Why guarantees matter when hiring a gasfitter
Gasfitting is not the kind of work you want to leave to chance. A poor installation can mean gas leaks, poor appliance performance, safety risks, higher running costs and expensive call-backs. In New Zealand, the right guarantee and warranty arrangements give you a clear path if something goes wrong after the job is finished.
For homeowners, the key point is simple: ask what is covered, for how long, and who is responsible if a fault turns up later. A reputable gasfitter should be able to explain this clearly before you accept a quote.
The three protections you should understand
When you hire a gasfitter in NZ, there are usually three separate layers of protection:
- Workmanship guarantee — this is the tradesperson’s promise about the quality of their labour and installation.
- Product warranty — this comes from the manufacturer or supplier of the appliance, regulator, pipework component or other product.
- Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) — this is your legal protection when services or goods supplied to you are not of acceptable quality or are not carried out with reasonable care and skill.
These are not the same thing, and one does not replace the others.
What a workmanship guarantee should cover
A workmanship guarantee is the gasfitter standing behind their own installation. It should cover faults caused by their labour, not normal wear and tear or damage caused by someone else later.
A solid workmanship guarantee usually covers:
- leaks or defective joints caused by poor installation
- incorrect fitting of appliances or components
- unsafe installation practices
- failures caused by missed testing or commissioning steps
- errors in workmanship that affect performance or safety
It should also make clear what is excluded, such as:
- damage from misuse, accidental impact or lack of maintenance
- faults caused by third-party modifications
- problems with the appliance itself where the installer did not supply it
- consumable parts or normal wear and tear
How long should it last?
There is no single mandatory period for workmanship guarantees in New Zealand. Many tradies offer 12 months, but some may offer longer on specific work. The length should be realistic and written down.
A useful guarantee period depends on the job:
- Simple appliance replacement: often 12 months is common
- More complex gas line work: a longer period may be offered, especially if the contractor supplied all materials
- Commercial-style or high-use installations: the warranty terms may differ and should be spelled out clearly
Do not assume “lifetime guarantee” means everything is covered forever. Ask exactly what that phrase means in practice.
Product warranties: what they do and don’t cover
If your gasfitter supplies a new cooktop, gas fire, water heater, outdoor heater or related component, the product may come with a manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty usually covers defects in the product itself, not installation faults.
Typical product warranties may require:
- the product to be installed by a qualified person
- proof of purchase
- compliance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions
- regular servicing or maintenance
- use in normal domestic conditions
If the gasfitter supplies the product, ask for:
- the warranty document
- the start date of the warranty
- who you contact if the product fails
- whether warranty claims go through the supplier, manufacturer or installer
If you buy the appliance yourself and the gasfitter only installs it, make sure you know whether the installer will still support the job if there is a fault in the first few months.
Consumer Guarantees Act: your legal back-up
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 gives consumers rights when they buy goods and services in New Zealand for domestic use. For gasfitting work, the key guarantee is that services must be provided with reasonable care and skill, and within a reasonable time if no time is agreed.
If the gasfitter’s service is faulty, the CGA may give you the right to:
- have the problem fixed
- require the work to be redone
- receive a refund or price reduction in some cases
- claim for reasonably foreseeable loss caused by the failure
The CGA applies to many jobs done for homeowners, but it is not the same as an insurance policy. You still need to show the work was not up to standard.
If the problem is serious
If the failure is major — for example, the installation is unsafe, cannot be used as intended, or would not have been accepted by a reasonable customer — you may be able to reject the service or require a refund/reduction. In practice, whether a failure is “minor” or “substantial” matters a lot, so keep records and get an independent opinion if needed.
Gasfitting work in New Zealand: why compliance matters
Gasfitting is restricted work in New Zealand. The person doing the work must be appropriately licensed under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006 and regulated by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).
For homeowners, this matters because a proper guarantee should sit alongside proper compliance. A qualified gasfitter should be able to explain:
- their licence status
- what work they are authorised to do
- whether the installation needs any inspections, certification or documentation
- whether the job affects other regulated trades, such as electrical work
If the job also involves electrical changes, those parts must be done by a person authorised under the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) regime. If the work is part of a larger renovation or new build, building consent requirements may also apply through your local council.
