Gas Line FAQ!

This time on the Economy Plumbing Service blog we’re looking at some of the more common questions we hear when it comes to gas lines. A lot of people might be confused that plumbers also handle gas lines in the first place, after all isn’t plumbing just water? The truth is there is a lot of overlap in skills. After all, when you think about it, both utilities are just pipes pumping something into your home, whether it’s a gas (like gas) or a liquid (like water). Anyways here are some quick answers to your potential quesitons!

How to Install Gas Lines

You hire a plumber! No, seriously! Installing gas lines is not something you want to poke around with if you aren’t specifically trained. Gas can be dangerous and if you’re Googling “How to install gas lines” well you shouldn’t be trying to DIY it.

Now, for professionals, the way we install a new gas line, to a stove for instance, goes like this:

1. Have the right materials, the right size pipes for the job.
2. Turn off the gas before doing anything.
3. Use fittings, pipes, and valves to extend existing pipes to reach the appliance. 
4. Use flexible piping where possible.
5. Test the air tightness of the line to ensure a proper fit and safe use.
6. Once the safety is ensured, go ahead and turn the gas back on to test the flow of gas.

How to Pressure Test a Gas Line

Pressure tests are conducted by licensed experts to ensure the right amount of gas is getting into your home and to your fixtures. If the pressure is too high, you may have too much gas pumping into the fixture and create a serious risk.

The pressure test looks something like this:

1. Disconnect the gas line at the meter.
2. Install the test gauge as close to the meter as it can be. Your meter may have some effect on where the gauge can be placed.
3. Turn off all the valves at the appliances that use it. (may include: water heater, stove, etc.) 
4. If you have a main gas shut off at the house, make sure this is on. The test has to be on 100% of the gas piping system from the meter to the appliance locations.
5. Pressurize the gas system using the valve on the test gauge. This can be done with an air compressor or a hand pump.
6. This then shows the pressure in the gas system. It should be no higher than one and a half (1 ½) times the working pressure, and no less than 3psi. Outside of that range and it’s no good.

How Deep to Bury Gas Line

Gas lines are buried at least 2 feet deep into the ground. Some service lines may rise to a depth of 18 inches. Don’t take this as gospel however! Your city/state may have different requirements for utility lines and such so make sure to check with local officials before you start digging anything up

How to Ground a Gas Line

It’s probably something you don’t realize but gas lines need to be grounded. The national codes on all this require homes have a grounding system that has a ground rod driven into the ground nearby your electric meter. To ground gas lines, a bare copper wire will run from your gas line to the grounding system.

Gas lines are one of those things that need professional care and attention to handle – if something goes wrong it can go wrong bad. For all your gas line needs, turn to Economy Plumbing Service! Now normally this is where we’d use our catchy slogan but that doesn’t really apply here so let’s try this one out…

If gas runs through it or to it… we… well we do the gas lines! We’ll keep your family safe whether it’s repairs or a complete line replacement. Contact us for more info!

Give Us a Call Today!

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