There are tons of professional plumbing companies that offer gas fitting among their other plumbing services. Because of that, many are confused about whether plumbers and gas fitters are the same, or if they are not, how come plumbing companies offer this type of service? In the event you need both a plumber and a gas fitter, should you call both professionals, or will one work?

There is a difference between the two. But since it can be quite confusing, hopefully, this guide can help homeowners and commercial property owners know the difference and who to call in certain situations.

What is a Plumber?

A plumber is a qualified professional who has received his or her licence in Australia to perform any work or operation related to the installation, maintenance, repair, removal, and replacement of a system of pipes in a property. According to Australia’s Yellow Pages, they are qualified as a water plumber, roofer, gas fitter, and drainer.

In order to become a qualified and licensed plumber in Australia, an individual has to complete a four-year apprenticeship or a Certificate III in Plumbing. During that time, they will touch on the basics of gas fitting.

After undergoing the basics of gas fitting, a plumber could then provide services related to gas fitting, provided that they are under the close supervision of a qualified gas fitter. Moreover, a plumber could pursue a full gas licence to become a qualified gas fitter.

Nevertheless, a plumber’s licence will clearly state that the individual is fit for both plumbing and gas fitting work.

Plumbing Services of Professional Plumbers

As mentioned, a plumber provides plumbing services related to any pipe system, which carries either liquid or gas in and out of a property.

Most commonly, plumbers work on water and sewer plumbing systems. For instance, in cases of water system issues in your city, you can easily call for any professional plumbing service Canberra wide to help with your problem. This is easy enough, and tons of property owners have no problems knowing when they need a plumber.

What is a Gas Fitter?

On the other hand, a gas fitter is an individual that handles any work or operation that is related to installation, maintenance, repair, removal, or replacement of gas installation. Basically, these handymen could handle the installation of wall ovens, cooktops, and gas barbecue grills, among others. They are qualified and licensed to do this on residential, industrial, or commercial properties.

Gasfitters can work on gas systems but may not be a licensed plumber.

Many individuals usually start with a plumbing apprenticeship and then pursue the necessary courses required to specialise in gas fitting, while some pursue a combination of both. Nevertheless, if you want to focus on gas fitting solely, the former path may be a better choice.

You need to complete Certificate III in Gas Fitter to start training as a gas fitter and get an interim gas fitter licence. This course is shorter than when you proceed with your plumbing career as it touches solely on gas fitting and does not cover plumbing. After this, you can work on gas systems, but you need to work under a qualified gas fitter’s supervision with a full gas licence.

As mentioned earlier, at least a year of interim gas licence work is required before you can pursue a Certificate IV in Gas Fitting. Only then will you acquire your full gas licence and do jobs on your own.

Gas Fitting and Plumbing Services

One thing you have to remember is that gas fitting and plumbing and services are different from each other. But since both professions work with a system of pipes and plumbers have to undergo basics of gas fitting, it’s not surprising that plumbing companies would also include gas fitting on their services, although they typically have fully licensed gas fitters working with them.

If you need help with gas installations, it’s best to call a gas fitter. But you can contact a local plumbing company and see if they can help with your problem.

As always, be sure of the company or the contractor you get. Make sure they have the proper credentials and that they are insured. You should also check for reviews or ask them for reference.