The typical cost to install an underground gas line is $540
Whether you're adding new gas appliances, upgrading from electric to gas, or increasing the number of gas lines at your home, you’ll want to know the costs and considerations involved in gas line installation. While prices range from $120 to $1,350, most homeowners spend between $259 and $823 to install new underground gas lines at their homes. Read on for more details about what to expect when you’re budgeting for a new line.
Home Much Does Underground Gas Line Installation Cost by the Foot?
Expect to pay between $15 and $25 per linear foot when accounting for labor and materials. When bringing in a master plumber, labor costs range from $45 to $200 per hour. The complexity of the terrain at your home impacts the bottom line for this project—more turns will likely result in higher installation costs because each pipe requires measuring, cutting, and threading. If the pro needs to dig under concrete and landscaping, this increases the project price.
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Underground Natural Gas Line Near You?
Rural vs. Urban
In general, natural gas is less expensive than propane, no matter where you live. By contrast, urban gas line installation is usually more expensive because a horizontal directional drilling technique that uses bore paths instead of trenches is often needed to get under road structures.
State
Here's a look at what people around the country pay on average for underground gas line installation:
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Nevada | $502 |
| North Carolina | $508 |
| Connecticut | $542 |
| Florida | $552 |
| Ohio | $599 |
| Colorado | $600 |
| Virginia | $627 |
| New York | $690 |
| Texas | $753 |
| California | $956 |
How Much Does It Cost to Run an Underground Gas Line Yourself?
Installing a natural gas line—or other new utilities—isn't a beginner DIY project. While you technically may be permitted to run your own line in some jurisdictions, it's not recommended unless you have experience. Installing your own line typically requires a permit, coordination with the gas company, and an inspection. It’s a much more straightforward process to hire a pro that specializes in natural gas piping.
If you're looking to save a little money on your project, consider doing some of the project prep work by digging the trenches needed for the new piping. Just be sure to have your city or utility company representative flag the yard before digging so that you don’t inadvertently hit a buried line when you begin the project.
Gas Line Installation: Cost Breakdown
Many homeowners are motivated to upgrade to gas for its high efficiency and performance when powering appliances. Here's a look at the project cost breakdown:
| Project Cost | Price |
|---|---|
| Plumbing | $45 – $200 per hour |
| Materials | $1 – $10 per foot |
| Trenching | $4 – $12 per foot |
| Connecting propane tank to the gas line | $0 – $75 |
| New gas meter installation | $100 – $500 |
| Permits | $100 – $300 |
Some code requirements call for something called a gas line pressure test. The purpose of this safety test is to detect leaks by observing a pressure drop. If your local rules aren't stringent, you can get away with a standard test costing between $75 and $150. However, some local codes call for 12-hour or 24-hour testing that can cost as much as $500.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Natural Gas Line by Use?
Installation and material costs vary based on where you're connecting your gas line.
Gas Line for Kitchen Stove
Installing a gas line for your kitchen stove will cost around $20 per linear foot. For example, the average length of piping needed to connect the kitchen to the main gas supply is 30 feet, so most homeowners end up spending around $600 for a true chef's stove.
Outdoor Grills and Fire Pits
Are you adding an outdoor BBQ? Expect to pay between $20 and $25 per linear foot for flexible tubing to go under a deck or yard. You’ll also want to keep in mind that outdoor fire pits should be at least 10 feet away from a home for fire safety.
Dryer and Water Heaters
Adding a gas line for these essential appliances usually costs $20 per linear foot. The motivation for paying the money to have an appliance like a dryer hooked into natural gas is that gas dryers are more efficient than electric dryers. You'll generally pay more up-front for the gas dryer unit than an electric dryer to access those cost savings in your monthly utility bill.
Gas Fireplace
Expect to pay $15 to $25 per linear foot to make things cozy with your new gas-powered fireplace. The overall cost to convert a wood fireplace to gas averages around $3,000—a small price to pay for some homeowners who never want to split a log again.
Furnaces and Pool Heaters
It's about $20 per linear foot when adding a line to a gas furnace or pool heater.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Run an Underground Gas Line?
Piping Length
With prices based on linear square feet, you can expect costs for labor and materials to go up for every extra foot. When bundling materials and labor into a single cost, each linear foot of piping averages $20 on a natural gas installation project. That means you're adding an extra $20 to your project for every linear foot your contractors cover. When comparison shopping, inquire about cost-per-foot and total project estimates from different contractors to get a feel for the project price range.
New Line vs. Existing Line
If a gas line already exists, short branches and extensions are relatively inexpensive. However, adding a new line to the street because you've reached max capacity can cost around $2,000.
FAQs About Installing an Underground Natural Gas Line
What tubing should I pick for my new natural gas line?
If you're connecting your gas line to appliances, the pro doing the work may recommend flexible corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CCST). Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is another commonly used material for residential pipes that is relatively inexpensive. Ultimately, you'll need to find out what is permitted based on the code requirements in your area.
How do I add a new gas line for a kitchen stove?
A flexible steel hose will be hooked up to the wall to connect your gas line if you're updating your kitchen stove.
What do I do with a gas line I convert to electric?
While the line can't be removed, a pro can place a cap on the end to stop leaks. Contact a pro for a service call that will cost between $75 and $150. This is a fairly quick job.
Who do I call to install a new natural gas line?
Most qualified local plumbers in your area should be able to help with this job.
How often should I have my gas system inspected?
Consider an annual inspection conducted by a local plumber to prevent dangerous and destructive leaks.
