Replacing a kitchen benchtop is an exciting upgrade — but if you have a gas hob, there's an important legal and safety step you cannot skip. In New Zealand, disconnecting a gas appliance from its supply is restricted work under the Gas Act 1992, meaning it must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter. Here's what you need to know before your renovation begins.
Why You Cannot Disconnect a Gas Hob Yourself
Under New Zealand law, any work that involves connecting or disconnecting gas appliances from the gas supply pipework is classified as restricted gasfitting work. This is regulated by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB), which licenses and oversees gasfitters in NZ.
Attempting to disconnect the gas supply yourself — even just undoing a flexible hose — is illegal and extremely dangerous. Gas leaks can cause fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The consequences of getting it wrong are severe, so this is one job where DIY is simply not an option.
What a Licensed Gasfitter Will Do
When you book a licensed gasfitter to disconnect your hob, they will typically:
- Isolate the gas supply at the nearest isolation valve or at the meter if needed
- Disconnect the flexible gas connector (the hose between the hob and the wall/floor supply point) safely
- Cap or plug the gas outlet so the supply point is safely sealed while your benchtop work is underway
- Check for leaks before leaving, using appropriate detection equipment
- Reconnect and test the hob (or a new hob) once your new benchtop is installed
Make sure you book the gasfitter for both the disconnection and the reconnection — reconnection is equally restricted work and must also be done by a licensed professional.
What You Can Do as a Homeowner
While you cannot touch the gas connection itself, there are things you can safely do to prepare:
- Turn off the isolation valve on the gas supply line to the hob (the small tap on the pipe behind or below the hob), if one is accessible and clearly labelled — though confirm with your gasfitter first
- Remove the hob from the benchtop once the gasfitter has disconnected and capped the gas line — this is typically just lifting the hob out after removing any retaining clips or screws
- Clean up the area around the hob cutout ready for the benchtop installer
If you are unsure whether a valve is a gas isolation valve or what it controls, do not touch it. Contact a licensed gasfitter to advise you.
Booking the Right Tradesperson
Always verify that your gasfitter holds a current licence. You can check this on the PGDB licence register. A licensed gasfitter will issue you a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for the work, which is your legal record that the gas work was completed correctly. Keep this document — you may need it if you sell your home.
You can find qualified, local licensed gasfitters in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Coordinating With Your Benchtop Installer
Timing is everything with a benchtop replacement. Here's a typical sequence to follow:
| Step | Who Does It |
|---|---|
| 1. Book gasfitter to disconnect hob | Licensed gasfitter |
| 2. Remove hob from cutout (once gas is capped) | Homeowner or installer |
| 3. Remove old benchtop | Benchtop installer / joiner |
| 4. Template and fabricate new benchtop | Benchtop fabricator |
| 5. Install new benchtop with hob cutout | Benchtop installer / joiner |
| 6. Drop hob into new cutout | Homeowner or installer |
| 7. Book gasfitter to reconnect and test hob | Licensed gasfitter |
Communicate clearly with all your tradespeople so the gasfitter's visits align with the benchtop installation schedule. Delays in one trade can hold up others, so build some flexibility into your timeline.
Natural Gas vs LPG: Does It Matter?
The rules are the same regardless of whether your home uses reticulated natural gas (piped from the street) or LPG bottles. Both are restricted work. If you have LPG, your gasfitter may also advise turning off the cylinder valve at the bottle as an additional safety measure — but the disconnection of the hob itself still requires a licensed professional.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
- Never use a naked flame to check for a gas leak — use soapy water or a gas detector, and ideally leave leak testing to your gasfitter
- If you ever smell gas, leave the area immediately, do not operate any switches or appliances, and call your gas supplier or 111
- Ensure the kitchen is well ventilated during any work near gas fittings
- Check WorkSafe NZ for general guidance on working safely around gas appliances
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed gasfitter before you start any benchtop work. Do not allow your benchtop installer or a general builder to disconnect the gas hob, even if they offer to — this is outside their legal scope of work unless they also hold a gasfitting licence. The PGDB takes unlicensed gasfitting seriously, and your home insurance may be void if gas work is carried out by an unlicensed person.
For peace of mind and full legal compliance, always use a licensed professional. Find one near you on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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