There are many jobs where gas fitting and plumbing work are both required. For example, a gas-powered hot water system needs the expertise of both to complete the job.
So does that mean that plumbers and gas fitters are essentially the same? Plumbing and gas fitting are two individual trades with separate qualifications required. However, plumbers can be accredited to conduct gas fitting work.
That means you can hire a plumber that also has gas fitting credentials so they can take care of a total hot water installation, including all gas piping, plumbing and the provision and installation of the tank itself.
The key difference between the two professions is that a gas fitter cannot carry out any plumbing duties by law in Australia. They are only qualified to provide gas installation services like heating and installing appliances like ovens in the kitchen.
So if you have a project that requires plumbing and gas fitting, instead of paying money for two separate contractors and trying to align a time when they are both available, the best solution is to find a plumber that can also complete gas fitting on the Central Coast.
What Is Classified As Plumbing Work?
Plumbing work is defined as any work relating to water, plumbing and drainage as outlined in the Australian Standards (AS3500) Regulations 2013. This includes installations, upgrades, repairs, removal of materials, demolition, general servicing and maintenance, inspections or any alterations at all to any infrastructure or appliance that requires plumbing.
Plumbing refers to any part of the system that delivers clean water to a property and throughout the premises, as well as the removal of wastewater safely from the premises.
Qualified plumbers have undertaken a four-year apprenticeship and completed their Certificate III in Plumbing to become fully trained in the Australian standards and experienced to become a licensed plumber to work in the field.
How Do I Know If A Plumber Is Qualified To Do Gas Fitting?
Just because a plumber is qualified and licensed, it does not mean they are automatically qualified in gas fitting as well. While apprentices will learn the basics of gas fitting as part of their study and education, they can only apply for an interim gas licence and can only carry out works under the supervision of a gas fitter that is fully qualified.
To become certified, a plumber must work under this interim licence for 12 months and also complete a Certificate IV in Plumbing.
What Services Are Covered By A Gas Fitter?
Qualified gas fitters have completed their certification to meet the guidelines outlined in the Gas Standards (AG5601 Gas Installations) Regulations 2013. This means they are licensed and qualified to carry out any installation, replacement, maintenance, demolition, alteration or repair of appliances and infrastructure that involve gas.
There is no apprenticeship required, but completing the Certificate III in Gasfitting is a requirement. Non-tradespeople can carry out this certification which will give them an interim licence and – like plumbers – they will need to work under the supervision of a fully qualified gas fitter for 12 months.
There are many trades that require working with gas as well, including mechanics, electricians, electronics technicians and more. These tradespeople can complete their Certificate III in Gasfitting and work under supervision for 12 months as well. Then they can complete their Certificate IV qualification and be able to work within their individual trade, prove Gas fitting services and also a combination of both.
So, who do I call?
To sum it all up, if your job requires any form of plumbing, drainage or there is any water involved, you will require a plumber. If you need anything installed that involves gas like cooktops or converting barbeques to natural gas then you can choose between a gas fitter or a plumber with gas fitting certifications.
If you have a project like a water heating system that requires both, you should only employ the services of a qualified plumber with those gas fitting qualifications.
It is vital that you request the licence and insurance details of any plumber or gas fitter you are considering before you contract them. Unfortunately, there are unlicensed operators out there and while their prices may be attractive in the short term, they can cause major problems in the long run.
Even if their plumbing or gas fitting work appears high quality, it cannot meet Australian standards. This can void your warranties on appliances, your insurance and create major issues if you ever decide to sell your property.
A qualified and licensed plumbing or gas fitting organisation will also have insurance, which is essential to cover you and your property in the unlikely event that something goes wrong that causes damage, injury or worse.
O'Brien Plumbing Wyong has a full team of plumbers and gas fitters on the Central Coast that are all fully trained to Australian standards, qualified, experienced, and licensed to carry out any plumbing and gas fitting projects you may need us for, including after-hours emergency services.
For more information and to book with us, you can contact our experts 24/7 on (02) 4351 3665.