Do You Need a Licensed Gas Fitter? NSW Rules Explained

Yes, in NSW you need someone licensed to do gasfitting work, and a plumber is only allowed to do it if they hold gasfitting authority as well. A plumbing licence alone does not cover gas. NSW licences by category of work, so a tradesperson who is licensed for plumbing but not gasfitting can't legally install, repair or connect your gas. Many plumbers hold both, which is why it's worth asking, not assuming.

This guide covers what counts as gasfitting work, who is allowed to do it, what the penalties are, the paperwork you should get afterwards, and how to check a licence before anyone touches your gas. It is general information, so for specific advice contact Building Commission NSW on 13 27 00.

Plumber or gas fitter: what's the difference?

In everyday speech the two overlap, and in NSW the difference is licence category. According to the NSW Government's plumbing, draining and gasfitting licensing page, you need a licence or certificate to do any plumbing, draining or gasfitting work, and you must be licensed in each category of work you carry out, or work under the supervision of a licensed person.

The gasfitting categories listed are:

• Gasfitting: covers gas installations, flues, and connecting or disconnecting gas appliances and supply points.

• LP gasfitting (restricted): limited to LPG in vapour phase at pressures up to 150 kPa.

• Advanced LP gasfitting (unrestricted): covers LPG without those pressure limits, including liquid phase and transport containers.

So the practical answer to "can a regular plumber do gas work?" is: only if their licence includes the gasfitting category for the job. A plumber with a plumbing-only licence can fix your tap and your toilet, and can't legally connect your cooktop.

What counts as gasfitting work?

The same government page says covered work includes installing, altering, extending or repairing a gas installation or flue, and connecting or disconnecting a gas installation or appliance to a supply point.

In practice that means a licensed gasfitter is needed for jobs like:

• Installing a new gas cooktop, oven, heater or hot water system.

• Replacing or relocating an existing gas appliance.

• Running a new gas line, for example to a barbecue or outdoor kitchen.

• Repairing a gas leak or a damaged gas pipe.

• Altering or extending gas pipework during a renovation.

The NSW Government's advice on using a gasfitter is blunt: "always use a licensed gasfitter for any repair or renovation involving gas", including relocating or replacing gas appliances.

Can I do gas work myself?

The licensing page does not list any exemptions from the requirement, and it applies regardless of the cost of the job or whether the property is residential, commercial or industrial. Treat gas as a licensed-trade-only job. If you have a specific question about a very small task, ask Building Commission NSW before you start, not after.

The reason is simple. A badly connected gas line can leak, and gas leaks can cause fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. That is why the rules are strict, and why a visible fix that "looks fine" isn't proof the work is safe.

What are the penalties for unlicensed gas work?

The NSW Government says that if you do unlicensed plumbing, draining or gasfitting work, you can be fined $22,000 as an individual or $110,000 as a company, as a breach of the Home Building Act 1989. There are also separate penalties for supervision breaches, with fines of up to $1,500 per breach for failing to supervise and up to $1,100 per breach for unsupervised work.

That also affects you as the customer. If you hire someone who turns out to be unlicensed, you may be left with unsafe work, no valid compliance paperwork and no one accountable. Check your insurance policy to see what it says about work done by unlicensed tradespeople.

What about apprentices and trainees?

Apprentices and trainees can't hold a licence while they're in training. The NSW Government says unlicensed workers, including apprentices, must work under "immediate supervision" by a contractor licence holder or qualified supervisor. Tradesperson certificate holders must work under "general supervision" and have their work signed off. If someone turns up to do your gas job, it's reasonable to ask who the licensed person responsible for the work is.

The paperwork: what you should get after gas work

After gas work, the gasfitter has to document it. According to Building Commission NSW's gasfitter compliance and regulatory obligations:

• Network gas (connected to mains): the gasfitter must test the installation for defects and submit a certificate of compliance within five business days of finishing the work.

• Bottled gas (not connected to a network): the gasfitter must inspect the containers, regulators and appliances, test the whole installation, attach a compliance plate, give the owner a certificate of inspection, and lodge it within five business days.

