Who Can Install Gas Appliances?
When you buy a new gas appliance for your home, sometimes the company you buy from will offer installation as part of the package. If not, you will have to find an engineer to install it or attempt a DIY installation.
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A DIY approach might be appealing for cost-saving measures. However, the truth is that only qualified and licensed engineers should install and handle gas appliances.
Using an unlicensed worker, plumber, or electrician may result in poor quality, which could be unsafe, not to mention potentially illegal.
Here we discuss who can install gas appliances and why it’s worth calling in the experts.
Read more: How much does it cost to fit a gas line?
Should I Install Gas Appliances Myself?
No, not unless you are a trained installation engineer. It might be tempting to save money or time, but it is highly unsafe to try and install a gas appliance if you lack the training to do so.
The installation will require removing the existing appliance, disconnecting gas lines, cleaning the connections, wrapping the pipe to ensure a leak-free connection, and securing the line to the new appliance.
Some appliances require a new or extended pipe run or a flue or vent connection.
These are more complicated installations usually beyond the reach of the average householder. A mistake in the installation could be costly—not only for your wallet for DIY errors that require expensive repairs but also for the health and safety of the home’s residents.
Why You Should Hire a Professional To Install Gas Appliances
Safety Is Paramount
Safety is the main reason to hire a professional to install a gas appliance in your home.
Natural gas is highly flammable, and leaks increase the risk of fire and explosion. More minor leaks can also cause physical symptoms such as breathing difficulties, dizziness, fatigue, and drowsiness. In some cases, gas leaks can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in people and animals.
Venting
Some gas appliances require a new vent pipe, flue installation, or connection to an existing one.
Proper ventilation is critical for everyone’s safety. For that reason, the Uniform Mechanical Code sets out guidelines for venting. A home repair amateur is unlikely to know which guidelines to follow and how they correlate with the National Fuel Gas Code.
Installing or Extending a Gas Pipeline
If the appliance is new to the home, then a pipeline may also need to be fitted or, in some cases, extended to accommodate the new item. This is a job for a professional.
Permit Application
Some states require a permit to fit a new appliance or gas line in the home, including stoves, fireplaces, ovens, and heaters.
Householders can apply for the permit themselves for some jobs, but this is not the case with gas permits. In many states, only a certified fitter may apply for the permit.
Read more: Can you fit a cooktop and wall oven on the same circuit?
Post-Installation Inspection
In addition to the correct permit, an inspection after the installation is necessary to verify everything is up to code. Again, this is contingent upon obtaining the proper permit for the installation in the first place.
Invalidated Insurance Coverage
Your household insurance may not cover you if the installation does not have the correct permit or inspection post-fitting.
The history of repairs can also impact the future sale of the prop. A home inspector will consider any installed gas appliances to see whether they are permitted and that the repair technician followed the correct procedures at the installation time.
Appliance Removal
A professional installer can remove an old appliance as part of the service and save you the trouble and cost of having to dispose of it yourself.
Read more: Gas leak signs and symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Plumbers Hook up Gas Stoves?
Plumbers can hook up gas stoves as they often install lines. Some regular plumbers do this, but there are also expert plumbers who specialize in installing and repairing gas lines.
Conclusion
Installing your own gas appliance is tempting if the item is simple and the line is already there, but it could prove dangerous and land you in hot water if you need a permit and an inspection in your state.
A professional installer will know what is permissible in your location and ensure not only peace of mind but legal compliance.
For more on home safety and remediation, reach out to the experts at All Dry USA.
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With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.
