How much does it cost to install a gas line?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

If you currently have or plan to use natural gas to run your household appliances or heat your home, you need a functional gas line. It starts at the meter outside your home and connects to each appliance that requires gas. A service line extends out to the street from the meter, where the main line brings the fuel to your home.

Some small appliances share a line, but many larger appliances need their own. They have varying prices depending on diameter, length, and material. The national average cost ranges from $500 to $2,000, with most homeowners paying around $800 for a 25-foot gas line to a furnace. Prices can be as low as $200 for a 10-foot gas line extension of an existing line. But prices can go as high as $5,000 if your service line needs extending by several hundred feet and requires a new interior line.

Gas Line Cost

Cost to Run a Gas Line by Project

There are many different prices associated with plumbing your home for gas. These are dictated by the area, appliance, length of the line, and installing it. While plumbers run a pipe from your meter to your appliances, the utility company installs the line from the street to your home. These two professionals charge different rates and need to coordinate with one another for the best installation. Even within the home, there are still many different installation types that impact the project.

Gas Line Extension

If you already have gas piping in your home and want to install a new small appliance, you may extend an existing line. You can expect to pay between $10 and $20 per linear foot for materials and labor when having your line extended. Extensions cost less than a new install because the overall size of the pipe will be smaller in length. A smaller appliance will not need a large line connecting to it. Therefore, a smaller pipe means less in materials and installation prices.

New Gas Line Installation

It will cost anywhere from $10 to $25 to have a new line installed when you include the price of materials and the labor. Whether you pay on the high or the low end depends on the size of the appliance the new line is being installed for and how much fuel will need to be delivered to it. The most expensive projects and largest ones for new pipe installation are furnaces, which require a significant amount of delivery. These lines run from $20 to $25 per linear foot. Projects like water heaters will be less expensive as a smaller line is needed for operation and can run between $10 and $18 per linear foot.

Move a Gas Line

Moving a pipe is a project that will run homeowners between $15 to $25 a linear foot, including the prices of installation. This is most commonly done during home remodeling projects. If during the redesign process one or more appliances need to be moved, the line supplying them may need to be moved as well. You also may find the need to move a line when changing from electric to gas appliances. For example, if you previously had a gas stove and changed to an electric one, the pipe may need to be moved so that the sliding safety feature on new electric models can be engaged. Often with stoves, the lines were behind the stove, which gets in the way when installing an electric one.

Gas Line Replacement

You may also run into a situation where you need a pipe replaced. This project will cost you anywhere between $23 and $35 per linear foot. The primary reason for the higher price is that the old line requires removal and disposal. There are a few reasons you may want to have your line replaced. One reason is leaking. A leaking pipe can be extremely dangerous and should be replaced immediately. Another reason is the pipe may be found in poor condition when you attempt to have it moved. In this case, a replacement would be needed.

Gas Line Installation Cost Breakdown

There are many components to running a gas line to a home beyond installing the pipe. If you are going from the street in a new installation, several different steps and components need to happen, each with its own price. Remember that anything up to the meter from the street is the utility company’s responsibility to install. Anything from the meter into the house is the responsibility of your plumber to install. You need to coordinate them both to have a successful installation. Below you can see the average prices for connecting an extra 50 feet of line to a main line and installing three to four appliances, with new lines in three rooms in a 2,000 sq.ft. home.

Run a Gas Line to a House

The line that carries the fuel from the main to your home is your service line. If your project requires an extra 50 feet to connect the house to the main, you can pay $850 to $1,100 on average for the project. It is not installed by your plumber but by your utility company. If you run a pipe from the street to the house and the meter is 100 linear feet or less from the street, this installation is free. However, you are responsible for fixing the landscaping once it is dug up. If the line is further than 100 feet, then you are responsible for the difference.

Connecting to a Gas Main

When running a pipe from the street to the house, the main will need to be hooked up. For the above project, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $300 on average.

Your utility company also does the main hook up, and in some cases, may do it free of charge, depending on the area you live and the service company providing your natural gas. Speak to your utility company about which fees may apply. The fee to connect the line to the main almost always includes the price of inspection, which is critical to ensure safety.

