4 Apr 2025
Gas Leak Repair: EMA Licensed vs Unlicensed Handyman
Gas Leak Repair: EMA Licensed vs Unlicensed Handyman
Introduction: Comparing Gas Installation
1. Key Errors in Pipe Routing and Jointing
EMA-Licensed Gas Service Worker
- SS 608 Compliance in Pipe Routing:
- False Ceilings: Except for welded steel pipes, galvanised iron and copper pipes must not have joints.
- Bedrooms: Gas pipes must not be routed through bedrooms.
- External/Cavity Walls: Uses protective sleeving and corrosion-resistant coatings for pipes chased into porous or external walls (SS 608 Clause 6.3).
Unlicensed Handyman
- Common Malpractices:
- Compression Joints in False Ceilings: Uses unreliable compression fittings for copper pipes in concealed spaces, increasing the risk of undetected leaks.
- Routing Through Bedrooms: Incorrectly routes gas pipes through bedrooms, violating safety regulations.
- Cavity Wall Risks: Installs pipes without appropriate sleeving or corrosion protection, leading to long-term degradation.
2. Steel Pipes (API) and Radiographic Inspection (SS 608 Clause 6.7)
EMA-Licensed Gas Service Worker
- Uses API 5L Grade B steel pipes for durability and pressure resistance.
- Welds steel pipes as required by SS 608 Clause 6.7(b).
- Conducts radiographic testing (RT) in accordance with API 1104 to detect weld defects.
- Maintains RT reports for regulatory inspections by the Energy Market Authority (EMA).
Unlicensed Handyman
- Uses non-compliant pipes, which may be of inferior quality and prone to rupture.
- Skips welding, opting for cheaper threaded joints, violating SS 608 requirements.
- No radiographic inspection, leaving potential weld defects undetected.
3. Gas Appliance Commissioning (SS 608 & Gas Regulations)
EMA-Licensed Gas Service Worker
- Conducts a Regulation 21(2) leak test using a U-gauge before issuing certification.
- Ensures gas-air ratios (e.g., 10:1 for boilers) are correct for complete combustion and minimal CO emissions.
- Verifies flue functionality to keep CO levels below 35 ppm.
- Ensures adequate ventilation in accordance with Regulation 20(d).
- Installs automatic cut-off systems that shut off the gas supply if ventilation fails.
Unlicensed Handyman
- No certification, meaning appliances are illegally installed (Regulation 21(3)).
- No combustion analysis, increasing the risk of CO poisoning due to incomplete combustion.
- Fails to install interlocking safety systems, leaving gas appliances unprotected.
4. Gas Pipe Testing and Inspection (SS 608 Clause 8)
EMA-Licensed Gas Service Worker
- Conducts two-stage pressure testing (140 kPa for 24 hours on polyethylene pipes).
- Uses a 300 mm water U-gauge for 5 minutes for internal pipes.
- Performs gas-tightness tests under live conditions (Regulation 21(1)).
- Uses soap testing on joints to detect micro-leaks.
Unlicensed Handyman
- Skips pressure testing, increasing the likelihood of undetected leaks.
- Relies on visual checks rather than using U-gauge or soap tests.
**Key Differences Summary**
| Aspect | EMA-Licensed Gas Service Worker | Unlicensed Handyman |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe Routing | No gas pipes in bedrooms; uses sleeving in cavity walls. | Routes pipes through bedrooms; no corrosion protection. |
| Steel Pipe Welding | API 5L Grade B + API 1104 radiographic inspection. | Uses low-grade steel; skips weld testing. |
| Jointing in Concealed Areas | Uses brazed or soldered joints in false ceilings. | Uses compression fittings, increasing leak risk. |
| Appliance Commissioning | Conducts gas leak tests, CO checks, and safety interlocks. | No leak testing; appliances left uncertified. |
| Final Testing | Two-stage pressure tests + radiography for welds. | Incomplete testing; relies on visual inspection. |
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