How To Install a New Gas Stove, Without Dangerous Leaks

Learn how to safely install a new gas stove yourself with this comprehensive step-by-step guide.

Now Trending

Time

Complexity

Cost

Introduction

Afraid to hook up a gas appliance? You should be! A gas leak in your home can be fatal. But if done correctly, hooking up a gas range is a relatively simple job requiring just basic tools and readily available supplies. Follow instructions carefully, and you can safely do the job yourself.

In this article, you'll learn how to connect a gas range using a flexible, corrugated connector. Ahead, find tips and advice for this project from licensed plumbers Mitch Smedley from Smedley Plumbing and Liam Hogan from Hogan Mechanical Incorporated.

What If There's No Gas Line?

A gas stove requires a dedicated gas line to connect to and operate. Your home must also have established metered gas service from a utility provider. If your home does not have gas service, this must first be installed before a gas stove can be hooked up.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Gas Line?

Expect to pay $10 to $15 per linear foot for a gas line installation, plus the cost of materials and service fees. Depending on the length of the line, the total cost could range from $1000 to $2000.

Safety Precautions

Gas is combustible, and a gas leak can be fatal. Before working with gas, remove all flame or spark sources and shut off the gas line. When finished, always test for gas leaks, and we highly recommend having your work inspected by a pro.

When to Call a Pro

If you are uncertain about your ability to complete this project safely, consult a pro. If your home has gas service but requires a dedicated gas line to supply your range, consider contacting a pro to install one.

Materials

You will need to purchase a flexible corrugated gas line connection kit, which is available at most home centers and well-stocked hardware stores.

Buy a connection kit that is clearly marked "range." The kits come with a flexible line and several connectors in various sizes that will fit most stoves and gas lines (see Photo 3). Usually, the gas line coming into your kitchen will be 1/2 in. black threaded pipe, and the connection to the stove will be either a male (external threads) or female (internal threads) fitting. "Most gas stoves are either going to have a 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch threaded connector on the back," Smedley says.

Tools Required

• Adjustable wrench
• Drill with driver bit
• Leak detector
• Pipe wrench

Materials Required

• Corrugated flexible gas line connection kit for use with ranges
• Includes: End connector fittings in various sizes and flexible gas line and yellow Teflon tape

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Project step-by-step (11)

Prep the area

• Make sure the area where you’ll install the new stove is clean and free of debris.

Shut off the gas

Find the main gas valve to your home and shut off the gas supply to your home. This will typically be found in the basement toward the front of the house.

• To shut off the gas valve, turn the valve lever until it is at a right angle to the pipe.

TMB Studio

• Pull out the range and shut off the gas valve to the stove. (See also Photo 2.) This shutoff may be located behind the range or in the basement just below. A shutoff is required in the line to the range and should be added if you don’t have one.

TMB Studio

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Disconnect and remove the old stove

• With the gas off, pull the stove away from the wall until you can access the existing flexible gas line.
• Use an adjustable wrench to brace the connector fitting installed in the supply pipe while you turn the connector fitting on the flexible line with a pipe wrench. You may smell a slight gas odor during this step.
• Repeat this step to remove the flexible gas line from the back of the stove.
• Dispose of the used flexible gas line.
• Set the old stove to the side to make room for the new stove installation.

Attach new flexible gas line to the supply pipe

Use a flexible gas line that’s plenty long, so you’ll have enough room to work between the gas stove and the wall. They come in lengths from 24 inches to 60 inches. Always use a new flexible gas connector; don’t reuse an old one. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully to attach the flexible connector to the supply pipe.

• Wrap yellow Teflon tape around the male connector attached to the black supply pipe. “The official tape for gas is yellow,” Hogan says. Don’t use white plumbing tape.

tape around the male connector" width="700" height="700" />

TMB Studio

• Thread the flexible gas line connector onto the supply pipe connector by hand, being careful not to cross the threads.

TMB Studio

• Once hand tightened, use the adjustable wrench to hold the black supply line connector still while you tighten the flexible gas connector fitting. You want it snug, but don’t overtighten.

Note: Flexible connectors cannot pass through a floor or wall. “They must go directly from the emergency shut off valve and to the appliance,” Smedley says.