Murray Kitchen Remodel Gas Line Installation: New Range + Relocated Cooktop

Customer:

Murray homeowner (consent given for documentation; introduced through general contractor handling kitchen remodel)

Address area:

Murray, near 5500 South and 700 East — established 1990s residential subdivision

Home characteristics:

1996 two-story home, approximately 2,460 sq ft. Main floor includes living room, dining room, original kitchen, family room, and laundry. Second floor includes primary bedroom suite and three secondary bedrooms. Vinyl siding with brick veneer accent. Vinyl double-pane windows. Concrete crawlspace under main floor. Existing gas service: 3/4″ black iron main supply from meter on south exterior wall, branching to existing kitchen range (40,000 BTU/hr demand), water heater (40,000 BTU/hr demand), and furnace (60,000 BTU/hr input). Kitchen remodel project required gas line modifications for new equipment configuration.

Project type:

Gas line installation as part of kitchen remodel — relocating existing cooktop position, adding new gas range capacity, and integrating new gas service points with existing supply infrastructure

Project completion date:

September 18, 2024

Total cost:

$1,850 installed (gas line work only; kitchen remodel cabinetry, flooring, electrical, plumbing, appliances handled by other contractors)

Background

Murray homeowner engaged a general contractor for a substantial kitchen remodel including layout reconfiguration, new cabinetry, new appliances, and new island installation. Original kitchen configuration had: single gas range against north wall, electric oven in same range (no separate gas oven appliance), separate cooktop position not present. Remodel design relocated the range to a new west wall position and added a separate gas cooktop in the new center island. Total gas service demand increased: original 40,000 BTU/hr range demand becoming new 65,000 BTU/hr range + 35,000 BTU/hr cooktop = 100,000 BTU/hr combined cooking demand. Project required: (a) new gas line to relocated range position, (b) new gas line to island cooktop position, (c) capping of original gas range supply at the existing wall, (d) verification of existing main supply capacity for increased demand.

Existing Gas Service Infrastructure

Gas service entrance:

3/4″ black iron pipe from gas meter on south exterior wall. Meter sized for residential service: 250 cubic feet per hour at standard pressure (approximately 250,000 BTU/hr capacity at standard heating value). Adequate for existing combined household demand of 140,000 BTU/hr (range + water heater + furnace).

Main supply distribution:

3/4″ black iron pipe entering crawlspace from south exterior wall. Branches to: furnace (3/4″ branch line), water heater (1/2″ branch line), original kitchen range (3/4″ branch line). Branching at distribution tees in crawlspace.

Existing piping condition:

1996 black iron piping in good condition. No visible corrosion. Joints intact. Pipe pressure rating adequate for residential natural gas service (typically 1/2 PSI delivery pressure to appliances, 250+ PSI pressure rating on black iron piping).

Existing kitchen range supply:

3/4″ black iron supply terminating at north wall behind original range position. Shutoff valve and flex connector to existing range. Range demand: 40,000 BTU/hr at full operation. Capped after appliance removal during kitchen remodel demolition phase (handled by general contractor’s plumber).

Existing furnace and water heater:

2018 Lennox SL280 furnace (60,000 BTU/hr input, 80% AFUE) and 2018 Bradford White gas water heater (40,000 BTU/hr input). Both functioning normally. Not affected by gas line modifications.

Pre-Project Assessment (August 2024)

Initial consultation:

90-minute on-site assessment. Marcus Halverson conducted gas line capacity analysis. Coordinated with general contractor regarding kitchen layout plans and appliance specifications. Reviewed homeowner’s selected new appliances:

• New range: Wolf DF364C 4-burner dual-fuel range, 65,000 BTU/hr total gas demand (high-output residential range)
• New cooktop: Wolf CG365PS 5-burner gas cooktop, 35,000 BTU/hr total gas demand
• Combined new cooking demand: 100,000 BTU/hr

Gas supply capacity verification (NFPA 54 calculation):

