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LPG Gas Plumbing Installation: Your Guide to a Safe and Compliant Setup
When considering a move to an LPG gas geyser for your home, the installation process is the single most critical step. It’s the part of the project that ensures your system is safe, efficient, and compliant with all South African regulations. A typical LPG gas plumbing installation in South Africa costs between R7,500 and R18,000. A basic installation for an external geyser where pipes are short might be on the lower end, while a complex indoor installation with a flue and long pipe runs could reach the upper end. The installation must be done by a registered gas practitioner—it's a non-negotiable legal requirement and the foundation of a reliable hot water solution. You can verify a practitioner's credentials through the SAQCC Gas practitioner portal
The Value of a Professional LPG Gas Plumber
A professional gas plumber, who is also a registered gas practitioner, does more than just connect pipes and fittings. They are safety experts trained to work with a highly volatile fuel source. Their expertise ensures that your entire gas system, from the cylinder to the geyser, is installed according to the strict national standards laid out in SANS 10087-1.
As David Zulu, a certified gas installer and Kandua Pro in Gauteng, explains, "The biggest mistake homeowners make is underestimating the details. It’s not just about connecting a pipe. It’s about ventilation, pressure, the right materials, and the specific clearances required by law. Getting one of those wrong can have serious consequences."
A professional will:
- Conduct a thorough site assessment: They will evaluate the best and safest location for your geyser and gas cylinders, ensuring all required clearances from windows, doors, drains, and electrical points are met.
- Select the right materials: They use the correct Class 1 or Class 2 copper piping for gas, which is different from standard water pipes, and ensure all fittings are SABS-approved and appropriate for gas.
- Install with safety in mind: They understand critical safety requirements, such as proper ventilation, the use of a lockable gas cage, and the correct installation of flue pipes for indoor units to prevent the build-up of dangerous carbon monoxide.
- Issue a Gas Certificate of Conformity (CoC): This is a legal document that certifies your installation is safe and compliant. Without it, your home insurance may be voided in the event of an incident.
How a Gas Geyser is Installed: The Process
While every installation is unique, here is what you can generally expect when a professional gas plumber installs your new LPG gas geyser.
- Site Assessment and Planning: The plumber will first discuss your hot water needs and assess the best location for the geyser and gas bottles. They will consider factors like the geyser's size (LPM), the distance from the hot water outlets, and, most importantly, compliance with all safety clearances.
- Mounting the Geyser: The geyser unit is mounted securely on a wall in the pre-determined, compliant location. This is typically on an external wall with plenty of ventilation.
- Installing the Gas and Water Pipes: The plumber will run the gas pipe from the planned cylinder location to the geyser. They will use the correct Class 1 or 2 copper pipes and ensure all connections are leak-proof. They will also connect the geyser to your home's water supply and hot water outlets. For indoor installations, a special flue pipe is installed to vent combustion gases to the outside.
- Setting Up the Gas Supply: A compliant, lockable gas cage is installed outdoors on a firm, level base. The gas cylinders (typically a 19kg or 48kg size) are placed inside, and the regulator and pigtail hose are connected to the main gas line.
- Testing and Commissioning: Once everything is connected, the plumber will perform a series of tests to ensure the system is working correctly. This includes a pressure and leak test, checking the geyser’s ignition, and confirming that the flame is burning correctly (a blue flame with a yellow tip).
- Issuing the Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Upon successful completion of all tests, the registered gas practitioner will issue you the mandatory CoC, which legally certifies the installation is safe and compliant.
Checklist: Before Your Installer Arrives
To ensure a smooth and efficient installation day, here are a few things you can do:
- Clear the Area: Make sure the proposed location for the geyser and the gas cylinders is clear of clutter, vehicles, or obstructions.
- Ensure Access: Provide clear access for the plumber to bring in their tools and materials.
- Plan for Water & Power Off: The installer will need to turn off your water supply and possibly the power for a short time. Plan accordingly.
