We all enjoy the many benefits that gas energy brings to our home. Whether there’s a storm or blackout, natural gas will not run out if you install a gas line. Learn how to run gas lines to the garage.
Running a gas line to a garage will increase your heating options. It will become very efficient and reliable during those cold winter days. A professional can do this job, but if you want this to be cost-effective, then you should do it yourself.
How do you run a gas line to a garage? What should you expect when doing this task? In this article you will learn the steps of running a gas line to your garage. There are a few things to consider first, then you can decide if you’re ready to take on this advanced project.
Things to Consider Before Running a Gas Line to Your Garage?
Running a gas line to your garage isn’t a DIY project for everyone. This is for people with experience on performing more advanced tasks like this one. If you don’t feel that you can install a gas line as safe as professionals do, then it’s best to just contact one. The risks of making a mistake outweigh the costs of a professional.
However, if you’re comfortable with doing this task, then there are some things you should consider first. A licensed professional may or may not be a requirement when installing a gas line. Be sure to check and see if you can actually perform this task yourself. You want to know what the local standards are and how it applies to the installation.
Assess your skill capacity to complete the work. Performing this task can be quite challenging and more advanced. Make sure you have the necessary tools, right mindset and experience to do this. If you do not, then contact a professional.
Most important, be safe! Follow instructions carefully and precise. Use the exact materials called for, and do not miss a single step when installing this. Take your time throughout the entire process. Do not use the gas line until a proper inspection is complete.
How to Run Gas Lines to The Garage:
There are many steps to completing this. It’s important that you read each step and are careful when doing them.
1.Lay Out Your Route
Your gas line will most likely run underground. In this case, you have to know physically where you will be running your gas line to the garage. You need to lay out your route from where the natural gas line currently starts. You want to begin right after the primary gas valve, and branch off from there. If helpful, add another shut-off valve where the line enters the garage.
Map this out accordingly, for you will be running a 12” wide, 20” deep trench. This route needs to be short and simple. Try to avoid any bumpy or “hard to work with” areas between the two points.
2. Consider Your Bill of Material
Next, start the bill of material that’s needed for the job. First contemplate on whether you’ll need a standard black or poly pipe for this installation. If your line is running underground then you need to get a poly pipe that’s exactly meant for burial use. If your line will run above ground then use a standard black pipe. Be aware of the different fitting options that each pipe comes in.
Once you’ve decided on which pipe to use, another material to consider is a trencher for the trench. For this sort of project, you can rent a small trencher for about a couple hundred dollars a day.
3. Install Your Lines
Now that everything is all set in stone, locate the gas valve. Immediately shut it off before continuing any further. Once the gas is off, you may begin to cut your trench while being sure to avoid root systems. This can make the whole process very difficult if not avoided.
When you’re finished with cutting the trench, you may begin laying your pipe. Make sure it’s connected and that you seal all the connections. It’s important to take your time with this part of the process. It’s easy to mess up with the connections, and is a danger to you if you do.
You can then install the secondary valve at the garage. After that, run the pipe out of the trench to the appliance you’re trying to run. You can close out the installation once the inspection is complete. You can close it out by refilling the trench back up with dirt to close it.
4. Inspect Your Installation
Before closing up your trench, test your lines for any leaks. Research the requirements of your local code so you can complete the test with accuracy.
You will be compressing air into your line engaging two forms of testing for the pressure. After applying the compressed air, take a 1:1 mixture of dish soap and water to spray across your connections. Be on the look-out for any bubbling. You will need to revisit and reseal your connections if any bubbles are visible.
Once this is complete, you then need to apply a pressure meter to the very end of your gas line. Allow 24 hours for it to register against the compressed air. During this time, if a drop in pressure appears, then you have a leak that you need to take care of. If there is no drop in pressure, then all your connections are properly sealed.
You can now try out your appliance by making sure the gas is flowing without any problems.
In Case You Were Wondering
Take account of prices when completing this task. We all want to make sure that whatever’s put into this is actually worth the money. To get your gas line installed by a professional, it can go as high as $2,000. This includes new lines, labor, piping and materials. To do this yourself it’d be around $700 or less.
If you’re a homeowner, then this project is possible for you to take on. As long as you’re experienced with advanced projects, and educated on the proper building codes and safety regulations. It’s important to go about this in a safe manner to avoid any mistakes. Also, be sure to get the right permit, get a pressure test on the pipe and have it inspected for approval.
Now You’re Ready!
You now have the proper knowledge on installing a gas line to your garage. You are ready to take on the challenge! Remember to go about this with precision. Check to make sure you have all the required tools and materials. Make turning on the gas the last thing you do. Take your time and make safety your first priority.
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