At a Glance
Melbourne's extensive natural gas network means most homes have existing connections, keeping simple appliance hookups toward the lower end of the $200–$3,800 per job range. New line installations and heritage home upgrades sit higher. All gas work requires an ESV compliance certificate.
What's Included in the Price
A standard gas fitting quote covers labour, pipe and fittings, flexible connectors, pressure testing to AS/NZS 5601 Gas Installations requirements, and an ESV gas compliance certificate. Appliance connections include gas supply hookup, leak testing at all joints, and pressure verification. New line work includes routing pipe from the meter, wall penetrations, and full system pressure testing. Where plumbing connections are involved, work must also comply with AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage.
What Affects the Cost
- Existing infrastructure: Most Melbourne homes already have gas. Adding a bayonet point near an existing line is cheaper than running new pipe from the meter.
- Pipe run complexity: Runs through brick walls, under concrete slabs, or through roof spaces add time. External runs along walls are simplest.
- Heritage restrictions: Some heritage-overlaid properties have restrictions on external pipework, requiring concealed routing at higher cost.
- Flexible connectors: Must be replaced every 5 years under ESV requirements. Any gas work should include an inspection of all connectors on the property.
- Gas type: Melbourne is almost entirely natural gas, but some properties in outer areas may require LPG fittings, which differ in specification.
A straightforward appliance connection to an existing bayonet point in a modern Craigieburn home sits toward $200. Running a new concealed gas line through a heritage-overlaid East Melbourne terrace, with brick wall penetrations, restricted external routing, and replacement of original pipework to meet current standards, pushes toward $3,800. Most Melbourne jobs land around $750 for a short new pipe run or connection with connector replacement.
Gas leaks require immediate attention. If you smell gas, call Australian Gas Networks' emergency line (1800 GAS GAS / 1800 427 427) to isolate the supply before calling a gas fitter. After-hours, weekend, and emergency gas work carries premium rates. Winter demand from April to June creates peak booking periods, and gas heater connections during this window may face longer wait times. For non-urgent work, scheduling during business hours and outside the winter peak saves money.
Melbourne-Specific Considerations
Melbourne runs on natural gas more than almost any other Australian city. Gas heating, gas cooking, and gas hot water are the norm in established suburbs from Brighton to Northcote. This means most gas fitting work involves adding points to an existing network rather than installing from scratch, which keeps costs competitive.
Heritage homes in inner Melbourne (East Melbourne, South Yarra, Hawthorn) may have original gas pipework from the early 1900s. This is not necessarily dangerous, but any new gas work should trigger an inspection of existing infrastructure. A responsible gas fitter will flag corroded pipe, non-compliant joints, or expired flexible connectors as part of the job.
Newer developments in Melbourne's growth corridors (Craigieburn, Clyde, Tarneit) are increasingly being built without gas connections as all-electric homes become more common. If you are in a gasless estate and want to add gas, the cost of running a service from the street main is substantial and typically involves the gas distributor (Australian Gas Networks) as well as a gas fitter.
Hiring a Licensed Gas Fitter in VIC
All gas work in Victoria must be carried out by a licensed plumber with a gasfitter endorsement. The gas fitter must lodge a compliance certificate with Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) for every job. This is a legal requirement. Verify plumbing licences through the Victorian Building Authority. Ask for the compliance certificate number before making final payment. Red flags: quoting without a site visit, no ESV certificate, or no licence number on paperwork.
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on current trade rates for licensed gas fitters in VIC, adjusted for Melbourne labour costs and typical material prices. All figures include GST. Ranges cover appliance connections through to new line installations.