How to Install Gas Line from Meter to House | DIY Guide

A gas line is an important part of our homes. It’s what makes it possible for us to cook, heat water, and provide warmth in winter. Some hazards are associated with a gas line that can make the installation process more difficult than it needs to be. With these tips, you’ll have no problem putting together your home’s new gas line! The gas line is a great wellspring of energy. If your home runs on natural gas or has gas appliances like stoves or water heaters, you know it runs on a clean and efficient energy source. In this guide, I will discuss how to install gas line from meter to house.

How to Install Gas Line from Meter to House

Here are the steps to install a gas line from meter to house.

Step-1:

Turn off the gas in your house. The valve is on the gas meter on the side of your house and should close completely within fifteen minutes. A position perpendicular to the pipe indicates a closed valve, but you must ensure that the meter moves when using gas.

Step-2:

Purchase gas lines and fittings that are appropriate for your job site. Most domestic gas lines use 1/2″ (1.27 cm) to 1 1/2″ (3.81 cm) black tubing, while larger commercial designs sometimes use larger connections up to 8″. The 1/2″ surface up to 1 1/2″ of pipe from one fitting adds 3/4″ to the surface of the other fitting.

Step-3:

Extend your existing gas line by installing the valves and pipe sections; you need to add a gas line to match your new appliance. After converting, savings of up to 30% have been reported.

Step-4:

Cover the threads at the ends of the tube with a plug. This is necessary for a comfortable fit. Never use masking tape, including Teflon tape; it can open in the tube and clog the line.

Step-5:

Collect specified lengths of gas pipes in your garage or warehouse and move them to an entrance location or a wall where the gas pipes pass to make your job easier. It is more likely to be found in older homes built before the 1970s. Beware of 90-degree bends; it makes it difficult to turn the tube to secure it.

Step-6

Connect the end of the new gas pipe to the appliance with a flexible pipe. (This is only necessary for an area/area subject to earthquakes.) Follow the instructions supplied with the flexible connectors.

Step-7:

Make sure the line is taut. Apply a 1:1 mixture of water and liquid detergent to each seam of the gas line. If bubbles appear, you are leaking. Try to tighten the joint until you can tighten it longer. If there is a leak, unscrew it, check the wires, replace the plug and tighten it again. If leakage still occurs, replace pipe and fittings.

Step-8:

Turn the gas back on and return the valve parallel to the inlet tube. Check the appliance to make sure that the gas is flowing properly.

Cost Factors to Install or Repair Gas Line

There are several things you can do to improve your gas line. Since most of these things are optional, they may not affect your gas line installation costs if you decide not to.

Covers

If you want to disconnect the device from the gas line, limit its potential use to save money instead of removing it. Depending on the material you use and the line’s location, this process can cost between $75 and $150 per roof.

Furnace Installation

If you want to switch to gas appliances for the first time, you need to add a gas stove. Depending on the model, installation costs range from $600 to $1,000. This includes the device and labor.

Inspections

During the construction of the gas line, it is customary to inspect by a professional. You also want to schedule annual inspections to ensure your gas line is in good condition and working. An inspection can cost between $50 and $75.

Landscape project

If you want to install a grill, fireplace, or hot tub in your backyard, you’ll have to pay the landscaping costs because they dig into your backyard. Even if you have a low-maintenance yard and want to hire someone to come and help you, it will cost between $50 and $100 per hour. What you did is the biggest cost factor.

Pressure test

If there is a leak in the gas line, the pressure can drop enough to prevent them from doing their job. You can do a pressure test to confirm leaks, and it will cost between $75 and $100. Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 7,307 HomeAdvisor members.

Things to Consider When Hiring Technician to Install or Repair Gas Lines

Correct licenses

Before hiring someone, the first thing to ask is if he is authorized, certified, and insured in your country. If the state you live in does not require a permit, you can check for formal complaints before hiring them.

Company experience

While there may be exceptions to this rule, it’s generally a good idea to check that the person has worked for several years before hiring one. The more experienced a healthcare entrepreneur is, the greater the chance to do his job right the first time.

Price

Before hiring, individuals always ask about prices. Be careful, though, because sometimes the price is associated with quality work. This means that you should not hire a plumber just because he charges you the lowest amount for a particular service. However, you should always make sure that the price of your plumbing is fair and competitive before hiring.

Links

Before taking a job, it is always good to ask a healthcare professional for recommendations. Reputable installers should have no problem making good recommendations, so feel free to ask.

Warranty

The best installers usually offer some sort of warranty for the work they have done. Before hiring a plumber, ask what kind of warranty they offer and make sure they are willing to support your work.

