Gas lines are important fixtures that are a common necessity in most Australian homes. They provide heating for winter months and a source of energy for cooking and other essential activities at home or in a workplace. These fixtures are susceptible to breakdowns – due to age and most of the time, due to improper maintenance, electrical and mechanical issues. A licensed gas fitter plumber Sydney is the only authorised professional allowed by the law to work on the installation, repair, service and replacement of natural gas appliances, water heaters and appliances located in residential, commercial and industrial properties.
Some plumbing emergencies and projects require specialised knowledge such as when dealing with gas lines. This area in plumbing is more potentially dangerous compared to other plumbing works and requires proper installation from a trained, experienced and licensed professional.
What Do Natural Gas Line Plumbing Fitters Do?
Most plumbers offer a combination of plumbing skills as well as gas fitting specialised work. However, there are still a few who do not have the certifications and training required to qualify for gas fitting work. Gas fitters are usually in charge of the following duties:
- Installation of gas pipes and gas-powered fixtures
- Installing gas detection and gas pressure regulating systems
- Gas associated equipment installation
- Gas appliance flues installation
- Testing and certification for pipe work for gas appliances
- Interpretation of gas fitting plans and drawings
- Professional advice for gas appliance maintenance and operation
- Maintaining equipment and pipes used for safe operation of appliances
For some there is a little confusion between plumbers and gas fitters. Qualified and licensed plumbers in Australia are able to provide gas-fitting services on top of their water pipe, drainage and sewerage responsibilities. They can do gas fitting related jobs such as disconnection, repair, installation, and maintenance works.
Gas fitter specialists, on the other hand, are solely qualified to undertake gas fitting work and are not licensed to do plumbing work. They are only licensed to do work on gas system related services. They are also trained in converting appliances to natural gas.
Alternatively, plumbers and gas fitters alike can opt to take the necessary course and training to qualify in both plumbing and gas fitting works.
How to Qualify as A Licensed Gas Fitting Specialist?
If you are interested in adding gas fitting as one of the specialisations under your plumbing licence, you may take additional courses and training, even though you are already qualified to do gas fitting works. Such training will help you combine actual experiences with classroom-based training and theories to equip you with the latest skills and knowledge the plumbing and gas fitting industry currently practices.
How to Determine if You Are Working With a Certified Professional?
Gas fitting regulations are different depending on the state where you are about to practice your profession. To determine if your current service provider is registered and licensed, you can ask to see their gas-fitting licence card. They must also have insurance that covers their work for six years as mandated by the law. A licensed gas fitting professional is also capable of issuing an authentic Compliance Certificate after every completed work.
In New South Wales, only a duly licensed gas fitter is allowed to complete any gas fitting work as mandated in the Gas & Electricity Consumer Safety Act of 2017. They will cover work and services in systems of pipes and associated fittings that are specifically fabricated to control and provide supply from the gas sours to the gas appliance, through a connection point and a metered controlled valve. They are exempted from replacing worn pigtails or changing over cylinder services.
Ensure that you are working with a licensed gas fitting specialist to avoid compromising the safety of your gas powered appliances and to comply with the prevailing requirements mandated by the law in your state.
