How Much Does it Cost to Install or Repair Gas Pipes?

New gas lines must be installed if a new appliance such as a gas furnace, water heater or stove is added to a property. Gas lines may also be extended outside for additions like outdoor lighting, grills or other purposes. A gas pipe repair is imperative in the event of a leak, which can be ascertained by a 'rotten-eggs' smell. If this is the case, it is recommended to contact a qualified professional immediately!

One reason many people install new gas pipes is because they are purchasing a new gas appliance. They may want to replace existing electric appliances such as stoves or water heaters with a gas-powered variety. Gas stoves tend to heat food more evenly and be slightly less expensive to power while gas water heaters tend to be slightly more efficient as well.

Gas-powered appliances tend to be more efficient and of higher quality, but if a home's infrastructure doesn't have the gas lines to support the install, it must be outfitted beforehand.

Another major project involves upgrading from an oil furnace to a gas furnace, which requires the installation of several different gas pipes including pipes to the manifold and ventilation through the chimney. This project requires a significant amount of time and cash investment, and it is best to discuss with a trusted professional before making plans to undertake it.

Things to Consider When Hiring Someone to Install or Repair Gas Pipes

Depending on the nature of the job, installing or repairing gas pipes may require more or less due diligence on the part of a homeowner. In the event of a simple leak, it may be possible to fix it with the replacement of a single section of pipe. In addition to relatively minor emergency jobs, it is always a good idea to have the entire gas line system professionally inspected every year to make sure that there are no weaknesses or potential areas for leaks.

Other considerations must be taken for larger jobs including digging trenches for outdoor conveyance of gas lines and ensuring that all necessary permits are given by the city or county authorities. A professional-grade plumber or gas line installer will be able to provide drawings and plans for a proposed project, which may then be taken to a third party for a second opinion.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Installing or Repairing Gas Pipes

There are two aspects of installing and repairing gas pipes: the cost of labor and the cost of materials.

The factors affecting the cost of labor will by and large be determined by location and the technical challenge involved with the project. While minor gas line repairs may be undertaken by jack-of-all-trades plumbers who won't charge as much for labor costs, more extensive gas line installation is likely to require more specialized labor and associated higher costs.

The main factors affecting the cost of materials is the type of pipe being used, which may vary depending on whether the gas line is for propane or natural gas and depending on the type of appliance it is feeding. Another factor involved with gas lines is the decision to extend an existing line or to run a new line back to the manifold. Obviously, extending an existing line will be less expensive because it will require less pipe to be used, but in some cases, that may not be as safe or as effective. It is up to the professional's judgment to determine the best course of action.

Costs

The cost of labor for installing or repairing gas lines may range within the standard contractor price, occasionally going into high-end hourly rates. It may cost more than for highly specialized jobs requiring multiple workers or technical expertise. Installing and repairing gas pipes is a dangerous job that requires a lot of knowledge and experience, and this is often reflected in a contractor's estimate. This cost may also vary depending on location.

The cost of materials for installing or repairing gas lines may be slightly more than the cost of standard water-bearing pipes might be. The ultimate cost will depend on considerations such as size and type of pipe material used. This may also vary depending on the location of the pipes in the house.

Conclusion

Installing and repairing gas pipes is not just something that anyone can do with ease. It is a complex process that requires the assistance of a professional. It is possible to install gas lines affordably, and it is also important to ensure that the best job is done to reduce the possibility of leaks or other damages to the house. Before deciding on a contractor for gas pipe installation, it is recommended to ask for references, do research and shop around for different options to make sure that the right decision is being made.