How to Plumb a Gas Pipe

Gas pipe is made of steel and has a black outer coating that helps it stand out from other types of steel piping in the home. The pipe comes in various precut lengths, is usually 3/4 inch in diameter and is threaded at both ends. Gas pipes are connected using steel couplings, which have interior female threads. The gas line is always installed starting at the pipe attached to the gas meter--or from a "T" coupling on an existing gas line--and then working piece by piece toward the gas appliance.

• 1

  Turn off the gas at the gas meter. Use a small brush to apply threading compound around the thread on the end of the pipe that is attached to the gas meter. Thread on a coupling by hand. Tighten the coupling to the pipe with a pipe wrench.

• 2

  Apply compound around the thread at one end of a new piece of gas pipe and thread it into the other end of the newly installed coupling. Follow the same process --applying compound to threaded ends and installing couplings--until you reach the gas appliance.

• 3

  Apply compound around the thread at the end of the last piece of gas pipe, and screw on a gas shutoff valve by hand. Tighten it in place with the wrench. Turn the gas on. Open windows and doors, and turn on the gas shutoff valve for 10 seconds; this will free the gas pipeline of any air in the line. Close the shutoff valve.

• 4

  Mix some soapy water and dab the water around each joint in the new pipeline using a brush. Check to see if any bubbles are visible at the joints; if so, gas is escaping. Tighten the couplings to stop the leaks.

• 5

  Install the flexible gas hose connecting the shutoff valve to the gas appliance.