Quick Answer
A licensed gas fitter in Melbourne typically charges $120–$180 per hour with a $150–$250 call-out fee. Common jobs: connecting a new gas cooktop costs $200–$450, installing an outdoor BBQ point costs $350–$700, and running a new gas line to a heater or hot water system costs $500–$1,500 depending on the run length. All gas work in Victoria must be performed by a VBA-licensed gasfitter — unlicensed gas work is illegal and dangerous.
Complete Cost Breakdown
Common Gas Fitting Jobs and Prices
| Job | Cost Range | Time (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Connect new gas cooktop (existing point) | $200–$350 | 1–2 hours |
| Connect gas cooktop (new flexible hose) | $280–$450 | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Install outdoor gas BBQ point | $350–$700 | 2–4 hours |
| Relocate existing gas point (short run) | $400–$800 | 2–4 hours |
| Install new gas line (per metre, copper) | $80–$150/m | Varies |
| Connect new gas heater (existing point) | $250–$500 | 1.5–3 hours |
| Install gas log fire fireplace connection | $500–$1,200 | 3–6 hours |
| Gas meter installation or upgrade (Multinet Gas) | $300–$600 | Arranged via distributor |
| Connect new hot water system (gas) | $350–$600 | 2–3 hours |
| Gas leak repair (locate + fix) | $250–$700 | 1–4 hours |
Hourly Rates and Call-Out Fees
| Rate Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard hourly rate | $120–$180/hr | Business hours, Monday–Friday |
| After-hours hourly rate | $180–$280/hr | Evenings and weekends |
| Emergency/same-day rate | $250–$400+/hr | Gas leak emergency call-outs |
| Call-out fee | $150–$250 | Included in most quotes, covers travel |
| Certificate of Compliance | $50–$150 | Mandatory document — sometimes included in quote |
What Affects Gas Fitting Costs?
1. Run Length and Pipe Material
A short flexible hose connection from an existing gas point to a new appliance is simple and cheap. Running new copper gas pipe through walls, under floors, or across a long backyard for an outdoor BBQ point is significantly more work — budget $80–$150 per linear metre for underground or in-wall copper pipe runs.
2. Access Difficulty
Connecting appliances in tight spots (under benchtops, behind cabinetry, or in ceiling cavities) takes longer. Homes built on slab (common in Officer, Cranbourne, and Pakenham) can make under-floor pipe runs impossible, requiring surface conduit or wall penetrations instead.
3. Meter and Pressure Requirements
Adding multiple gas appliances or a large outdoor kitchen may require a meter upgrade or pressure regulator adjustment. Contact Multinet Gas (SE Melbourne’s gas distribution network) to discuss any meter changes — the network company charges separately from the gasfitter’s labour.
4. Victorian Compliance Requirements
All gas work in Victoria must comply with AS/NZS 5601.1 (Gas Installations). This means the gasfitter must pressure-test the installation, check all joints, and issue a Certificate of Compliance. These compliance steps are built into legitimate quotes — any quote that omits them should raise a red flag.
Tips and Gotchas
- Always check the gasfitter’s licence. Verify your gasfitter’s registration at vba.vic.gov.au/check/licence before work starts. A Type A gasfitter’s licence covers domestic gas work — Type B is for industrial.
- Ask for the CoC on the day. The Certificate of Compliance should be provided at job completion, not weeks later. If a tradesperson can’t provide it, that’s a compliance failure.
- Bundle jobs to reduce call-out costs. If you’re adding a BBQ point and connecting a new gas cooktop, do them on the same visit — you pay the call-out fee once.
- Check for rebates before upgrading. The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program may offer rebates for switching from gas to reverse-cycle air conditioning or electric heat pumps. Speak to a registered provider before locking in a new gas appliance.
- Don’t cap gas without checking downstream. If you’re removing a gas appliance (e.g., replacing a gas cooktop with induction), the gasfitter must properly cap the gas point and retest the system — a loose cap or improper isolation is a serious leak risk.
- Understand flexible hose lifespans. Flexible stainless braided hoses connecting gas appliances degrade over time. Replace them every 5–10 years or whenever you upgrade the appliance — old hoses are a common leak source.
Local Melbourne Resources
- VBA Licence Check — verify any gas fitter’s Victorian Building Authority registration
- Multinet Gas — SE Melbourne’s gas distribution network; gas emergencies: 132 691
- Consumer Affairs Victoria — Gas Work — licensing requirements and homeowner rights
- Reece Plumbing — gas fittings, flexible hoses, isolation valves, and copper pipe supplies
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a plumber do gas work in Melbourne?
Only if they hold a separate Type A gasfitter’s licence in addition to their plumbing licence. Plumbing and gas fitting are separate licence classes in Victoria — always check the VBA licence register to confirm your tradesperson is qualified for gas work specifically.
How much does it cost to get gas connected to a property in Melbourne?
New gas connection costs depend on the distance from the main and the property’s location. Multinet Gas charges a connection fee (typically $500–$2,000) plus the gasfitter’s internal installation costs. In newer growth areas (Officer, Pakenham), natural gas may not be available — check Multinet’s address checker online before proceeding.
Is natural gas available in all SE Melbourne suburbs?
No. Natural gas (reticulated gas) is not available in some newer outer growth suburbs and rural areas around the Mornington Peninsula and Cardinia Shire. Check coverage at multinet.com.au’s address lookup tool. Properties without mains gas typically use LPG bottles or switch to electric alternatives.
Do I need a permit to install a gas log fire?
Yes. Gas log fireplace installations require a licensed gasfitter and a Certificate of Compliance. If the installation involves penetrating an external wall (for flue or air intake), a building permit may also be required. Confirm with your local council or building surveyor.
How long does a gas fitting job take?
Simple connections (existing gas point to new appliance) take 1–2 hours. Installing a new BBQ gas point with a short pipe run takes 2–4 hours. Major new gas line installations (new heater, outdoor kitchen) take half a day to a full day depending on complexity.
Final Thoughts
Gas fitting in Melbourne is strictly licensed work — there are no DIY options. Costs are reasonable for simple connections ($200–$450) and scale up with complexity. The most important thing is choosing a VBA-registered gasfitter, insisting on a Certificate of Compliance, and getting the job done properly the first time. Gas is unforgiving of substandard work.