What is a Gas Safety Certificate?

A Gas Safety Certificate is a legal document issued by a certifying gasfitter confirming that the gas installation or repair complies with NZ regulations and is safe to use. It must be issued for all prescribed gas work. Keep your certificates — they are important for insurance and when selling your home.

How often should gas appliances be serviced?

Gas heaters, hot water systems, and cooktops should be professionally serviced every 1 to 2 years. Regular servicing ensures safety, efficiency, and early detection of problems like carbon monoxide leaks. Many manufacturers require annual servicing to maintain warranty coverage.

Hiring a Gasfitter Checklist — What to Check Before You Hire | Call A Tradie NZ

Gas work is dangerous if done incorrectly — leaks can cause explosions, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. That is why gasfitting is a regulated trade in New Zealand. Only PGDB-registered gasfitters can legally install, maintain, or repair gas appliances and pipework. This checklist helps you hire safely.

Registration & Licensing

4 items

Verify PGDB registration on pgdb.co.nz

All gasfitters must be registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Search the public register to confirm their registration class and current practising licence status.

Check their registration class matches your work

Certifying gasfitter — can sign off work and supervise. Licensed gasfitter — works unsupervised. Registered gasfitter — works under supervision. For most jobs, you want a certifying or licensed gasfitter.

Confirm their practising licence is current

PGDB practising licences must be renewed annually. An expired licence means they cannot legally do gasfitting work. The public register shows expiry dates.

Ask about their experience with your gas type (natural or LPG)

Natural gas and LPG require different pressures, regulators, and safety considerations. Ensure the gasfitter has experience with your gas type and specific appliances.

Safety & Compliance

5 items

Confirm they will issue a Gas Safety Certificate

By law, a certifying gasfitter must issue a Gas Safety Certificate for all gas work. This confirms the installation is safe and complies with NZ Gas Installation Standards (NZS 5261).

Ask about their gas leak testing procedures

After any gas installation or repair, the system must be pressure tested to check for leaks. Ask what testing methods and equipment they use.

Confirm they will check ventilation requirements

Gas appliances require adequate ventilation to operate safely and prevent carbon monoxide build-up. The gasfitter should assess and ensure ventilation meets code requirements.

Ask about their carbon monoxide awareness and testing

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, invisible killer gas produced by faulty gas appliances. A professional gasfitter should test for CO as part of any gas appliance service.

Check they will comply with AS/NZS 5601 gas installation standards

All gas installations must comply with AS/NZS 5601 (Gas Installations). This covers pipework sizing, materials, ventilation, appliance connection, and safety requirements.

Quotes & Pricing

4 items

Get at least three quotes for planned work

Gasfitter rates range from $90 to $150 per hour plus GST. Get multiple quotes for non-emergency work and compare the scope, not just the price.

Ask about callout fees and emergency rates

Most gasfitters charge a callout fee of $150 to $300. Gas leaks are treated as emergencies. Emergency and after-hours rates are typically 1.5 to 2 times the standard rate.

Confirm whether appliance supply is included

Some gasfitters supply appliances at trade pricing, others prefer you to purchase directly. Clarify who supplies the appliance and who is responsible for the warranty.

Check if the quote includes the Gas Safety Certificate fee

The Gas Safety Certificate is a legal requirement and has a cost associated with it. Confirm whether this is included in the overall quote.

Experience & Reviews

4 items

Read reviews on Call A Tradie and Google

Look for consistent feedback about safety practices, punctuality, communication, and quality of work. Gas work requires attention to detail — check that reviewers mention thoroughness.

Ask for references from similar installations

Gas hob installations, hot water systems, central heating, and commercial work all require different expertise. Ask for references relevant to your project.

Check if they service the brand of appliance you have or want

Some gasfitters specialise in specific brands (e.g., Rinnai, Bosch, Fisher & Paykel). Brand-specific experience ensures proper installation and commissioning.

Ask about their ongoing maintenance services

Gas appliances need regular servicing for safety and efficiency. Ask if the gasfitter offers annual service plans and what they include.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not registered with the PGDB or has an expired practising licence
Does not issue a Gas Safety Certificate after completing work
No gas leak testing after installation or repair
Does not check or mention ventilation requirements
No public liability insurance
Only accepts cash with no invoice or receipt
Wants full payment before starting work
Cannot explain the work in plain language
Uses non-approved fittings or materials for gas installations

Gasfitters Hiring FAQ

No. Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006, only PGDB-registered gasfitters can install, maintain, or repair gas appliances and gas pipework. DIY gas work is illegal and extremely dangerous. The only exception is connecting a standalone LPG BBQ to a portable gas bottle.