Unlicensed or DIY gas work is not only illegal, but it can be dangerous – potentially leading to property damage and/or damage to persons. Enlisting a licenced gasfitter or plumber to do the work for you is necessary for a correct and safe fitting.
This article outlines everything you need to know about getting a plumber to install gas fittings and gas hot water systems for you.
Can all plumbers work with gas?
No, not all plumbers can work with gas. Only plumbers (like us) who have completed a Certificate III in Gasfitting and have obtained a gasfitting licence can perform gasfitting work.
The difference between a gasfitter and a plumber
Essentially, a gasfitter cannot provide plumbing services but can provide a wide range of gasfitting services, whereas a plumber can provide extensive plumbing services and a limited amount of gasfitting services, as well as gas hot water system installation.
Gasfitter
Some of the tasks a gasfitter can perform include:
Gasfitter
Some of the tasks a gasfitter can perform include:
Repair, service and replace appliances such as gas BBQs and cooktops
Install gas detection systems
Read and interpret plans
Maintain ancillary equipment; and
Plumber
The gasfitting tasks a licenced gasfitting plumber can perform are:
Gas hot water system installation
Gas pipe repair
Gas pipe disconnection.
A licenced gasfitting plumber is the go-to handyperson for installing gas hot water systems. They are also handy to use when you need both gasfitting and regular plumbing work done, as they allow you to get multiple tasks completed by the same person. This may work out to be cheaper for you.
Gas hot water systems
Gas hot water systems are often a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution to your water heating needs. They produce 33% less greenhouse gas emissions than their electric counterparts, making them a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable alternative. They may also be cheaper to purchase upfront.
You can choose between an instantaneous (aka continuous flow) system and a storage system. An instantaneous system heats the water only as needed, thus reducing heat loss and saving you money on energy. They generally last for up to 20 years. By contrast, storage systems generally use a gas burner to keep the water constantly heated, and tend to have a higher rate of pressure than the instantaneous system. However, their lifespan is shorter, at around 10 years.
Things to look for in a provider
While being licenced is important – do make sure you check their gasfitting card – your service provider should have other good qualities, such as:
Professionalism
A professional manner and attitude are vital when looking for a specialist. They should be responsible, polite, competent, punctual and committed to doing their best work at all times.
Experience
When doing gasfitting work you want someone you can trust. The more years of experience working in the field, the better. Ideally you also want someone who has received lots of positive reviews online or via word-of-mouth.
A fair price
While everyone likes a bargain, cheaper isn’t always better. You don’t want someone who is undercutting their competition by a large margin; a fair price is optimal. The old adage “you get what you pay for” definitely applies to gasfitting work. Shop around to find a good price.
Conclusion
A licenced gasfitting plumber is the ideal handyperson to perform gas hot water system work. The next time you need gasfitting and/or plumbing work done, give us a call.
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