How Much Does Gas Line Installation Cost?
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Homeowners can improve their home’s efficiency by installing gas appliances. Gas line installation cost ranges from $120 to $1,350, with many homeowners spending about $558.
Highlights
- The average gas line installation cost is $558, though a typical range is $120 to $1,350.
- Several factors will affect the final installation price, including the pipe length and material, trenching costs, meter and valve installation, number of gas appliances, and labor rates.
- Homeowners who opt for gas over electric appliances will find that gas is readily available, and they’ll experience better energy efficiency, better cooking control, and the ability to run their appliances in the event of a power outage.
- Installing gas lines is not an average DIY job. Due to the dangers of working with gas, the installation of gas lines is regulated to ensure a licensed, qualified plumber completes the project safely.
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A gas installation service is how a plumber fits and lays pipes to supply gas to a property for a new gas stove, heater, or other gas-operated appliances. According to Hendrik Vandepoll, master plumber and co-owner of Service Force Plumbing in Rockville, Maryland, “The most common calls we get for gas line installation are for homeowners who already have gas installed for their furnace and water heater, and they want to extend gas functionality to their fireplace, stove or an outdoor fire pit.”
The cost to install a gas line can vary depending on the length of the gas line, accessibility of the installation site, whether it’s for residential or commercial use, and whether any permits or inspections are necessary. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, homeowners can expect to pay between $120 and $1,350 to have a gas line installed, with the national average at $558.
Gas line installation costs can be even higher for more complex projects, such as installing an underground gas line with several bends in it or extending a natural gas line to a new area of the property. It’s important that homeowners consult with a qualified gas line plumbing professional to get several quotes and ensure the job adheres to local codes and regulations. While a propane gas line installation is relatively similar to the cost of installing a natural gas line, the cost of using propane is more expensive than natural gas. Deciding between using propane versus natural gas is another consideration that homeowners can discuss with a licensed professional.
Factors in Calculating Gas Line Installation Cost
Several factors contribute to the cost of gas line installation. These can include the length and size of the pipes, the material used, trenching expenses for underground installations, and the installation of gas meters and shut-off valves. The number and type of appliances being connected, local labor costs, permits, and inspections also play a role. The national average provides a useful starting point, but local averages can differ due to varying labor rates, permit fees, and geological considerations.
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Pipe Length, Size, and Material
Longer pipe lengths mean a higher cost since additional materials are needed to cover the distance. Installing pipes over longer distances may require excavation and trenching, adding to the labor costs. Contractors also need to consider any bends and turns in the pipeline, since this can add to the complexity of the installation and influence the pricing.
Larger or wider pipes also have higher material costs since they are made with durable and thicker materials to handle higher gas flow rates. Larger pipes also require more powerful equipment for installation. Homeowners looking to install gas lines will need to rely on professionals to accurately determine the right pipe size.
Different materials have varying costs, durability, and installation requirements. The selection of pipe material depends on the location, local building codes, and the intended use of the gas line. The most commonly used materials include steel, copper, and plastic. Steel pipes provide excellent strength and durability but tend to be more expensive than other options. Copper pipes, while more expensive than plastic, provide better corrosion resistance. Plastic pipes are lightweight, budget-friendly, and resistant to corrosion, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.
Trenching Costs
Contractors will need to dig a trench or excavate the area to accommodate the gas pipes underground. The process ensures the pipes are leveled and securely placed in the ground, away from any potential damage or interference. The depth and width of the trench depends on the type of soil, local regulations, and the size of the pipes. Trenching can range in price from $4 to $12 per foot depending on the depth.
Gas Meter and Shut-Off Valve Installation
A gas meter measures the amount of gas used in a home. It’s usually installed near the property’s exterior and connects to the main gas line. To install a gas meter, a contractor will have to obtain the necessary permits, coordinate with the gas company, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. The installation cost of a gas meter depends on the type and size of the meter, as well as the distance between the meter and the main gas line. The complexity of the installation, such as the need for trenching, can also affect the cost. Since gas utility companies own and maintain the meters, they’ll often install gas meters on their own—meaning homeowners typically don’t have to pay the $300 to $600 installation fee.
A shut-off valve is another important part of a gas line installation. This valve allows homeowners to control the flow of gas in emergencies or during maintenance and repairs. Knowing how to shut off the gas valve is critical in the event of a gas leak or other emergency. The gas shut-off valve is usually installed near the gas meter or inside the home to ensure easy access. Individual shut-off valves are also installed near each gas-powered appliance.
Shut-off valves can cost from $100 to $300 depending on the pressure capabilities and the pipe size. The labor runs from $150 to $200, which makes the valve installation cost range from $300 to $500.
Number and Types of Appliances
Each appliance requires a separate connection to the gas line, which involves additional materials, labor, and possible adjustments to the gas supply system. The cost increases with each additional appliance due to the need for more piping, fittings, and potentially larger- capacity gas lines to accommodate the demand for gas.
The installation of gas lines for one of the best gas ranges or a furnace may be relatively straightforward, but adding a gas fireplace or outdoor grill could make for a more complex installation. Certain appliances may require additional safety measures, such as gas regulators or venting systems.
