In this post, we’ll look at what gas fitters are and what they do.
What is a Gas Fitter?
Based on the Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations Regulations 1999, gasfitting is any work related to the installation, removal, maintenance, repair, or alteration of a gas installation. So, a licensed gas fitter is someone skilled and qualified to do any work related to gas installations. This includes work in residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Gas Fitter vs Plumber
Now that you know what a gas fitter is, it’s also important to understand the difference between gas fitters and plumbers. This is simply because many plumbers advertise gas fitting services and, as such, create some confusion.
Gas fitters and plumbers receive different training, and these occupations have different licensing requirements. This means that, to offer both gas fitting and plumbing services, providers need to be licensed in both. Likewise, if a service provider is only licensed in one of these disciplines, they can only offer those services.
However, many plumbers do additional training to perform gas fitting services. This not only allows them to offer more services to their customers, but it’s also convenient in many cases. This would, for instance, be the case where a job requires skills from both trades.
Also keep in mind, though, that you’re not allowed to use an unlicensed contractor to do any gas fitting services. Not only is this unsafe, but it’s also illegal. Ultimately,you’ll need a licensed gas fitter to help diagnose and repair your gas appliancesand installation.
What does a Gas Fitter Do?
We’ve already mentioned that a gas fitter is skilled and qualified to do any work related to gas installations. This means that, when a contractor builds a new home or building, for instance, they will need a gas fitter if they want to install a gas heating system. Likewise, if a homeowner wants to install gas appliances or a gas hot water system, they’ll need a gas fitter.
In addition, when you run into issues with your gas installation or appliances, you’ll also need a licensed gas fitter, as gas fitters are the only licensed contractors to carry out repairs or do maintenance on these installations or appliances.
To sum up, you’ll need a licensed gas fitter when you want to:
- Connect or convert your home to using gas for heating, hot water, and the like.
- Install and repair gas hot water systems.
- Repair gas appliances.
- Service and adjust gas-fuelled appliances
- Install gas meters, meters, pipes, bayonets, and other gas fittings
- Repair and test gas leaks.
- Install gas bottles.
- Obtain gas compliance certifications.