry on the contact page. We work across Geelong, Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.