Plan first
- Decide where the stove, geyser and any heater will go before the pipe is laid. Moving a point later costs more and can mean breaking walls.
- Ask your gas company what its rules are for a new connection or for changes to the lines inside the house, and whether any approval, inspection or paperwork is needed. Do this before work starts.
- Ask for a clear list of what is included: pipe, fittings, valves, labour, and making good the walls.
Questions for the fitter
- What kind of pipe and fittings will you use, and are they made for gas? Gas work should not use ordinary water fittings.
- How will you test the joints after fitting? A trained fitter checks joints with soapy water or a proper test, never with a flame.
- Where will each shut-off valve be, and will you show me how to close it?
- Will the geyser and heaters have proper ventilation and a flue where needed?
What not to do
- Don't ask an untrained person to fit or move gas pipe because they are cheaper. A bad joint can leak for years before anyone notices.
- Don't hide or seal gas pipe inside a wall or floor unless the fitter has tested it first.
- Don't use the line until it has been tested. If you smell gas at any time, follow our gas leak guide.