Can I install my own gas line?

Generally no, in Utah. The International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by Utah requires licensed contractor installation for new natural gas piping in residential and commercial buildings. Unpermitted gas line work creates liability for the homeowner (insurance coverage often voided), can fail safety inspections during property sale, and creates real risk of fire or explosion if installation errors occur.

How much does a gas line for an outdoor grill cost?

Typical residential gas grill connection: $385-$840 installed if existing gas infrastructure is adequate and the run is short (under 25 feet from existing supply). Includes permit, pipe, emergency shutoff valve, leak test, AHJ inspection. Larger outdoor cooking projects (full outdoor kitchens with multiple appliances) typically range $1,400-$3,800 depending on scope.

How long does gas line installation take?

Simple single-appliance extension (short run, accessible routing): 4-6 hours including pressure test. Medium projects (longer run, multiple fittings, finished-wall routing): 1-2 days. Major projects with capacity upgrades or whole-house re-piping: 2-4 days. AHJ inspection typically scheduled within 3-7 business days of work completion; gas service is generally not restored until inspection passes.

What if my home has galvanized gas piping?

Older homes (pre-1980) often have galvanized steel gas piping. Galvanized was banned by IFGC for new installations because the zinc coating reacts with sulfur compounds in natural gas. Existing galvanized piping is grandfathered and can remain in service unless it's developed leaks (must be replaced), it's being modified for new appliances, or whole-house re-piping is undertaken. We don't recommend proactive replacement of intact galvanized; we do recommend not extending it for new work.

Do you work with Dominion Energy directly for service modifications?

Yes. For projects requiring meter upgrade (adding significant gas demand) or service line modifications on the utility-owned portion of the supply, we coordinate directly with Dominion Energy. Dominion handles utility-side work (meter, service line from main to meter) and we handle customer-side work (from meter to appliances). Timeline coordination is usually the limiting factor — Dominion service scheduling can run 2-6 weeks for non-emergency work.

Gas Line Installation in Salt Lake County

March 14, 2025. A homeowner named Aaron M. in Federal Heights — whom you’ve seen in earlier case studies on the furnace tune-up and AC installation pages — called us about a gas line for a new outdoor kitchen project. He’d budgeted approximately $1,400 for the gas line based on a contractor friend’s estimate. His project required: 65 linear feet of supply line from the existing manifold near the basement furnace to the new outdoor kitchen location, sized for the combined load of a 75,000 BTU range, 35,000 BTU pizza oven, and 60,000 BTU stand-alone smoker (170,000 BTU total). Marcus Halverson ran the IFGC Section 503 sizing calculation: at 65 feet equivalent length and 7″ WC supply pressure with 0.5″ WC pressure drop budget, the required pipe diameter is 1 inch nominal black iron (or 1-1/4 inch for the first 30 feet to accommodate future expansion). The existing 1/2 inch supply line at the planned tap-in point was undersized for the addition; we needed to back-feed from the meter with new 1-1/4 inch line. Total project cost: $3,840, including a new emergency shutoff valve at the outdoor termination, leak test documentation, permit, and AHJ inspection coordination. Higher than Aaron’s friend’s estimate, but his friend’s estimate was based on a much smaller diameter sized for the appliance load only — not accounting for the supply line back to the meter, the pressure drop budget over 65 feet, or proper sizing for the combined demand profile. Aaron’s outdoor kitchen has reliable gas supply for the full appliance lineup; the contractor friend’s approach would have produced inadequate gas pressure during simultaneous operation, with intermittent burner failures and inconsistent cooking performance.

Gas line work is a regulated trade in Utah. All natural gas piping installation, modification, or extension on residential and commercial buildings requires permit from the relevant Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ — Salt Lake City Building Services, Murray Building Department, West Valley City, Sandy, Draper, Holladay, Millcreek, South Jordan, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights, Ogden, and the other municipal building departments in our service area). Permits require licensed contractor work; DIY gas line installation is generally prohibited under the International Fuel Gas Code as adopted in Utah, with limited exceptions for very small homeowner modifications under specific conditions. We pull permits on every gas line job. We size lines per IFGC Section 503 calculation tables. We pressure-test every installation per IFGC Section 406 procedures. We document the work for AHJ inspection and for the homeowner’s records. Below is what we do, how the sizing math works, and what gas line installation costs in our service area.

What’s a Gas Line Installation Project?

