IF AFTER READING THIS REVIEW IF YOU STILL HIRE ZABS PLUMBING TO DO ANY WORK AT YOUR PROPERTY, YOU WILL ONLY HAVE YOURSELF TO BLAME. Got a quote to install ducted gas heater at my rental property. Asked if they will provide gas compliance certificate, installer advised he cannot provide it as my windows are too close to the heater, but as he is such a nice guy, he will still install the heater for me, but cannot give a gas compliance certificate. I believed him and hired him. The ducted heater was installed. There were issues with installation, but I overlooked them. I called Energy Safe Victoria next day and they advised the installer must provide a gas compliance certificate. Installer cannot do the job and not provide the certificate. They also advised that my windows were too far away and that they were compliant with the heater install. I sent the installer an email, he reluctantly came to my house with Zabs Plumbing owner (Plumber). Plumber advised me that to issue a gas compliance certificate he needs to pressure test the main gas line to ensure there was no gas leak. I advised to go ahead as the line was upgraded less than 10 years back and pressure test was done 2 years back when I had the gas stove replaced. The Plumber started to test the gas line and no leaks were found, test was only required to be completed for 5 to 10 min (confirmed by Energy Safe), but he continued to test for 30 minutes, hoping there will be a leak. No leaks for 30 min, the Plumber became agitated and disappointed because this was an opportunity for him to punish me for insisting on a gas compliance certificate and making him come back to the site. The Plumber excused himself and quickly went inside the house and 3 min later came outside saying there is a leak at the stove. I advised that the needle on his gas test meter had not moved at all, demonstrating that the pressure was being maintained with no leaks. But the Plumber kept insisting there was a leak, would not provide any evidence and proceeded to lock off the main gas line, without even telling me what he was doing. Plumber then said unless I gave him $1,500 to put in a new gas line he cannot turn the gas on. I argued with him that this is unethical when there was no leak, The Plumber advised this is what happens when I bring him back to the site after the work has been done, meaning I inconvenienced him and this was his way to punish me. I said I will get a second opinion and contact Energy Safe. Hearing this the Plumber immediately reduced the price down to $1,000. Being a rental property, I could not inconvenience the tenants (I have great tenants), so had no option but to pay the Plumber money to upgrade the gas line when doing so was not at all required. Getting Energy Safe involved would have taken a few days and the Plumber knew this.
In the process of filing compliant with Victorian Building Authority, as there are issues with the gas line install which was not required in the first place.

Approximate cost: $1000