• How it's lodged: through the BCNSW eCert portal. The page states that, since 1 March 2026, emailed or posted copies of PDFs or forms are no longer accepted.

The NSW Government's customer advice adds that the certificate confirms the work meets industry standards and must include the licensee's name and licence number. Ask for your copy, and keep it with your home records. It matters if you sell the property or make an insurance claim.

Certified appliances only

It's not just who installs the appliance. The NSW Government notes that appliances must be certified before sale or installation, and that gasfitters may only install certified appliances and products. If you're buying a cooktop or heater online, check that it's certified for use in Australia before you book the installer, and tell them what you plan to buy.

How to check a gasfitter's licence

Before the work starts:

1. Ask for the licence number and the categories it covers. You want gasfitting, not just plumbing.

2. Check it online. The NSW Government's check a builder or tradesperson licence service lets you search by licence number or business name. You can also call 13 27 00.

3. Match the name. The person on your doorstep should match the licence holder, or work under their supervision.

4. Get it in writing. A written quote that states the job and the appliance, and a promise to provide the compliance certificate.

5. Ask about insurance. The NSW Government has guidance on checking your contractor or tradesperson is qualified, and advises checking that they are licensed and insured.

When to call a gas fitter, not a general plumber

Call a licensed gasfitter if you:

• Smell gas, hear a hiss from a pipe, or suspect a leak. Leave the area, don't use switches or flames, and call emergency services from outside.

• Are replacing a gas cooktop, oven, heater or hot water system.

• Are renovating a kitchen, bathroom or laundry that has gas supply.

• Are adding an outdoor gas point.

• Have a pilot light that won't stay lit or an appliance that is sooting or smelling.

Where Wilco Plumbing fits

Wilco Plumbing's gas fitting and repairs page lists gas appliance installs, gas hot water system repairs and installs, gas leak repairs and new gas lines, and says its plumbers are licensed gas fitters. It advertises 24/7 emergency service on 02 9186 3371. As with any tradesperson, ask for the licence number and categories before work starts, and ask for your compliance certificate afterwards. You can also see the local gas fitter Sydney CBD page or the main Wilco Plumbing site.

Frequently asked questions

Can a plumber do gas work in NSW?

Only if they hold the gasfitting category on their licence, or are working under the supervision of someone who does. NSW licenses by category, so a plumbing licence alone doesn't cover gas.

Do I need a gas fitter to install a gas cooktop?

Yes. Connecting or disconnecting a gas appliance to a supply point is gasfitting work, so it needs a licensed gasfitter, and the installer should give you a compliance certificate afterwards.

Can I replace a gas appliance myself?

The NSW Government says to always use a licensed gasfitter for any repair or renovation involving gas, including relocating or replacing gas appliances, and its licensing page lists no exemptions. For a specific question, contact Building Commission NSW on 13 27 00.

What is the fine for unlicensed gas work in NSW?

The NSW Government says up to $22,000 for an individual and $110,000 for a company, as a breach of the Home Building Act 1989.

What certificate should I get after gas work?

For gas connected to the network, a certificate of compliance. For bottled gas, a certificate of inspection. Either way, the gasfitter has five business days to lodge it through the BCNSW eCert portal, and it must include the licensee's name and licence number.

How do I check if a gas fitter is licensed?

Use the NSW Government's online licence check or call 13 27 00. Make sure the licence covers gasfitting, not just plumbing.

Do I need a gas fitter for bottled gas (LPG)?

Yes, LPG work is covered by the LP gasfitting categories. Which category applies depends on the pressure and the type of installation, so ask the gasfitter to confirm theirs covers the job.

Need a licensed gas fitter in Sydney?

If you need gas work done, a leak checked or an appliance installed, Wilco Plumbing's gas fitters can quote the job. Call 02 9186 3371 any time for emergencies.

This article provides general information about NSW gasfitting rules and is not legal advice. Licensing, penalties and certificate requirements can change, so check the NSW Government website or call Building Commission NSW on 13 27 00 for current requirements. If you smell gas, leave the area and call emergency services.