Required calculation per NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code (and 2024 IFGC with Utah amendments):

• Total combined household gas demand at full simultaneous operation:
  • Furnace: 60,000 BTU/hr
  • Water heater: 40,000 BTU/hr
  • New range (full operation): 65,000 BTU/hr
  • New cooktop (full operation): 35,000 BTU/hr
  • Maximum theoretical simultaneous demand: 200,000 BTU/hr
• Demand factor for residential simultaneous use (per NFPA 54): 70% — applied because all appliances rarely operate at maximum simultaneously
  • Adjusted simultaneous demand: 140,000 BTU/hr
• Gas meter capacity at 1/2 PSI delivery: 250,000 BTU/hr
• Capacity margin: 250,000 – 140,000 = 110,000 BTU/hr available capacity
• Conclusion: Existing gas service capacity adequate for new combined demand.

Verification confirmed: gas meter and main supply did not require upgrade for the kitchen remodel.

New piping requirements (NFPA 54 sizing):

New piping segments required:

• New branch to relocated range (west wall): 22 ft run from existing distribution tee. Demand: 65,000 BTU/hr. NFPA 54 Table 6.2(a) sizing at 22 ft and 65,000 BTU/hr: 3/4″ pipe required.
• New branch to island cooktop: 18 ft run from existing distribution tee, then 8 ft vertical rise from floor into island cabinet. Demand: 35,000 BTU/hr. NFPA 54 Table 6.2(a) sizing at 26 ft total and 35,000 BTU/hr: 1/2″ pipe required.
• Capping of original range supply: Existing 3/4″ black iron pipe at north wall position requires capping with threaded plug or weld cap after appliance removal.

CSST vs. black iron pipe decision:

Two installation options evaluated:

1. Traditional black iron piping: Standard residential gas piping material. Threaded joints with pipe dope. Lower material cost (~$2.50/ft for 3/4″, ~$1.80/ft for 1/2″). Higher installation labor (cutting, threading, joint compound application). 22 ft + 26 ft = 48 ft total piping requires approximately 12-16 threaded joints.
2. CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) flexible piping: Modern alternative. Flexible routing reduces installation complexity. Higher material cost (~$8-12/ft). Significantly lower installation labor. Specialized fittings and bonding requirements per NEC 250.104(B). Long-run flexibility ideal for tight spaces.

Customer/contractor selection:

CSST selected. Reasoning: (a) cabinet penetrations and crawlspace routing more flexible with CSST; (b) faster installation reduces labor cost (compensates for higher material cost); (c) modern installation standard increasingly preferred over traditional threaded pipe; (d) general contractor’s framing schedule had limited window for gas line installation between rough-in and drywall — CSST faster installation supported tight schedule; (e) lifetime durability comparable to black iron when properly installed with required bonding.

Installation Specifications

CSST product specification:

• OmegaFlex TracPipe CounterStrike CSST
• 3/4″ CSST for range branch (Wolf DF364C 65,000 BTU/hr)
• 1/2″ CSST for cooktop branch (Wolf CG365PS 35,000 BTU/hr)
• Manufacturer warranty: lifetime on CSST tubing material
• OmegaFlex AutoFlare fittings (manufacturer-specific, prevents installation error)

Bonding requirement (NEC 250.104(B)):

CSST piping requires electrical bonding to building grounding electrode system per NEC 250.104(B). Bonding prevents arcing between CSST and metal building components during lightning strikes (CSST has thinner walls than black iron and is more vulnerable to lightning-induced arc damage). Bonding requirements:

• 6 AWG copper bonding conductor from CSST manifold to building grounding electrode
• Bonding clamp listed for use with CSST (Burndy KS-W series or equivalent)
• Connection point at distribution manifold near furnace
• Verification of continuity to building grounding electrode

Shutoff valves:

