What to Look For in a Gas Fitter

The rising price of electricity has seen many homeowners turn to gas as their preferred source of power for many household appliances and fixtures.

From the hot water system to the cooktop and the heater, gas offers a range of benefits that give it the advantage over electricity in many ways.

To really take advantage of the benefits that come from natural gas-powered appliances, you need the expertise of a gas fitter. Their role is to install, service and (if necessary) repair gas appliances and fixtures in the home.

Finding the right gas fitting specialist is crucial to ensuring any gas work done in your home is completed to the highest of standards. Here are five things to look for when choosing a gas appliance fitter.

1. Make Sure Your Gas Fitter is Licensed

First and foremost, make sure the gas fitter you choose for any installation, maintenance or repair work in your home is properly licensed. This not only ensures that any work undertaken is completed properly, safely and to strict standards, but they’ll also be able to provide you with a gas compliance certificate. This is a legal requirement in all states and territories of Australia.

If Bob from down the street or your best mate’s cousin offers you a good deal, resist the temptation unless they are licensed. Politely decline offers from unlicensed individuals. To confirm their licensing status, request to see their gas fitting card. Any fully certified gas fitter will have one.

So … About These Compliance Certificates

As part of a licensed gasfitters work, they must issue you with a gas compliance certificate within 30 days for the following tasks:

• Work on gas lines
• Gas installations or replacements, such as gas stove tops and hot water systems
• LPG to natural gas conversions

In South Australia, as well as other states around the country, maintenance or repairs to any existing gas appliance or gas systems do not come with the requirement for issuance of compliance certificates. Nor will you receive one for a gas leak detection service either.

2. Make Sure They Can Actually Perform the Services You Need

It might seem like a silly thing to suggest but, given the overlap between a lot of gas fitting and plumbing services, it’s worth mentioning. It’s important to point out that though some plumbers are able to provide certain gas fitting services, a person solely qualified as a gas fitter cannot offer plumbing services.

They can only provide installation and servicing on gas-powered appliances such as kitchen stove cooktops, heaters and gas barbecues.

If you’re looking to install a gas-powered hot water system, you’re best acquiring the services of a licensed plumber with the necessary gas fitting training and experience. A tradesperson who is solely a gas fitter won’t be the right person for this job.

3. The Cheapest Gas Plumber is Not Always the Best

You know that old saying “You get what you pay for”? That can very well be true when it comes to hiring a gas fitting professional. Just as you would do if someone is seemingly overcharging you for gas service work, it’s certainly worth questioning someone whose quote is significantly less than you might expect.

If there’s a possibility that they are so much cheaper because they’re taking shortcuts with their work, effectively compromising on gas safety. The parts and materials they use might also be of lesser quality, meaning you ultimately just end up paying more to repair their work in the future.

Try and get three or four quotes from various gas fitters in your local area. Look towards a price that is within your means, but isn’t likely to compromise on quality. Especially when it comes to gas system emergency repairs.

4. Research Gas Fitting Services Near You

Once you have the names of some local licensed gas fitting experts, it’s worth looking into them a little further.

Googling the gas fitter’s name may provide some insight into the quality of their work. You might find previous reviews, as well as information about their credentials and qualifications. Word of mouth from people who have used a local gas fitter, might also provide some worthy names to consider.

There is also the Master Plumbers Australia organisation. Get in touch with them, and they may be able to refer you to a reputable, qualified gas fitting professional. One who is part of their network and can provide you with the service you need.

5. Do They Have Insurance?

Working with gas comes with a certain level of risk, particularly with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). It’s precisely why there is a legal requirement for gas fitting professionals to have the necessary licensing. It’s also important that they have the right kind and level of insurance for the job.

One thing goes wrong with the gas installation process and it could potentially lead to explosion and injury. Make sure your gas fitter has sufficient public liability insurance. A policy that covers any potential damage to pipes in your home, or injury to you or your family, should things take an unexpected turn.

All in All …

When it comes to finding a reliable gas fitter for your gas appliance work, consider the following points:

1. Whether they hold the right licensing and accreditation
2. Whether they can do plumbing as well as gas fitting duties (if necessary)
3. Their pricing
4. Their reputation when it comes to gas emergencies
5. Whether they have public liability insurance

With these points of consideration in mind, you’re sure to find an expert gas fitting professional. One who can meet your needs with the utmost safety, complete professionalism and quality.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.