by Corey Douglas | 21/04/2021
If your home runs on gas — whether it’s for heating, hot water, or cooking — it’s essential to know who you need to call when something goes wrong. You’ve probably heard the terms “gas fitter” and “gas plumber”, but what do they actually mean? Are they the same? Do you need one or both? In this expanded 2025 guide, we unpack the key differences, explain when to call each one, and show you how to get it done legally, safely, and efficiently with the right licensed professional through AIreno.
A gas fitter is a fully licensed tradesperson who specialises in working with natural gas and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) systems. Their job is to ensure gas flows safely and efficiently through your home or workplace. Because gas is a flammable and hazardous substance, only professionals with specific training and certification can legally handle any gas-related work in Australia.
Gas fitters are often called in for new installations, system upgrades, compliance checks, or emergency gas leak repairs. They play a critical role in maintaining the safety of gas infrastructure across homes, commercial kitchens, caravans, boats, and industrial sites.
Gas fitters must provide a Gas Compliance Certificate for all installations and upgrades. This proves the work meets Australian safety standards and is vital for insurance and resale purposes.
A gas plumber is a qualified plumber who has gone on to complete extra training in gas fitting. Not all gas fitters are plumbers, but many plumbers choose to become dual-qualified so they can offer a full suite of plumbing and gas services. These tradespeople are invaluable on renovation or construction jobs that involve both water and gas infrastructure.
To legally work as a gas plumber in Australia, a tradesperson must:
Gas plumbers are versatile professionals who can manage the crossover between plumbing and gas systems — such as when fitting a gas hot water unit or a gas-powered hydronic heating system.
Let’s break down how these two roles compare.
Feature | Gas Fitter | Gas Plumber |
---|---|---|
Core Training | Certificate III in Gasfitting | Certificate III in Plumbing + Gas Units |
Licence Type | Standalone Gas Fitting Licence | Plumbing Licence + Gas Endorsement |
Primary Focus | Gas-only systems, appliances, LPG | Plumbing + gas (dual-service) |
Scope of Work | All gas-related work (but not plumbing) | Plumbing, gas lines, appliances, water heating |
Best Suited For | Gas appliance installation & LPG setups | Kitchen & bathroom renos, hot water, full plumbing + gas integrations |
In short: Gas fitters focus purely on gas, while gas plumbers offer both water and gas services. This is especially useful during renovations where plumbing and gas works often overlap.
It depends on the job. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Task | Who You Need |
Install a new gas oven | Gas Fitter or Gas Plumber |
Convert a BBQ from LPG to natural gas | Gas Fitter |
Replace a gas hot water system | Gas Plumber |
Run a new gas line through your kitchen | Gas Plumber |
Fit a gas appliance on your boat or caravan | Gas Fitter |
Gas work during a full home renovation | Gas Plumber |
Add a gas bayonet outlet for a portable heater | Gas Fitter |
In most cases, if plumbing is involved alongside gas (e.g. hot water, kitchen renos, bathrooms), you’ll want a gas plumber. If it’s a standalone gas task, a gas fitter is perfect.
No. In every Australian state and territory, it is illegal to carry out gas fitting work unless you are a licensed tradesperson.
Gas is dangerous. Faulty installations or repairs can result in:
Legal consequences include:
Even replacing a gas bayonet fitting, shifting a gas appliance, or adjusting a regulator must be done by a licensed gas fitter or gas plumber. They must also issue a Gas Compliance Certificate or apply an Appliance Plate to confirm the work is safe and legal.
To protect yourself:
You can also verify their licence through your state regulator:
If you want peace of mind, AIreno only works with fully licensed, insured and vetted professionals. You get instant quotes, transparent scopes of work, and guaranteed compliance.
Renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry? If gas and water are both involved, you’ll need a gas plumber who can handle:
With AIreno, you can plan every step of your reno:
📍 Start planning today at AIreno.com.au
Whether you need a gas fitter, gas plumber, or both — one thing is certain: gas work is never DIY.
With licensed professionals, you get peace of mind, legal protection, and safety you can count on. With AIreno, you get all that plus instant quotes, clear scopes, and access to the best tradies in the country.
Plan smarter. Stay safe. Get it done right — with AIreno.