Smell gas? Don't turn on or off any switches. Leave the building and call ActewAGL's 24/7 gas emergency line: 13 19 09. Once you're outside and safe, call us.
Why gas fitting must be done by a licensed tradesperson
Unlike many home maintenance tasks, gas work in the ACT is regulated. It is illegal to connect, install, alter, or repair gas appliances or pipework unless you hold a current gasfitting licence. This applies to homeowners too — you can't install your own gas cooktop or move a gas line, even on your own property.
The reason is straightforward: an incorrectly connected gas appliance or a poorly fitted gas line can cause carbon monoxide buildup, gas leaks, fires, or explosions. The consequences are severe enough that the licensing requirement isn't bureaucracy — it's a genuine safety standard.
Fresh Flow holds Plumbing Licence 20221212, which includes full gasfitting authorisation for residential and light commercial work across the ACT.
Fresh Flow Plumbing — Licences & Certifications
- Plumbing Licence 20221212 (includes gasfitting)
- Work Health & Safety White Card
- Work Safely at Heights
- Work Safely on Roofs
- Silica Exposure Awareness
- Identify Asbestos
Gas fitting services Fresh Flow carries out
Appliance installation
- Gas cooktop and oven installation — new installs and replacements
- Gas continuous flow hot water system installation
- Gas storage hot water system installation
- Gas ducted heating installation and connection
- Gas space heater installation (wall-mounted and flued units)
- Gas BBQ point installation — outdoor gas connections for fixed barbecues
Repairs and fault finding
- Gas leak detection — pressure testing the line to identify and locate leaks
- Gas valve replacement on hot water systems and heating units
- Pilot light repair and relight (where safe to do so — persistent pilot issues mean something is wrong with the gas valve or thermocouple)
- Flexible gas hose inspection and replacement — hoses have a finite lifespan and harden and crack over time
Compliance and certification
- Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for all gas work carried out — required for insurance and building approval
- Gas safety inspection for pre-purchase property checks
- Landlord compliance checks — confirm all gas appliances are safely installed and connected
Canberra-specific gas considerations
Canberra is one of Australia's largest users of natural gas per capita — the climate drives high heating demand, and many older homes were built with gas as the primary energy source for heating, hot water, and cooking. That means there's a large installed base of aging gas appliances across Tuggeranong, Woden, Belconnen, and the inner north.
Flexible gas hoses are a particular concern in older Canberra homes. These corrugated stainless steel hoses connect appliances to the gas supply and have a manufacturer-recommended replacement lifespan of 10 years. Homes built in the 1990s and early 2000s often have original hoses that are well past this age. A cracked flexible hose is a slow leak you might not smell until it concentrates to a dangerous level.
If your home is over 15 years old and you haven't had a gas safety check, it's worth booking one.
Gas fitting FAQs
Can I install a gas appliance myself?
No. Under ACT law, connecting or installing a gas appliance requires a licensed gasfitter. This includes cooktops, ovens, hot water systems, and heaters. Doing it yourself also voids your home insurance if something goes wrong. We can quote the installation — it's usually straightforward and inexpensive for a standard appliance swap.
Do I need a certificate of compliance when I sell my house?
Gas Certificates of Compliance are issued for each piece of gas work carried out. Buyers increasingly request evidence that gas work was done by a licensed tradesperson. If you've had gas work done without a CoC, we can assess the installation and issue one if the work is compliant — or carry out any remediation required.
My gas hot water system keeps cutting out — is that a gas problem?
Not always. A continuous flow system that cuts out mid-shower can be a gas pressure issue, a faulty igniter, a blocked flue, or an overheating shutoff. The diagnosis is more involved than a simple repair. Call us and describe the symptoms — we can often narrow it down over the phone before we visit.
How much does a gas appliance installation cost?
A standard like-for-like swap — say, replacing an existing gas cooktop with a new one using the existing gas point — is typically 1-1.5 hours of labour plus any materials. A new gas point or moving an existing connection takes longer. We quote jobs upfront so there are no surprises.
Can you check whether my gas appliances are safe?
Yes. We carry out gas safety inspections for homeowners, landlords, and buyers. We check all gas appliances, flexible hoses, gas pressure, and connections — and give you a written report. Strongly recommended if the home is more than 10-15 years old and hasn't had a recent gas check.
Other plumbing services
High-pressure jetting and CCTV inspection across Canberra.
Repairs, replacement, and new installations.
Burst pipes, flooding, urgent repairs — available evenings.
View the full list of plumbing services Fresh Flow covers.