At a Glance
Gas fitting work in Australia typically costs $200–$4,000 per job, ranging from a simple appliance connection to running a new gas line from the meter. All gas work must be carried out by a licensed gas fitter. Not all plumbers hold this qualification. Prices vary by scope, location, and gas type (natural vs LPG).
What's Included
A typical gas fitting quote covers labour, materials (pipe, fittings, connectors), pressure testing to AS/NZS 5601 Gas Installations requirements, and a compliance certificate. For appliance connections, it includes hooking up the unit and testing all joints for leaks. New gas line installations include trenching or routing pipe from the meter or manifold, connection to the appliance, and final system pressure testing. Work must also comply with AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage where plumbing connections are involved.
What Affects the Cost
- Scope of work: Connecting an existing gas point to an appliance is the simplest job. Running new pipe from the meter is significantly more.
- Pipe run length: Longer distances between the gas meter and the appliance increase material and labour costs. Every additional metre adds to the bill.
- Gas type: Natural gas and LPG have different fitting requirements, regulators, and pressure specifications. LPG conversions or changeovers add complexity.
- Access: Concrete cutting, sub-floor crawling, or roof-space routing all add time and cost.
- Flexible connector replacement: These have a 5-year lifespan. A responsible gas fitter will replace them during any related work. Factor this into the quote.
- Leak investigation: Gas leak detection and repair is urgent work, typically at premium rates.
A straightforward appliance connection to an existing gas bayonet point, for example hooking up a freestanding cooktop in a home with gas already at the kitchen, sits toward $200. Running a new gas line from the meter to an outdoor BBQ area 15 metres away, through a brick wall, with trenching and multiple fittings, pushes toward $4,000. Most jobs fall around $800 for a short new pipe run or appliance connection with connector replacement.
Gas leaks and appliance failures can require emergency callouts. After-hours, weekend, and emergency gas work carries premium rates compared to scheduled business-hours appointments. If you smell gas, call your gas distributor's emergency line first to isolate the supply, then arrange a gas fitter for repairs. If the situation is not an active emergency, for example connecting a new cooktop or extending to an outdoor BBQ, scheduling during business hours saves money.
City and Regional Price Comparison
Prices vary across Australia at two levels.
City-level: Sydney (NSW) serves as the baseline at $200–$4,000 per job. Melbourne, with its extensive natural gas network and high gas appliance penetration, has competitive pricing and a large pool of licensed gas fitters. Brisbane tends to cost more per job due to limited natural gas coverage, with LPG work common in outer suburbs. Perth and Adelaide typically run 10–15% higher than Sydney due to smaller trade pools and logistics costs.
Suburb and regional level: Within any city, the spread between $200 and $4,000 depends on existing gas infrastructure and access. Inner-city terrace houses (Balmain in Sydney, Fitzroy in Melbourne) with narrow side passages and shared walls make pipe routing significantly more labour-intensive than standard suburban homes. Properties without existing gas reticulation, common in newer estates built as all-electric (Tarneit in Melbourne, Alkimos in Perth), face the additional cost of a gas main connection from the distributor before any internal gas fitting work can begin. Older suburbs with original iron gas pipework may need section replacements to bring the system up to current standards, adding to the total regardless of city.
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on current trade rates for licensed gas fitters in each state, adjusted for regional labour costs and typical material prices. All figures include GST. Ranges reflect the spread between a straightforward appliance connection and a more involved new gas line installation.