Gas Line Installation Process: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to gas line installation, any mistakes can lead to safety issues and costly fixes. So, it’s important to do it right from the start.

The challenge is, permits and procedures for gas pipe installation might vary by location. This often leaves many homeowners unsure of where to start or which new gas installation service to trust.

But don’t stress. This post breaks down everything step-by-step, from permits and inspections to choosing the right pipes. Let’s get started!

What Should You Prepare Before Installing a Gas Line?

Here is a list of things you need to prepare for gas pipe installation:

• List of appliances — List your gas appliances like fireplace, stove, and water heater. This helps you know what you need and set up your gas line right. So, you won’t run out of it when you need it.
• Contact info for a licensed gas professional — Keep your gas fitter’s contact information easy to find. Having a trusted expert means you can ask questions and schedule work with confidence.
• Permits for gas pipe installation — Gas line permits are more than just forms. They mean all pipes and fittings are checked and approved. Skip them, and you might pay fines or have to redo the job.
• Access to the installation area — Get permission if the installation crosses a neighbor’s yard or rental unit. Clear access keeps the work on schedule and prevents issues or charges.
• Budget allocated for gas service line installation — Set aside enough money for high-quality piping, fittings, and labour. Wise budgeting avoids surprise expenses and ensures a lasting system.
• Backup plan — If your gas line is out, keep a portable electric cooktop and space heater on stand by. A backup plan lets you cook and stay warm if installation takes longer than expected.

Different Types of Gas Line Materials

Before starting gas line installation, it’s helpful to understand the various gas pipe materials available:

1. Steel Pipes

Steel gas pipes start as iron ore and become carbon or stainless steel. They are coated with zinc or plastic to prevent rust. These pipes must meet ASTM A53 and API 5L standards.

Their ends connect easily, but their weight requires tools such as rollers, hoists, and wrenches for gas line installation. Proper handling is vital to ensure safety and prevent leaks.

Pros:

• Works great under high pressure
• Unaffected by fire exposure

Cons:

• Very heavy, needs cranes or hoists
• Threaded joints require skilled labour
  

2. Copper Pipes

Copper tubing is produced from mined copper, which is smelted and cast into billets that are then drawn into seamless tubes.

Copper is a popular choice for indoor plumbing because it’s reliable and conducts heat quickly. Most building codes allow above-ground copper gas pipes in basements.

Pros:

• Outstanding corrosion resistance
• Easy to bend with minimal fittings

Cons:

• More expensive material per metre
• Needs protection from heat sources
  

3. Yellow Brass Pipe

Yellow brass is a mix of about 63% copper and 37% zinc, shaped into tubes for gas pipe installation. It’s stronger than pure copper and doesn’t corrode easily when touching other metals.

Brass pipes follow standards like ANSI B16.15 for pressure and approved gas fittings. Although heavier than copper, brass doesn’t require trenching like steel and doesn’t need underground coatings.

Pros:

• Tougher than copper and easy to shape
• Doesn’t rust easily from many chemicals

Cons:

• Costs more than carbon steel in larger sizes
• Heavier than pure copper
  

4. Polyethylene Pipes

PE gas pipes, which meet ASTM D2513 or ISO 4437 standards, come in flexible rolls. They bend with the ground, resist vibrations, and withstand soil chemicals.

This gas line installation material can withstand freezing and thawing. This prevents pipe breakage in cold weather. It is a sensible, cost-effective option for rural and suburban gas line installation.

Pros:

• Outstanding corrosion and chemical resistance
• Excellent for trenchless installation

Cons:

• Lower pressure rating than steel
• Exposed sections need UV protection
  

5. Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST)

CSST is a bendable, wavy stainless-steel tube covered in plastic. It can easily go through walls and ceilings, meaning you need fewer connections than with rigid pipes.

This material must be connected to the building’s grounding system to handle lightning or electrical faults. It’s a good choice for older buildings. Its flexibility simplifies installation and speeds up the process.

Pros:

• Highly flexible, reducing the number of joints
• Rust-proof steel interior

Cons:

• Requires proper bonding and grounding
• Higher cost per metre
  

6. Flexible Gas Connectors

Flexible connectors are bendy stainless steel or brass hoses (12–60 inches) that link appliances to gas pipes. They absorb small movements such as vibrations or levelling, preventing stress on rigid pipes.

Made under UL 567 or CSA 6.10 standards, they pass burst and pressure tests. They easily connect water heaters, furnaces, and dryers, simplifying gas appliance connections.

Pros:

• Simple to connect appliances
• Can handle small movements and shakes
• Cheap and easy to find

Cons:

• Not for permanent gas pipe installation
• Short and can’t handle much pressure

Gas Line Installation Process: Step by Step Guide

After choosing your gas pipe materials it’s time to understand the gas line installation process:

1. Planning the Gas-Line Path

Before gas pipe installation, decide where your appliances, such as the furnace, stove, and water heater, will go. Plan the shortest, straightest route from the meter to each.

Keep pipes clear of electrical wires, water lines, and sharp bends to prevent damage. If the meter is outside and the water heater is in the basement, run the line along ceiling joists or walls.

