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In most cases, yes, it’s safe to light a gas water heater manually, but you should shut the gas off first, open a window, and let the space air out for about 10 minutes. Modern water heaters shut the gas off entirely if the pilot light goes out, but airing out the area beforehand is good practice and will ensure it’s safe to relight your pilot light manually. Just make sure you turn the gas valve to “pilot” before lighting. If the light keeps going out or won’t light at all, call in a professional.

Temporarily capping a gas line—for renovations or during travel—doesn’t require a permit. If you plan to remove a gas line and cap it completely, you’ll need to apply and pay for one through your town or city. Depending on your region and its local codes, you may pay between $25 and $100. To avoid a gas leak or other hazards, some cities take the job of permanently adjusting or capping a gas line out of the hands of homeowners. Instead, they require hiring a professional gas plumber.  

The best sealant for gas pipes is usually a pipe joint compound, or pipe dope. It creates a durable, leak-proof seal that is resistant to high pressure and vibrations, and it doesn’t break down like tape can. Yellow Teflon tape, or PTFE tape, can also be a good option and is a safe and reliable sealant for gas pipes when you or a pro apply it correctly.

Costs depend on the fireplace model, venting complexity, labor, and whether additional structural modifications are needed.