- Keep Pets & Children Safe: For their safety and to avoid disruption, keep pets and small children away from the work area.
The Risks of DIY and the Value of a Pro
Attempting a DIY gas geyser installation or hiring an unqualified person is extremely dangerous and illegal in South Africa. Plumbers who have to fix these jobs have told us stories of incredibly risky situations they’ve encountered.
Sipho, a Kandua Pro from Durban, recently fixed a DIY job where the homeowner used standard plumbing tape on the gas fittings. "He had a slow, invisible leak right next to his braai area," Sipho recalls. "He was lucky. We found it during a routine check, but it could have easily ignited. The R1,500 he saved on a professional installation could have cost him his home."
A certified plumber understands that:
- Gas is heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas, making correct cylinder placement and ventilation critical.
- Carbon monoxide is an invisible killer, and an improperly installed flue or a lack of ventilation can be fatal.
- Using the right materials and techniques is the difference between a system that runs safely for years and a ticking time bomb.
Summary of Our Cost and Compliance Guides
The cost to install a gas geyser can range from a budget-friendly R7,500 to R18,000 or more. For a detailed breakdown, see our Gas Geyser Installation Cost Guide
After your geyser is installed, proper maintenance is key. You can learn more in our guide to Gas Geyser Maintenance Tips.
Before installation, it is crucial to understand the pros and cons of gas geysers. They offer instant, continuous hot water and are independent of load shedding, but they require a higher upfront investment and the logistics of managing gas bottle refills. They are also space-savers and can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill in the long run.
After your geyser is installed, proper maintenance is key to its longevity and safety. You can perform simple checks like listening for gas smells and looking for leaks, but an annual professional service is a must. During this service, a registered technician will clean the burner, check for leaks with specialised equipment, and ensure all safety features are working correctly. They can also issue or update your CoC.
Customer Stories and Results
The Mkhize family in Randburg, Johannesburg, had a new 20L gas geyser installed after their old electric geyser burst. "We were worried about the upfront cost," says Mrs. Mkhize, "but our first electricity bill was almost R800 lower. The best part is not having to plan our lives around load shedding schedules anymore. The peace of mind is priceless."
Ben, a homeowner in Cape Town, was building a small cottage on his property and opted for a gas geyser from the start to save space and be water-wise. "My Kandua Pro helped me choose a 16L unit perfect for the cottage. The installation was done in a day, and the CoC was issued on the spot. It’s been running perfectly for two years, providing reliable hot water without any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does a gas geyser installation typically take?A standard gas geyser installation generally takes between 4 to 8 hours for a registered professional. More complex jobs that involve longer pipe runs, core drilling, or an indoor installation with a flue pipe can take a full day or longer.
2. What is the difference between a battery-operated and a forced-fan gas geyser?A battery-operated geyser uses batteries to ignite the flame and operate the display. It is completely independent of electricity. A forced-fan geyser has an internal fan that pushes exhaust gases out and requires a standard electrical connection to operate. Forced-fan units are often more efficient and can be more powerful, but they will not work during load shedding unless connected to an inverter or backup battery system.
3. Does the gas geyser need a hot water storage tank?No, a gas geyser is a tankless, on-demand water heater. It heats water instantly as it flows through the unit and does not require a hot water storage tank like a conventional electric geyser. This is what makes them so compact and energy-efficient.
4. Can I convert my existing electric geyser system to gas?Yes, you can. A qualified gas plumber can install a gas geyser in a suitable location and connect it to your existing hot water pipework. They can also decommission and remove the old electric geyser.
5. How do I know if the gas geyser size (LPM) is right for my home?The LPM (Litres Per Minute) rating indicates how much water the geyser can heat at a specific temperature rise. As a general guide, a 6-10 LPM unit is suitable for a single-point use like a kitchen sink. A 12-16 LPM geyser is good for a shower and basin, while a 20 LPM or larger unit can comfortably run a bath or multiple hot water outlets simultaneously. Your installer will help you choose the right size based on your household's needs.