2. Getting the Materials

Collect all the materials you need for your home’s gas system. Choose the right pipe materials, like black steel for inside and plastic for underground. Also, check if they meet safety standards.

Remember that you should use only certified fittings, connectors, shut-off valves, and supports. Make sure they are the right size for your appliances’ total BTU to avoid pressure problems.

3. Clearing Up the Area

It’s time to start a more technical gas line installation. Begin by clearing the path of any obstacles, such as boxes, tools, or debris from hallways and basements.

Then, perform a professional inspection for hazards such as moisture, rusty nails, or chemical residues that could damage the pipes later. Remember to check for signs of gas leak symptoms, too.

4. Digging or Trenching

If your gas line runs underground, you need to dig a trench that follows local standards. It is usually 18 to 24 inches deep. The trench should have a flat, rock-free bottom to prevent puncturing the pipe.

After that, you need to put a layer of sand in the trench to keep the gas pipe installation safe. You’ll dig a trench from your outdoor gas meter to the basement wall.

5. Measuring and Cutting Pipes  

The next step is to measure and cut the gas pipe exactly where you planned. Use special tools to cut the pipe so the ends are flat and clean. You can smooth out any rough edges with a reaming tool.

Then, screw the pipe ends together. Put sealant or tape on the threads to stop leaks. Connect the pipe pieces to the connectors. Make sure they fit tightly before you tighten them with a wrench.

6. Securing Pipes

Securing pipes is the next important step in installing gas in your home. You need to do this to keep them safe from accidental hits or bumps that could knock them out of place.

Gas pipes above ground are attached to buildings with special metal holders such as straps, hangers, or staples. For pipes running horizontally, these holders are usually placed every 6 to 8 feet.

7. Pressure Testing Procedures

Following pressure testing procedures, your licensed gas fitter will maintain this pressure for 10-15 minutes to check for leaks or any gas smells.

If the pressure drops, gas leak detection will be used to locate and repair the leak. The system will be retested until the gas pressure and flow rate remains stable.

8. Connecting Appliances

Use only approved flexible hoses or hard pipes to connect gas appliances safely. Before using, check all connections for leaks with soap bubbles or leak detectors.

Flexible hoses help absorb small movements and vibrations, preventing stress on fittings and reducing the risk of cracks or leaks. Remember to use only approved materials and proper installation methods.

9. Final Safety Checks  

This is an important part of gas line installation. A licensed gas inspector ensures that the materials, procedures, and connections are safe. They will also check permits, inspection reports, and test results.

The inspector walks along the gas line, measures distances, tests the valves and shut-offs. If everything is safe, he will give approval.

7 Maintenance Tips to Improve Gas Line Safety

Here are maintenance tips to enhance your gas line safety:

1. Hire a licensed gas fitter annually to professionally inspect your gas lines for leaks or damage.
2. Make sure you meet ventilation and clearance requirements for the area around your gas lines.
3. Know the location of your gas shut-off valve and emergency shut-off procedures to turn it off.
4. Install carbon monoxide detectors near gas appliances, test regularly, and change batteries to stay safe from leaks.
5. Avoid DIY gas installation risks. Hire a licensed plumber to ensure it’s done safely and correctly.
6. Keep your gas company’s and emergency numbers saved for quick access in case of a leak.
7. Don’t use chemicals to prevent gas line corrosion. Harsh cleaners can harm pipes, seals, and connectors.

FAQ about Gas Line Installation

Here are common questions about gas line installation:

1. How much does it cost to install a gas line?

Gas line installation costs AUD 1,200 to AUD 5,000, depending on outlets, pipework, wall type, and accessibility. Extra expenses may include permits, inspections, materials, and appliances.

2. Can I run a gas line to my house?

Yes, you can usually run a gas line to your home if connected to the network. A licensed gas fitter must handle the work, obtain permits, and coordinate with the utility for the meter. You’ll need to plan the pipe route, choose suitable materials, and follow safety rules.

3. How deep should gas pipes be buried in Australia?

Gas pipes in non-traffic areas should be buried at least 300 mm deep. Under driveways or roads, they require 450-600 mm for protection.

4. How long does it take to install a gas pipe?

Gas line installation time varies. Simple residential jobs take 1-2 days, while larger or complex projects may need 3-5 days or more. Factors like trenching, multiple outlets, permits, and inspections can extend the timeline.

5. How long do gas pipes last?

Residential gas pipes usually last about 50 years. Steel pipes can last 50-80 years with proper maintenance, while polyethylene pipes last around 50 years. It really depends on factors like corrosion, soil, damage, and pressure.

Conclusion

Gas line installation requires more than DIY skills. It needs expertise in proper materials, and gas safety tips. This article explained the important steps to set it up safely and correctly.

Remember, hiring a trusted professional can ensure your natural gas installation follows local codes and protects your property and family.

So, don’t risk your safety. Choose expert service for reliable, long-lasting results. Contact Melbourne Gas Plumber today to schedule your gas service line installation!