• 3/4″ ball valve at range supply (in cabinet behind range, accessible)
• 1/2″ ball valve at cooktop supply (in island cabinet base, accessible)
• Both valves rated for natural gas service per ASME B16.33 (or equivalent)
• Manufacturer: Apollo or equivalent

Appliance connectors:

• 3/4″ flexible appliance connector to Wolf DF364C range (CSA-certified for natural gas appliance connection)
• 1/2″ flexible appliance connector to Wolf CG365PS cooktop
• Both connectors rated for residential gas appliance service

Capping of original range supply:

3/4″ threaded brass cap with pipe dope on existing black iron pipe at north wall (behind new drywall finish). Sealed and pressure-tested.

Installation Scope and Timeline

September 18, 2024 (single-day installation):

• 7:30 AM: Marcus Halverson + Reagan O’Donnell arrived. Equipment delivered. Met with general contractor.
• 8:00 AM: Gas service shutoff at meter (coordinated with general contractor since other gas appliances served by same meter). Furnace and water heater temporarily inoperable during work.
• 8:30 AM: Existing range supply capping. 3/4″ brass cap installed with pipe dope at original north wall position.
• 9:00 AM: CSST routing planning. Reviewed wall framing, plumbing routes, electrical routes to confirm clear paths for gas piping.
• 9:30 AM: Range branch CSST installation. 3/4″ CSST routed from existing distribution tee in crawlspace through new wall framing to west wall range location. Total run: 22 ft including 6 ft vertical rise from crawlspace to floor opening.
• 11:00 AM: Cooktop branch CSST installation. 1/2″ CSST routed from same distribution tee through crawlspace to floor opening below island, then 8 ft vertical rise through island cabinet base. Total run: 26 ft.
• 12:30 PM: Lunch break.
• 1:15 PM: AutoFlare fittings installation at each end of CSST runs. Shutoff valves installed at appliance connection points.
• 2:00 PM: CSST bonding installation. 6 AWG copper bonding conductor from manifold to building grounding electrode at electrical panel. Bonding clamp tightened to manufacturer torque specification. Continuity verified using meter.
• 3:00 PM: Pressure test setup. System depressurized at meter side. New CSST runs isolated from existing service.
• 3:30 PM: Pressure test execution. 15 PSI air pressure applied to new piping for 30 minutes. Pressure held at 15 PSI throughout test — no leaks identified.
• 4:00 PM: System reconnection. Gas service restored at meter. Tag-out documentation removed.
• 4:30 PM: Manometer verification at each new branch. Delivered gas pressure at range supply: 7.2″ WC (within 6-10″ WC specification for residential natural gas). Cooktop supply: 7.1″ WC. Both within manufacturer specifications for Wolf appliances.
• 5:15 PM: Documentation for AHJ inspection. Customer briefing on system operation.
• 5:30 PM: Installation complete.

Total installation time:

10 hours single-day project (two-technician crew accelerated completion within general contractor’s tight schedule)

AHJ inspection:

Murray Building Department inspection scheduled for September 23, 2024 (5 days after installation, coordinated with general contractor’s overall remodel inspection schedule). Permit number: M-2024-04823. Passed inspection on first review — inspector verified CSST manufacturer warranty registration, bonding compliance, pressure test documentation, manometer pressure readings, and appliance connector specifications.

Final appliance connection:

September 25, 2024. Wolf range and Wolf cooktop installed by general contractor’s appliance installer. We returned for final connection verification: confirmed all connections leak-free using electronic gas leak detector and applying soap solution at all connection points. Confirmed manometer pressures at appliance supply: range 7.2″ WC, cooktop 7.0″ WC (slight pressure drop during simultaneous appliance operation, well within manufacturer specifications).

