Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Gasfitter in Australia

You have found a gasfitter for the job. Maybe a mate recommended them, or they came up first in a local search. Before you hand over a deposit or lock in a start date, there are questions to ask before hiring a gasfitter that will protect your family, your property, and your wallet.

Gas is the only residential trade where a single mistake can be immediately fatal. A poorly connected fitting can leak carbon monoxide into a bedroom while everyone sleeps. An incorrectly installed hot water system can cause a fire or explosion. With over 5,785 licensed gasfitters across Australia listed on TradieVerify, finding a qualified professional is straightforward. Knowing what to ask them before they start work is the part most homeowners skip.

This hiring a gasfitter checklist covers the questions that matter: licence verification, gas compliance certificates, safety, costs, and the red flags that should send you looking elsewhere. Print it, save it to your phone, or pull it up before your next quote.

1. Are You Licensed for Gas Fitting Work in My State?

This is the first question on any gasfitter checklist, and it is non-negotiable. Every Australian state and territory requires a specific gasfitting licence before anyone can legally work on a gas system. A general plumbing licence is not enough. Gas fitting is a separate endorsement that requires additional training and assessment.

What a good answer sounds like. They give you their licence number immediately and tell you which state register to check. Many gasfitters carry their licence card in their wallet and will show you on the spot.

What a red flag sounds like. “I’m covered under my boss’s licence.” “You don’t need a licence for this type of work.” “I’ll get that to you later.” If they dodge this question, walk away.

How to verify. Enter the gasfitter’s name or licence number on TradieVerify’s search page. You will see their licence status, trade category, and issuing state. You can also check directly with the state regulator:

Queensland alone has 5,293 licensed gasfitters registered with the QBCC, plus 300 in the ACT and 192 in NSW listed on TradieVerify. If someone claims to be licensed, it takes thirty seconds to confirm.

For a full walkthrough on licence checks, see our guide on how to hire a licensed gasfitter in Australia.

2. Will You Issue a Gas Compliance Certificate When the Work Is Done?

A gas compliance certificate is the single most important document you receive after any gas work. It proves the installation has been tested, meets AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 (the Australian Standard for gas installations), and is safe to operate.

Why this question matters. Without a compliance certificate:

• Your gas supplier can refuse to connect or reconnect supply
• Your home insurer can reject claims related to gas installations
• You cannot sell or lease the property without disclosing uncertified gas work
• The gasfitter has no formal accountability for the installation

What a good answer sounds like. “Yes, I’ll issue a compliance certificate after testing. It gets lodged with [the relevant authority] and you’ll get a copy.” In Queensland, gasfitters now lodge Form 4 certificates electronically through the QBCC portal. In Victoria, a Certificate of Compliance goes to Energy Safe Victoria.

What a red flag sounds like. “I don’t usually bother with the paperwork for small jobs.” Any gasfitter who says this is either unlicensed or cutting corners. Walk away.

For more detail on what a compliance certificate covers and how the digital lodgement process works, read our gas compliance certificate guide.

3. What Type of Gas Work Are You Experienced With?

Gas fitting covers several distinct categories, and not every gasfitter handles every type. Before hiring, make sure their experience matches your job.

Types of residential gas work:

• Natural gas (mains) connections. Connecting appliances to the gas network, extending gas pipelines, fitting gas meters.
• LPG (bottled gas) installations. Setting up LPG cylinders, regulators, and connections for properties not on mains gas. LPG operates at higher pressure and requires different fittings.
• Gas hot water systems. Installing, replacing, or relocating gas storage or instantaneous hot water units.
• Gas heating. Ducted gas heating, gas log fires, gas bayonet points, and wall heaters.
• Gas cooktops and ovens. Connecting new appliances or converting from electric to gas.
• Commercial gas work. Restaurants, cafes, and other commercial kitchens require a gasfitter with commercial experience and often additional qualifications.

The question to ask. “How many jobs like mine have you done in the past 12 months?” A gasfitter who mainly does commercial kitchen fit-outs may not be your best choice for a residential hot water system replacement, and vice versa.

4. Do You Carry Public Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Insurance is the safety net between you and a large financial loss. If a gasfitter damages your property or injures themselves on site, and they have no insurance, you could be paying the bill.

What to ask for:

1. Public liability insurance certificate of currency. Covers damage to your property and injury to third parties. Standard coverage is $10 million to $20 million. Ask for the actual certificate, not a verbal promise.
2. Workers’ compensation insurance. Required in every state if the gasfitter employs anyone, including apprentices. Sole traders may be exempt but should carry personal accident cover.

What a good answer sounds like. “I carry $20 million public liability. Here’s my certificate of currency, and my workers’ comp is current.” A professional gasfitter will have these documents ready and will email them before starting.

What a red flag sounds like. “My insurance is being renewed.” “I don’t need insurance for a small job.” “I’m covered under my mate’s policy.” None of these are acceptable. No certificate, no work.

