How to Prepare and Plan for Natural Gas Lines Near You

Natural gas is a component of interconnected home systems many individuals rely upon in their daily lives. It is used by homeowners for cooking, heating, hot water, and other applications. While it is highly reliable and dependable, a natural gas line must be properly calibrated and monitored in order to ensure the safety of all involved. If you reside in the 78726 zip code of Austin, Texas, you may need to get started on natural gas lines near you. Installing, replacing, or upgrading a natural gas line is a task best left to professionals such as those at Abacus Plumbing & Air Conditioning. Below, you will find the necessary tips and steps to consider when preparing and planning to upgrade your natural gas lines.

Assess Need

The first step in any major home maintenance job is to assess the need. With natural gas lines, this includes considering such factors as the age of the lines in place, their current condition, and the actual purpose for which the natural gas will be used. It may be that you need to install new lines for a newly remodeled kitchen or upgrade your lines to support a larger water heater. A thorough assessment helps to ensure the necessary work is done in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Choose a Qualified Professional

Especially with any type of natural gas line work, it is essential you choose a qualified, licensed plumber or contractor. At Abacus, our technicians are expertly trained and certified to handle all types of natural gas lines both large and small. We offer everything from water heater installation to slab leak detection and use only the most efficient and reliable equipment. Our technicians will work quickly and efficiently to ensure you get the utmost satisfaction.

Understand the Work Involved

Gas lines for residential use are configured differently from those used in commercial applications. Residential often utilize smaller pipes and lower pressure levels than those used in commercial settings. Understanding this can help you to anticipate how much work is involved in replacing, upgrading, or installing new lines. Residential lines have different pressure safety valves and installation processes than commercial ones, and it is important to be aware of these differences when deciding to upgrade or make changes to the system.

Check Codes and Requirements

Local codes dictate specific requirements regarding natural gas lines are to be installed. This may include the use of specific materials, the location of the lines, and whether specific testing must be done. Familiarize yourself with these codes and regulations before choosing a contractor.

Cost Estimate

Once you know the need for the natural gas line and the quantity and size of the lines required, and have chosen a contractor, inquire about the cost. The estimate should cover the cost of the material as well as the labor involved in installation and testing. This estimate should be broken down in a simple, straightforward manner that sets a clear expectation of the final cost.

Schedule Installation

Once you have received the necessary permit, it's time to schedule the actual installation. Although gas lines can be completed in a matter of hours, in some cases they can take up to two to three days depending on the complexity involved. It's important to plan ahead and be available for a few days to oversee the progress and make sure everything is going as planned.

Safety First

Once the installation is complete, inspect the lines to ensure they are firmly connected, correctly coded, and that all standard safety regulations have been followed. You should then have the system tested to detect any potential leaks or loose connections, as these can present serious health and safety risks.

Natural Gas Lines

Gas Line Installation

Gas Line Testing