Solved! Who Installs Gas Lines for Stoves?

Q: I just moved into a new house and want to convert my electric appliances to gas. Who installs gas lines for stoves? Is this a job I can do myself? 

A: Moving into a new home is an exciting time. The new homeowner can make their house feel more like their own by painting the walls, putting up artwork, or installing new appliances. However, a new gas line installation is a home improvement that’s best not to DIY unless you are a licensed, bonded, and insured professional. When you need to know who installs gas lines for stoves, the best bet is to contact a licensed plumber.

If you don’t already know a certified plumber whose work you can vouch for, you can try to get recommendations online or from neighbors and get a few quotes before signing any kind of contract. Then it’s best to check with the local gas installation service to ensure you’re taking the proper steps for your safety and the safety of your home. This will probably include an application for service, permits, and a final inspection. If the new gas line goes out to the street, you may also need to enlist the help of a landscaper or masonry service to repair any torn-up grass or concrete.

A master plumber can install and run gas lines. 

When it’s time to install a gas line for a stove, a licensed plumber is the first professional homeowners will want to call. In most states, master plumbers are licensed and insured according to the area’s regulations, so they will know how to install and run gas lines according to code. Unless a homeowner already has a plumber they trust, it helps to get quotes from at least three different plumbing companies. This will give the homeowner a good idea of the average cost and scope of work for the project.

Plumbers should have the requisite training and licensing to work with gas lines. 

Gas service installation is no small task, especially considering the risk gas lines pose if not installed correctly. All plumbers should have proper bonding, licensing, and insurance to work on a home. Homeowners can verify their qualifications by contacting the state’s Department of Labor or by checking with the local licensing department. Bonding ensures the homeowner is protected financially if the work done by the plumber is shoddy or unfinished, while liability insurance means the homeowner is not liable for damages or injuries that occur on the property.

Installing a new gas line to the street costs much more than a simple gas line extension. 

Although the average cost to run a gas line ranges from $355 to $743, a new gas line that extends to the street can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500. The total will depend on how many linear feet the line is and how much the plumber charges per hour of labor. The number of gas appliances a home has and the distance from the gas supply will also affect the final price a homeowner pays for a new gas line. If a homeowner searches online for “gas line installation near me,” they may be able to find the most current prices as well as plumber reviews from other customers in the area, which can help narrow down who to hire for this important job.

Running a gas line for a propane tank costs about the same as natural gas. 

If a homeowner is weighing the pros and cons of propane vs. natural gas, the price may not be the determining factor. A flexible gas line for a propane tank will not be significantly more or less than the cost of running a line for natural gas since the labor and materials are what dictate the majority of the cost.

The choice between the two depends largely on preference, how long a homeowner plans to stay in the home, and whether the benefits of one are worth it to make the switch. If a homeowner does switch to natural gas from propane, they will need to either remove the propane tank or have it emptied, depending on local codes.

You’ll need to go through a few extra steps with the gas company if you’re installing a brand-new gas line. 

Homeowners will likely need to jump through a few extra hoops if they’re installing a new gas line. Once the homeowner identifies which gas service the area uses, they’ll need to fill out an application for a new gas line. The homeowner or the contractor may also need to fill out an application for a permit and pay an extra fee to obtain it. Once the work is complete and the gas line is installed, the homeowner will also likely need to have the line inspected by the gas company to ensure it was installed properly and isn’t putting the homeowner or neighbors at risk.

Landscaping or masonry services might be required after running a new line from a home to the gas main. 

Installing a new gas line can lead to collateral damage to the yard, since new lines require some digging and, depending on the home’s setup, tearing up of concrete. If this is the case, the homeowner may need to contact a landscaping company or masonry service that can restore the yard or driveway to its former glory after the damage has been done. If the new line is in a prominent location that affects the way the grass grows or causes dead patches to form, the homeowner may want to have the grass replaced.