Gas Meter Installation

Your utility company also installs the meter, which may be provided for free. However, it will range an average of $250 to $425 if the utility company you use does not include the service. When the utility company comes to install the meter, they start by finding the ideal location. A meter cannot be by gas outlets or fireplace valves for safety reasons and must have an area at least three feet in front of it that is clear. If the area around your home has trees or brush, you may need to do some trimming before the meter can be installed.

Install Gas Lines in a House

You can expect to pay between $1,250 and $1,600 to run the lines in your home to three rooms and approximately three to four appliances. Most often, lines will be run to laundry areas, kitchens, and utility rooms, since these are the most common areas where appliances can be found. When it comes time for this portion of the project, the installations will be handed off to a plumber. Your plumber is responsible for anything going from your meter to your appliances. This includes the lines you run inside your home or through your yard to outdoor appliances.

Hook Up Appliances

If you need to have three to four appliances hooked up with your project, you can expect to pay around $220 to $350 for the project. The most common gas appliances installed in homes are furnaces and water heaters. Homeowners often choose a dryer or stove that runs on this fuel too. Your plumber also connects the appliances. This price depends on your appliance. Some are easier to install, while others are in locations that make accessing them more difficult for your plumber.

Gas Shut-Off Valve Installation

Each appliance that uses gas in your home needs a shut-off valve. For shut-offs for three to four appliances in your home, you can expect to pay an average of $210 to $500 for the complete project. Safety valves are very important with any installation. You need to pull these if you ever smell like fuel or detect a leak. When shut-off valves are installed, an inspection will be included in the price to ensure everything is operating safely before the plumber leaves.

Gas Line Installation Cost by Number of Appliances

When you run a new gas line, it is typically for more than a single new appliance. While you can run a short extension off of an existing line to fuel a new stove or fireplace, in many instances, you will have a few appliances to warrant an entirely new line.

The most common combinations include 1 to 5 appliances combined with a water heater. This can be an oven and water heater, an oven with a separate stovetop, a water heater and a fireplace, or any other combination of appliances. The more appliances and the farther away they are spaced from one another and the main line, the higher your total costs. For example, having your water heater directly off the kitchen where the oven is installed will be a cheaper installation than having the water heater and the oven on separate floors of the home.

Below are the average costs for installing a new gas line by the number of appliances.

Gas Pipe Prices by Material

The material that makes up your gas line can be many things. Many plumbers work specifically with certain materials, while others have a range of different pipes that they utilize for jobs. Not all pipes that your plumber works with will be suitable for gas lines. For example, PVC is inexpensive and good for carrying water, but it will not work for gas.

There are essentially five types of pipe material that may be used. Some like high-density polyethylene are inexpensive and very common. Others like copper and black iron were once used extensively, but they have fallen out of favor due to high costs and availability.

Generally, the pipe type used plays a role in the project cost, how long it lasts, and how it performs. Below are the average costs per linear foot for the most common materials.

High-Density Polyethylene Pipes

One of the most popular options for outdoor piping is high-density polyethylene pipes which will cost an average of $1 to $3 per linear foot for materials only. For outdoor piping, this material is considered the gold standard by many plumbers. It does not corrode and resists punctures and cracks. It also is designed to withstand higher levels of PSI. It is suitable for backyards and can be used in most areas. The main drawbacks are that it can buckle when it encounters sharp rocks or tree roots. This material can also be used for indoor piping.

CSST Piping

CSST piping, also known as flexible corrugated stainless steel tubing, is another popular option that will cost anywhere from $2 to $4 per linear foot on average. There are many brands of CSST, with each having slightly different attributes and prices. Your plumber may have a brand preference. This is a good material for interior installation because it is faster to install than traditional pipes. It can also be used in tighter spaces and installed in areas with higher instances of natural disasters. The main drawback of this type of material is that it can crack over time. CSST piping is great for both indoor and outdoor use, even in areas with seismic activity.

