How much does Gas line services cost?

Depending on where you live, you may have a number of appliances that are fueled by natural gas—including gas furnaces, water heaters, gas fireplaces, gas ovens and cooktops, gas clothes dryers, pool heaters, barbecues, and fire pits. 

Natural gas is delivered to your neighborhood through gas pipes called distribution lines or main lines. Your home is connected to the main line through a gas service line, which has a meter that the gas company uses to measure your usage (usually located right outside the house). From there, the gas passes through home gas pipes leading to your gas appliances. 

The type of pipe used for home gas lines can vary, and is usually determined by the plumber who installs them (based on costs, local regulations, and your home’s particular conditions). They may be black iron pipes, flexible corrugated stainless-steel tubing, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or copper. Municipal building codes determine which of these pipe materials are approved for use in your area.

Working with gas lines can be quite dangerous—natural gas is flammable, explosive, and poisonous to breathe. As a result, this isn’t a DIY project that homeowners should attempt. All gas line services should be handled by licensed plumbers or HVAC contractors. 

Tasks provided by natural gas professionals include new gas pipe installation, gas line repairs (to prevent or stop gas leaks), new appliance hookups to an existing natural gas line, and installing shut-off valves.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the project costs for various types of gas line services.

The national average cost of gas line services depends on the type of project (see “Gas line service costs by task,” below). A licensed plumber will generally provide a bid that combines material costs and labor costs. Hourly rates for master plumbers usually run $60–140. (Gas line services can be expensive, so always get 2–3 free quotes from local pros before choosing a provider.)

Here’s what you’ll typically pay for different natural-gas projects in and around your home.

Gas line repairs. Some types of gas pipe are more vulnerable to damage than others. Even black iron and galvanized steel—two of the most common and hardy materials—can corrode and break down over time, leading to gas leaks. When this happens, turn off your gas immediately, ventilate the area, and contact your local utility. (If you ever smell sulfur or “rotten eggs” in an area where natural gas is used, it could be a sign of a leak.) 

Repair pros may perform a gas line pressure test to locate the leak or determine its severity. Replacement costs for gas line piping depend on the type of pipe, but average $15–30 per linear foot for most jobs. 

Branching off from an existing line. You might need to add a new pipe branch from an existing gas line in order to service a new appliance, such as a water heater, bbq, fire pit, or kitchen stove. Cost estimates for this type of service are typically $12–25 per linear foot, with a total average cost of $250–900.

Installing a new service line from the street. A gas line installation project involving a new service line from the gas meter to the street can be especially expensive. Significant trenching is typically required, which adds substantially to the price. Gas line installation costs from the street usually run $15–30 per linear foot, with an average cost of $500–1,800. 

In some cases, your gas utility company will pay for all repairs and replacements up to the gas meter. In others, the homeowner is responsible for all gas piping up to the property line. Check with your utility to find out.

New meter installation. Depending on where you live, your local gas utility might be responsible for maintaining a meter at each house—so if yours needs to be replaced, your costs could be next to nothing. But for homes that are responsible for their own meters, expect to pay $225–550 for a plumber to install a new one.

Trenching. When trenching is required to run a new line through the yard, costs for this service are about $5–12 per linear foot. Upfront costs can be higher if landscaping features obstruct trenching efforts, or require trenchless tunneling (digging underground without disrupting the surface). You’ll also have added expenses if your lawn, hardscaping, or landscaping features need to be restored after being torn up to run the new gas line. 

The following variables can affect the total cost of gas line services. 

How much does it cost to run a gas line?

The cost to install gas lines depends on their length and location. Creating a new branch from an existing line, in order to hook up a new appliance, costs around $250–900, or $12–25 per linear foot. Installing a new line from the street costs an average of $500–1,800, or $15–30 per linear foot. 

How do I fix a leaking gas line in my house?

If you ever smell gas at home (a sulfur or “rotten eggs” odor), immediately shut off the gas to your house, ventilate the area, and call your local gas utility. After they send someone out to inspect your gas lines, you’ll need to hire a qualified plumber to make the necessary repairs. 

Who is responsible for a gas leak?

If there’s a gas leak outside your property line—on the street, for example—the gas utility company is responsible for repairs. But if you have a gas leak within your property line, most municipalities require you to hire a repair professional before turning the gas back on at the meter. In most cases, you’ll pay about $15–30 per linear foot to replace faulty pipes.

Find a gas line services professional in your area.