When something goes wrong with your plumbing, most people just call “a plumber.” But depending on the job, you might actually need a gas plumber, and calling the wrong one can mean delays, compliance issues, or safety risks.
In Australia, plumbing and gas fitting are treated as separate trades with separate licences. Some plumbers hold both. Others don’t. Knowing the difference before you book saves time and makes sure the person turning up is legally qualified to do the work.
What Does a Regular Plumber Do?
A general plumber (sometimes called a water plumber) is licensed to work on your home’s water supply, drainage, and sewerage systems. Their scope covers the things most people think of when they picture plumbing work:
- Fixing leaking taps, toilets, and showerheads
- Clearing blocked drains and sewer lines
- Installing and repairing water pipes
- Fitting new bathroom and kitchen fixtures
- Hot water system repairs and installation (electric and solar units)
- Stormwater drainage and roof plumbing
A general plumber completes a four-year apprenticeship and earns a Certificate III in Plumbing before being licensed. Their training covers water systems, drainage, roofing, and basic gas fitting concepts, but a general plumbing licence alone does not authorise them to perform gas work independently.
What Does a Gas Plumber Do?
A gas plumber (or gas fitter) is specifically licensed to work on gas lines, gas appliances, and anything connected to your home’s gas supply. This includes:
- Installing and connecting gas cooktops, ovens, and BBQs
- Fitting gas hot water systems (storage and instantaneous)
- Running new gas lines or extending existing ones
- Gas leak detection and repair
- Servicing gas heaters and ducted heating systems
- Gas compliance testing and certification
- Converting appliances between natural gas and LPG
Gas work in Australia is heavily regulated. All gas fitting must be completed by a licensed gas fitter, and the work must meet strict Australian Standards. Unlicensed gas work is illegal, dangerous, and can void your home insurance.
Gas fitters hold a Certificate IV in Plumbing (gas fitting stream) and must work under an interim gas licence for a minimum of 12 months after completing their qualification before being granted a full licence. The licensing authority varies by state. In New South Wales, gas licences fall under Fair Trading. In Queensland, it’s the QBCC.
Can One Person Do Both?
Yes, and many do. A plumber who holds both a plumbing licence and a gas fitting licence can handle the full scope of work across water, drainage, and gas systems. This is common in Australia, particularly among experienced tradespeople and established plumbing businesses.
The key is checking. Don’t assume your plumber is also a gas fitter. Ask for their credentials, or look them up through your state’s licensing body. A plumber without a gas licence cannot legally touch your gas lines, even for something as simple as connecting a new cooktop.
How Do You Know Which One You Need?
The deciding factor is simple: does the job involve gas?
Call a general plumber if:
- You have a leaking tap, burst pipe, or blocked drain
- You need a new toilet, basin, or shower installed
- Your electric hot water system needs replacing
- You have stormwater or drainage issues
- You need pipe relining or repairs
Call a gas plumber (or a plumber with a gas licence) if:
- You’re installing or replacing a gas appliance (cooktop, oven, heater, BBQ)
- You need a gas hot water system installed or repaired
- You can smell gas or suspect a gas leak
- You want to run a new gas line to an outdoor kitchen or fire pit
- You need a gas compliance certificate for a property sale or renovation
If you’re unsure, call and describe the job. A reputable plumbing company will tell you upfront whether they’re licensed for the work, or refer you to someone who is.
Why It Matters
Gas is not something to take chances with. Poorly installed or maintained gas fittings can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, explosions, and house fires. These aren’t theoretical risks. They happen when unqualified people attempt gas work.
Beyond safety, there’s a legal and financial dimension. If unlicensed gas work causes damage to your property, your insurance company can deny the claim. If it causes harm to someone, the homeowner and the person who did the work can both face serious legal consequences.
The Bottom Line
If the job involves water, drainage, or sewerage, a general plumber has you covered. If gas is involved in any way, make sure whoever you hire holds a current gas fitting licence. The safest option is a plumber who carries both, so you’re covered no matter what the job turns into once they start.
Miracle Plumbing’s team is fully licensed in both plumbing and gas fitting. Whether it’s a blocked drain or a gas hot water installation, you’re getting qualified tradespeople who can handle the full scope of work, safely and to code. Get in touch for a quote.