Cost Breakdown

Itemized project cost:

• OmegaFlex TracPipe CounterStrike CSST 3/4″ (22 ft): $245
• OmegaFlex TracPipe CounterStrike CSST 1/2″ (26 ft): $215
• AutoFlare fittings (4 units): $145
• Apollo 3/4″ ball valve: $45
• Apollo 1/2″ ball valve: $35
• Brass cap for original range supply: $25
• Flexible appliance connectors (3/4″ + 1/2″): $85
• 6 AWG copper bonding conductor and clamp: $45
• Pipe dope and joint compound: $15
• Permit fee: $185
• Installation labor (Marcus Halverson + Reagan O’Donnell, 10 hours combined): $885
• Pressure testing and verification: $185
• Manometer verification at appliance connection: $145
• System commissioning and customer education: $185
• Subtotal: $2,440
• General contractor coordination discount (multi-trade project): -$345
• Comfort Care plan referral: -$245
• Total customer cost: $1,850 installed

Comparison: Black iron pipe alternative

Same project with traditional black iron piping instead of CSST:

• 3/4″ black iron pipe (22 ft): $55
• 1/2″ black iron pipe (26 ft): $47
• Black iron fittings (couplings, tees, elbows, unions): $185
• Threading labor (additional): $385 (more joint work, more time)
• Pipe dope (additional volume): $25
• Pressure testing same: $185
• Bonding: not required for black iron pipe (rigid metal continuity inherent)
• Adjusted total estimated: $1,575 with black iron

Black iron savings: approximately $275. CSST premium reflects: faster installation (essential for project schedule), better long-term flexibility, modern code-compliant installation. Many contractors recommend CSST for residential gas line work due to installation efficiency.

Rebates and incentives:

• Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart: not applicable to gas piping
• Dominion Energy ThermWise: not applicable to gas piping (covers efficiency equipment)
• Federal IRA 25C: not applicable to gas piping

Post-Project Outcomes

Operational performance:

System operating normally since installation. No reported gas pressure issues. Customer confirmed:

• Wolf range performance excellent (full burner output achievable simultaneously)
• Wolf cooktop performance excellent
• Simultaneous operation of range and cooktop produces no noticeable pressure drop affecting appliance performance
• Existing furnace and water heater continue normal operation with adequate gas supply

Customer-reported assessment:

“The kitchen remodel was substantial and the gas line work was one of the trades I was most concerned about coordinating. Marcus and Reagan worked around the framing and electrical schedule efficiently. The Wolf range is incredible — full output on all burners simultaneously is amazing for cooking. We use the cooktop on the island for everyday cooking and the range for serious cooking projects.”

Ongoing service relationship:

Customer enrolled in Comfort Care plan during gas line installation visit. Plan benefits applied to gas line project. Plan continues providing annual furnace tune-ups (October 2024 fall tune-up performed), water heater inspection during tune-ups, gas appliance leak detection during annual visits. Service relationship continues smoothly.

General contractor referral relationship:

This project established our relationship with the general contractor who handled the broader kitchen remodel. We’ve been referred to two additional kitchen remodel projects since this completion. General contractor appreciated: (a) on-schedule completion within tight remodel window, (b) clear communication during coordination, (c) clean work site at end of installation day, (d) successful first-pass inspection passing.

Why This Case Study Illustrates Important Patterns

NFPA 54 gas demand calculations:

Adding gas appliance demand requires verification that existing gas supply infrastructure can support increased demand. NFPA 54 Table 6.2(a) provides piping sizing based on demand and length. The 70% demand factor for residential simultaneous use is critical — without this factor, calculations would suggest oversized piping. Properly applied demand factor allows correct sizing. Skipping this calculation can result in: undersized piping (inadequate pressure to appliances), oversized piping (unnecessary cost), or insufficient gas meter capacity requiring utility upgrade.

CSST vs. black iron pipe selection:

Both materials are code-compliant for residential gas piping. Selection factors:

• CSST advantages: flexible routing, faster installation, fewer joints (less leak risk), modern standard, premium feel for kitchen remodel context
• Black iron advantages: lower material cost, no bonding required, mechanical robustness, traditional standard with track record
• CSST disadvantages: higher material cost, requires bonding per NEC 250.104(B), specialized fittings increase parts cost
• Black iron disadvantages: more installation labor, more joints (more potential leak points), rigid routing requires more space

For this kitchen remodel context with tight schedule and complex routing, CSST was the appropriate choice. For simpler installations with standard routing and lower time pressure, black iron remains a reasonable choice at lower cost.