Gas line work falls into five general categories:

New appliance gas supply:: Extending gas service to a new appliance location — outdoor kitchen, garage shop heater, pool heater, generator, fire pit, fireplace. Most common type of residential gas line work we perform.
Equipment replacement requiring line modification:: Existing furnace/boiler/water heater replaced with new equipment that has different gas demand. New equipment frequently requires line modification because nameplate input rating differs from the original equipment.
Whole-house gas line replacement:: Older galvanized steel piping (pre-1980) or undersized original piping replaced with modern black iron, CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing), or polyethylene mainline.
Capacity upgrade for added load:: Existing gas line capacity insufficient for added appliances. Common scenarios: homeowner adds gas appliances over time without considering aggregate load, addition or ADU brings new gas demand, conversion from electric to gas equipment.
Underground gas mainline service:: From Dominion Energy meter to building entrance. Polyethylene (PE) tubing with tracer wire for locating. Typically performed during new construction or when older underground service has degraded.

How Gas Line Sizing Actually Works

This is the technical heart of gas line installation work, and where unlicensed or undertrained contractors typically get it wrong. IFGC Section 503 provides standardized sizing tables based on:

System supply pressure:: Dominion Energy delivers natural gas at 7 inches WC (water column) standard residential supply pressure. Some commercial applications use 2 psi or higher supply with appliance-level pressure regulators. The supply pressure determines which IFGC sizing table applies.
Allowable pressure drop:: Standard residential design allows 0.5″ WC pressure drop from the meter to the most distant appliance under full load conditions. This is the engineering budget — total pressure drop across all piping segments must stay under this limit when all appliances are running simultaneously.
Pipe length (equivalent, including fittings):: The longest run from the meter to any appliance, including equivalent length for each fitting (elbows, tees, valves) added to the actual measured pipe length. A 45-degree elbow adds 1-1.5 feet equivalent; a 90-degree elbow adds 2-3 feet; a tee on the run adds 5-8 feet; valves add 1-3 feet.
Total connected load:: Sum of nameplate BTU/hr ratings of all appliances on the system. Diversity factor reduction is allowed in some commercial applications but not in standard residential — we size for full simultaneous load.
Pipe material and class:: Black iron Schedule 40 (most common indoor), galvanized (banned by IFGC for new gas piping due to corrosion at zinc coating contacting natural gas methylsulfide compounds), CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing — e.g., Gastite, OmegaFlex, Wardflex), polyethylene (PE) mainline (underground use only), copper (limited approved applications, not generally used for natural gas in residential).

Example Sizing Calculation

Aaron M.’s outdoor kitchen project from the top of the page:

Supply pressure: 7″ WC (Dominion Energy standard residential)
Pressure drop budget: 0.5″ WC residential standard
Total connected load: 170,000 BTU/hr (range 75,000 + pizza oven 35,000 + smoker 60,000)
Equivalent length: 65 feet pipe + 3 elbows (8 ft equivalent) + 2 tees (12 ft equivalent) + emergency shutoff valve (2 ft equivalent) = 87 ft equivalent length
IFGC Table 503.4 lookup: At 87 ft equivalent and 170 MBH demand, minimum required diameter is 1-inch nominal Schedule 40 black iron pipe
Practical sizing: Install 1-1/4 inch for the first 30 ft from the meter to accommodate future expansion; transition to 1 inch for the remaining run to the outdoor kitchen

Compare to Aaron’s friend’s estimate, which assumed 1/2 inch piping based on the largest single appliance load (75 MBH range) without accounting for the full simultaneous demand profile or the distance from the meter. Under his friend’s sizing, the pressure drop at full demand would have exceeded 1.2″ WC — well above the 0.5″ WC budget — causing intermittent burner failures during simultaneous operation.

Materials We Install

Black Iron Schedule 40 (Most Common Indoor)

Pipe diameters carried: 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, 2″, 2-1/2″, 3″ nominal
Fittings: Galvanized malleable iron fittings appropriate for gas service (not the cheaper banded fittings used for water piping — gas service requires gas-rated fittings)
Joints: Threaded NPT (national pipe taper) joints with appropriate gas-rated thread sealant (yellow PTFE tape rated for gas, or Megaloc/Megatape gas-rated sealants)
Use cases: Indoor gas piping for most residential and commercial applications; the workhorse material of gas piping

CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing)

Brands: Gastite, OmegaFlex (TracPipe), Wardflex, Coflex, ProFlex CSST
Diameters: 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, 2″ with specialty fittings
Joints: Mechanical compression-type fittings (manufacturer-specific)
Bonding requirement: CSST requires bonding to the home’s grounding electrode system per NEC 250.104(B) to provide a fault current path in case of lightning strike, due to known issues with arc-induced fires in CSST systems
Use cases: Long runs where bending around obstacles in finished walls would require excessive fittings with black iron; new construction installations; remodel work where finished wall access is limited

