Gas pipes typically run from the street supply to the gas meter, then branch to appliances such as cooktops, heaters and gas hot-water systems. Depending on the building, pipes may run underground, beneath floors, inside wall cavities or roof spaces, or along external walls. LPG pipework starts at the cylinders or tank. Never assume the exact route before drilling, cutting or digging.
General information about whether pipes run through walls or floors can help you understand likely routes, but it cannot confirm the alignment in a specific property.
Common gas pipe routes
For a natural gas property, the usual sequence is the street supply, underground service pipe, gas meter, branch pipes and appliances.
The service pipe may cross lawns, gardens, paths or driveways before reaching the meter. It may not follow a straight line.
From the meter, pipes may:
- run along an external wall before entering near an appliance
- pass beneath a suspended floor and branch upwards
- run through concealed wall or ceiling cavities
- cross a roof space before dropping to an appliance
- follow a combination of concealed and exposed routes.
Layouts vary with the building design, meter position and appliance locations. Renovations, extensions and previous appliance changes can also produce indirect routes. Apartment readers should first understand how gas is supplied to an apartment and whether a new point can be installed. Visible pipework or appliance connections do not reveal the full concealed alignment.
How to confirm the exact location
Use records, safe visual checks and professional locating, not assumptions.
- Inspect visible areas only: Note the meter or LPG source, exposed pipework and appliance connection points. Do not open cavities or disturb fittings.
- Check available plans: Building or gas installation records may help, but they can be incomplete or outdated.
- Request utility plans before digging: Before You Dig Australia can provide available underground service information. Plans may not show private pipework or its precise on-site position.
- Arrange professional locating: Before drilling, cutting, nailing or excavating near a suspected route, ask an appropriately licensed gas fitter or service locator to assess the area.
Do not probe, loosen fittings or perform exploratory demolition. Damaging gas pipework can release flammable gas and create a fire or explosion risk. Leave gasfitting diagnosis, alteration and repair to an appropriately licensed gas fitter.
If you smell gas or damage a suspected line, stop work and leave the area. Do not use flames, electrical switches or a phone nearby. Keep others away, call Triple Zero (000) from a safe location if there is immediate danger, and contact the gas distributor’s emergency line. Guidance on who is responsible for a gas leak at the meter or within a property can help you contact the right party after the area is safe.
Before disturbing a suspected route, contact our licensed gas fitter team to arrange safe confirmation of the pipe location.