Are you installing a new gas range, gas fireplace, or other gas-powered appliance in your home? If so, you’ll need a new gas line to connect your appliance with your existing gas pipes. This isn’t an easy, quick, or simple task—gas lines can be very dangerous if they’re installed incorrectly, and you’re much better off hiring a registered contractor to get the job done. If you have a lot of DIY experience and feel comfortable tackling this project on your own, read on for plenty of tips and best practices to help you safely install a gas line at home.
Things You Should Know
- Get the required permits from your local government before you start installing a gas line.
- Calculate the gas piping size you’ll need using a chart in your plumbing code book.
- Seal your new pipes securely with gas-grade plumber’s tape , pipe sealant , and a pipe wrench .
- Pressure-test your pipes with an air compressor and spritz them with soapy water to detect any possible leaks.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat type of pipe can I use for a gas line?Greg Jeiranyan is a Licensed Plumber based in Los Angeles, California. With over 10 years of professional experience, Greg and his team specialize in residential and commercial plumbing service calls. His company, Plumbing Geeks, is rated 5 stars on Yelp and is a family-owned and operated plumbing company. Plumbing Geeks has been serving Los Angeles and its surrounding areas since 2021.You can use a poly pipe for your gas lines and then secure them with a barbed fitting. Be sure to use a hose clamp to avoid leakage.
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QuestionIs there a difference between black pipe and galvanized pipe? Can galvanized pipe be used for gas lines?Community AnswerGalvanized pipe has a coating which can strip off, resulting in flakes travelling through the pipe and getting stuck in orifices. Municipal or building codes will usually require that galvanized pipe can never be used for gas.
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QuestionHow deep do I have to go underground?Community AnswerCheck with your local gas company. This is a dangerous operation, so you need the experts to help here and stay within the law.
Tips
- You’ll need to bond your gas line with copper wire to ground the pipes from any stray electricity. [18] X Research source This requires you to run a length of copper wire into your home’s electrical panel, so it’s best to leave this job to a licensed contractor.Thanks
Warnings
- Some gas-powered appliances, like stovetops and fireplaces, require both gas and electricity to work properly. [19] X Research source If you don’t have any experience working with gas lines or electrical systems, hire a licensed professional to do the installation for you. [20] X Trustworthy Source State of Massachusetts Official website for the State of Massachusetts Go to sourceThanks
Things You’ll Need
- Schedule 40 metallic piping
- Pipe couplings
- Pipe elbows
- Pipe sealant
- Gas-grade plumber’s tape
- Pipe wrench
- Shutoff valves
- Pressure gauge
- Air compressor
- Dish soap
- Water
- Spray bottle
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about plumbing, check out our in-depth interview with Greg Jeiranyan .
References
- ↑ https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/Documents/brochures/2673.pdf
- ↑ https://www.danville.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5291/Residential-Gas-Line-Submittal-Requirements-PDF
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fpy9NrE21c&t=2m8s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fpy9NrE21c&t=0m23s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fpy9NrE21c&t=0m56s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsRWzLRoDAs&t=2m22s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fpy9NrE21c&t=4m19s
- ↑ https://www.danville.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5291/Residential-Gas-Line-Submittal-Requirements-PDF
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/gas-shut-off-valve/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsRWzLRoDAs&t=3m57s
- ↑ https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/25995
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsRWzLRoDAs&t=15m0s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsRWzLRoDAs&t=14m53s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsRWzLRoDAs&t=15m39s
- ↑ https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/environmental-health/piping/plumbing/installing-gas-piping.aspx
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/doc/view-the-plumbers-and-gas-fitters-consumer-fact-sheet/download
- ↑ https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/44633/RESIDENTIAL-GAS-PIPING
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcAWQNe4J4w&t=0m7s
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/16-home-improvements-that-are-best-not-to-diy-49321
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/doc/view-the-plumbers-and-gas-fitters-consumer-fact-sheet/download
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