Polyethylene (PE) Mainline (Underground)

Pipe sizes: 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, 2″ SDR-11 medium-density polyethylene
Fittings: Manufacturer-specific mechanical or fusion fittings
Tracer wire requirement: #12 AWG insulated tracer wire installed alongside PE pipe to allow underground locating with standard utility-locating equipment
Anode requirement: Magnesium sacrificial anode bag installed at pipe transitions to protect against galvanic corrosion at the PE-to-metal transition fitting
Use cases: Underground gas service from Dominion Energy meter to building, underground gas line to outbuildings/sheds/detached garages, gas line under driveway crossings

What We Don’t Install

Galvanized steel piping for gas: Prohibited under IFGC for new installation due to corrosion at zinc-methylsulfide interface. We replace existing galvanized when encountered.
Copper for natural gas residential: Limited approved use cases; we generally use black iron or CSST instead.
Aluminum tubing: Not approved for residential natural gas under IFGC.
PVC for natural gas: Not approved for natural gas service.

The Installation Process

In-home assessment. 30-60 minutes on-site. Existing gas line inspection at meter, manifold, and appliance locations. Measurement of run distances. Identification of routing options through finished spaces, attics, crawl spaces. Verification of existing supply line capacity vs. proposed new load. Discussion of any code-required upgrades (e.g., bonding for new CSST installations, sediment trap requirements at appliance connections).
Sizing calculation and design. IFGC Section 503 calculation for required pipe diameter based on total connected load (existing + new), equivalent length, pressure drop budget. Design produces written pipe diameter and routing specification.
Written quote within 48 business hours. Itemized: pipe length and diameter by section, fittings by type, emergency shutoff valves, permits, leak test labor, AHJ inspection coordination.
Permit application. Filed with relevant AHJ. Permit fees typically $80-$240 residential, $180-$640 commercial.
Installation. Gas isolated at meter or upstream valve. Existing piping disconnected at planned connection point. New piping cut to length, threaded (or compression-fitted for CSST), assembled with appropriate sealants. Routing through walls, joists, and ceilings per IFGC clearance and support requirements.
Pressure testing. Per IFGC Section 406, new gas piping must be pressure-tested at 1.5 times working pressure or 3 psig (whichever is greater) for at least 10 minutes. We use compressed air at 25-50 psig for tests, held for 30+ minutes minimum, with gauge readings documented before and after.
Leak test (after pressure test passes). System re-pressurized with gas. Soap-bubble test on all new joints. Electronic combustible gas detector pass on the complete installation.
Documentation. Pre-installation gas pressure measurement at meter, post-installation gas pressure measurement at meter and at each new appliance connection. Pressure test gauge readings. Permit paperwork.
AHJ inspection coordination. Building inspector scheduled. Most jurisdictions complete inspection within 3-7 business days of work completion. Inspector verifies pipe sizing, support, bonding (CSST), and reviews pressure test documentation.
System restoration and customer walkthrough. Gas service restored. All connected appliances cycled and verified for proper operation. Customer shown emergency shutoff locations and documentation.

Pricing Reference (Q2 2026)

Diagnostic/assessment visit (if not yet committed to project):

$89 weekdays, $149 after-hours. Credited toward authorized project.

Single-appliance gas line extension (short run, 10-25 ft, existing infrastructure adequate):

$485-$840 installed. Common scenarios: gas line to new range, gas line to gas dryer location, gas line to fireplace.

Medium gas line project (25-65 ft, may require some upsizing):

$1,400-$2,800 installed. Includes pipe, fittings, emergency shutoff valve, permits, leak testing, AHJ inspection.

Major gas line project (significant routing, capacity upgrade, multiple appliances):

$2,800-$5,400 installed. Aaron M.’s 65-ft outdoor kitchen project at $3,840 falls in this range.

Whole-house gas line replacement (entire residential piping system):

$3,800-$8,800 depending on home size and complexity. Often performed as part of larger renovation or when removing galvanized steel piping discovered during other work.

Underground gas mainline service (meter to building):

$2,400-$6,800 depending on length, trenching access, and depth requirements. Includes PE pipe, tracer wire, anode bag, transition fittings, AHJ-approved depth installation.

Gas line capacity upgrade (existing line too small for added load):

$1,400-$4,200 depending on scope. Often performed during equipment upgrades when new equipment requires more gas than existing line can deliver.