Natural Gas Meter Installation

Meter installations must comply with local building and safety codes, state and federal regulations, including Title 49 CFR, which require that each meter be easily accessible, easy to read, inspected, serviced, or replaced. The meter must be protected from corrosion of the electrical insulation and other damage both indoors and outdoors. In addition, the meter should be placed in a well-ventilated place and at a distance of more than 3 meters from sources of ignition or heat.

Pre-Installation tips:

• Membrane meters are not recommended for temperatures below -30 ° F or above 120 ° F.
• The meters only flow positively in one direction, and this direction is displayed at the “input” for filling the meter.
• Before installation, ensure that the meter meets the requirements of the application. The maximum permissible working pressure (MAOP) and the flow rates are displayed on the meter symbol.
• Make sure that the rotating flanges are level and do not tighten the dipstick when tightening the nuts.
• Clean the control lines to keep them clean and to ensure that dirt does not get into the meter when gas enters it.
• Meters must be transported, stored, and installed in a vertical position, and the manufacturer’s dust caps must remain on the inlet and outlet ports until the meter is installed. A 3/4 inch street to the meter would likely only work IF gas co-runs their street mains at higher than standard building pressure, but some street mains are only at house pressure ( ~ 6 inch WC).

Installation Tips

• If you suspect a contaminated gas source, install a filter or strainer on the inlet side of the meter.
• The gas meter should be installed as straight as possible and never on the floor, as liquids can remain in it.
• Mount a connecting ring on each rotary guide. Support the flow meter with both hubs against the connection rings and hand-tighten the cap nuts. Then alternately tighten the nuts to the correct torque for the port size. Do not overtighten as this can damage the washer/seal.
• Avoid excessive pressure on the pressure gauge and the connection hose.
• Never store the meter or allow it to come into contact with the earth, mulch, or concrete walls. Corrosive soil elements and mulch and alkali content in concrete can promote premature corrosion and cause gas leaks.

Read More: How To Connect PEX To Galvanized Pipe

How to Install Gas Line from Meter to House: FAQs 

How to lay a gas line from the meter to the house?

Installing a gas line is probably not worth considering as your first project. However, those with experience can install a gas line with the same confidence as a professional. Despite the minor flaw, the individual steps require no more effort than plumbing or electrical work.

Can the owner build a gas line?

Yes, you can and can be fully insured in most jurisdictions. You need to get the proper permission first. Install the gas line with a pressure test on the pipe and inspect to confirm the installation.

What is the cost of installing a gas line in your home?

Between $258 and $820 is the typical cost of ownership; for new lines, the spending plan $15 to $25 per square foot, including work, channeling, and materials. You may anticipate paying the lead plumber between $45 and $150 per hour for the job. Fixr says the total possible cost is $60 per foot, and that’s probably possible in extreme conditions like mountainous terrain, but your job won’t likely get close to that number.

What is the code of the underground pipe?

Unless otherwise protected, buried pipelines must be buried at least 18 inches below the earth’s surface.

Is it possible to lay a gas line outside the house?

Drill a hole in the house wall with a drill bit long enough to go through the wall. Drills of this pipe size can be rented from most gas companies. Place the opening as close as possible to the appliance that will use the propane gas. So that most of the pipe is outside and not inside.

Can a gas line and electricity lie in the same ditch?

If the trench is common (shared with other utilities), the following distances should be observed: 24 inches between gas and power lines, 24 inches between sewers and electrical lines, and 12 inches between utility and power lines.

How far can a flexible gas line be laid?

The minimum distance to any ignition source is 10 feet. The base division from as far as possible is 10 meters.

Do plumbers install gas pipes?

Yes! When most people think of plumbing, they think of plumbing and plumbing such as toilets, faucets, etc. But there are specialized installers who can install and repair gas pipes.

How much is PSI in a Residential gas line?

The pressure of natural gas is in the pipeline leading to home ranges from 1/4 to 60 psi. It depends on the number of homes or businesses served by the line. This compares to pressures up to 1500 psi for high-volume pipelines used to transport gas from wells to local utilities.

Is natural gas a better deal than electricity?

Flammable gas is quite often more costly than power. You may save up to 30% on your energy bill by using gas appliances. Gas appliances are more expensive up front, but they save money on energy bills over time.

Conclusion

Installing a gas line is probably not worth considering as your work. The installation process has to be done by professionals to ensure safety and avoid accidents. However, if you are confident that you can do the jobs with minimal risk of danger, then have at it! Just make sure that any connections or valves on the exterior of the house are marked so there’s no confusion about what they’re for when people visit your home later down the road–especially kids who may find them enticing playthings.  

If this all sounds too complicated for you but still wants some advice from an expert, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’ll happily help get your gas service installed correctly and safely.