No. Plumbing and gasfitting are separate categories of work in NSW. A tradesperson may be authorised for both, but being a plumber does not automatically authorise someone to perform gas work.
What is the difference?
Plumbers work on systems such as water services, sanitary plumbing and drainage. Gas fitters work on gas installations, including gas supply pipework, connections and appliances. The work a person may perform depends on the categories shown on their current NSW licence or certificate.
Gas faults can cause fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not install, alter, repair or test a gas system yourself; use a tradesperson with the appropriate gasfitting authorisation.
Can one tradesperson do both?
Yes. One person can perform both plumbing and gasfitting work if their NSW credentials cover every part of the job.
For example, installing a gas hot-water system may involve water pipework, gas connections and appliance commissioning. The contractor must hold the relevant authorisation for each part or engage appropriately authorised workers.
“Gas plumber” is an informal term, not a licence category or proof of authorisation.
How to check a contractor’s authorisation
Use the NSW builder and tradesperson licence check before booking. Confirm that:
- the licence or certificate is current;
- its categories cover the specific plumbing or gasfitting work; and
- the record matches the person or business quoting for the job.
If the record is unclear, ask the contractor or NSW Fair Trading to confirm the permitted scope.
What affects the charge?
There is no reliable standard charge for either trade. Pricing depends on the actual fault, scope, access, location, materials, labour, licence categories required, urgency, current market conditions and whether further faults are found. Ask the appropriately licensed contractor to inspect the job and provide an itemised, site-specific quote.
For work involving both systems, our Sydney plumbing team can identify the required licence categories, arrange the right authorised trades and provide a scope-based quote before work begins.