Natural gas runs through the pipes of hundreds of thousands of Melbourne homes. When something goes wrong with gas, the stakes are different from other plumbing failures.
Gas Fitting Is Licensed Work — No Exceptions
In Victoria, all gas fitting work must be carried out by a plumber who holds a VBA gas fitting endorsement. This covers installing or replacing gas appliances (stoves, heaters, hot water systems), running or modifying gas pipework, connecting or disconnecting gas lines, pressure testing gas systems, and any work on gas meters. Unlicensed gas work is not just illegal — it’s potentially fatal.
What a Gas Leak Smells Like
Natural gas suppliers add mercaptan, which gives gas its distinctive rotten egg or sulphur smell. Even a faint smell of gas indoors warrants immediate action.
If you can smell gas: 1. Don’t turn anything on or off. 2. Open windows and doors. 3. Leave the building immediately. 4. Call your gas distributor from outside: Multinet Gas: 132 691 | Australian Gas Networks: 1800 427 532. 5. Call an emergency gasfitter once safely outside: 0468 013 012.
Carbon Monoxide: The Danger You Can’t Smell
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by incomplete combustion and is colourless and odourless. CO poisoning symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Every Melbourne home with gas appliances should have a carbon monoxide detector. They cost $40–$80 at hardware stores.
Common Gas Fitting Jobs in Melbourne
Gas appliance installation — connecting a new gas stove, heater, or hot water system requires a licensed gasfitter. Flexible gas connector replacement — metal connectors behind gas stoves have a lifespan of ~10 years. Gas line extensions — running a new gas point for an outdoor BBQ requires a licensed gasfitter. Gas heater servicing — should be serviced every 2 years by a licensed gasfitter.
Gas Fitting for Property Managers
Under Victorian regulations, gas heaters in rental properties must be serviced every 2 years by a licensed gasfitter. A gas leak in a rental property is an urgent repair under Victorian law — must be fixed within 24 hours. See our property management service →
Need a licensed Melbourne gasfitter? Call 0468 013 012 or request a callback →
Learn more about our Licensed Gas Plumber Melbourne service, or see all suburbs we cover across greater Melbourne.