What should be in writing before the job starts?
A written quote or job agreement is one of the best ways to avoid disputes. It should spell out the guarantee terms rather than leaving them as a vague promise.
Ask for these details in writing
| Item | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of work | Confirms exactly what is being done | Appliance supplied or not, pipe runs, testing, commissioning |
| Labour guarantee | Tells you what workmanship is covered | Length of cover, exclusions, how to make a claim |
| Product warranty details | Protects you if the appliance is faulty | Brand, model, warranty term, who handles claims |
| Compliance documentation | Shows the job was done properly | Any required records, certificates or manufacturer documents |
| Call-back terms | Clarifies what happens if there’s a fault | Whether the first visit is free, and within what time frame |
| Payment terms | Helps avoid disputes | Deposit amount, progress payments, final payment on completion |
If the gasfitter is reluctant to put the guarantee terms in writing, treat that as a warning sign.
Questions to ask before you hire
A good gasfitter should be comfortable answering direct questions. Try these:
- What workmanship guarantee do you offer?
- Is that guarantee in writing?
- What is excluded from the guarantee?
- If the product fails, do I deal with you, the supplier or the manufacturer?
- What documentation will I receive when the job is finished?
- Are you licensed for the work and able to show your details?
- Will any parts of the job need council consent or other trade involvement?
Getting multiple written quotes is sensible, but don’t compare price alone. A cheaper quote may exclude testing, documentation or guarantee cover that another quote includes.
What to do if gasfitting work is faulty
If something looks wrong, act quickly. Gas is not a DIY issue.
Step 1: Make it safe
If you smell gas or think there is an immediate danger:
- turn off the gas supply if you know how to do so safely
- ventilate the area if appropriate
- do not use flames, switches or devices that could ignite gas
- contact the gas supplier or emergency services if required
Safety comes first, even before warranty arguments.
Step 2: Gather evidence
Before anyone reworks the job, collect:
- photos or video of the issue
- your quote, invoice and any written guarantee
- appliance manuals or warranty paperwork
- notes of dates, conversations and what was said
- details of any warning signs, smells, noise or poor performance
Step 3: Notify the gasfitter promptly
Put your complaint in writing and be clear about the problem. State what remedy you want, such as a repair, redo or refund. Keep the tone factual and professional.
Step 4: Give the contractor a chance to fix it
In many cases the first step is to let the gasfitter inspect and correct the work. Under the CGA, a trader may need a reasonable opportunity to remedy a failure where that is appropriate.
Step 5: Get a second opinion if needed
If the original installer denies the fault, ask another licensed gasfitter to inspect the work. An independent assessment can help show whether the issue is workmanship, a defective product, or another problem entirely.
Step 6: Escalate if necessary
If the matter is not resolved, you may be able to use:
- Disputes Tribunal for many smaller consumer disputes
- your insurance provider if damage has occurred and you have cover
- the PGDB if there are licensing or conduct concerns
- Commerce Commission guidance if you need help understanding your CGA rights
- Tenancy services or a landlord if you are a tenant and the issue relates to rented premises
The best route depends on the size of the claim and whether the issue is a licensing, consumer or safety matter.
Red flags when a gasfitter is vague about guarantees
Be cautious if a gasfitter:
- gives only verbal assurances and refuses to write anything down
- says “all sales are final” without explaining your rights
- cannot explain what their warranty excludes
- does not mention product warranties for supplied appliances
- avoids talking about licence status or compliance documents
- pressures you to pay in full before completion without a clear reason
None of these signs prove poor workmanship, but they do suggest you should slow down and check credentials before going ahead.
The bottom line for homeowners
The best gasfitting jobs are backed by three things: a clear workmanship guarantee, a proper product warranty where applicable, and your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act. In New Zealand, that should be matched by proper licensing, compliant work and written terms you can actually rely on.
Before you hire, get multiple written quotes, check the gasfitter’s licence status, and ask exactly what happens if something goes wrong later. A good tradesperson won’t mind those questions — they’ll expect them.
Certifying Plumber
