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.
I learned this the hard way when I tried to tinker with some plumbing in my old apartment—nothing gas-related, thank goodness, but it was enough to teach me that some jobs are best left to pros. Gas lines are tricky and dangerous, so you’ll want someone who knows the local codes inside and out. For example, when I was researching this for my own home, I found that many municipalities require specific permits for gas work, which can vary by city. A quick chat with a neighbor led me to a great plumber who walked me through the process, saving me a ton of hassle. It’s worth spending a little time to find someone with solid reviews—check sites like Yelp or Angie’s List, but don’t skip talking to people in your area for real-world recommendations.
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.
From my experience, getting multiple quotes isn’t just about finding the cheapest option—it’s about understanding what’s involved. When I got quotes for a gas line project, one plumber explained how they’d pressure-test the line to ensure no leaks, which gave me confidence in their expertise. Master plumbers are trained to handle the complexities of gas systems, like ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding corrosion, which can happen if the wrong materials are used. For instance, copper piping is common, but it needs to be the right grade for gas to prevent issues over time. If you’re curious about the specifics, ask your plumber about the materials they use—it’s a good way to gauge their knowledge.
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.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to check credentials. A friend of mine hired a “handyman” for a gas line job to save a few bucks, only to find out later the guy wasn’t licensed for gas work. It ended up costing more to fix the mess. Most states require plumbers to complete specific training for gas lines, which includes understanding how gas behaves—natural gas is lighter than air and rises, while propane is heavier and can pool in low areas, creating explosion risks. Verifying licensing is easy; just pop onto your state’s licensing board website or give them a call. It takes five minutes and can save you a world of trouble.
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.
Those cost estimates can feel like sticker shock, but it helps to break it down. When I looked into this, I found that longer runs to the street jack up the price because of the digging and extra piping needed. For example, a 50-foot line could easily double the cost of a 10-foot extension. Labor rates also vary—urban areas tend to be pricier, sometimes hitting $100 per hour or more. One tip I picked up is to ask plumbers if they can bundle the stove line with other gas appliances to save on labor. Also, check if your utility company offers rebates for switching to gas—it’s not common, but some do, and it can offset costs.
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.
I’ve had friends debate propane versus natural gas, and it’s not always about cost. Propane can be a lifesaver in rural areas where natural gas lines don’t reach, but you’re stuck refilling tanks, which can be a hassle. Natural gas, on the other hand, is usually cheaper per unit of energy—some estimates say it’s about 30% less expensive than propane in many areas. But if you’re switching, don’t forget the hidden costs, like removing a propane tank, which can run $500 or more if it’s leased. I’d recommend talking to your plumber about how often you’d use the stove to figure out which fuel makes sense for your lifestyle.
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.
Dealing with the gas company can feel like a bureaucratic maze, but it’s worth it for safety. When I helped a family member with a similar project, we found that the gas company’s application process took about a week, and the permit fees were around $100 in our area. Inspections are critical—gas companies often use pressure tests to check for leaks, which can detect issues you’d never spot otherwise. My advice? Call the gas company early in the process to get a clear timeline and avoid surprises. They can also tell you if your area has specific requirements, like seismic shut-off valves in earthquake-prone regions.
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.
I’ve seen yards torn up from gas line work, and it’s not pretty. A neighbor had to redo their entire front lawn after a gas line installation because the digging left patches of bare dirt. Landscaping costs can add up—think $500 to $2,000 depending on the damage and whether you’re just reseeding or replacing sod. If concrete is involved, masonry work can easily hit $1,000 or more for a small driveway section. My tip is to ask your plumber upfront if they can minimize disruption, like using trenchless technology, which can reduce yard damage. Also, consider timing the project for early spring or fall for better grass regrowth.