6. What are the legal requirements for gas geyser installations in South Africa?
Yes, the requirements are strict. All gas installations must be done by a gas practitioner registered with SAQCC Gas. The installation must comply with SANS 10087-1 standards and be certified with a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
7. Can a gas geyser be installed in a garage?
*No, this is illegal and unsafe. SANS 10087-1 regulations prohibit installing a fixed gas appliance in a garage due to poor ventilation and the high risk of fire or explosion.*7. Can a
8. Is it possible for a gas geyser to be a part of a solar power setup?Yes. Since gas geysers operate on demand, they can be a perfect complement to a solar PV system. On cloudy days or at night when your solar power is not sufficient to run a heat pump or an electric geyser, your gas geyser can provide hot water. Some modern gas geysers also have a low-amperage electronic ignition that can be powered by a small solar panel or a backup battery system.
9. Can I use a gas geyser to fill a bath?
Yes, provided you choose the right size. A geyser of 16 LPM or larger is recommended to fill a bath efficiently. A smaller unit will struggle to provide enough hot water at a comfortable temperature.
10. How do I ensure I hire a qualified and trustworthy gas plumber?Always ask to see their SAQCC Gas practitioner card, which shows they are registered and qualified for the specific type of gas work. A reputable professional will have no problem providing this documentation. You can also ask for references or check online reviews from previous clients.
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A plumbing problem is never just “a small thing”. A dripping tap can turn into damp walls. A slow drain can become a full-on overflow. And when a geyser acts up, it’s suddenly everyone’s problem.
Kandua helps you get it sorted quickly by matching you with a vetted plumber for your job — whether it’s a repair, installation, inspection, or an urgent call-out.
A few quick answers (so you don’t have to scroll)
How do I choose a good plumber?
Pick someone who communicates clearly, explains the cause (not just the symptom), prices transparently, and can provide the right compliance paperwork where it’s required.
Do I need a plumbing certificate (COC) in South Africa?
Sometimes, yes — especially for bigger plumbing work and specific installations. If a job needs a Plumbing CoC, it must be issued by the right person (more on that below).
What should plumbing cost?
Most plumbers charge a call-out fee + hourly labour + materials. After-hours and specialist work (leak detection equipment, camera inspections, gas, hot water systems) usually costs more.
What should I do first in a plumbing emergency?
Turn off your main water supply, keep water away from electrics (switch off power if needed), and call a plumber.
Common plumbing problems (and what they usually mean)
You don’t need to diagnose like a plumber — but it helps to know what the signs typically point to.
“My water bill jumped”
Often linked to a hidden leak (toilet running silently, underground line leak, cracked pipe behind a wall). If you’ve ruled out obvious dripping taps, it’s worth booking leak detection early — it can save you from expensive “guess and break” repairs.
“My drain keeps blocking”
One blockage can be a once-off. Recurring blockages usually mean a deeper issue: build-up in the line, an incorrect slope, roots, or damage. This is where a camera inspection is a game-changer because it stops the cycle of temporary fixes.
“My geyser is leaking / overflowing / tripping power”
Geysers are high-pressure systems and often linked to electrical components too. If the geyser is leaking, the overflow is running constantly, or the power is tripping, don’t gamble — get a plumber involved quickly.
“Low water pressure everywhere”
Could be municipal supply — or it could be your pressure control valve, a partially closed stopcock, a clogged filter, pipe restrictions, or a leak. A good plumber will help you narrow this down fast.
When it’s a DIY job — and when it isn’t
DIY can work for simple, low-risk things (like replacing a shower head, cleaning an aerator, tightening a visible fitting).
Call a plumber when:
- the leak is hidden (walls/ceilings/floors)
- there’s sewage, a strong drain smell, or repeated backups
- you’re dealing with geysers, hot water systems, or pressure issues
- the job involves gas
- you may need a certificate for compliance, insurance, or future sale of the property
- you want the job done properly the first time (instead of paying twice)
Certifications, registrations & compliance in South Africa (what matters and when)
This is the part most people only learn after they’ve paid. Here’s the simple version.
