When you purchase a new house, one of the first things you’ll want to do is have a gas line installed. A gas line is a pipe made of metal that carries natural gas from a main that runs through your property to appliances in your home such as the heating and cooling system and water heater. It is a very important part of any home that helps bring natural gas in from outside and distribute it throughout the home. The installation of a gas line can be a bit tricky, especially for first-time homebuyers who may not have experience with this type of project. If you don’t know where to start with your gas line install, we have some tips that will get you on the right path towards installing your new gas line.
Research your property
Before you start digging for your gas line, you will want to do a bit of research on your property. You’ll want to find out where the main for your property is located, where the closest gas meter is located, and what type of natural gas is being used in your area. This will help you to locate the specific pipe that contains your gas line.
Locate the line
Once you have the location of your main, it will be a bit easier to find the location of your gas line. You’ll want to find the spot where the main runs underground and the pipe comes up above ground. The pipe that contains your gas line looks similar to a water line and will be made of black plastic or metal. Once you have determined the location of your gas line, you’ll want to mark it and dig a trench in that location.
Dig the trench
Once you have marked the location of your gas line, you’ll want to dig a trench in that location. You’ll want to dig the trench about 8 inches deep and make sure that it is wide enough to accommodate the pipe. This is an important part of the installation process because it is where the gas line will be placed inside the trench.
Install the pipe
Once you have dug the trench and placed the pipe inside, you will then need to attach it to the gas meter. The pipe should be attached to the side of the meter, and the meter should be located within 6 inches of the edge of the pipe. Once the pipe is connected to the meter, the gas line is installed and ready to go.
Protect the pipe
Once your gas line is installed, it is important to protect it from weather conditions such as rain. You can protect the pipe from rain and other elements by covering it with a tarp. You can also use a pipe cover to protect your line from debris and other objects that may be on the ground around it. Make sure that the tarp or cover is large enough to cover the entire pipe to prevent damage from other objects like animals and pests.
Conclusion
A gas line is an important part of any home that helps bring natural gas inside from the main. It is important to do thorough research on your property and mark the location of the gas line before digging the trench for it. Once the ground is prepared, you can install the pipe and then connect it to the gas meter. Make sure to protect the pipe from the elements to ensure that it lasts for years to come.