No — in New Zealand, replacing the flexible gas hose behind your freestanding oven is restricted work under the Gas Act 1992, and it must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter. Even though the job looks straightforward, getting it wrong can cause a gas leak, fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Here's what you need to know.
Why This Is Restricted Work
Gas work in New Zealand is regulated by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Under the Gas Act 1992 and the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006, any work that involves connecting, disconnecting, or modifying gas fittings — including flexible hoses — is classified as restricted work. This applies whether the gas is natural gas or LPG.
A flexible gas hose is considered a gas fitting. Replacing it means disconnecting the existing hose from the gas supply and reconnecting a new one, which falls squarely within the definition of restricted work. Doing this yourself is illegal, and if something goes wrong, your home insurance may be void.
What Could Go Wrong With a DIY Attempt?
Gas leaks are not always obvious. A poorly fitted connection might leak slowly and go undetected until there is enough gas build-up to cause an explosion or fire. Risks include:
- Gas leaks at the connection points due to incorrect fitting or thread sealing
- Fire or explosion if gas accumulates near an ignition source
- Carbon monoxide poisoning if combustion is affected
- Insurance and liability issues if unlicensed work is discovered
Even if you've done plenty of DIY around the house, gas work is one area where the legal and safety stakes are simply too high to go it alone.
What a Licensed Gasfitter Will Do
When you hire a licensed gasfitter to replace your oven's flexible hose, here's what the job typically involves:
- Isolating the gas supply at the nearest shutoff valve
- Removing the old hose safely and inspecting the connection points
- Selecting the correct replacement hose — the right length, diameter, and rating for your appliance and gas type (natural gas or LPG)
- Fitting the new hose with appropriate thread sealant or fittings to the manufacturer's specification
- Pressure testing the connection to confirm there are no leaks
- Issuing a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for the work carried out
The Certificate of Compliance is an important document — keep it with your home records. It confirms the work was done to the NZ standard and may be required if you sell your home or make an insurance claim.
How Long Does It Take and What Might It Cost?
Replacing a flexible gas hose is generally a quick job — most licensed gasfitters can complete it in under an hour. As a rough guide only, expect to pay a call-out fee plus labour, which can vary significantly by region and tradesperson. Get two or three quotes to compare. The hose itself is a relatively inexpensive part.
What Hose Standards Apply in NZ?
Flexible gas hoses used in New Zealand must comply with relevant NZ and Australian standards. Your gasfitter will know which hose type is appropriate. Hoses have a finite lifespan — typically around 5 years for LPG hoses, though this can vary by product and installation conditions. Check the date stamp on your existing hose; if it's past its use-by date, replacement is overdue regardless of whether it looks fine.
What You CAN Legally Do Yourself
While you cannot do the gas connection work, there are a few things you can do:
- Pull the oven away from the wall to give the gasfitter clear access (check the hose condition while you're at it)
- Turn off the gas at the isolation valve if you know where it is and feel confident doing so — though your gasfitter will do this as part of the job
- Check the hose visually for cracks, kinks, or corrosion and report what you see when you book the job
- Book and supervise the work, and ask the gasfitter to explain what they've done
Healthy Homes and Rental Properties
If you're a landlord, keeping gas appliances and connections in safe working order is part of your obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards. An expired or damaged flexible hose on a rental property's oven is a compliance issue you'll want to address promptly with a licensed gasfitter.
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed gasfitter immediately if you:
- Smell gas near your oven or anywhere in your home
- Notice a damaged, kinked, or aged flexible hose
- Are moving or reinstalling a freestanding oven
- Have a hose that is past its stamped expiry date
If you smell gas, don't use any switches or flames — ventilate the area and call your gas supplier's emergency line or 111 if needed.
You can find qualified, licensed gasfitters in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz. Always check that your tradesperson holds a current licence by verifying them on the PGDB register.
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