Gas work is not DIY. Incorrect gas fitting causes explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning, and house fires. Always use a licensed gas fitter.
In NSW, gas fitting is a restricted trade that requires a specific licence issued by NSW Fair Trading. A general plumbing licence does not authorise gas work. Gas fitting involves working with a fuel source that, if incorrectly installed or maintained, can cause explosions, house fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning — a colourless, odourless gas that kills.
The penalties for performing unlicensed gas work are severe: fines up to $110,000 for individuals and $220,000 for corporations. More importantly, unlicensed gas work puts lives at risk. Every gas appliance installation, modification, or repair must be performed by a licensed gas fitter and accompanied by a compliance certificate.
Licensed gas fitters perform: gas hot water system installation and repair, gas cooktop and oven connections, gas heater installation (ducted, space, and hydronic), gas bayonet point installation for portable heaters, gas leak detection and repair, gas meter relocation, LPG to natural gas conversions (and vice versa), gas compliance certificates for property sales, and commercial gas appliance installation.
Any work that involves connecting, disconnecting, or modifying a gas supply line or appliance connection requires a licensed gas fitter — no exceptions.
Gas leaks are dangerous and require immediate action. Warning signs include: smell of gas (natural gas is odorised with mercaptan — a rotten egg smell), hissing sound near gas lines or appliances, dead vegetation near underground gas lines, higher than expected gas bills (indicating a leak you cannot smell), pilot lights that keep going out, and soot or yellow/orange flames on gas appliances (should be blue).
If you smell gas: do not operate any electrical switches, do not use your phone inside the building, open doors and windows, turn off the gas meter if safe to do so, evacuate the building, and call your gas supplier's emergency line from outside.
Every gas fitting job in NSW must be accompanied by a compliance certificate (also called a gas certificate of compliance). This certificate confirms the work was performed by a licensed gas fitter, complies with AS/NZS 5601 (Gas Installations), has been tested for leaks, and is safe for use.
When selling a property, buyers and their solicitors often request gas compliance certificates for all gas work performed. If certificates cannot be produced, a gas safety inspection may be required before settlement — an avoidable cost if original work was done by a licensed fitter who issued certificates.
Before engaging a gas fitter, verify their credentials: ask for their licence number and check it on the NSW Fair Trading website, confirm their licence includes gas fitting endorsement (not just general plumbing), ask to see their public liability insurance certificate, and check their Google reviews for gas-specific work.
O'Brien plumbers hold both plumbing and gas fitting licences, meaning we can handle your complete plumbing and gas needs under one contractor. All gas work is accompanied by a compliance certificate issued on completion.
Only if they hold a separate gas fitting licence. A general plumbing licence does not authorise gas work. Always confirm your plumber has a gas fitting endorsement before engaging them for gas-related work.
While not legally mandatory for sale, buyers and solicitors commonly request gas compliance certificates. If they cannot be produced, a gas safety inspection may be required before settlement.
The most common sign is the smell of rotten eggs (mercaptan added to natural gas). Other signs include hissing sounds, dead vegetation near gas lines, and yellow/orange flames on appliances.
Gas bayonet installation starts from $250–$400. Gas cooktop connection is typically $150–$300. Gas hot water installation ranges from $1,500–$3,500 depending on the system and complexity.
Book a Licensed Gas Fitter
Safe, compliant gas work — every time, every job.