How to Install a Fireplace Gas Line

Turn your wood fireplace into one that uses natural gas by adding a fireplace gas line. This will require not only a good deal of work, but also material, time, and a knowledge of installing a gas line. But keep in mind, this project can be somewhat dangerous. Any work involving natural gas will require special procedures to avoid gas leaks. Here are some of the things you'll need to know and do.

Step 1 – Preparing to Install Your Gas Line

Before buying your gas pipe, measure the distance you'll need to run it from the fireplace to where you connect to the gas line. Make a list of fittings and tubing you'll need, and take them with you to the hardware store. Check with your municipal building department for codes you will need to meet. Choose a gas line route that will require few, if any, sharp bends that could kink the pipe and slow the flow of gas to your fireplace.

Step 2 – Shut off Gas Service

Before making new gas line cuts or disconnecting gas pipe joints, shut off your gas between your connection point and the street gas pipe. Next, cut your existing line pipe where you plan to make your connection. Depending on the type of pipe your gas runs through in your house, use the type of pipe cutter that will work best.

Step 3 – Install Gas Line into the Fireplace

If your pipe is to run from your basement and through your floor at the fireplace, drill a hole in the floor near the fireplace or up through the fireplace floor, whichever will be closer to your gas pipe route. Run the other end of the gas line to the place where you cut the gas pipe.
Attach to the fireplace gas valve the brass fitting, applying plumbers tape to the threads. Tighten with a pipe wrench. Run the far end of your gas line from the fireplace fitting to the place in the pipe where you cut it.

Step 4 – Connect Fireplace Pipe to the Gas Pipe

At the gas pipe where you made the cut install a tee fitting that will connect both ends of the cut pipe and the fireplace pipe. To connect both ends of the gas pipe, cut out a piece from the gas pipe long enough that both ends of this pipe will fit on the tee fitting with the fireplace pipe. Then fit the end of the fireplace pipe on the unused tee fitting end. Secure all three connections with plumbers tape or putty. When finished, turn the gas back on and test all connections by spraying soapy water on them from a spray bottle. If you see bubbles at any of the connections, this means the connection with the bubbles is not tight. You'll need to tighten it further, or reconnect it with more plumbers tape or putty.