Installing Gas Pipes In Your Home
- Lisa Marie Hindle
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Why You Can’t “Just Run the Gas Pipe” and Why a Gas Safe Engineer Must Do the Installation
Understanding Gas Work Regulations
Recently, there has been some confusion online about installing gas appliances versus installing gas pipes. We want to clarify why we can’t just “run the gas pipe” on a job and then have a Gas Safe engineer connect it later.
The short answer is: we legally can’t. Here’s why:
The Law
In the UK, all gas pipework is classed as “gas work” under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Only engineers on the Gas Safe Register are legally allowed to install, move, or alter gas pipes, fittings, or appliances. This includes pipe runs that are not yet connected to an appliance. If it carries (or will carry) gas, it’s covered.
What the Law Actually Says
Regulation 3 of GSIUR 1998 states:
“No person shall carry out any work in relation to a gas fitting or gas storage vessel unless he is a member of a class of persons approved…” (i.e. Gas Safe registered).
“Work in relation to a gas fitting” is defined very broadly. It includes installation, maintenance, removal, alteration, or repair of any pipe, fitting, valve, regulator, meter, appliance, etc. There is no carve-out in the regulations for “first fix pipework only.” If it’s part of a gas installation, it falls within the scope. The act of installing the pipe (even if it’s capped and not connected to an appliance yet) is classed as “gas work” under GSIUR. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can legally do this.
Why It Matters
Safety: Incorrectly installed pipework can leak. Even capped pipes may cause gas escapes later.
Liability: Work done by someone not Gas Safe registered is illegal. If there’s a problem, insurance will not cover it and the property owner could be held responsible.
“Sign-off Later Myth”: A Gas Safe engineer cannot sign off someone else’s pipework. They can only certify work they have personally installed or supervised. If they were to knowingly sign off work that a non-Gas Safe person had installed, they would potentially be committing a criminal offence, as would the non-Gas Safe person.
What We Can Do at Upcycle Interiors Ltd
At Upcycle Interiors Ltd, we understand the importance of compliance and safety. Here’s what we can do for you:
Coordinate and Arrange: We can coordinate and arrange one of our trusted partners to carry out the gas works for you.
Prepare Safe Routes: We can prepare safe routes, drill holes, chase walls, and box in, i.e., all builders’ works that don’t involve installing, altering, or connecting actual gas pipe or fittings. However, the pipe itself must be installed by the Gas Safe engineer.
Work Alongside a Gas Safe Engineer: We work alongside a Gas Safe engineer who will install, test, and certify the actual gas pipe and connections.
Coordinate Trades: We ensure the job is seamless and efficient by coordinating trades.
Our Commitment to You
We follow the law to the letter. This protects:
You – from invalid insurance and liability.
Your Property – from the risks of unsafe gas work.
Everyone – by keeping installations safe and compliant.
✅ Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer for any gas work. You can check registration at: www.gassaferegister.co.uk.
Get in Touch
Whether you’re after a full renovation or a small fix that makes a big difference, Upcycle Interiors is here to help. You can view more examples of our previous projects here.
📍 Based in Weymouth
📞 01305 584459