For more on insurance requirements, see our guide on how to verify a tradesperson’s insurance in Australia.

5. What Safety Checks Do You Perform After Installation?

Gas work is not finished when the last fitting is tightened. A licensed gasfitter must perform a series of safety tests before signing off on any installation. This question separates the careful professionals from the ones who rush through jobs.

Tests a gasfitter should perform:

• Pressure testing. The gas line is pressurised and checked for leaks. Even a tiny drop in pressure indicates a leak that must be found and fixed before the system goes live.
• Tightness testing. Every connection and joint is tested with a leak detection solution or electronic gas detector.
• Ventilation check. Gas appliances need adequate airflow. The gasfitter should verify that the room meets ventilation requirements under AS/NZS 5601.1.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) spillage testing. For flued appliances like gas heaters and hot water systems, the gasfitter tests for CO spillage to ensure combustion gases are properly venting outside. CO is colourless and odourless, meaning you cannot detect a leak without instruments.
• Appliance commissioning. Each appliance is fired up, tested at full load, and checked for correct flame characteristics, ignition, and shut-off.

What a good answer sounds like. They describe each test and explain what they are checking for. A confident gasfitter will walk you through the process and show you the results.

What a red flag sounds like. “It’ll be right, I’ll just check it’s working.” If they cannot describe their testing process, they are cutting corners.

6. How Do You Handle Carbon Monoxide Testing?

Carbon monoxide deserves its own question because CO poisoning kills Australians every year. Faulty gas heaters and blocked flues are the most common causes in residential settings. Energy Safe Victoria alone records multiple CO incidents each winter season.

Questions to ask:

• Do you carry a CO analyser on every job?
• Will you test for CO spillage on my existing flued appliances while you are here?
• If you find a CO issue, what is your process?

What a good answer sounds like. “I carry a calibrated CO analyser and test every flued appliance. If I find spillage, I’ll tag the appliance as unsafe and explain your options.”

What you should know. In Victoria, Energy Safe Victoria recommends that all open-flued gas heaters be tested for CO before each winter. Queensland’s RSHQ (Resources Safety and Health Queensland) requires gasfitters to check for CO spillage during any gas compliance inspection. If your gasfitter does not mention CO testing, bring it up yourself.

7. Can You Provide a Written Quote With a Breakdown?

Verbal quotes are worth nothing when a dispute arises. A written quote protects both you and the gasfitter by setting clear expectations before work begins.

What the quote should include:

• Itemised list of work to be done
• Labour costs (hourly rate or fixed price)
• Materials and parts, listed separately with costs
• GST (must be included if the gasfitter is GST-registered, which applies to all businesses earning over $75,000)
• Timeline for completion
• Payment terms (deposit, progress payments, final payment)
• What is and is not included (e.g., council inspections, permits, making good after work)

Typical gasfitting costs in Australia (2025-2026):

These are indicative ranges. Actual costs depend on your location, access difficulty, and the specific job. Always get at least three quotes to compare.

What a red flag sounds like. “I’ll work it out as I go.” “I don’t do written quotes for small jobs.” A professional gasfitter will put the price in writing before starting. If they will not, find someone who will.

8. What Warranty Do You Offer on Your Work?

There are two types of warranty that apply to gas fitting work: the manufacturer’s warranty on parts and appliances, and the gasfitter’s warranty on their labour and installation.

Questions to ask:

• What is your warranty period on labour? (12 months is standard for most gas fitting work)
• If something fails within the warranty period, what is your response time?
• Does the manufacturer’s warranty require installation by a licensed gasfitter? (Almost always yes for gas appliances)

What you should know. Under Australian Consumer Law, services must be carried out with due care and skill, be fit for their stated purpose, and be completed within a reasonable time. These guarantees apply regardless of what the gasfitter writes on their invoice. If gas work is defective, you have the right to a remedy even after the stated warranty period expires, provided the failure was due to the gasfitter’s workmanship.

What a good answer sounds like. “I offer a 12-month warranty on all labour. If you have an issue, call me and I’ll come back within 48 hours.”

9. Can You Provide References From Recent Gas Fitting Jobs?

Past performance is the best predictor of future work quality. A gasfitter who has been in business for years and has happy customers will not hesitate to share references.

What to ask for:

• Two or three recent customers you can contact
• Photos of completed work (most tradespeople keep these on their phone)
• Online reviews on Google Business Profile

Questions to ask the references:

• Did the gasfitter turn up on time?
• Was the final cost close to the quoted price?
• Did they issue a gas compliance certificate?
• Would you hire them again?

What a red flag sounds like. “I don’t give out customer details.” While privacy is reasonable, a gasfitter can ask past customers for permission first. If they flat-out refuse, it raises questions.

10. Are You Familiar With Local Council and Regulatory Requirements?

Gas work sometimes triggers additional requirements depending on your location and the scope of work.

