When to Call a Commercial Gas Plumber: Signs and Compliance Basics
Gas plays an important role in keeping Melbourne businesses running. It’s used in busy commercial kitchens, provides hot water for aged care facilities and keeps classrooms warm through winter. When everything’s working as it should, it’s easy to forget just how much your business relies on it.
But like any essential system, commercial gas installations need regular attention to stay safe, efficient and compliant. Knowing what to look out for can help you identify potential issues early and understand when it’s time to call a commercial gas plumber.
Here’s what business owners and facility managers should know about common warning signs, gas safety and compliance requirements in Victoria.
Signs Your Commercial Gas System Needs Some Attention
Changes in how your gas appliances operate can be an early indication that something isn’t right. These are the clues to keep an eye out for.
A gas smell
Natural gas has no smell of its own, so an odorant is added to help people notice it quickly. If you or your staff catch that familiar rotten egg smell, treat it as a possible commercial gas leak and follow the steps in the next section.
Flames that look different
A healthy burner usually has a crisp blue flame. Lazy yellow or orange flames, or flames that flicker and lift off the burner, are a sign of possible combustion problems that should be checked by a qualified gasfitter.
Pilot lights that keep going out
A pilot light that repeatedly goes out may indicate a problem with the appliance, but it’s often a simple fix.
Soot, scorch marks or extra heat
Dark marks around appliances, flues or vents, or unusually high temperatures around gas equipment, can indicate combustion or ventilation problems that need professional attention.
A hiss near pipework
A quiet hissing sound near gas lines or fittings is a possible sign of a gas leak that requires immediate attention.
Gas bills creeping up
If your gas use climbs without a busier trading period to explain it, a small leak somewhere on site could be the cause. Our commercial leak detection team can track it down.
What to Do if You Notice a Commercial Gas Leak
If you suspect a gas leak, acting quickly and safely is essential. Energy Safe Victoria recommends taking the following precautions:
- Keep clear of the area, and make emergency calls from a safe location. If there’s immediate danger, call 000.
- Call the emergency number on your gas bill to report the leak. It’s answered around the clock.
- Turn off the gas at the meter, or at the cylinder for LPG, if it’s safe to do so.
- Put out any flames and keep cigarettes and matches well away.
- Leave electrical switches and devices as they are, so nothing creates a spark.
- Open doors and windows to let fresh air through.
- Guide staff and customers to a safe spot away from the area.
Once the immediate situation is looked after, a licensed commercial gas plumber can find the source, carry out the repair and test the system before it goes back into use.
Commercial Gas Fitting Compliance in Victoria
Compliance has a few moving parts, but the basics are simple once you know who does what.
Who looks after gas in Victoria?
Energy Safe Victoria is the state’s gas safety regulator. The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), previously the Victorian Building Authority, looks after licensing and compliance certificates for plumbing and gasfitting work.
Standard and complex gas installations
Gas work falls into two groups, and knowing which one applies to your site makes commercial gas fitting compliance much easier to plan for:
- Standard gas installations cover most domestic and light commercial premises, such as a small café or shopfront.
- Complex gas installations cover other commercial, industrial and public premises, such as larger kitchens, factories, schools and hospitals.
- Type B appliances, like large industrial burners and boilers, are treated as complex gas work, along with the piping that connects to them.
Compliance certificates and acceptance
For standard gas installations requiring certification, your licensed gasfitter issues a compliance certificate once the work is complete. According to Energy Safe Victoria’s gas acceptance scheme, it’s lodged with the BPC and a copy goes to you within five days. This applies to service and repair work valued at $750 or more too.
Complex gas installations and Type B appliances require acceptance from Energy Safe Victoria before gas can be connected. Depending on the work involved, additional compliance documentation may also be required. An appropriately licensed commercial gasfitter can guide you through these requirements.
Keeping Your Gas System in Great Shape
Regular servicing is one of the easiest ways to keep appliances running efficiently and safely. For commercial kitchens, Energy Safe Victoria recommends regular day-to-day care by the people using the equipment, plus annual attention from an appropriately licensed service person.
A planned commercial plumbing maintenance program makes this simple. We can schedule gas appliance servicing, pressure testing and safety checks alongside your other plumbing work, and keep a tidy record of everything for your files.
Commercial Gas Plumbing Services Across Melbourne
From a small repair to a full new fit-out, our team at Vic Plumbing & Drainage looks after gas work for restaurants, schools, aged care facilities, factories and more. Our commercial gas fitting and repairs service covers:
- Gas system design and installation for new builds and refurbishments
- Repairs and replacement of commercial gas appliances
- Routine servicing, safety checks and pressure testing
- Commercial gas leak detection and repairs
- Commercial gas fitting compliance, including certificates and acceptance for complex sites
Our crews head out from Keilor and Mount Waverley each day, so businesses right across Melbourne are within easy reach.
Book a Commercial Gas Inspection
Whether you’re arranging routine maintenance, planning a new installation or need help with an existing gas system, our team is here to help.
We can inspect your system, talk you through what we find and make sure your site is ready for the busy months ahead. Call us on 03 9012 5111 or email estimating@vicplumbing.com.au to book your commercial gas inspection.
