Detach freestanding gas stove

[RohanH]

Hi all!

I've just purchased a new single fronted Victorian home which is in need of some work in the bathroom and kitchen departments!

It has an old Westinghouse Old Kooka gas stove pictured below. Things are pretty dirty behind there (as you can see) so I was hoping to disconnect it, move it out and give the area a good clean/paint. Can the disconnection be done by me or does a licensed gas fitting technician need to be involved? 

If it's safe for me to do, apart from turning off the gas at the front of the house, which of the two threads am I unscrewing at (upper or lower), and do I need any special equipment other than the appropriate size spanner?

Cheers

Rohan

Front view

Gas attachment at the rear 

[Brad · Accepted solution]

I would disconnect from the bottom and use 2 spanners. Brush and soapy water to test for leaks when you put it back together.

All this should be done by a licenced gas fitter of course.

[Jason]

Hi @RohanH,

Welcome to Workshop. We're pleased you could join us and look forward to reading about your home improvement projects and plans. Feel free to post whenever you need a hand or have something to share. 

As per @Brad's helpful message, always use a licensed gasfitter for any installation, repairs or renovations involving gas work. Don’t ever undertake gas work yourself or to use a tradesperson who does not have specialist gas knowledge and skills.

All the best,

Jason

[RohanH]

That's very helpful thanks Brad! Licensed gas fitter it is! 

[Noyade]

Hi Rohan.

I'd also consider getting rid of the rigid vertical copper pipe by using a flexible hose and adding a tap so you don't have to turn the gas off at the mains for future renovations or an oven change. A fexible hose allows more movement for positioning, cleaning and access to the trapdoor to the meth lab.