How much does gas fitting cost in Canberra?

In short

Gas fitting in Canberra costs around $110 to $220 an hour, plus a call-out fee. Most jobs take one to two hours. Because the total depends on the job, get a quote before any work starts. And since the ACT is phasing out gas, ask a licensed fitter whether to repair, replace or switch.

In this article:

• What you are paying for
• What common gas jobs cost
• What makes one quote higher than another
• Why you need a licensed gas fitter
• The Canberra-specific part most guides skip
• How to avoid a surprise bill
• Get a clear price on your gas job
  

Gas fitting in Canberra usually costs $110 to $220 an hour, plus a call-out fee of around $88 to $200. Most standard jobs take one to two hours. A simple repair or safety check sits at the lower end, while a new appliance install costs more.

Still, every job is different. That's why a good gas fitter gives you a price before the work starts, not a surprise on the invoice.

What you are paying for

A gas fitting quote has a few parts that stack together.

First, there's labour, charged by the hour or part-hour. Most fitters also charge a call-out fee to come to your door. Then there are materials, such as gas-grade pipe, fittings, regulators and any parts the job needs.

On top of that, the fitter must test the appliance once they finish. They also need to issue a compliance certificate when the job calls for one. That certificate is your proof the work is safe and up to standard.

Good quotes include the certificate in the price. So it's worth asking before you book.

What common gas jobs cost

Every home is different, so treat these figures as a guide rather than a fixed price. All prices here include GST. Your real number comes from a quote on your own job.

A gas safety check or minor repair sits at the lower end of the hourly rate. It often takes just one visit. Connecting a gas cooktop usually costs around $165 to $495. Installing a flued gas heater costs more, usually around $330 to $990.  The final price depends on the appliance and the setup.

New gas line work costs more, because it takes longer and needs extra compliance paperwork. Gas hot water installs are a bigger job again. Installed, they usually cost around $1,325 to $3,850, depending on the system and the work involved. 

If one price looks far below the rest, ask why. And always check the fitter's licence number before you book.

What makes one quote higher than another

Two homes can get very different prices for what sounds like the same job. A few things explain the gap.

First, the age of the home matters. Older Canberra houses sometimes have original pipework that needs attention before new work can start. Access matters too, since a hard-to-reach meter or appliance takes longer.

Next, the appliance itself changes the price. A simple cooktop connection is quick. But a gas fireplace, outdoor connection or hot water system takes more time and more parts.

Finally, urgent work costs more than a planned visit, and fairly so. That's because a suspected leak after hours pulls a licensed fitter out at short notice.

Why you need a licensed gas fitter

In the ACT, you can't legally do gas work yourself. Nor can you hand it to an unlicensed handyman.

The Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 covers gas licensing here, and Access Canberra oversees it. A licensed gas fitter knows how to do the work safely, then test and certify it.

So when you ask for a quote, ask for the licence number too. A good gas fitter will happily share it.

The Canberra-specific part most guides skip

The ACT is moving away from gas. Since 8 December 2023, most Canberra homes and businesses can't get a new gas network connection. The rule covers residential, commercial and community facility zones. The ACT Government also plans to electrify Canberra by 2045.

Homes with an existing gas meter can keep using it. But if a major renovation means the gas connection has to be removed to make the site safe, it can't be reconnected. Even so, the direction is clear.

For a homeowner, that changes the question. If your gas hot water or heater is near the end of its life, you have a choice to make. You could repair it, replace it with gas, or switch to electric now rather than later. There's no single right answer. It all depends on your system's age, your budget and your plans for the home.

A licensed gas fitter who knows Canberra can talk you through it honestly. That includes telling you when staying with gas still makes sense.

How to avoid a surprise bill

The simplest way to keep control of the cost is to get the price before the work starts.

Ask for a quote that spells out labour, parts and any call-out fee. Then check that it includes the compliance certificate. And if something changes once the job is underway, a good fitter tells you before they carry on, not after.

Get a clear price on your gas job

If you need a gas install, repair or safety check, contact a licensed J&J gas fitter. You can book online or call us on 0482 426 979.  We can also help you decide whether to stay with gas. Either way, we'll give you a clear price before we start, and do the job once, properly.