The outdoor grilling season sees many of us replenishing the portable liquid propane tank on an outdoor grill several times. This is not only inconvenient but also expensive. Either you are using propane gas or natural gas, a good option is having BBQ gas lines installation to provide a place to plug into that fuel source. It’s especially useful if you have a custom outdoor kitchen area where changing tanks is inconvenient.
There are tons of household tasks you can do yourself to save money. However, playing around with gas should not be one of them. Leave this task to a gas furnace professional as MidCity Plumbers. We have years of experience and knowledge to perfectly connect gas lines for outdoor BBQ.
Step 1: Inspection
On the first visit, we will look for an appropriate place to tap into an existing gas line. Usually, we tend to find the pipe as close as possible to your house deck, patio, or another place where you decide on your grill. To easily connect the extension part, we choose to tap into the existing gas pipe with T-fitting or elbow. Some basic measurements will be executed to determine the pipe lengths and the number of needed fittings. Turn off the gas lines is a must-do as well.
Step 2: T-fitting installation
This step is quite complicated since we need to disassemble some of the pipe runs in order to install the T-fitting. These threaded fittings with Teflon tape or pipe dope will be made to ensure an airtight fitting. With Teflon tape or pipe dope used, we ensure an airtight fitting for all threaded fittings.
Natural/ Propane gas installation
Step 3: Piping
Simply put, we now run gas lines to the outdoors. We assemble the pipe run, extending it from the T-fitting through the outer wall of the house using various straight runs of pipes and elbows, as needed. Running the gas pipe to the outdoors will require that a hole is bored through the wall or the foundation, and the pipe will now be extended through the wall to a “stub-out” where the gas line will terminate.
Step 4: Install a shut-off valve
We now install a brass shut-off valve at the end of the stub-out, again using Teflon tape or pipe dope to ensure an airtight fitting. He will make sure the stub-out is terminated in a valve. This will make it more convenient to detach the grill if necessary. Gas grills are sometimes connected directly to the stub-out pipe, but this is not good practice, and it may be against regulations. For safety reasons we recommend you have both an inside and outside shut off valve. When using the grill you need to be sure these are both in the full “open” position and when not using the grill we recommend they be “closed” stopping the flow of gas.
Step 5: Convert the grill
If you have an propane grill but want to use it with your home’s natural gas lines, you will need to convert the grill—or abandon it and buy a natural gas grill. Conversion of a grill can be, and often is, done by the homeowner, but only if a conversion kit is offered by the manufacturer.
Step 6: Fitting test
Our gas fitting experts now turn the gas back on and test all the fittings for leaks—either with an electronic gas sensor, or by spreading a liquid solution over the joints and looking for bubbles caused by leaking gas. Another way you can check is spraying soapy water on the pipe and connection area. If bubbles form, it is the sign of gas escapes
Step 7: Connect the grill with gas hose
In this final step, buy an approved gas hose to connect the gas valve on the stub-out to the burner connection on your grill. This flexible hose should be one designed for gas. The best ones are made of stainless steel coated with polymers, and are suitable for either natural gas or propane.
You are now ready for a trouble-free grilling season. Whether you are looking for a propane or natural gas BBQ hookup, gas furnace installation, gas line repair or conversion, MidCity Plumbers as trusted gas furnace contractor in Burnaby, BC, we promise to get the job done properly, safely with affordable rates. Contact us 24/7 for the best – free consultant.