1) Plumbing CoC (Certificate of Compliance)
A Plumbing Certificate of Compliance is a document confirming that plumbing work meets required standards and rules. You typically want a CoC when:
- major plumbing work is done (especially on water supply systems)
- hot water systems are installed or materially altered
- compliance is needed for insurance, sale of a property, or peace of mind
- the job is significant enough that you’d want proof it was done correctly
Important: not every small repair results in a CoC, but when a CoC is required, it must be issued by the appropriately authorised plumber (see PIRB below).
2) PIRB (Plumbing Industry Registration Board)
In South Africa, you’ll often hear plumbers mention PIRB. In practical terms:
- PIRB is linked to professional plumbing registration/designations.
- A PIRB-licensed plumber is typically the person who can issue a PIRB Plumbing CoC where applicable.
When you should ask about PIRB licensing:
If your job involves compliance paperwork, geysers/hot water systems, major installations, or work you’ll want certified for insurance or property transfer, ask upfront:
“Will I receive a Plumbing CoC, and are you licensed to issue it?”
3) Gas plumbing compliance (LPG / Natural Gas)
Gas work is a separate category because it carries higher risk. For gas installations and repairs, you should expect:
- the right gas-related registration/authorisation from the installer, and
- a Gas Certificate (often called a certificate of conformity/compliance) for the installation or modification.
When it’s needed:
New gas installations, changes to gas lines or appliances, or work that materially affects the gas system.
If a plumber is doing gas work, don’t be shy about asking:
“Will I receive the gas compliance certificate for this work?”
4) Solar geysers & heat pumps (hot water specialists)
Solar geysers and heat pumps sit in that “specialist” zone: plumbing, pressure, safety components, sometimes electrical integration too.
When you should care about specialist competency:
Installations, system changes, recurring failures, or when you want the job signed off properly. Ask whether the plumber is experienced specifically with solar hot water or heat pump systems — they’re not the same as a standard geyser swap.
5) Electrical CoC (sometimes relevant)
This is not a plumbing certificate — but it becomes relevant when hot water work involves electrical changes. If electrical components are installed/altered, the right electrician should handle that portion and issue the correct electrical compliance documentation.
Simple rule: plumbing paperwork for plumbing work, gas paperwork for gas work, electrical paperwork for electrical work.
Pricing: what to budget for plumbing in South Africa
Plumbing pricing varies a lot depending on where you live and what the job involves. Hiring a plumber in South Africa can cost anywhere from about R450 to R900+ per hour, with the overall price influenced by the job’s complexity, urgency, travel distance, and the plumber’s experience.
As a realistic rule of thumb :
- Standard labour often lands around R450–R850 per hour (excluding any call-out fee), with many homeowners commonly seeing ~R600–R900 depending on area and job type.
- Specialist work (complex diagnostics, difficult access, multiple points of failure) can push higher.
- Many plumbers quote ex VAT, so if you’re comparing quotes, always confirm whether VAT is included.
Typical cost structure
- Call-out fee (covers travel + initial assessment)
- Labour (hourly)
- Materials/parts
- After-hours premium (nights, weekends, public holidays)
- Specialist equipment (camera inspections, leak detection gear)
Typical hourly ranges you’ll see (guideline)
- Basic plumbing: ± R350 – R600/hour
- Average general plumbing: ± R500 – R850/hour
- Specialist / urgent work: ± R900 – R1,400/hour (sometimes more after-hours)
A realistic “small job” expectation
Even for something that sounds simple, budget for a call-out + 1–2 hours labour plus small parts. That’s why bundling a few small fixes in one visit often saves money.
10 genuinely helpful plumbing FAQ's
1) When should I get a drain & sewer camera inspection instead of just unblocking?
If the blockage keeps coming back, multiple fixtures are affected (e.g., toilet + shower), you’re getting gurgling sounds or sewer smells, or the plumber suspects roots/pipe damage. A camera inspection helps confirm why it’s blocking (build-up vs roots vs collapse) so you don’t keep paying for temporary fixes.