Common add-on costs:

Emergency shutoff valve installation (per location): $85-$185
Drip leg/sediment trap addition (per appliance): $65-$135
CSST bonding to grounding electrode system: $185-$385
Magnesium anode bag (for underground transitions): $85-$165
AHJ permit fees: $80-$640 depending on jurisdiction and scope
Concrete cutting and patching (for underground crossings): $245-$485
Wall patching and texturing (where finished wall access is required): $185-$485 (typically subcontracted to drywall specialist)

Common Gas Line Code Requirements

Emergency shutoff valves:: Required at each appliance per IFGC Section 409.5. Must be in same room as appliance, within 6 feet of appliance connection, accessible without disassembly. We install ball-valve type emergency shutoffs (1/4 turn for full close).
Drip legs / sediment traps:: Required per IFGC Section 408.5 ahead of each gas-fired appliance. Captures any sediment or debris in the gas supply before it reaches the appliance gas valve. 3-inch nipple-and-cap arrangement on a tee fitting.
CSST bonding:: Required by NEC 250.104(B) for CSST gas piping. #6 AWG copper bonding conductor from the CSST piping system to the home’s grounding electrode system. This requirement followed a series of fire incidents in the 2000s where lightning-induced arcing caused CSST failures.
Underground depth and protection:: Underground gas service piping must be installed at minimum 18 inches below grade per IFGC. Depth increases under driveways and other vehicular access (typically 24-30 inches). Tracer wire required for underground PE pipe to enable utility location.
Penetration protection:: Gas piping passing through floors, walls, or ceilings must be protected against physical damage. Steel sleeve at penetration points; nail plates at any concealed location within 1.5 inches of finished wall face.
Distance from electrical equipment:: Gas piping must maintain minimum clearances from electrical equipment per NEC and IFGC. Minimum 3-foot clearance from electrical service panels, meter sockets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install my own gas line?: Generally no, in Utah. The International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by Utah requires licensed contractor installation for new natural gas piping in residential and commercial buildings. Limited exceptions exist for very small homeowner modifications under specific conditions, but most municipal AHJs in Salt Lake County prohibit homeowner gas work entirely without permit. Unpermitted gas line work creates liability for the homeowner (insurance coverage often voided), can fail safety inspections during property sale, and creates real risk of fire or explosion if installation errors occur. Pay a licensed contractor to do this right.
How much does a gas line for an outdoor grill cost?: Typical residential gas grill connection: $385-$840 installed if existing gas infrastructure is adequate and the run is short (under 25 feet from existing supply). Includes permit, pipe, emergency shutoff valve, leak test, AHJ inspection. Larger outdoor cooking projects (full outdoor kitchens with multiple appliances) typically range $1,400-$3,800 depending on scope.
How long does gas line installation take?: Simple single-appliance extension (short run, accessible routing): 4-6 hours including pressure test. Medium projects (longer run, multiple fittings, finished-wall routing): 1-2 days. Major projects with capacity upgrades or whole-house re-piping: 2-4 days. AHJ inspection typically scheduled within 3-7 business days of work completion; gas service is generally not restored until inspection passes.
What if my home has galvanized gas piping?: Older homes (pre-1980) often have galvanized steel gas piping installed during original construction. Galvanized was banned by IFGC for new gas installations because the zinc coating reacts with sulfur compounds in natural gas (specifically methylsulfide odorant added by Dominion Energy) producing flaking corrosion that can clog appliance gas valves over time. Existing galvanized piping is grandfathered and can remain in service unless: it’s developed leaks (must be replaced), it’s being modified for new appliances (modified sections must be black iron or CSST), or whole-house re-piping is undertaken for capacity or other reasons. We don’t recommend proactive replacement of intact galvanized gas piping; we do recommend not extending it for new work.
Do you work with Dominion Energy directly for service modifications?: Yes. For projects requiring meter upgrade (e.g., adding significant gas demand that exceeds existing meter capacity) or service line modifications on the utility-owned portion of the supply, we coordinate directly with Dominion Energy. Dominion handles utility-side work (meter, service line from main to meter) and we handle customer-side work (from meter to appliances). Timeline coordination is usually the limiting factor — Dominion service scheduling can run 2-6 weeks for non-emergency work, so we factor this into project timelines.

Schedule Your Gas Line Project Assessment

In-home assessments are free for installation projects of $1,400 or larger; $89 diagnostic fee credited toward project for smaller jobs. Free quote within 48 business hours.

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

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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)

Gas Line Installation Salt Lake City | IFGC Permits