CSST bonding requirement significance:

NEC 250.104(B) bonding is critical for CSST safety. CSST has thinner walls (typically 0.015-0.020 inches) compared to black iron (0.113 inches for 3/4″ pipe). Lightning-induced electrical arcing between CSST and other metallic building components can puncture CSST walls, creating gas leaks at points where arcing occurred. Bonding the CSST system to building grounding electrode equalizes voltage potential across the building, preventing arc damage. Skipping bonding (sometimes done in non-compliant DIY installations) creates serious lightning-strike risk. Bonding is verified by AHJ inspectors during installation review.

Coordinated trade scheduling:

Kitchen remodels involve multiple trades: cabinetry, flooring, electrical, plumbing, gas piping, HVAC modifications, appliance installation. Gas piping must be completed between framing/rough-in (so piping can route through walls) and drywall (so piping is accessible for inspection). Tight schedule windows make schedule reliability critical for project completion. Our 10-hour single-day completion fit within the general contractor’s schedule; longer installations would have delayed other trades.

Manometer verification importance:

Pressure measurement at appliance supply confirms adequate gas pressure for appliance operation. Wolf appliances specify 7-11″ WC inlet pressure; readings outside this range indicate undersized piping or other supply issues. Our manometer verification (range 7.2″ WC, cooktop 7.1″ WC) confirmed adequate supply. Skipping this verification can result in: appliance underperformance, pilot light failures, incomplete combustion, customer dissatisfaction.

High-output residential appliance considerations:

Wolf, Viking, and other premium residential appliances often have higher BTU/hr demand than standard residential equipment. Wolf DF364C 4-burner range at 65,000 BTU/hr is approximately 60% higher than typical 4-burner range demand (40,000 BTU/hr). Combined with simultaneous cooktop operation, total cooking demand approaches commercial kitchen levels. Gas line sizing must accommodate these higher demands; many homes with original 1996-era gas service have adequate capacity but tight margins requiring careful calculation.

Code and Standards Compliance Documentation

Applicable codes and standards:

• 2024 IFGC with Utah amendments: Fuel gas piping installation
• NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code: Gas piping design, sizing, and installation
• NFPA 54 Table 6.2(a): Piping sizing based on demand and length
• NEC 250.104(B): CSST bonding to building grounding electrode
• ASME B16.33: Manually operated metallic gas valves
• CSA Z21.24: Connectors for gas appliances
• OmegaFlex TracPipe CounterStrike installation requirements: Manufacturer-specific protocols including AutoFlare fittings and bonding
• Utah DOPL HVAC contractor licensing: #11567823-5501 active and current
• Murray Building Department: Permit issuance and inspection

Permit number:

Murray Building Department permit #M-2024-04823

Inspection passed:

September 23, 2024 (5 days post-installation, coordinated with broader remodel inspection schedule). Inspector verified: CSST manufacturer warranty registration, bonding continuity, pressure test documentation, manometer pressure readings, appliance connector specifications, shutoff valve accessibility, sealed wall penetrations.

Documentation provided to customer:

• Piping diagram showing new branch routes
• NFPA 54 sizing calculation documentation
• Pressure test results
• Manometer readings at each appliance supply point
• OmegaFlex warranty registration documentation
• Inspection compliance documentation
• Comfort Care plan enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permits for gas line work?

Yes, all gas line modifications require permits and inspections per Utah code. Permits are issued by local jurisdiction Building Department (Murray, Salt Lake City, etc.). Self-permitting is allowed in some jurisdictions for homeowner-performed work; however, gas piping work must still meet all code requirements regardless of who performs the work. Inspections verify proper installation, pressure testing, sizing compliance. Gas line work performed without permits is unsafe and creates legal liability for homeowner.

