Can I install or move a gas appliance myself?
Short answer
No. All gasfitting, including installing, moving or replacing a gas appliance, running or altering gas pipework, and installing a bayonet point, needs a licensed gasfitter in every Australian state and territory. In Victoria, gas appliance work also always needs a compliance certificate. What you can do yourself is use appliances as designed, such as plugging a portable heater into an existing bayonet, where that heater is legal to use in your state.
Gas is the one area where the rules are the same everywhere and there are no exceptions for owners: if it involves connecting, moving or altering anything gas, it’s a licensed gasfitter’s job.
The rules
| Job | Who can do it |
|---|---|
| Install or replace a gas cooktop, oven or heater | Licensed gasfitter |
| Move a gas appliance to a new spot | Licensed gasfitter |
| Install a gas bayonet point | Licensed gasfitter |
| Replace a gas hot water system | Licensed plumber and gasfitter |
| Plug a portable heater into an existing bayonet | Allowed where the heater is legal in your state |
- Every state: gasfitting, gas pipework, installing or moving gas appliances and installing a bayonet point all need a licensed gasfitter.
- Victoria: installing, moving or replacing a gas appliance needs a licensed gasfitter and always needs a compliance certificate.
Why there are no exceptions
A gas leak or a poorly flued appliance can cause a fire, an explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning, and carbon monoxide has no smell. Appliances also need the right gas type (natural gas or LPG), pressure and ventilation. That’s why gas work is licensed without exception.
Getting a quote
- Photograph the appliance, its data plate, and the gas connection or bayonet
- Say whether you’re on natural gas or LPG bottles
- For a move, photograph both the old and new spots, and measure the distance
- Ask for the compliance certificate to be included in the price
What you can do yourself
- Use appliances as designed, and keep vents and flues clear
- Have gas heaters serviced regularly (every two years is a common recommendation)
- Turn off the gas at the meter if you smell gas, don’t use switches or flames, get everyone out, and call your gas distributor’s emergency line
Using a portable heater on an existing bayonet has its own rules, see can I use a portable gas heater on a bayonet?
Sources
Every rule on this page is taken from these official sources. If a rule has changed, please tell us and we’ll fix it.
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ between states, councils and individual properties, and they change. Confirm with your state regulator or council before starting work, and if in doubt, get a licensed tradesperson.