What the gasfitter should know:

• Whether your job requires a plumbing permit or notification to the local council
• State-specific lodgement requirements for gas compliance certificates (e.g., Form 4 in QLD, Certificate of Compliance in VIC)
• Setback distances and clearance requirements for gas meters, cylinders, and flues
• Requirements for working near boundaries, easements, or neighbours’ properties
• Any additional approvals for heritage-listed properties or bushfire-prone areas

What a good answer sounds like. “For this job in [your state], I’ll need to lodge a compliance certificate with [regulator]. No council permit is needed unless we’re running a new gas line through a load-bearing wall.” They should know the process without having to look it up.

Red Flags That Should Stop You Hiring

Beyond the individual questions above, watch for these warning signs:

• No written contract or quote. Professional gasfitters put everything in writing.
• Asking for full payment upfront. A deposit of 10-20% is reasonable. Full payment before work starts is not.
• Pressure to decide immediately. “This price is only good today” is a sales tactic, not a professional approach.
• Cannot explain what they will do. If they cannot walk you through the job in plain language, they may not fully understand it themselves.
• No ABN on their invoice. Every legitimate business in Australia has an ABN. No ABN means no accountability and no GST credit.
• Reluctance to issue a compliance certificate. This is non-negotiable. No certificate, no payment.

Your Pre-Hiring Checklist: Quick Reference

Use this summary before booking any gasfitter:

• Licence verified on TradieVerify or state register
• Licence is specifically for gas fitting (not just general plumbing)
• Public liability insurance certificate of currency sighted
• Workers’ compensation insurance confirmed (if they employ anyone)
• Written quote received with itemised breakdown
• Gas compliance certificate will be issued after work
• Safety testing process described (pressure test, CO test, ventilation)
• Warranty on labour confirmed in writing
• At least two references checked
• ABN confirmed and listed on quote

If a gasfitter ticks every box on this list, you are dealing with a professional. If they fail on more than one, keep looking. With thousands of licensed gasfitters across Australia on TradieVerify, you do not need to settle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licensed gasfitter for a simple gas cooktop connection?

Yes. In every Australian state and territory, connecting any gas appliance to a gas supply requires a licensed gasfitter. This includes cooktops, ovens, heaters, and BBQs connected to mains gas. The gasfitter must issue a gas compliance certificate after the work is done. Doing it yourself or hiring an unlicensed person is illegal and voids your insurance.

What is a gas compliance certificate and why should I ask for one?

A gas compliance certificate is an official document confirming that gas work meets the Australian Standard AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 and state regulations. Your gasfitter must issue one after completing any gas installation, alteration, or extension. Without it, your gas supplier can refuse connection and your home insurer can reject gas-related claims. Read our full gas compliance certificate guide for details.

How many quotes should I get before hiring a gasfitter?

Get at least three written quotes. This gives you a realistic range of what the job should cost and helps identify outliers. If one quote is significantly cheaper than the others, ask why. They may be cutting corners, using inferior materials, or planning to skip the compliance certificate. Compare quotes on a like-for-like basis: same scope of work, same materials, same warranty terms.

What is the difference between a gasfitter and a plumber?

A plumber handles water supply and drainage. A gasfitter handles gas supply, gas appliances, and gas systems. In most states, gas fitting is a separate licence endorsement on top of a plumbing qualification. Some plumbers hold both qualifications, but a plumber without a gas fitting endorsement cannot legally work on gas systems. Always check that the licence specifically covers gas fitting. Our guide on hiring a licensed gasfitter explains the differences in detail.

Can I do any gas work myself in Australia?

No. All gas work in Australia must be performed by a licensed gasfitter. There are no DIY exemptions for gas fitting, unlike some minor plumbing or electrical tasks. This includes connecting a gas BBQ to a bayonet point using a flexible hose (though you can physically attach a bayonet fitting that a gasfitter has already installed and tested). The penalties for unlicensed gas work range from several thousand dollars to over $30,000 depending on the state.

What should I do if a gasfitter refuses to issue a compliance certificate?

Do not pay the final invoice until you receive the certificate. Under Australian Consumer Law, the gasfitter is obligated to complete the work properly, which includes issuing all required documentation. If they refuse, contact your state’s gas safety regulator (QBCC in QLD, Energy Safe Victoria in VIC, NSW Fair Trading in NSW) and lodge a formal complaint. You can also report unlicensed or non-compliant gas work to WorkSafe in your state.

Sources

1. QBCC - Gas Work Compliance - Queensland Building and Construction Commission
2. Energy Safe Victoria - Gas Safety - Gas installation safety and CO testing requirements
3. NSW Fair Trading - Gas Work - Gasfitter compliance and regulatory obligations
4. AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 - Gas Installations Standard, Standards Australia
5. Australian Consumer Law - Service Guarantees - ACCC consumer guarantees for services
6. Master Plumbers Australia - Industry body for plumbing and gas fitting professionals
7. Australian Gas Networks - Finding the Right Fitter - Tips for selecting a qualified gasfitter