Is CSST more dangerous than black iron pipe?

Not when properly installed with required bonding. CSST has thinner walls than black iron, making it more vulnerable to lightning-induced electrical arcing. NEC 250.104(B) bonding addresses this risk by equalizing voltage potential across the building. Properly bonded CSST is comparable in safety to black iron piping. Improperly bonded CSST (without the required 6 AWG copper bonding conductor to building grounding electrode) is significantly more vulnerable to lightning strike damage and creates real safety risk. Always verify bonding compliance with installer.

How do I know my gas line is sized correctly?

NFPA 54 Table 6.2(a) provides standard sizing tables based on demand (BTU/hr) and pipe length. A licensed installer should perform the calculation considering: (a) maximum simultaneous demand of all appliances on the line, (b) length of pipe from gas meter to most distant appliance, (c) number of fittings (each adds equivalent length), (d) gas pressure available at meter. Output sizing recommendation per table. Verification: measure delivered pressure at appliance using manometer; should be within manufacturer’s specified range (typically 6-10″ WC for residential natural gas).

How long does a typical residential gas line installation take?

Variable based on complexity. Simple connection (new appliance at existing supply point with appropriate sizing): 2-4 hours. New branch installation with new piping run: 6-12 hours. Major reconfiguration requiring multiple new branches: 1-2 days. Our Murray kitchen remodel project (two new branches + capping of original supply + CSST bonding) was 10 hours with 2-technician crew. Complex commercial installations can extend significantly.

Will gas line work require shutting off gas to my home?

Typically yes, during installation window. Gas service at meter is shut off during work (typically 6-10 hours for residential single-day projects). This affects all gas appliances served by the same meter: furnace, water heater, range, water heater, etc. Coordinate installation timing with mild weather periods if possible to minimize impact of furnace/water heater shutdown. Some shorter projects involve work on specific branches while other branches remain in service; these don’t require full meter shutoff but are less common.

Project Details Summary

Customer:

Murray homeowner introduced through general contractor handling kitchen remodel

Property:

Murray 1996 two-story home, 2,460 sq ft with kitchen remodel project

Project type:

Gas line installation supporting kitchen remodel — new branches for relocated range and new island cooktop, capping of original range supply

Completion date:

September 18, 2024 (10-hour single-day installation with 2-technician crew)

Total cost:

$1,850 installed (with general contractor coordination discount and Comfort Care plan referral discount)

Materials installed:

OmegaFlex TracPipe CounterStrike CSST (3/4″ range branch + 1/2″ cooktop branch), AutoFlare fittings, Apollo ball valves, 6 AWG copper bonding to grounding electrode, flexible appliance connectors, threaded brass cap for original supply

Outcome:

System operating at design specifications. Wolf DF364C range (65,000 BTU/hr) and Wolf CG365PS cooktop (35,000 BTU/hr) operating normally. Existing furnace and water heater unaffected. Customer satisfied with kitchen remodel completion and gas line performance.

Permit and inspection:

Murray Building Department permit #M-2024-04823, passed inspection September 23, 2024

Ongoing service relationship:

Comfort Care plan member from project enrollment. Annual furnace tune-ups continuing. General contractor referral relationship established (two additional kitchen remodel referrals since completion).

Schedule Gas Line Installation Consultation

• Phone: (385) 300-1867
• Address: 756 E Winchester St #322, Salt Lake City, UT 84107
• Email: info@saltlakecityheatingairconditioning.xyz
• Utah DOPL HVAC Contractor License: #11567823-5501
• EPA Section 608 Universal (Lead Tech): #608U-2009-447129

Schedule Consultation →

← Back to All Case Studies

Office Hours

• Emergency Service: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Office Staff: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Closed: Weekends and State/Federal Holidays (emergency line always active)