Having a few key details ready before you ring a gasfitter can make a big difference — you'll get a more accurate quote, avoid unnecessary call-out fees, and speed up the whole job. Whether you're installing a new gas appliance, extending a gas line, or troubleshooting a problem, here's exactly what to have on hand.
Your Gas Supply Type and Meter Details
The first thing most gasfitters will ask is what type of gas you have. In New Zealand, homes are supplied by either natural gas (reticulated through a network, common in main urban areas) or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas, supplied via bottles or a bulk tank — more common in rural areas and some towns).
- Know whether you're on natural gas or LPG
- If LPG, note whether you have 45 kg cylinders, a 210 kg tank, or a bulk storage system
- If natural gas, have your meter number or address handy so the gasfitter can confirm supply pressure if needed
If you're not sure which gas type you have, check your energy bill or look at the gas supply outside your home.
The Appliance or Job Details
Be as specific as you can about what you need done. Gasfitters work across a wide range of jobs — from fitting a new hob to running new pipework for a whole-house heating system.
- Make and model of any appliance being installed, replaced, or serviced (check the rating plate on the unit)
- Whether the appliance is new or existing — and if existing, its approximate age
- The type of appliance: cooktop, oven, gas fire, hot water cylinder, instantaneous hot water unit, central heating boiler, outdoor BBQ point, etc.
- Whether you need pipework extended or a new gas point installed
- If it's a fault or repair, describe the symptoms clearly (e.g. pilot light won't stay lit, smell of gas, no hot water)
Your Property and Access Information
Gasfitters need to understand the layout of your home to estimate time and materials accurately.
- Type of property: standalone house, townhouse, apartment, or rental
- Construction type: timber frame, concrete block, or slab-on-ground — this affects how pipework is run
- Location of existing gas pipework if known (under floor, in the wall, surface-mounted)
- Access: Is the subfloor accessible? Are there any tight spaces or unusual access issues?
- Approximate distance from the meter or existing gas point to where the new appliance or connection is needed
If you have building plans or a floor plan, even a rough sketch, that can be very helpful.
Consent and Compliance Considerations
Some gas work requires a building consent from your local council, while other work may be exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act. However, all gasfitting work in New Zealand — regardless of consent status — must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).
Always confirm consent requirements with your local council before work begins. Your gasfitter can often advise on this, but the final call rests with the council.
- Ask whether the job will require a building consent or a Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
- If you're a landlord, note that gas appliances and installations must meet Healthy Homes Standards — mention this when calling
- If the property is a rental, let the gasfitter know, as compliance documentation requirements may differ
Your Timeline and Budget Expectations
Being upfront about your timeframe and rough budget helps the gasfitter prioritise and tailor their quote.
- Do you have a fixed deadline (e.g. a new appliance arriving, a tenancy start date)?
- Is this urgent (e.g. no hot water, suspected gas leak)? If you smell gas, don't wait — call your gas supplier's emergency line immediately and ventilate the area
- Are you looking for a supply-and-install quote, or are you supplying the appliance yourself?
- Do you want options (e.g. different appliance types or pipe routing methods)?
A Handy Checklist at a Glance
| Information | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Gas type (natural gas or LPG) | Affects equipment, fittings, and pressure settings |
| Appliance make and model | Ensures correct fittings and compliance checks |
| Property type and construction | Affects pipework routing and labour time |
| Location of existing gas points | Helps estimate pipe run length and materials |
| Access details | Flags any difficult or time-consuming access |
| Consent requirements | Determines compliance pathway |
| Timeline and urgency | Helps with scheduling and prioritisation |
When to Call a Professional
All gasfitting work in New Zealand is restricted work under the Gas Act 1992. It is illegal for an unlicensed person to carry out gasfitting — this includes connecting appliances, installing or modifying pipework, and commissioning gas systems. Always verify your gasfitter's licence on the PGDB register before work begins.
If you smell gas at any time, leave the area, avoid switches and flames, and call your gas supplier's emergency number straight away.
For all other gas installation, repair, or compliance work, you can find qualified local gasfitters on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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