Installing a Flexible Gas Line

A gas line.
  • 2-8 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 150-750
What You'll Need
Medium-size adjustable crescent wrench
Flexible gas line
Pipe cutter
Flair fittings
Dish soap combined with water
A painting brush
What You'll Need
Medium-size adjustable crescent wrench
Flexible gas line
Pipe cutter
Flair fittings
Dish soap combined with water
A painting brush

Installing a flexible gas line will save you money. Doing it yourself minimizes the risks of incurring gas leaks, and when you do get a leak, changing the pipeline is far simpler and cheaper than repairing traditional black iron pipes. The best thing of all is that you won't require hiring a professional in most cases. These tips will help you with your installation.

Step 1 - Measure and Fit

Identify where your main gas supply is located, and where are you are planning to set the new gas range. Then, measure the space between those points. This way you'll know exactly the length of the pipeline that you'll be needing for your installation. Its flexibility will allow you to go around many obstacles, thus making it convenient for you to locate your gas range virtually anywhere. It's essential for you to check the size in diameter of the gas supply fitting so that you can pick proper pipeline sizes.

Step 2 - Pick Out the Gas Pipelines

Nowadays, the corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is a very popular type of flexible gas line used in modern American households. This is an approved material specially designed for domestic use. It works well in supplying gas to several appliances at home because it's installed just like any type of electrical wiring. Now that you know the size diameter for the pipe fitting and the length of pipeline that you'll need, you can make an informed purchase. Flexible lines are available in several diameters, which will make your selection quite easy.

Step 3 - Install

Locate the flexible line between the two points you want to join. Use the pipe cutter to fit your pipeline properly. This material is very easy to cut, so it shouldn't pose any problems. When you get the right length, use the wrench to fit one of the ends of your flexible gas line first, and then tighten the channel lock. Make it as tight as possible, so as to prevent any possible leaks. Perform the same procedure at every joint part.

Step 4 - Check the Installation

Because of its flexibility, the CSST has fewer joint parts, which greatly minimizes potential gas leaks. Still, you have to make sure that the installation has been made correctly. To do so, you have to turn on the gas valve and use a solution of liquid soap mixed with water. Once the gas is running, grab the brush and apply the liquid solution on every inch of length of piping. If at some point of the length of the pipeline, or at one of the joint parts, you see little bubbles coming out, you've got yourself a leak. Try to tighten the joints even harder. If this doesn't work, try changing the pipe for a new replacement.

You have to be careful when you're performing this last step. Making sure the gas installation was done correctly is very important so that you comply with fire prevention and home safety measures. You should also be sure that all the pipes are in good shape. Gas leaks may cause asphyxia or severe intoxication. It is also highly flammable, so proper precautions should be exercised at all times.