Copper Pipes

A more rare material used for this type of project is copper. The material price of the copper lines is between $2 and $6 on average. Copper is very rarely used with this type of fuel and is illegal to use in many areas, primarily because the material is soft and can become easily damaged, leading to safety issues. Some plumbers refuse to install it for several reasons. Copper is a conductor and, therefore, not always safe to use inside a home with gas. Copper also creates sulfites that clog your line. Copper lines can be rigid or flexible. Before having a copper pipe installed, you need to check with the municipality before starting the job. Though copper is rarely used, it once was popular for indoor and outdoor installation.

Galvanized Steel Pipe

Galvanized steel is not as common as the other materials, but it is used for many lines. This type of material costs on average from $2 to $9 per linear foot. Its decline in popularity is because it needs to be welded, which can add to the installation process. It also is a more expensive option than ones that work as well or better. The main pros of using a galvanized steel pipe are that it will not corrode, is durable, has good energy efficiency, and can be used for inside and outside installation.

Black Iron Gas Pipe

One of the most expensive and predominantly used materials in past years is black iron. The materials for a black iron pipe run from $5 to $10 per linear foot. Even though its popularity is slightly declining, many plumbers still prefer this material for new installs and replacement lines. It is extremely strong and durable and is fastened together with a compound that produces an airtight fit. While it can be used for interior and exterior applications, it is not recommended for outdoor use because it corrodes over time, and the sealant wears down when underground. It also is not recommended in areas with heavy earthquake activity because its rigidity causes it to crack.

Labor Cost to Install a Gas Line

Many factors impact the price of your project. Whether the line is inside or outside your home affects the material used and the price. Digging or trenching increases the price of installation as well as installing lines in hard-to-reach areas.

When installing the line, your technician will shut the gas off, fit the new pipe to the existing pipe using a connection. They will then add the flexible connector to the appliance and test for leaks. If deemed safe, they will turn the gas back on and test your appliance. The process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours per appliance. For outdoor lines, the technician will need to dig, which can take several hours spread over a few days to complete. Most plumbers charge between $75 and $130 an hour for their work. For small extension jobs, you may have minimum labor costs of at least one hour, even if it takes less time.

If the pipe being run is not inside your house but from your home to the main, then the installation process will be performed by a technician at the company. In most cases, the first 100 feet is free on a new install. However, if more pipe is needed, you may have to pay between $17 and $22 per extra linear foot for installation.

If you have a service line installed or are installing a pipe in your yard to a fire pit or grill, you have additional landscaping fees. Landscapers charge around $50 to $100 an hour. Your final prices depend on what you have done.

Gas Line Inspection

Your gas line is usually inspected as part of the installation process. It is usually recommended that you also have it inspected annually to make sure it is working properly. The price of this is usually between $50 and $75. During the inspection process, your plumber or service technician will inspect the lines for rust and corrosion and check for potential leaks along the line or at the meter connections. They will check to make sure the meter is functioning properly. You should have your lines inspected if you ever suspect potential leaks, which may become noticeable by higher than normal bills.

When you have a line installed underground, it needs to be covered by a certain depth to pass inspection. Mains will be typically buried at 24 inches below ground and other running pipes a minimum of 18 inches below ground. Yet, if you are in an area that sees frequent seismic activity, the required depth for the running lines may need to be deeper to prevent damage. In most cases, states with high levels of seismic activity require running lines to be at a depth of at least 24 inches.

Gas Line Installation Cost by Location

There are several locations in your home where you may need to have a line run. Different rooms in your home likely require different appliances. For example, the range is the most common kitchen appliance that uses a gas line. In the bathroom, it tends to be the dryer. For bedrooms and living rooms, the most common reason to need a gas line installed is for a fireplace. Garages often have water heaters and generators, but they may also have dryers if there is no dedicated laundry room and the appliances are not located in the bathroom.

The size and BTU of each appliance can impact the cost of the pipe being run. For this reason, it is not necessarily the location that is the biggest driving factor behind the costs, but rather what is installed in each location. Below you will see the rooms where you most likely need a line run and how much per linear foot you can expect to pay, including materials and labor.

