I discovered a gas connection behind my free standing ele. range. How difficult would it be to install a cooktop 6ft from where the gas is located? Is there anything I need to watch for? Will I need to contact the gas company to approve work? I have never done this sort of work before and need guidance.

 

Hi:Pat

You will need to close off the gas at the meter first. Then with pipe wrenches, remove the cap on that pipe and extend it with another new pipe and support it to the wall.

Then add a shutoff valve at the end. Next install the male end of the adapter into the shut off valve. Install the female adapter on the cook top inlet pipe <manifold> and connect the two adapters with the connector.

Leave the newly installed shutoff valve closed, turn the house gas back on. Then while your at the new installation, turn on the valve, listen and smell for leaks.

Make up a soapy solution of common household dishwashing soap and brush all the fittings you installed and watch for bubbles. Fix any leaks that appear.

Allow time for the tiny bubbles to appear and look closely. Tiny leaks make tiny bubbles. Repeat this proceedure as the soap dries until your satisfied no leaks exist.

You can contact your local gas company for either a back-on relight of the other appliances, if your not sure how to do that and a check of this new installation.

Many natural gas companies offer to connect appliances for a reasonable fee and include all the parts except the piping. Call and ask.

HINTS:
<Buy the support clips when you buy the pipe and elbows, so you'll get the correct size. Also buy the connector installation kit. The standard 1/2inch connector size will do fine for a cooktop only. Full size stove with oven use the 7/8inch connector size.>

Good Luck,
TomBartco
Natural Gas Energy Technician and Consultant.
Personal Quote:
"Drive Safely. The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."