Do Plumbers Do Gas Stove Installation?

Gas Stove Installation Requirements

Gas stoves are among the many gas appliances used in Australian homes. Gas appliances use highly flammable gases as fuel, including natural gas, liquified petroleum gas, propane, butane, and syngas.

Therefore, their installation, repair, replacement, or maintenance require a high level of professional care to avoid fire hazards and poisoning associated with gas leakages.

You should, therefore, never attempt gas appliance installation by yourself if you are not a registered gas-safe professional. Instead, hire licensed gas appliance installers to do the work for you.

Remember, the plumber near you may not always be the ideal expert for your gas fitting needs. If you are considering having a gas stove installed in your home in accordance with Australian standards, this article is meant for you.

Who Is A Plumber And What Do They Do?

Plumbers are certified professionals who undertake the installation, repair, and maintenance of water piping and gas supply systems in commercial and residential buildings. Plumbers perform different duties and deal with different appliances depending on their qualifications and skill set.

What Are The Skills And Duties Of Plumbers?

Plumbing experts help to assess and design plumbing systems and carry out plumbing inspections to ensure they comply with local rules and regulations.

A qualified plumber will do the following plumbing work related to gas connection, water supply, and sanitation systems:

• Unclog blocked drains
• Unclog blocked toilets
• Gas stove installation
• Gas cooktop installation
• Bathtubs installation and repairs
• Installation and repair of sinks
• Gas or water tap repairs
• Gas oven installation
• Dishwasher installation
• Installation and repair of hot water systems
• Water leak repairs
• Hot water unit installation
• Repair and replacement of leaking gas bayonets and pipes
• Toilet repairs
• Burst pipe repairs

What Category Of Plumbers Is Gas Fitting?

Not all plumbers are qualified gas fitters. Even though both gas fitting and plumbing involve working with enclosed pipes, gas fitting projects, such as gas stove installation require special training and licensing. Individuals must meet certain training requirements to do any kind of commercial plumbing work.

Plumbers fall into the following levels based on skills and licensing requirements:

• Apprentice plumber, which is a beginner level
• Journeyman plumbers can undertake more complex plumbing tasks than apprentice-level without supervision
• Master plumber is the highest level, and one can run their own plumbing business

Plumbers categorised based on what they do:

• Residential plumbers who install, maintain, and repair plumbing fixtures in a residential setting
• Commercial plumbers are always more advanced and knowledgeable than residential plumbers. They work in commercial settings.
• Service and repair plumbers who work in both a residential and commercial setting
• Water supply plumbers who perform installation, repair, and maintenance of water supply systems in homes
• Sanitary plumbers who specialise in plumbing work related to sanitary systems

Only licensed gas fitters can install gas appliances in Australia. This requirement ensures gas appliances are safely installed in homes and that every component of the gas connection will work efficiently and safely.

It is illegal for someone who is not a licensed gas fitter to install gas lines or gas appliances in commercial or residential buildings in Australia.

Popular Gas Appliances In Australian Homes

Some of the common appliances powered by natural gas that you will find in most Australian homes include:

• Gas cooktops
• Gas ovens
• Gas ranges
• Gas stoves
• Gas water heaters
• Gas space heaters
• Clothes dryers
• HVAC systems

Gas Stove Installation In Australia

Unlike electric ovens, gas stoves use natural gas to produce naked flames that enable cooking. They are considered efficient hence popular in most Australian homes. In Australia, you must comply with several installation requirements and manufacturer clearance before installing a gas stove.

For safety reasons, the installation of a new gas stove is taken seriously in Australia and must meet the following minimum clearances:

• Must be 600mm below a combustible surface vertically above it
• Must be 200mm away from any combustible surface in the horizontal plane
• If you cannot meet the above two clearances along the whole length of the cooktop, a non-combustible material must be applied to a 150mm height.
• A distance of 600mm between the cooktop and the rangehood
• A distance of 750mm to the exhaust fan

Along with the above clearances, other gas stove installation requirements include hiring a fully licensed gas plumber to install your gas stove and having a compliance certificate. These are vital to getting a gas connection from your gas supplier.

You need to comply with these requirements for your warranty or insurance claim to be valid in case of uncertainties.

Qualified Gas Plumber For Gas Stove Installation

Installing, repairing, or replacing gas lines or gas appliances in your home are jobs that you may not be able to tackle yourself. It is always advised that you employ a skilled professional with the necessary experience in residential gas lines and appliances.