Cost to Extend a Gas Line by Appliance

When running a gas line inside the home, you are essentially installing it by appliance or extending it from the meter to the appliance. The project cost is generally dictated by what that appliance is, how many BTUs it requires, and where it is located. Access and material preferences by your plumber also play a role, but ultimately, it is the appliance itself that will have the biggest part in your final costs. Therefore, most appliances have a wide range of prices. There is a lot of overlap in the price ranges between appliances. If you have two lines running, you may even get different prices for each line for the above reasons.

Run a Gas Line to a Stove

You can expect to pay an average of $10 to $15 per linear foot to have a gas pipe run to your stove. If you have a gas stove in your kitchen, this is one of the easiest lines to run in your home. It is also one of the least expensive because it is easily accessible, does not have a big diameter, and has an easy hookup. Some homeowners may choose to add a line and convert to a gas stove because they can be more efficient and cook food more evenly.

Water Heater Gas Line Installation

To install a gas pipe to your water heater, you can expect to pay an average of $10 to $18 per linear foot. Water heaters use a small but consistent amount of fuel all the time. So, they may need a slightly bigger line, but not as big as you may need for a fireplace. This makes them less costly than lines for many of the other types of appliances. Even though your line will be inspected when installed, you will likely have to have a full inspection of the water heater system after installation.

Run a Gas Line to a Dryer

Dryers are common appliances that run on gas. If you need to have a line installed for one, you can expect to pay $10 to $20 per linear foot. Your dryer uses more fuel at once, but it uses it less frequently than a water heater or HVAC unit. Therefore, it has slightly higher prices to accommodate the thicker diameter pipe. This type of dryers are often chosen over electric options by homeowners because they are considered more energy-efficient, though the initial price to have one installed can be much higher.

Run a Gas Line to a Fireplace

Running a line to your fireplace ranges from $10 to $20 per linear foot. Fireplaces need a more consistent supply and have varying BTU ranges, so they have a wide range of needs regarding the line supply size. The price of your pipe may also be determined by the type of fuel your fireplace uses, though the most common is natural gas. Homeowners may wish to add a gas fireplace to their existing home or new build or need a line to convert a wood-burning fireplace to a gas one.

Run a Gas Line to a Grill

Running a line to your grill runs from $15 to $20 per linear foot. If you use your grill frequently, it is safer and less expensive to install a pipe than to keep purchasing and storing small amounts of fuel. This project involves digging, so while the grill does not use much gas, the preparation for the project leads to a higher price. You should only choose to attach your outside grill to a line if you plan to keep it stationary and in the same spot at all times.

Run a Gas Line to a Fire Pit

Fire pits are also more effective and safer to run if you have a gas line. If you choose this option, you can expect to spend around $15 to $25 per linear foot to have your pipe installed. Fire pits use varying amounts of fuel depending on their size, which impacts the project’s price. They are also installed below the ground, limiting your options for material prices for the pipe and causing the price to be more overall due to the additional preparation.

Run a Gas Line to a Pool Heater

While pool heaters are not common in certain geographical areas, it is common to connect them to a gas pipe when frequently used. This will average $20 to $25 per linear foot to have installed. Running a line to a pool heater is slightly more complex. While the heater uses little fuel, your overall prices may be higher. This is mostly due to the pool’s proximity and that you need to go beneath the pool deck. Though the prices can be higher, they can be a great addition in areas with cooler climates so that you can get more use out of your pool throughout the year.

Generator Gas Line Installation

Installing a gas pipe to a generator ranges from $20 to $25 per linear foot. If you have a generator installed, you need to contract with a plumber to run a line to the unit at the installation time. This project is not always below ground, but it depends on the generator. It requires specific materials and a little more skill, which results in a higher price, despite the smaller size of the needed line. Having a dedicated line to a generator saves the hassle of keeping fuel filled and allows it to run for much longer.

Natural Gas vs Propane Cost

Propane lines are identical to gas lines, so the natural gas pipe installation cost and the price for connecting a propane pipe from the tank to the house are roughly the same. This is why we will not go into the price differences below. One of the main differences is that a propane tank needs to be installed with the line, but this will be done free of charge by the propane company that retains ownership of the tank.

