Non-compliant gas installations in Adelaide can come at a very high price.
They could even cost you your life.
The Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) is in charge of regulating safety and standards across the gas fitting industry throughout South Australia.
It observes a range of acts, regulations and standards.
Non-compliant gas installations are illegal because they pose enormous health and safety risks.
It’s fair warning not just for homeowners concerned about their safety.
Property managers have the health and safety of many to consider as well as legal standards to meet while builders must ensure their installs are compliant or risk expensive rework.
Here’s how to ensure your dwelling continues to meet legislated standards and when there might be a problem that needs addressing.
Electronic Certificate of Compliance
First and foremost, any installation undertaken by a non-licensed gas plumber is non-compliant.
A qualified gas fitter will issue an eCoC (Electronic Certificate of Compliance) after any installation, decommissioning, removing or relocating of a gas appliance or flue pipes.
An eCoC is an electronic document emailed to the customer at the completion of any job.
It is a legal requirement to do so and only a licensed gas fitter can legally complete one.
Basic maintenance and repair work of gas appliances does not require the issue of an eCoC.
How to identify non-compliant gas installations
Sometimes, you may buy or rent a house where the status of a gas fitting is uncertain and you have no record of an eCoC.
There are many different types of non-compliant gas installations.
These include:
Non-certified products – any products that do not have industry certification may indicate non-compliance.
Incorrect piping – the AS/NZS 5601 standard prohibits the use of multi-layer or plastic-coated stainless steel piping as a final connection to an appliance.
Poor sealing – this is likely to produce a gas leak and a licensed gas fitter should be called at once.
Inadequate ventilation – this is normally indicated by the smell of gas, moisture forming on indoor windows, discoloured walls or appliances and should prompt an immediate call to a licensed gas fitter.
Unsafe clearances – appliances too close to combustibles or inadequate ventilation can lead to fires or explosions.
Gas cookers require a minimum clearance of 450mm to be considered compliant.
Unflued heaters must have adequate ventilation.
Lack of shut-off valves – manual shut-off valves are now mandatory in all new and modified gas appliance installations in residential and commercial properties in South Australia.
Unsafe appliance connections – may also be indicated by the smell of gas.
The hidden costs
There are many hidden costs associated with non-compliant gas installations.
Safety risks – gas leaks pose the risk of fire and deadly explosions.
As recently as July, 2025, an 85-year-old NSW man died after suffering burns to 50 per cent of his body from an explosion linked to an LPG gas cylinder.
Health risks – a gas leak smells like rotten eggs and causes symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, chest pain and blurred vision because it deprives the body of oxygen.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal within 2-3 hours and a by-product of natural gas when it does not receive enough oxygen to combust. It is odourless, making it much harder to detect.
Potential legal penalties – individuals who knowingly use unsafe gas (or electrical) installations may be fined up to $250,000 in South Australia.
Cost of repairs – unsafe gas installations will be disconnected and must be repaired to meet safety standards before further use.
Insurance issues – non-compliant gas installations will almost certainly void insurance claims leaving individuals significantly out of pocket. They can also expect a double whammy of higher insurance premiums.
Appliance failure – the reduced lifespan of appliances and voided warranties is another potentially costly expense.
How to protect yourself
A few simple steps will help ensure your health and your hip pocket are protected from the threat posed by non-compliant gas installations.
Only hire a licensed gas fitter – If they are licensed, they must display their license number on their website, social media, advertising or business cards. You can then verify that number at the Consumer and Business services register.
Insist on an eCoC – Remember, only licensed gas fitters can legally provide one of these and they are required by law to do so. If you don’t receive one, follow up with your gas fitter.
Inspect appliances and connections – Always check work upon completion and if any issues arise, get back in touch with your licensed gas fitter.
Schedule regular inspections – Even licensed work may deteriorate over time due to any number of issues. Gas appliances require regular service. The best way to ensure your home is safe from the threat of gas leaks is with annual inspections.
Get expert plumbing support and advice today
Gas provides a valuable alternative fuel source to around 56 per cent of homes in South Australia.
But like plumbing systems, gas appliances require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they remain safe and in peak working order.
James Smith Plumbing (license number 197956) is one of South Australia’s most dependable and trusted plumbing companies.
The JSP team are also experienced and licensed gas fitters and have expertise in assessing existing systems, making necessary upgrades, ensuring compliance, liability coverage and safety assurance.
They will also assist with any documentation required and always issue an eCoC on work undertaken where required.
They work with homeowners, property managers and builders alike to ensure homes, apartment complexes and new builds are all safe and compliant.
Best of all, JSP is also on hand 24/7 to attend to any and all types of gas or plumbing emergencies.
Call James Smith Plumbing today on 0411 206 046 at the first sign of a problem and for all your commercial or residential plumbing maintenance needs.
You can rely on JSP for the highest standards of workmanship and a minimum of fuss.