Q: What should I ask a plumber before hiring them to cap a gas line?

• <div><p>Before you <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/should-i-hire-specialty-natural-gas-plumber.htm">hire a natural gas plumber</a>, it&rsquo;s a good idea to get quotes from multiple pros to find the best value. When speaking with prospective plumbers, ask them if they&rsquo;re licensed to work with gas lines, what precautions they take to ensure safety during the project, and how to handle an emergency if there&rsquo;s a leak after the job. You may also want to know about warranties or guarantees, additional costs, how to prep your home, and if you&rsquo;ll need to relight your pilot lights.</p></div>

Question 1

What should I ask a plumber before hiring them to cap a gas line?

Accepted Answer

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Before you hire a natural gas plumber, it’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple pros to find the best value. When speaking with prospective plumbers, ask them if they’re licensed to work with gas lines, what precautions they take to ensure safety during the project, and how to handle an emergency if there’s a leak after the job. You may also want to know about warranties or guarantees, additional costs, how to prep your home, and if you’ll need to relight your pilot lights.

Question 2

What are common issues in gas piping that require attention?

Accepted Answer

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Leaks, low pressure, or inefficient flow are common problems needing professional repairs.

Question 3

What tubing should I pick for my new natural gas line?

Accepted Answer

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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 relatively inexpensive material commonly used for residential pipes. Ultimately, you'll need to find out what is permitted based on the code requirements in your area.

Question 4

Can I fix a gas leak myself?

Accepted Answer

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No, homeowners should never attempt to fix a gas leak themselves. Gas leaks pose serious health and fire hazards. Exposure to leaking gas can make you sick, and accumulated gas can ignite and explode. So always take leaks seriously and seek the help of a pro right away. While you may be able to detect a gas leak, always call a licensed professional to handle repairs and replacements.

Question 5

How much does it cost to convert a wood fireplace to gas?

Accepted Answer

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The cost to convert a wood fireplace to gas ranges from $500 to $5,500 on average, with most people paying $3,000 for a conversion. Both wood and gas fireplaces have pros and cons—gas fireplaces are easier to clean and maintain, while fires in wood-burning fireplaces are especially warm and cozy.