2) Is it safe to use drain cleaner chemicals for blocked drains?
Occasionally for minor, slow drains — but be cautious. Chemical cleaners can damage older pipes, create heat reactions, and are hazardous for you and the plumber. If you’ve used chemicals, tell the plumber before they work on the drain. For recurring blockages, mechanical clearing + camera inspection is usually safer and more effective.
3) How does professional leak detection work, and will it require breaking tiles or walls?
Leak detection typically uses non-destructive tools (depending on the leak type), like acoustic listening, pressure testing, and moisture mapping to narrow down the source. It usually reduces “guess-and-break”, but a small access point is sometimes still needed to confirm and repair the leak once the location is identified.
4) My geyser overflow pipe is dripping — is that normal?
A brief drip during heating can be normal because pressure rises as water heats. But constant dripping, heavy flow, or water running when no hot water was used can signal a pressure/valve issue or a failing component. If the overflow suddenly changes behaviour, get it checked—especially if you also notice low hot water, temperature fluctuations, or tripping power.
5) What’s the difference between a standard electric geyser, a heat pump, and a solar geyser — and what breaks most often?
- Electric geyser: simplest; common failures are element, thermostat, valves, and leaks from corrosion.
- Heat pump: heats water efficiently using a compressor; common issues include refrigerant leaks, compressor/fan faults, and control problems.
- Solar geyser: uses solar collectors; common issues include circulation problems, leaks, valve failures, and controller/sensor faults (depending on system type).
A plumber can advise which system suits your area, water hardness, usage, and roof layout.
6) Do I need special plumbing for installing a water filtration system?
Often, yes—especially for whole-house or under-sink systems. The plumber needs to confirm pipe sizes, water pressure, placement (so it’s serviceable), and whether a pressure-reducing valve or bypass loop is needed. Filter choice also depends on your water source (municipal vs borehole vs tank) and what you’re trying to remove (sediment, taste/odour, chlorine, bacteria).
7) Can a plumber install a washing machine or fridge water line, and what usually goes wrong?
Yes. Common problems are incorrect connectors, leaking valves, poor hose quality, and water hammer/pressure issues. A plumber will usually check that the shut-off valve works properly, connections are correct, and that the appliance has the right pressure and drainage setup.
8) What’s involved in installing a water tank backup system for a home?
Typically: tank placement, inlet/outlet plumbing, a pump (if needed), a non-return valve, and a safe changeover arrangement so tank water can’t feed back into the municipal supply. The right setup depends on whether you want the tank for garden use only, toilet flushing, partial household backup, or full backup.
9) When do I need septic system maintenance, and what are warning signs?
Warning signs include slow drains throughout the house, sewage smells outside, soggy ground near the tank/soakaway, gurgling pipes, and sewage backing up. Septic systems usually need periodic pumping/servicing depending on household size and tank capacity. Avoid flushing wipes/grease/chemicals—those are common causes of failures.
10) For gas plumbing (LPG or natural gas), what checks should I expect after installation or repair?
You should expect leak testing, safe routing of gas lines, correct fittings, and verification that appliances are correctly connected and ventilated where required. For installations or modifications, you should also expect the correct gas compliance certificate for the work performed. If a plumber is doing gas work, ask upfront what documentation you’ll receive and who is issuing it.
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How Much Does A Plumber Cost per hour in South Africa
Hiring a plumber in South Africa can cost anywhere from R450 to R900+ per hour, with the overall price influenced by the job's complexity, urgency, and the plumber's experience. Expect to pay a call-out fee of roughly R450–R750 (usually deducted if the work is completed), standard labour of about R450–R850 per hour, and higher after-hours/emergency pricing of about 1.5–2× the normal labour rate (plus an emergency call-out), plus materials and any access/repair or compliance-related costs. This guide will help you understand the various factors that contribute to plumbing costs and provide transparent pricing estimates.