A gasfitter is someone who installs, maintains or repairs gas appliances. A gasfitter makes sure these appliances are running safely and efficiently by testing these appliances.

Although gas is safe, it can pose a risk if gas appliances are installed incorrectly. Although some plumbers are also gasfitters, some are not. It comes down to the qualifications and licenses they hold.

JP Gas are certified gasfitters and plumbers

Always use a licensed gasfitter for any installation, repairs or renovations involving gas work. This applies to the installation of hot water systems and gas-fuelled heaters, and for renovations where the disconnection or relocation of gas appliances is required.

A Gas Safety Certificate verifies that a completed, connected installation or part gas installation is safe to use, on the grounds that it is safe and complies with the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 (GSMRs). Where it relates to an existing gas installation, it verifies that it has not affected the safety of any other part of the installation.

Regulations requires a Gas Safety Certificate for all gasfitting, after the work has been completed and connected. The person doing the connection, or their supervisor if they were working under supervision, must issue a Gas Safety Certificate if they are satisfied the installation or part of an installation is safe to use, and has not adversely affected any other part of the gas installation.

Appliances that are imported or sold in New Zealand must have a Supplier Declaration of Compliance registered on the Worksafe Gas Appliance Database. Appliances not on this list or certificated by an accredited certifier cannot be installed in New Zealand.

Appliances that are accredited may also require adaptation for NZ LPG conditions.

Ensure the appliance is in good condition. Some appliances people ask to have installed are not safe due to corrosion or other causes. Send us a picture if you want us to take a look before we come.

• An automatic changeover valve automatically switch from one gas bottle to another, when one is empty.
• To do this, both gas bottle valves are left in the OPEN position.
• The indicator typically turns red when the first bottle is empty.
• Do not touch or turn the indicator.  When it turns red, that’s your signal to call for a delivery.
• The delivery driver will replace the empty bottle with a full one and reset the indicator.

• If you can smell gas near an appliance turn off the appliance and ventilate the area. If the gas smell continues after switching the appliance off or you can smell it coming from other than an appliance, switch the gas supply off at the LPG gas cylinder by turning off the valve on the top of the cylinder. If you are using metered gas turn the valve on the main pipe from on to off.

• Call us to talk through the issue and come on-site if necessary.

For an LPG hot water system - If you have water coming out of the hot taps but it is cold:

• Check that the controllers are on and set to a suitable temperature.
• Check that there is power to the unit – you may want to try plugging a mobile phone charger to check the power supply.
• Is there gas in the LPG bottle?
• Is the bottle open?
• Call us for advice if you still have an issue.