Cost To Run A Gas Line To A Fire Pit & Grill

We all know that fire pits and grills are great for cooking out in the backyard, but what do you need to consider when installing them?

The cost of running a gas line is one thing worth considering before purchasing your outdoor cooking equipment.

If you are considering installing a gas line to your backyard patio, it is important to know the cost of running that line.

This post will review the typical costs associated with this project so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s worth it for your needs.

Can I Run A Gas Line To A Fire Pit Or Grill?

Yes, you can but we recommend that a professional run your Natural Gas or Propane line to the location of the fire pit or grill.

Only a certified professional can properly size your lines and ensure that the proper BTUs are delivered. You’ll also want to install a gas shutoff valve near the fire pit for safety and convenience.

The National Fire Protection Association states that all outdoor appliances, including fire pits, must have an approved flammable vapor barrier beneath them.

The NFPA also recommends that any gas line running to the pit be anchored in place every three feet with pipe straps. This is because there are several factors that may cause your lines to shift over time.

Read More: Do You Need A Gas Regulator On A Fire Pit?

When you run a Natural Gas or Propane line for a propane grill, you can usually install these yourself if they do not require digging trenches and burying them underground level areas.

However, this will depend on whether or not your area requires permits and inspections before completing this type of work. If so, then we suggest hiring professionals who know how to get through local government regulations quickly and easily.

Cost To Run A Gas Line To A Fire Pit & Grill

The average cost of running a gas line for an outdoor grill or fire pit is between $20 and $25 per linear foot.

Steel gas pipe above ground and a specialized flexible gas pipe underground are generally used to install these lines.

The cost varies depending on:

• How far away from an existing source you are
• Whether there is anything underground that needs moving out of the way
• What type of ground conditions exist where you live (hard clay vs soft soil)
• The amount and type of gas piping required
• The current state of your home’s piping systems 
• The current condition of your home’s piping systems 
• The current capacity of existing gas piping 
• The installation’s complexity

Gas piping, shut-off valves, mounts, fittings, and any other associated hardware are required materials for this installation.

In general, most homeowners spend between $250 and $700 on gas piping services. We’ve broken down the average costs of a gas line installation here.

In most cases, installing a gas line costs $20 to $30 per foot, but it can cost up to $75 per foot or more.

The cost of extending a gas line to accommodate new gas appliances is likely to be between $250 and $500. If the new appliance necessitates a new gas line running back to the gas meter, the cost could rise to $500 to $1,000.

If a homeowner is thinking about switching to natural gas, the cost of installing a gas line from the street to the house could range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the exact distance.

Gas Line Installation Cost

A gas line for an outdoor grill or fire pit typically costs $20 to $25 per linear foot.

These lines are typically installed above ground with steel gas pipe and underground with a specialized flexible gas pipe.

Whether the gas line is for a grill, range, outdoor fireplace, or fire pit, selecting the right type of gas line is critical. The cost of adding a gas pipe to a gas fireplace can range from $15 to $25 per linear foot for an interior line.

Additional Cost

• A gas line pressure test can cost between $75 and $100.
• A gas line cap costs between $75 and $150 on average.
• Repairing or replacing a damaged gas line costs $6 to $7 per square linear foot, plus the cost of new installation.
• The cost of moving or rerouting a gas line is approximately $15 to $25 per linear foot.
• Trenching costs between $4 and $12 per square linear foot.
• Trenching can cost between $600 and $3,000 in landscaping repairs, depending on the type of landscaping you have. Installing sod, for example, would be less expensive than running a line beneath a beautiful stone patio.

When calculating the cost of gas line installation, keep in mind the hourly labor rates of plumbers.

Most plumbers’ hourly rates range from $45 to $150 per hour, but this can vary greatly depending on your location.

The purchase of a new appliance, such as a cooking range, fire pit, BBQ, or furnace, is one of the most common reasons for a gas line installation.

Although installing a gas line may appear simple, the job can be extremely complex, which is why a professional should be consulted.

If you attempt to do the job yourself, make certain that you obtain a permit and are aware of the hazards and local building codes. The risks may outweigh any perceived cost savings, knowing that you may encounter situations that endanger your safety and cause property damage to your home.

Remember that gas lines are safe if installed correctly and can be very affordable if you work with the right company.

How To Install I Gas Line To A Fire Pit

We must make it clear to you that it is always better to hire a professional for this task for two reasons. First, you must get it right to avoid gas leakage.

We don’t have to remind you of what could happen when your line leaks. Gas is a very flammable substance. Leakages can lead to a serious fire.

Secondly, the chances are very high that you will need the permission of your local authorities for the installation, and you need to follow the gas installation code of your location.

These are the reasons why we think it is better to hire a professional. If you still prefer to go ahead and install it yourself, we wish you good luck. Find the basic installation steps below.

1. Buy the Right Gas Pipes and Fittings

Before you decide on what to buy, you must have determined the route of the line. Chart out the course that it will take from your main supply to the fire pit. This will determine the lengths of the pipes that you will buy.

For domestic use, 1/2-inch to 1 1/2-inch pipe are good enough. You can now choose the most appropriate fittings for your chosen pipes. It might be a good idea to notify the seller of what you need the pipes for. He might be able to guide you in the purchase.

2. Turn off your Gas Source

What you are trying to do is to tap from the gas supply to your house.  There’s nothing wrong with the idea. You will only experience an increase in your monthly gas bill.

So, when you get home with the pipes and fittings, turn off the gas supply to your house. It is very easy. Locate the gas meter valve on the side of your house and shut it off.

Are you confused about turning it off? That is simple. When you turn it in a clockwise direction, it is off.  Also, when the valve is perpendicular (90 degrees) to the pipe, the gas has been shut off.  After that, double-check by turning on your gas cooker.  There should be no supply.

3. Install a T-Junction Fitting

Disconnect your main house gas pipe at the junction and change the junction fitting to a T-junction fitting. So the supply will be split into two. Then, you can connect the pipes for your fire pit gas line to the T-junction fitting.

4. Run it to your Fire Pit

Run the pipes to your fire pit and connect another fitting to establish a connection between the gas line and fire pit.

5. Test for Leakage

After the installation and connection, you must test for leakages. You have to be sure that your gas line isn’t leaking. Apply a mixture of water and liquid soap to all the seams in your gas line.

If you notice any bubbles on any seam, it means that the seam is leaking. Try and tighten the seam. If the leakage continues, you may need to call an expert.