Do Plumbers Fit Gas Pipes?

Can all plumbers fit gas pipes?

No. A standard plumbing licence only covers water. To work with gas, a plumber must hold an additional gas fitting licence issued by NSW Fair Trading. This licence shows they have the training to size gas pipes correctly, use approved materials, and carry out testing that confirms the system is safe.

If you are renovating a kitchen in Marrickville and want to move your oven, a general plumber can run your new water pipes but only a licensed Sydney gas plumber can reroute the gas line. The same applies if you need new pipes installed for an outdoor heater in Parramatta or a gas fireplace in Mosman.

How does a gas plumber install new pipes?

When fitting gas pipes, the work begins with design and calculation. The gas plumber assesses how much energy your appliances need in total. A stove, oven, hot water system, and heater each have a megajoule rating, and the pipe must be large enough to deliver all of them at once. If the pipe is undersized, flames will be weak and appliances may not light properly.

In a family home in Concord, for example, adding a new gas hot water system might push the old line beyond its limit. The gas plumber in Sydney would check the existing pipe size against the new demand and often recommend running a larger pipe from the meter to ensure steady supply.

Once the design is complete, the plumber selects the materials. Copper pipes are common for above-ground runs because they are durable and easy to join. Polyethylene pipes are often used underground because they resist corrosion. The route is carefully chosen to avoid electrical wiring, structural supports, or other services.

After the pipes are installed, the plumber seals the system and tests it with a manometer. This pressure test shows whether the system holds steady or if there are leaks. Only after the system passes is it connected to appliances and certified for use.

When should gas pipes be replaced?

Gas pipes can last for decades but they are not permanent. In coastal suburbs such as Bondi or Manly, salty air causes copper pipes to corrode more quickly. Older homes in Ashfield, Leichhardt, or Marrickville may still have galvanised steel pipes, which are now outdated because they rust internally and block gas flow.

A gas plumber in Sydney may recommend replacing pipes if you notice poor performance, unexplained spikes in your gas bill, or visible rust on pipework. During inspections, plumbers often find leaks or low pressure that suggest the system is no longer safe. Replacing the lines with modern copper or polyethylene pipes restores efficiency and ensures compliance with current Australian Standards.

How do gas plumbers detect leaks?

Gas leaks are one of the most urgent reasons to call a licensed professional. Homeowners usually notice a strong smell near an appliance or outside the home, or they may find that appliances suddenly perform poorly.

A Sydney gas plumber will first shut off the supply at the meter. They then test the pipework under pressure. If the pressure drops, it means gas is escaping somewhere in the system. To pinpoint the source, plumbers may apply a solution to joints and fittings to watch for bubbles or use an electronic detector that senses gas in the air.

In Federation-style houses in Strathfield, leaks often appear in old copper pipes exposed to the weather. In newer apartments in Zetland or Waterloo, they are more likely to occur at poorly fitted joints behind kitchen cabinetry. Once the leak is found, the plumber replaces the damaged section and retests the entire system before reconnecting the supply.

Can plumbers connect appliances to gas pipes?

Yes, but again only if they are licensed. A gas plumber in Sydney connects and commissions appliances such as cooktops, ovens, heaters, fireplaces, and hot water systems. Connecting an appliance is not as simple as attaching a hose. The plumber checks that the gas line can handle the required load, installs shut-off valves, and tests the appliance while it runs.

For example, when fitting a new cooktop in a Surry Hills apartment, the plumber will ignite each burner and check the flame. It should burn steady and blue. Yellow or flickering flames show poor combustion, which can produce carbon monoxide. If this happens, the plumber will adjust the regulator or investigate restrictions in the pipe until the flame is correct.

What rules apply to gas pipe installation?

All gas work in Sydney must comply with AS/NZS 5601 Gas Installations. This standard covers everything from pipe sizes and approved materials to clearances from ignition sources and proper ventilation. NSW Fair Trading enforces these rules and requires licensed gas plumbers to issue a Certificate of Compliance for Gasfitting Work after completing a job.

This certificate proves that the work has been tested and is legally compliant. It also protects homeowners during insurance claims or property sales. Without it, you may face problems if an issue arises later.

How often should pipes and appliances be checked?

Gas systems should not be ignored until they fail. Regular inspections are recommended to catch problems early. In areas such as Coogee or Clovelly, outdoor pipes exposed to sea air often corrode within a decade. In older suburbs like Petersham or Newtown, long-standing installations may no longer meet current standards.

A licensed gas plumber in Sydney can carry out inspections every few years for residential homes. Commercial properties, such as restaurants in the CBD or Parramatta, usually require annual checks because of the heavy load on their systems. During an inspection, the plumber checks exposed pipework, tests the pressure, and confirms that appliances are burning gas cleanly and efficiently.

What does it cost to fit or replace gas pipes?

The cost depends on the scope of the work. Running a short line for a cooktop in a Redfern unit may take only a few hours. Extending a pipe for an outdoor heater in Chatswood costs more, especially if the pipes need to be buried. Replacing corroded galvanised pipes in an older terrace in Glebe could be a significant job requiring days of work.

A trustworthy Sydney gas plumber provides a written quote that outlines labour, materials, and certification fees. Avoid contractors who only offer vague figures or refuse to explain their pricing. Transparent quotes are part of professional service.

Why is unlicensed gas work risky?

Gas work performed by unlicensed trades is illegal and unsafe. If an unqualified person installs or repairs pipes, the system may leak, appliances may malfunction, and the risk of fire or explosion increases. Insurance companies can also reject claims linked to unlicensed work.

NSW Fair Trading regularly investigates cases of illegal gas work in Sydney. Homeowners who hire unlicensed operators may face fines, and they will often have to pay again to have the work redone properly. Hiring a licensed gas plumber in Sydney eliminates these risks.

So, do plumbers fit gas pipes?

Yes, plumbers can fit gas pipes, but only if they are licensed for gas fitting. A licensed gas plumber in Sydney can design the system, install pipes, connect appliances, and certify that the work complies with Australian Standards. They can also replace ageing or corroded lines, carry out leak detection, and provide ongoing inspections to keep systems safe.

When hiring, always ask for licence details, experience, and a compliance certificate. This ensures the work is legal, safe, and reliable.

Need a gas plumber in Sydney?

Proximity Plumbing provides fully licensed gas plumbing services across Sydney. Our team installs new gas lines, replaces old or corroded pipes, connects and commissions appliances, and carries out detailed safety inspections. Every job includes full testing and a compliance certificate for your records.

If you need a dependable gas plumber in Sydney, call Proximity Plumbing today to arrange an inspection or request a quote.