When it comes to kitchen improvements, they don’t get much bigger than replacing your old gas stove.
Replacing your gas stove or cooktop isn’t really all that flashy when talking kitchen renovations.
However, it has the power to completely change the functionality of a room as important as the kitchen.
While your guests mightn’t appreciate your new gas stove, you certainly will when you’re making dinner every evening!
Of course, replacing a gas stove isn’t a simple one-to-one swap. At H2-Pro, our Doncaster plumbers have been engaged for renovation and construction projects big and small, many of which involve a variety of trades to ensure your project is completed to the highest standard.
We know first-hand that there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into the installation of a new gas stove.
Here are just a handful of them…
Does your new stove have the minimum clearance?
When shopping around for a new gas cooker, chances are you’re thinking about things like energy usage, the number of stoves you’ll need, and how much space it’ll take up.
While each one of these is important, there’s another consideration that many homeowners ignore.
Under regulations set by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), each burner is required to have a minimum distance from potentially combustible materials.
If clearances can’t be met, the install might not be legal – it can also be downright dangerous.
The problem is that many people buy new gas cookers without knowing that they require minimum clearances at all!
Under Australian regulations, your burners need a minimum clearance of:
- 60cm from combustible materials directly overhead
- 20cm horizontal distance from combustible surfaces on either side
- 60cm distance to your rangehood
- 75cm vertical distance to your exhaust fan
- 5cm to the back edge of your stove and the wall
Each of these requirements exist to protect you from house fires. By creating distance, this reduces the risk of the area around your cooktop catching alight.
When making a shortlist of stoves, it’s important that your architect measures everything out precisely.
And we don’t just mean your new stove either – it’s crucial that you also measure your kitchen and take note of any combustible materials that might fall into the “splash zone”.
These are just a handful of the clearance requirements that come with installing a new gas stove. Want to learn more? Read ESV’s list here.
DIY installation isn’t an option
There are several small-scale renovations you can do on your own.
However, installing a new gas stove is not one of them!
When it comes to gas, you need to go with a professional, no buts, ifs or excuses.
That’s because installing a new gas stove isn’t as simple as connecting your stove to the gas line. You also need to know which sections of the gas line need to be capped and which sections ones are more prone to leaks.
Not to mention, very few people know all the regulations that come with installing new gas appliances!
Gas is dangerous. Even small mistakes can put you, your family, your home, and your neighbours at risk of a fire or explosion.
You need a compliance certificate
Under Victorian building laws, all major renovations and installations need a compliance certificate.
What’s a compliance certificate?
Essentially, it’s a piece of paper issued by the installer verifying that all work has been performed in accordance with building codes, standards and regulations.
Sure, it’s just a piece of paper. But its power is in what’s on it.
A compliance certificate provides you with protection. If any problems come up later, your insurance won’t have any ammo to deny you a payout since all work is up-to-code.
Not to mention, some gas providers won’t supply gas to uncertified installations. This certificate needs to be presented to your provider before gas is connected for the first time.
Your gas plumbing might not be up to the job
Minimum distances aren’t the only thing you’ll need to pay attention to – have you thought about your gas plumbing?
Simply put, your current gas plumbing might not have enough capacity to provide for your new gas stove. Perhaps the gas line doesn’t let enough gas in, or perhaps your current plumbing is a different gauge (width) to your new stove.
In any case, these issues can present major hurdles to your new stove installation.
- For example, it can potentially delay your project by forcing you to put work on hold until the gas issue is resolved
- In cases where your current gas line just doesn’t have the capacity, it can lead to difficulties lighting your stove
- And if you forge ahead when your gas pipes don’t quite fit with your new stove, you could be left with leaks!
Prior to getting your stove installed, it’s important that you get your gas plumbing inspected by a professional Doncaster plumber.
We’ll take a look at your gas plumbing and identify any potential issues with your gas plumbing and prescribes
Speaking of which…
A gas-qualified plumber looks after more than just water
When people think of plumbers, they often think of blocked drains, clogged toilets and replacing hot water pipes.
While these are a large part of your local plumber’s day-to-day, by no means are they the only things we do.
Case in point: did you know that some plumbers are also qualified to conduct gas plumbing work?
While the contents may be different, the manner in which they’re delivered is essentially the same – a pipe is still a pipe, whether it delivers water or gas.
Most plumbing qualifications nowadays also come with training in gas appliances.
Not to mention, any plumber worth their salt is always training and learning, meaning that many of the old-timers also have the right tools and skillset.
Need a qualified gas plumber in Doncaster?
Call H2-Pro Plumbing!
These are just a handful of the potential issues that may arise when installing a new gas stove.
Luckily for you, a Doncaster plumber can help you out!
With a focus on Melbourne’s north-east suburbs, H2-Pro is your go-to team for all your plumbing needs, gas plumbing included. We can inspect, maintain and upgrade your gas lines and help with gasfitting during your renovation project.
Our team of local plumbers live local, are friendly, education, well-presented, and will turn up when they say they will!
Want to chat? Talk to a Doncaster plumber today – call H2-Pro on (03) 9844 1444, or click here to contact us online – we will be in touch!
Leave A Comment