Do I need a licensed plumber or gas fitter to install a gas cooktop in Melbourne?

Yes. Connecting a gas cooktop or oven to the gas supply is gas fitting work under the Gas Safety Act 1997 (Vic) and must be performed by a licensed gas fitter. The gas fitter connects the flexible hose between the appliance and the gas outlet, tests for leaks, and commissions the appliance. A Certificate of Compliance is issued for the work. This applies to both new installations and replacing an existing appliance with a new model.

How often should the flexible gas hose behind a Melbourne cooktop be replaced?

The corrugated flexible gas hose connecting the cooktop or oven to the fixed gas outlet should be replaced every 5-10 years. These hoses degrade over time, particularly when kinked or when cleaning products contact them. A split flexible gas hose is a gas leak emergency. Proactive replacement by a licensed gas fitter every 5-7 years is strongly recommended for Melbourne households with gas cooktops.

Can a homeowner install a gas BBQ connection themselves in Melbourne?

No. Installing a gas connection for a BBQ or outdoor kitchen requires a licensed gas fitter in Victoria. This includes running the gas pipe from the house, fitting the gas outlet, and connecting the flexible hose to the barbecue. The gas fitter pressure-tests all connections and issues a Certificate of Compliance. The homeowner may connect a portable LPG cylinder to a LPG appliance without a licence, but connecting to natural gas pipework requires a licensed gas fitter.

Gas Appliance Installation Melbourne: What Requires a Licensed Gas Fitter

Gas appliances are common in Melbourne homes — cooktops, ovens, heaters, hot water systems, and barbecues all run on natural gas or LPG. Any work connecting gas appliances to the gas supply in Victoria must be carried out by a licensed gas fitter. Here’s what you need to know.

What Work Requires a Licensed Gas Fitter?

Under the Gas Safety Act 1997 (Vic), all gas fitting work must be performed by a licensed gas fitter. This includes: connecting a new gas cooktop or oven to the gas outlet, installing a gas heater, replacing or relocating a gas hot water system, installing a gas barbecue connection point, extending gas pipework, and commissioning any gas appliance after installation. The homeowner may not perform any of this work themselves, regardless of their technical ability.

Gas Cooktop and Oven Installation

A gas cooktop installation involves: disconnecting the old appliance and its flexible connection hose, fitting the new appliance into the benchtop cutout (or cabinetry), connecting a new flexible gas hose between the appliance and the fixed gas outlet, leak-testing all connections, and commissioning (lighting, testing all burners). A licensed gas fitter must do this work and is responsible for certifying that the installation is safe. The flexible hose used must meet Australian Standard AS/NZS 1869.

Gas Heater Installation Melbourne

Gas space heater installation in Melbourne involves connecting to the gas supply, fitting and testing the flue (where applicable), and commissioning. Flued heaters require the flue to be correctly positioned and terminated to prevent carbon monoxide re-entry. Flueless gas heaters have strict room volume requirements. A licensed gas fitter ensures correct installation and regulatory compliance.

Flexible Gas Hose Replacement

The corrugated flexible gas hose behind your cooktop or oven should be replaced every 5-10 years. These hoses degrade over time and can split, causing gas leaks. Replacement requires a licensed gas fitter to disconnect the appliance, fit the new hose (correct rating and length per AS/NZS 1869), test for leaks, and reconnect. This is not a DIY task under any circumstances.

Sedcon Plumbing — Licensed Gas Fitters in Melbourne

Our team holds gas fitting licences for all types of domestic and commercial gas work across Melbourne. Call 0468 013 012 to book a licensed gas fitter.