Who should you call to install a gas line?

Who should I call to put in a gas line?

Hello everyone and welcome to the house help podcast.  I received an email from Chris in Kentucky who wrote:

This might be a silly question, but I can't figure out who to call to have a gas insert installed in my fireplace.

We currently have a gas water heater and kitchen stove, so we need to find someone to run the line to the kitchen. Will a place that sells me the gas fireplace insert (like Sears or Menards Home Store) help me find an installer or do I need to call someone specific myself?  Can this be done by any handyman?  Is it very expensive? 

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Well Chris, thanks for the great question.  It’s one that we get quite frequently.  I’ve spoken with my local building department and our local code requires this type of work to be done by a plumber. 

Although this job is fairly simple, it can be dangerous if done improperly.  That’s why most cities  require a permit for gas line work.  I suggest you can call your city or county building department to ask the process and the cost.   In my area the permit is $25.  After you or your contractor gets the permit and the job is completed, the building department will send an inspector out to look at the job and make sure it was done correctly -- and to current code.

The cost of the job will depend on how far the plumber has to take the line and how difficult it is to access.   The skill required for this job is basic plumbing, but your homeowner’s insurance might not cover any damages that are caused by the insert if it wasn’t installed by a licensed plumber or without a permit.

That’s all for today’s show.  Thanks for listening. If you have a question or comment, please email [e-mail].  And if you need a free contractor referral for your next home improvement or repair project, visit our website, freehousehelp.org, or phone [phone] today!