Gas line installation is not a procedure as small and straightforward as perceived but a significantly complex project requiring attention to detail. It cannot be emphasized enough that you need a professional to do the installation work. That is because if it’s done incorrectly, gas leaks could cause health complications and accidents like fires and explosions.
If you rely on DIY, you should have years of experience. However, it’s important to note that not just anyone is allowed to do gas line installation unless they have a license. This requirement is for ensuring safety. So, find a company that has a strong reputation to do the gas line installation for you.
Most households opt for gas to use in various ways, including cooking, water heaters, washing machines, and driers, because it’s affordable and efficient. This article will highlight reasons for gas line installation, factors to consider before installing, and how to do the actual installation.
Reasons For Gas Line Installation
Gas line installation is critical for the following reasons:
- Upgrading old gas appliances and fixing faulty pipes
- Fixing new gas devices in a new building
- Switching from using electricity to gas
- Expanding your gas lines for more gas-powered appliances
Proper gas installation is necessary for any of the above circumstances. And for a smooth and safe procedure, you would need experts.
Factors To Consider Before Gas Line Installation
Before beginning the project, you need to know the type of gas line to install. Below are some of the factors to consider:
1. Cost Of Gas Pipe
The cost of pipe material varies for different types. Depending on your budget, you can find an affordable pipe that will serve your needs accordingly. Below are the price ranges of various materials:
- Galvanized Steel: between USD$5 and USD$12 per linear foot
- Black Iron: between USD$20 and USD$25 per linear foot
- High-density polyethylene piping (HDPE): between USD$2 and USD$5 per linear foot
- Flexible corrugated stainless-steel tube (CSST): between USD$8 and USD$10 per linear foot
Other factors like labor, location, and line length contribute to the cost. The labor charge for a licensed professional is high but worth it because you’re guaranteed an excellent job. The location of gas lines also matters. If the lines are inaccessible, the professional will spend more time tracing them and may have to do extra work like landscaping, adding to the cost. The professional requires more materials, time, and labor for a more extended gas line.
2. Geographical Location
Have in mind the kind of geographical location to install a gas line. Professionals recommend using flexible corrugated stainless-steel tubes (CSST) in areas prone to natural hazards. It’s advisable to refer to area safety code requirements and risk profiles concerning natural disasters that are common in the local area. This info will also help to determine the type of pipe to use in the area.
3. Strength And Resilience
Gas pipe materials are different, so some are more durable than others. For instance, high-density polyethylene piping (HDPE) and black iron are among the most commonly used materials for gas pipe creation. It is because they’re strong, flexible, and heat resistant.
4. Indoor Or Outdoor Fittings
Of the various gas pipe materials available, some are good for indoors, while others are best suited outdoors. Ensure that you select the type suitable for the gas line installation you need. Flexible corrugated stainless (CSST) is said to be the most favorable for indoors because of its flexibility, and it also fits well in tight spaces. High-density polyethylene piping (HDPE) is suitable outdoors because of its high resistance to cracks, corrosion, and punctures.
How To Install A Gas Line
Below are the steps to follow for gas line installation
1. Switch Off Gas Supply
Switch off your gas supply from the meter and confirm that by checking to see that the meter is not moving.
2. Get Proper Gas Pipes
Inquire from the gas company that your house is registered to get the appropriate pipes in size and materials.
3. Stretch Your Gas Line
Extend your gas line by fixing your appliances’ valves to the desired length. Ensure to use pipe dope and not tape to cover the threads of the pipe ends so that they’re airtight.
4. Connect Gas Line To Appliance And Confirm Airtightness
Connect the gas line to your appliance and pour soapy water over the pipe joints. Water bubbles indicate that there’s a leak. Correct that by tightening the joints using a wrench, and if the leak is still there, undo the pipes, join them all over again, and apply more pipe dope.
5. Turn On The Gas
Balance the valves to allow gas flow, then test by switching on your appliance to confirm gas flow.
Conclusion
Using gas is cheap and affordable but can be hazardous if not handled carefully. Ensure to observe all safety precautions throughout the installation process.