If you’re looking to upgrade appliances that require gas lines or add new gas supply points to areas of your home, careful planning of locations is essential. But where exactly should new gas lines be installed for maximum utility and safety?
In this blog post, we’ll break down the key considerations and best practices for determining the optimal placement of gas supply points throughout your home. We’ll cover appliance locations, code requirements, and ventilation needs.
You’ll also learn the proper installation process step-by-step, from permitting to final inspections. Following guidelines ensures new gas piping passes inspection on the first attempt while minimising risks. By the end, you’ll have the expert knowledge required to thoughtfully add gas lines in a code-compliant manner that enhances functionality and safety for years.
Planning Gas Point Locations in Your Home
The first step in installing new gas points is carefully planning their location. Taking time to consider appliance usage, code requirements, and the overall layout of your home will save headaches down the road.
You’ll want points added in common areas for gas appliances, like the kitchen and laundry room. Outdoor points are also useful if you plan to install a gas BBQ or fire pit in the future.
However, local codes need to be considered for ventilation, clearances from windows, and if basement or subfloor locations are allowed. Room dimensions also factor in ensuring ample space around a gas line. Consulting an installation manual and your municipality’s plumbing codes will highlight factors to review before finalising locations.
What Should You Look At When Choosing The Right Location?
There are several important factors to examine when determining the ideal locations for new gas points in your home. Current and potential future appliance locations are key so pipes can be strategically run for direct connection.
You’ll also want to account for required venting and consider if an area has adequate cross-ventilation for gas appliances. Room dimensions and clearances from windows per code must allow sufficient spacing around pipes.
The layout of existing plumbing and electrical lines should be reviewed to avoid conflicts during installation. Depending on local codes, factors like subfloor or basement placement might also be regulated.
Consulting with an installer and reviewing your area’s codes can illuminate any restrictions. Evaluating these various placement criteria upfront will help you choose functionally optimised locations and pass inspections seamlessly.
Common Rooms for Having Gas Lines Installed
Some of the most sensible and commonly used rooms throughout homes for adding new gas line points are the kitchen, laundry room, outdoor patio or yard space, and sometimes rooms with fireplaces. The kitchen is an obvious choice, as most homes have a gas stove, oven, or dryer. Installing a line here allows for easy appliance hookups.
Similarly, the laundry room is another practical spot since gas dryers are very common. Outdoor living areas are an excellent addition if you regularly use a BBQ or fire pit.
Some living rooms or master bedrooms already have functioning gas fireplaces or wish to install one. Carefully evaluating your household’s needs and reviewing code allowances will determine if these or other rooms are suitable.
Determining the Optimal Number of Gas Points
When installing new gas lines, it’s important to carefully determine the optimal number of points to add based on your home’s layout and potential future needs. While more points mean greater flexibility, overdoing it can drive up costs and be wasteful.
As a general rule, plan on installing a line in any room where you currently have or foresee placing a gas appliance. It’s also wise to include an extra point or two in busy areas like the kitchen in case of future upgrades.
Consider whether outdoor living or a home office space also utilises gas in the long run—balance functionality with your budget and system capacity limitations when deciding.
Consulting a plumber can ensure you have sufficient capacity while avoiding unnecessary pipes. The right amount gives flexibility without going overboard from a cost or safety standpoint.
The Installation Process
Here are the steps typically involved in installing new gas lines in a home:
Obtain Necessary Permits
Get permission from your local plumbing department before beginning installation work. Permits ensure code compliance.
Inspect Existing System
Have a licensed plumber evaluate your current gas setup for any repairs or upgrades needed beforehand.
Run Gas Lines
install type-approved pipe materials from the meter/tank to each planned gas point location.
Perform Initial Leak Test
Use gas-rated soapy water or electronic sensors to check all joints and connections for gas leaks before covering pipes.
Cover Piping
Once lines pass testing, pipes can be buried underground outdoors or concealed within wall cavities.
Schedule Inspection
Contact your local inspector for a required compliance check once lines are installed but before covering up.
Conduct Pressure Test
The plumber performs a final high-pressure test to confirm system integrity before connecting appliances.
Secure Connections
Once installation passes inspection, gas lines can be connected safely to planned appliances at each point.
Installing the Piping Correctly
Using approved materials and proper installation methods is critical when running and connecting gas lines. Black iron or corrugated stainless steel piping is typically required in homes as they are durable and minimise leaks over time.
Pipes should never be painted as coatings can crack and compromise the system. Fittings must be gas-rated and matched to your region’s gas type (natural gas, propane, etc).
Joints need to be securely fastened with approved pipe dope or tape and assembled according to code. Piping should also be properly supported to prevent cracks or separation.
Avoid overtightening joints, which can crack fittings. Once installed, test joints before burying them underground or concealing them in walls. Taking care of approved pipe materials and careful installation practices produces a safe, compliant gas system that is less prone to issues down the road.
Pressure Testing Requirements
Pressure testing new gas lines is a critical safety step before usage. It helps ensure no leaks are present that could lead to dangerous accidents over time. Building codes require a low-pressure test of typically 10-15psi held for an hour or a high-pressure test that applies 60-100psi for at least 30 minutes.
A licensed plumber performs the pressure test using nitrogen gas and pressure gauges. Soapy water is then used to check every connection for bubbles indicating leaks. Any leaks discovered must be fixed and retested until they pass standards.
Systems larger than 1-1/2” in diameter may require an additional hydrostatic test. Proper testing is mandatory to pass the final inspection and receive approval to turn the gas on. If not conducted to code, homeowners risk safety issues down the line.
Securing Your New Gas Points
Once a new gas line installation passes the required inspections, the final step is to properly secure newly installed gas connection points. This ensures lines are protected against potential impacts or damage.
Indoor points can be fitted with durable metal access panels that blend into the surrounding walls or cabinets. Outdoors, hard plastic or metal securable caps keep rodents, dirt and debris out of gas pipe openings while allowing convenient access for connection flex lines as needed.
Firmly fastening caps with screws prevent accidental displacement over time. Additionally, gas shut-off valves installed within a few feet of appliance connections allow gas to be safely disconnected if work is required on those lines. Proper safeguarding points protect the system and facilitate future servicing needs as needed.
Get It Right the First Time
We hope this guide has provided valuable information on thoughtfully planning gas line locations and properly installing new gas points in your home. While the process may seem daunting, taking a systematic approach and following code requirements ensures safety and trouble-free inspections.
At Service First Plumbing, our licensed professionals have years of experience performing high-quality gas line installations. If you’re ready to add new supply lines, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We would be happy to evaluate your home’s needs, help determine optimal locations, and handle the entire job competently and cost-effectively from start to finish. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Want more information about your gas system? Read our blog on protecting your gas lines from corrosion and leaks!
