In Australia, there are different types of plumbing systems, from pipelines that carry water in and out of the house to sewer lines and gas lines. The latter is needed for heaters, hot water, and cooking. Gas lines also require a certain set of knowledge and skills that not everyone has. Although you can get the help you need from professional plumbers, it’s best to get the assistance of fully licensed gas fitters Sydney.
What are Gas Fitters?
Gas plumbers or gas fitters, as they are technically called, are people who are trained to install, repair, maintain, and replace natural gas fixtures in a property. They install the pipelines where the natural gas will flow through the fixtures where they are needed, such as your HVAC unit and your gas stove. Moreover, they are also the people you should call for the installation of gas meters, regulators, valves, and burners.
Since gas fitters practically work with plumbing systems, most gas fitters work with professional plumbing companies.
Plumbers may also offer gas fitting services during their apprenticeship and work on repairing, disconnection, or installing all gas pipings and fittings. Nevertheless, they are under the supervision of a fully licensed practitioner.
Can Gas Plumbers Do Plumbing Work?
Since many gas fitters work with plumbing companies, does this mean they can work on your plumbing system too?
Unfortunately, a gas plumber Sydney can only provide services for plumbing systems related to natural gas. Apart from that, they can’t work on pipelines for water and sewer systems. Nevertheless, plumbers can provide all sorts of services for these systems and some services for gas lines.
In Australia, licences can be acquired by people who are trained in Western Australia, other Australian states, New Zealand, or have trained with the Armed Forces or overseas.
Why Choose a Gas Fitter?
Plumbers can do a certain level of assistance when it comes to gas lines. But it’s best if you hire an actual gas fitter for the job since these practitioners have more knowledge and experience handling dangerous natural gas lines than most plumbers.
Basically, gas plumbers provide all sorts of assistance involving natural gas lines, which include the following:
- Fireplaces
- Water heaters
- Furnaces
- HVAC systems
- Outdoor grills
- Stoves
- Clothes dryers
- Hot tubs
If you detect a gas leak in your home, it’s essential to call for an emergency gas fitter. Never attempt to DIY anything related to these gas lines since it can be highly dangerous.
How to Detect a Gas Leak
Besides installation and detection, one of the times when household owners require the assistance of a gas fitter is when there is a gas leak.
Gas leaks are incredibly hazardous and could put your family’s lives at risk. When you detect one, open all the windows and doors of your house and get everyone out before calling a gas plumber. Natural gas replaces the oxygen we breathe at home. Even the smallest puncture in a gas line is enough to slowly cause asphyxiation, which is why you should always increase ventilation and hurry outside in case of a gas leak.
Natural gas is also combustible, so you should never light a fire or open the stove when there’s a gas leak. Also, avoid opening electrical appliances and gadgets as well as turning on the lights. You should also never start your vehicle.
But how do you know there’s a gas leak in your home? Here are the telltale signs of one:
- The first thing you’ll notice is the smell. There will be a strong scent of rotten eggs or sulfur, especially when you’re near a gas line.
- You will also notice a hissing sound coming from the punctured pipeline.
- Indoor plants would begin wilting or dying despite being watered and cared for constantly.
- You might see a dust cloud or a white cloud close to a punctured gas line.
- Lastly, you might see bubbles in the water, which wasn’t there before.
Once you see these signs around your house, call a gas fitter immediately.
In Conclusion
To conclude, gas fitters are the people you should call for help when there’s a gas leak at home, or you want to replace, reconnect, or disconnect gas lines and fixtures. Most of the time, you can find a reliable gas fitter in Australia through plumbing companies near you.