With a natural gas line, a plumber is likely to handle the job from start to finish. A propane line is likely to be run by the company installing the line and included with the tank installation. If you choose to run the line yourself or the utility company does it, it has the same price range of $15 to $25 a foot as any other outdoor line.​

Most often, homeowners choose propane for the simple reason that natural gas is not available in their area or is not currently set up for their home. This is most commonly seen in rural areas. The main pro of propane is that it is more efficient, but the drawback is that you will need to stay on top of having your tank filled.

Natural gas lines are more common in residential areas. The pros of choosing them are that it is delivered on-demand, and you will not need to worry about running out. It also is designed to work with more common appliances. The main drawback is that it is a less efficient source of energy and can be more expensive than using propane to heat a home.

Maintenance

Little maintenance comes with a gas line. However, the little that is required is crucial to ensuring that the line remains safe. The two primary aspects of maintenance are keeping the exposed lines and valves clean and regularly inspecting the lines and valves.

First, check any visible lines and connections in your home or outside for signs of rust or corrosion. You can wipe them gently with a rag to remove dust. You then will want to check your line for leaks. Start by turning off all of the appliances that use this fuel. Check your meter to see if it is still showing use. If it is still being used or you notice any type of corrosion or rust with your visual inspection, you should call your plumber for a proper inspection. On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $75 for an inspection.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Gas Line Pressure Test

If your gas pipe is leaking, it may not be getting the pressure to do its job. One way to determine this is to have the pressure tested. Your technician will check to make sure that the line can hold at least three times its pressure. If the pressure drops too quickly, you may need to have the line inspected for leaks. A pressure test ranges $75 to $100.

Underground Gas Line Installation Cost per Foot

If the new line is being run through your yard to a fire pit or hot tub, you may have additional costs. Some areas have strict regulations on how and where a gas line can run underground, which increases costs. Many of these lines need to be inspected, which may have additional costs. In all cases, trenching needs to happen to open up the ground to lay the pipe. This has a range of costs depending on what it is going under, with $4 to $12 a linear foot being average. The cost to install the line is $20 to $25 a linear foot. You will have landscaping costs afterward, making the total project range between $25 and $30 a linear foot. When installing a gas line underground, you will be required to follow certain regulations to ensure it can pass inspection.

Cap a Gas Line

If you disconnect an appliance from a line, it is cheaper to cap the pipe for potential future use than to remove it. The price to cap a line is around $75 to $150, depending on location and material. Capping simply means you will be sealing off the end of the pipe when it is no longer in use to prevent fuel from escaping. After capping, it is important to test for leaks to ensure that the seal is secure.

Gas Line Sediment Trap

A sediment trap keeps your pipe from clogging. They range from $100 to $150 to have installed. These traps prevent moisture buildup in your gas line, which can lead to contamination. Typically, a sediment trap needs to be installed as close to the inlet as you possibly can.​

Additional Considerations and Costs

• DIY. Installing a gas line should not be done DIY. Gas is flammable. If there are loose couplings or the wrong type of pipes used, it could be hazardous. Always use a specialized plumber or your utility company to do your installations.
• Permits. You need a permit to install a new gas line. Speak to your town or city hall for more information. The price for the permits primarily depends on the area you live in but can run anywhere from $50 to $300.
• Call-Before-You-Dig. Your plumber or the utility company is responsible for calling the 811 “Call Before You Dig” number for clearance. It is best if they get this information first hand, rather than having you relay it to them.
• Cheaper installation. In some cases, you can save on installation prices and sometimes get the installation for free. If multiple houses are being connected at the same time, the prices may be significantly reduced. For rural properties, the connection can be free if done along the edge of the property.
• Extending an existing gas line. Expect to pay less to extend a line than install a new one. So, if you have a small appliance, you may be able to T off your existing pipe to supply it. Specialty plumbers or plumbers install these. Plumbers have a wide range of labor rates from $75 to $130 an hour. Depending on your area and the plumber you contract, this impacts the project’s price.