If you’re hiring someone to help you resolve a problem with your gas lines and pipes, you definitely want to make sure that you’re working with the right professional for the job.
After all, your gas lines and your plumbing are two of the most important things in your Sunshine Coast home, and you need them to work correctly to have heat, water, and other day-to-day essentials at your fingertips.
One of the first questions you might be asking when you’re in need of repairs or routine maintenance is, “should I hire a gas fitter or a plumber?”
To answer this question, you first have to understand the difference between these two professionals, and exactly what they can work on in your home.
Here’s everything you need to know about gas fitters vs plumbers.
Gas fitter vs plumber: the basics
First thing’s first, let’s break down what each professional does.
Gas fitter
A gas fitter works on anything related to gas installations. That means that they can install, remove, demolish, replace, alter, maintain, or repair a gas line – so they can help with gas heaters, BBQs, heating systems, and other gas appliances.
To work as a gas fitter in Queensland, one needs to – at minimum – complete Certificate III in Gasfitting, which will allow them to work under a fully qualified gas fitter. This course does not cover any plumbing work. To obtain a full gas license, one has to work on an interim gas license for 12 months and complete the Certificate IV qualification. These are rigorous courses, but they do not cover any plumbing work. For this reason, a gas fitter cannot automatically work as a plumber.
Plumber
A plumber, on the other hand, works primarily on water and waste pipes. To become a licensed plumber, one must complete a four-year apprenticeship (a Certificate III in plumbing).
Gas fitting is a part of this course, which means that any plumber who can apply for his plumbing license can also get an interim gas license and carry out gas fitting work under a fully licensed professional. If a plumber wants to become a fully professional gas fitter, he or she will have to keep the interim gas license for 12 months and complete Certificate IV in plumbing.
In short, all plumbers can also do basic gas fitting work, but no gas fitters can do plumbing if they haven’t worked to get the additional license.
How are gas fitters and plumbers different?
They have different certifications
As we mentioned, gas fitters and plumbers complete different certifications and have different licenses. Plumbers, on one hand, get their licenses from the Queensland Building Construction Commission. Gas fitters, on the other hand, get their licenses issued by the Department of Mines and Energy.
They complete different jobs
Gas fitters and plumbers also complete different jobs. Plumbers work primarily on pipes that supply and carry water to and from buildings and homes. This means that they often work to:
- Install and repair pipes and fixtures like bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets
- Fix leaks or breaks
- Help connect systems like washing machines and dishwashers
- Unblock sinks and toilets
- Install or repair drains
- Provide expert recommendations about plumbing services and products
- Install or repair spouting and roofing pipes
- Complete sewer repair jobs
- Help with gutter leaks
Gas fitters, conversely, work on all things gas related, including heating systems, cooking systems, hot water, and fireplaces. This means that they often work to:
- Install and maintain gas cooking systems
- Maintain gas pipes
- Make sure that the right safety measures are put into place to avoid accidents or dangers
- Provide recommendations on gas appliances and services
- Fix gas leaks
- Detect gas
- Help with conversions to natural gas
As you can see, there are definite distinctions here – as well as definite overlap. This can make it difficult to know whether you’re hiring the right professional.
How to choose the right service
To make sure that you hire the right professional, we recommend that you take the following steps.
- Ask for references: The right team will be able to provide you with customer testimonials as well as references for jobs that are similar to yours. That way, you will know key details like if they have happy customers, if their pricing is fair. Don’t forget to check out our reviews before you go!
- Check their licenses: Next, we recommend that you check their licenses and qualifications. As we mentioned, both gas fitters and plumbers must have special licenses, and they should be able to produce them when asked.
- Consider the work you need completed: If you’re dealing with something that falls clearly into one lane – like a clogged toilet, which requires a plumber, or you smell gas – then the answer is pretty clear. But what if you’re working on something with gas and water components, like working on gas and water appliances in the kitchen? If this is the case, we recommend that you hire a plumber who also has a gas fitting license. That way, you will make sure that all your bases are covered and that you get the professional experience that you need.
- Ask for insurance and warranty information: Finally, the right professional will provide insurance as well as workmanship and appliance warranties, so make sure you ask about this up-front.
Comparing your options? Here’s how to choose the BEST gas fitter on the Sunshine Coast
Is it worth hiring a professional or can I DIY the problem?
In short, you’re better off going with the pros.
Your gas lines and your water lines are crucial to having clean water, heat, and other day-to-day necessities in your home. They also need to be running properly in order to keep you and your loved ones safe. For this reason, we always recommend that you hire a professional when installing a new appliance, maintaining an existing appliance, or repairing any pipes in your Sunshine Coast home.
DON’T SPEND A CENT… until you’ve read our ‘Gas Fitting Price Guide’ (and save on your next service)
Trust DYFA Plumbing for all your plumbing and gas fitting needs
Congratulations, you’ve just learned the difference between a gas fitter and a plumber – including the distinction in their licenses and qualifications – and how to determine which professional is best suited for your current project.
That said, if you have any questions, or you’d like to talk to us about our gas fitting and plumbing services, we encourage you to fill out this form or contact us directly on 07 5475 4152.