Type of Appliance | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
Dryer | $20 per linear foot |
Fireplace | $15 to $25 per linear foot |
Fire pit | $20 to $25 per linear foot |
Furnace |
$20 per linear foot |
Generator |
$20 to $25 per linear foot |
Grill |
$20 to $25 per linear foot |
Pool heater |
$20 per linear foot |
Stove |
$20 per linear foot |
Water heater |
$20 per linear foot |
- Dryer. Gas pipe installation for a dryer typically costs about $20 per linear foot. Since gas dryers are more efficient than electric options, they’re a popular choice for many homeowners.
- Fireplace. Natural gas line installation for a fireplace ranges from $15 to $25 per linear foot. The cost to convert a wood fireplace to gas is approximately $3,000. The cost of a gas fireplace insert depends on local labor pricing, whether the fireplace is vented or not, and the size of the insert.
- Fire pit. Fire pits that use a gas line are safer and more efficient than wood fire pits. Installing a gas line for this purpose can cost from $20 to $25 per linear foot. Since these types of fire pits are installed underground, the choices for pipe materials may be limited.
- Furnace. Installing a gas line for a furnace costs about $20 per linear foot. Gas furnaces typically need the largest pipes and more extensive work during installation. The cost to install a gas furnace ranges from $700 to $10,000, with the national average at $2,175.The cost differences for gas or oil heat and electric furnaces versus gas furnaces depend on local fuel costs and furnace efficiency.
- Generator. Installing a gas pipe to a generator can cost from $20 to $25 per linear foot. When installing a generator, it’s important for a homeowner to hire a plumber to connect the gas line to the unit for safety reasons. Even though gas-powered generators require a smaller gas line, the installation process requires the use of specialized materials and a higher level of expertise, which can add to the overall installation costs.
- Grill. Installing a gas line to an outdoor grill typically costs between $20 and $25 per linear foot. Opting for a permanent gas line is often safer and more cost-effective than other fuel sources, especially for those who use their grill frequently. This installation project requires excavation work, which can increase the overall price.
- Pool heater. In areas where pool heaters are used often, it’s common to link them to a gas line for reliable heating. This type of installation costs about $20 per linear foot.
- Stove. Installing a gas line for a stove costs about $20 per linear foot. Many homeowners spend around $600 to connect their stove with a 30-foot gas line. A plumber is the type of professional who installs gas lines for stoves.
- Water heater. Installing a gas line to a water heater costs approximately $20 per linear foot. Water heaters need a consistent amount of gas, and although they require a larger pipe, it’s not as big as one needed for a fireplace. The monthly cost of a gas or electric water heater depends on the usage and the local utility rates.
Labor, Permits, and Inspections
Local labor costs differ from one region to another due to the cost of living, demand for service, and the average local wages. On average, labor rates for a professional plumber to install a gas line can run from $45 to $200 per hour.
Every city and municipality has specific regulations and building codes regarding gas line installations. “In our area, at least, any gas installation requires a permit and installation by a licensed plumber,” explains Vandepoll. Obtaining the necessary permits is a legal requirement that also serves to ensure the safety of the gas line system, and thereby the home’s occupants. The price of permits can vary, but they tend to range from $100 to $300 for a plumbing or building permit.
After the installation is complete, it’s important to have it inspected to make sure it meets the required safety standards. Inspections usually involve a thorough examination of the entire gas line system, including fittings, valves, and connections. Inspection fees typically range from $50 to $75, but they can cost upwards of $300 in some areas.
Installation Location
The accessibility of the installation site is also an important factor in determining gas line installation cost. If the location is easily accessible, the installation process tends to be much smoother and less time-consuming. A house may have several rooms that need a gas line connected to various appliances; it’s not the room type that affects the cost of gas line installation but the type of appliance that’s in the room.
Installation Location | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
Bathroom | $10 to $20 per linear foot |
Bedroom | $10 to $20 per linear foot |
Garage | $10 to $25 per linear foot |
Kitchen |
$10 to $15 per linear foot |
Living room |
$10 to $20 per linear foot |
Geographic Location
Additional labor and equipment may be required to excavate or prepare the ground in areas with rocky or uneven terrains. Specialized equipment that can shore up the trench may also be required in regions with high water tables or dense clay soil. The local climate and environmental factors can also influence the installation cost.
For areas prone to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, additional safety measures and reinforcements may be necessary to guard against broken pipes. Gas line installations are subject to local, state, and national regulations, but there are some average costs for an underground gas line installation that homeowners can use as baselines.
Geographic Location | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
California | $956 |
Colorado | $600 |
Connecticut | $542 |
Florida | $552 |
Nevada | $502 |
New York |
$690 |
North Carolina |
$508 |
Ohio |
$599 |
Texas |
$753 |
Virginia |
$627 |
Additional Costs and Considerations
When calculating the total cost of gas line installation, it’s important for homeowners to consider various additional factors beyond the basic installation expenses. These can include whether it’s a new or replacement installation; whether there’s any landscaping and foundation work required; and whether any drywall, concrete, or flooring repairs are needed. Ongoing maintenance and repairs for the gas line itself also need to be taken into account.
Need to install a new gas line?
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New vs. Replacement Gas Line
Installing a new gas line involves the most extensive work: trenching, laying new piping, and connecting the appliance to the main line. Costs for new installations are higher because of the need for additi