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What does a gasfitter do and how are they different to a plumber?
Someone who installs, maintains or repairs gas appliances is called a gasfitter. A gasfitter also makes sure these appliances are running safely and efficiently by testing these appliances regularly.
Even though gas is common and safe, it can pose significant risks if gas appliances are installed incorrectly. While a number of plumbers in Wellington are also gasfitters, many are not - it all depends on the qualifications each plumber holds as to whether they're also a gasfitter.
Even though gas is common and safe, it can pose significant risks if gas appliances are installed incorrectly. While a number of plumbers in Wellington are also gasfitters, many are not - it all depends on the qualifications each plumber holds as to whether they're also a gasfitter.
Why should I use a certifying gas fitter?
There are strict industry guidelines which state that all gas connections, whether they're natural gas or LPG, require a qualified and licensed gasfitter to undertake all the operations to get the appliances connected, installed and working. Each installation also requires a certificate of compliance to be completed once the work has been done.
Maxey Plumbing & Gas are certified gasfitters, which means our work and industry is heavily regulated to make sure the work we do is safe, done well and managed responsible. As a qualified certifying gasfitter, we can offer good advice when it comes to deciding what's best for you.
Maxey Plumbing & Gas are certified gasfitters, which means our work and industry is heavily regulated to make sure the work we do is safe, done well and managed responsible. As a qualified certifying gasfitter, we can offer good advice when it comes to deciding what's best for you.
What is the difference between LPG and Natural Gas?
LPG and natural gas are similar in how they are used, however, LPG produces a much greater heat due to its higher calorific value. LPG is the same gas used in barbecues but it's also used in space heaters, water heating systems, cookers and other applications.
LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) is generic name give to mixtures of hydrocarbons. LPG is mainly propane and butane stored in a liquid state. Natural gas is a hydrocarbon composed largely of methane.
Because LPG is stored in liquid form and is heavier than air, it tends to collect in low points. It is more difficult to disperse than natural gas, so more prone to catch fire or explode if a leak occurs.
Natural gas is lighter than air so disperses more easily if there is a leak.
LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) is generic name give to mixtures of hydrocarbons. LPG is mainly propane and butane stored in a liquid state. Natural gas is a hydrocarbon composed largely of methane.
Because LPG is stored in liquid form and is heavier than air, it tends to collect in low points. It is more difficult to disperse than natural gas, so more prone to catch fire or explode if a leak occurs.
Natural gas is lighter than air so disperses more easily if there is a leak.
Can I get connected to gas?
If there is a natural gas pipeline, yes. Otherwise LPG cylinders are widely available. Talk to us about your options.
Should I have piped gas or cylinders?
LPG cylinders are perfect for homes that don’t have access to a piped network and depending on the location of your home LPG cylinders can be delivered to you. Piped LPG allows you to have a non-stop supply of gas, all the time.
Like your electricity supply, the gas is metered at your home, requiring very low maintenance from you. Check to see if your property is in a piped network.
Like your electricity supply, the gas is metered at your home, requiring very low maintenance from you. Check to see if your property is in a piped network.
What size gas cylinder do I need?
The size of the gas cylinder you have may be influenced by how you get them filled which is either by exchanging the cylinder for full ones or by tanker refilling (where the cylinders stay in place).
It will also depend on the number and type of appliances you have. How often you have to have them replaced or refilled depends on how heavy a user you are.
We can provide advice on the type, number and size of gas cylinders you require.
It will also depend on the number and type of appliances you have. How often you have to have them replaced or refilled depends on how heavy a user you are.
We can provide advice on the type, number and size of gas cylinders you require.
What is an Infinity?
An Infinity is a continuous flow water heater. The water is heated when it enters your hot water system, so there's no need to store the water in a cylinder. A few benefits of an infinity include:
- They provide an unlimited supply of hot water
- Infinity units are small and compact – freeing up valuable space for other purposes
- They can be installed on the outside of your house, or somewhere inside too
- There's no cylinder of hot water stored in your house
- They come in a range of options and models, so you can choose the best option to suit your needs.
- Custom temperature controls
- Never wait for hot water again!
Is it ok to paint, move or enclose my gas cylinders?
No. You can discuss storage option with us, as the surroundings of the cylinders need to comply with the safety regulations. Gas cylinders should always be stored upright and in a secure area away from people and vehicles where they could be knocked or allowed to fall over.
Do not repaint or disguise any markings or damage on the cylinders.
Keep in a cool, well ventilated area, away from heat sources, sources of ignition and combustible materials, especially flammable gases. There should be enough ventilation to allow fresh air for consumption and removal of burnt gases
Do not repaint or disguise any markings or damage on the cylinders.
Keep in a cool, well ventilated area, away from heat sources, sources of ignition and combustible materials, especially flammable gases. There should be enough ventilation to allow fresh air for consumption and removal of burnt gases
How do I make sure my home and family are safe?
Carbon monoxide leaks are extremely dangerous, so have your appliances checked annually by a certifying gasfitter.
If you think your appliance has a leak or not working properly, give us a call.
Look out for signs there is a problem include unexplained headaches and nausea, shortness of breath, confusion, lazy yellow flames instead of blue ones, black marks or stains on or around the appliance.
Make sure there is adequate ventilation and the air vents are not blocked.
If you think your appliance has a leak or not working properly, give us a call.
Look out for signs there is a problem include unexplained headaches and nausea, shortness of breath, confusion, lazy yellow flames instead of blue ones, black marks or stains on or around the appliance.
Make sure there is adequate ventilation and the air vents are not blocked.
My gas bill is too high, could I have a gas leak?
Often we get clients calling in the winter months who have received a gas bill that is much higher than what they have ever had before insistent that they have a gas leak. We suggest checking your power bill to see whether it is an actual reading, after receiving low estimates and analysing how much you have been using your gas heating, hot water system etc to see whether this bill is correct. If after doing these things you still think it is a gas leak follow the steps below.
How do I know if I have a leak?
Signs your appliance may have a leak includes a gas smell. But carbon monoxide, which is produced when gas is burned, has no smell.
Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning including headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and confusion - especially if experienced by other people and/or animals in the same home at the same time.
You may also find your appliance is not working correctly - i.e. if it has a yellow or orange flame or the pilot light goes out frequently. If you experience any of these, you should get your cookware or heating appliance checked.
Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning including headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and confusion - especially if experienced by other people and/or animals in the same home at the same time.
You may also find your appliance is not working correctly - i.e. if it has a yellow or orange flame or the pilot light goes out frequently. If you experience any of these, you should get your cookware or heating appliance checked.
I think I have a gas leak, what should I do?
If you can smell gas in or around an appliance turn off the appliance and call us for advice straight away. If you can still smell gas after switching the appliance off or can smell it coming from a pipe, switch the gas supply off at the outside meter by turning the valve on the main pipe from On to Off. If the appliance is supplied by an LPG gas cylinder, twist the valve on the top of the cylinder to shut off the gas supply.