Gas appliances such as gas stoves are fuelled by natural gas. Natural gas is highly flammable and can be hazardous if mishandled. Hiring a skilled gas plumber to install your gas stove will ensure your installation project is completed safely. How then do you know you are dealing with gas plumbing experts who understand gas stove installation requirements?

Here are some of the necessary questions you should ask to ensure your stove installation team constitutes experienced gas fitters and that your installation project is done legally and safely:

• How long has the plumber been performing gas plumbing jobs, especially gas stove installation?
• Is the plumber insured and licensed? Insist on being shown the documentation. This will ensure you get guaranteed workmanship.
• What are the local gas stove installation requirements? Find out if you will require any permits for your gas stove installation project.
• How long will the plumber take to finish the work, and what is the cost implication?
• Is the plumber available for emergency plumbing work in case of any uncertainties?
• What warranties does the plumber offer for their gas plumbing services?

Compare professionalism across several gas plumbers based on the above questions. This will ensure you settle for a qualified gas plumber with:

• Realistic completion timelines
• Best upfront prices
• Guaranteed workmanship

DIY Tips For Installing Your Gas Stove

Assemble the following supplies before you begin your gas stove installation:

• Flexible corrugated gas connector
• Wrench
• Yellow Teflon pipe-joint tape
• Gas leak detector or liquid soap

Follow these steps to safely install your gas stove once you assemble the materials above:

Step One: Buy a new connector that fits your gas line

Never reuse a gas stove connector to ensure the safe installation of your gas stove.  Consider the following when buying a new connector:

• Ensure the connector is clearly marked ‘for range.’
• Buy a connector that is compatible with your gas line
• Buy a reasonably long connector that will allow you to work comfortably between the stove and the wall

Step Two: Pull out the range and shut off the gas cock

A shutoff is important for your safety. Normally; it is positioned behind the range or inside your base cabinet. If you do not have a shutoff, it is best to add it during the gas stove installation.

Step Three: Wrapping should be done using Teflon tape

Wrap the right Teflon pipe-joint tape twice around the pipe threads in a clockwise direction.

Step Four: Attach the gas stove connector to the gas line

• Remove the end connector fitting
• Use the Teflon tape to wrap the unbevelled end
• Screw the connector to the gas line

Consider the following to avoid gas leakage while attaching the connector to the gas line:

• Use both of the end fittings
• Do not screw the connector nuts to a black gas fitting or pipe
• Do not kink or force the connector around sharp bends

Step Five: Screw a street elbow into the range gas port

The recommended size of screw for the elbow is 1.3 cm X 1.3 cm. Once you have screwed the street elbow into the range, screw the connector’s other end onto the street elbow.

Always use Teflon tape on each fitting, and remember not to overtighten.

Step Six: Tighten the connector nuts to the two end fittings

While performing this step:

• Make sure you hold the tube straight against the fitting
• Never use Teflon tape on these threads as this may interfere with the seal

Step Seven: Check for gas leaks

Here is how to check for gas leaks after a gas stove installation:

• Turn on the gas and light the burners
• Let the gas burn for about one minute to drive out any air in the gas line.
• Spray the gas leak detector on all the joints. You may use warm soapy water and look out for bubbles around the joints. Bubbles indicate the gas is leaking.

Note: Contact a gas company to check your installation for leakage.‍

Step Eight: Move and stabilise your new stove

Move your stove in the right place, making sure it is stable and everything is level after ensuring there is no gas leakage and before you begin any cooking.

The Cost Of Having A Gas Stove Installed

The cost of installing a gas stove varies depending on various factors. It can be anything from $400 up to $3,000, depending on:

• The cost of acquiring your gas stove
• The cost of any kitchen modifications involved to accommodate your new gas stove, including removal cost
• The amount charged by the professional you have hired. Some charge daily rates, while some hourly rates
• The cost of installing a new gas line if you did not have one before

Installing your gas stove should take roughly two hours, including checking for gas leaks. However, if the installation work involves other processes like installing a gas line in your home, it may take weeks to complete the project.

Hire A Qualified Gas Plumber

If you want to have your gasstove installed safely, you should always hire a qualified gas plumber. Find one in your locality that is among the reputable plumbing companies offering gas fitting services in Australia. Reach out to a qualified gas plumber near you if you need assistance.