How Much Does It Cost to Cap a Gas Line? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $75 - $150
Capping a gas line costs $125 on average, depending on how easy it is to access the line. Most spend between $75 and $150.
Whether you’re tired of keeping the furnace pilot light alive or simply want to try an electric oven, there are a few reasons why you may not need the gas line for your home. Capping a gas line is actually quite simple, so you will typically pay around $125 for the task. This may fluctuate between $75 and $150, depending on how easy it is to access the end of the line.
- Average
- $125
- Low end
- $60
- high end
- $250
Cost to Cap a Gas Line With and Without Removal
You can either cap a gas line in its current location or remove all of the piping material and cap it at the base.
The average cost to cap a gas line without removing the gas line is around $125. Because it only involves putting a cap where the gas line ran to and then a quick seal test, this job only takes a pro around 30 minutes to an hour at most.
Your other option is to remove the gas line completely. Removing the gas line and then capping at the base will cost around $250 to complete and will take a pro less than a couple of hours. However, this will depend on how long the gas line is.
Capping a Gas Line Cost Breakdown
Because of the simplicity of this job, there isn’t much related to breaking down the costs.
Labor
Labor is pretty much the only fee you’ll need to worry about when it comes to the cost of capping a gas line. When you hire a local plumber, they’ll usually quote you a flat fee for the process once they come out to see how long it’ll take. Plumbing costs are often structured this way when projects that take less than an hour and require very few materials.
If you are capping a gas line as part of a remodel, the total labor may also be combined with the cost to install a new gas line.
Materials
Speaking of materials, the only one a gas plumber will need is a cap threaded with Teflon tape ($5 to $10) and a few minutes to screw it on. Other required materials include tools like crescent wrenches and possibly a saw to cut a gas line sticking out of the wall too much.
Permits
You’ll need to apply for a permit to remove a gas line and cap it completely. Depending on local codes and ordinances, applying for permits will range anywhere from $25 to $100.
Capping a Gas Line Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Despite sounding easy on paper, dealing with gas is best left to a gas plumber near you. Gas plumbers specialize in the pipes and materials needed to run the fuel source to your home. A standard plumber may not have the necessary skills or experience.
Attempting to cap a gas line yourself is possible (like if you’re going on an extended vacation), though it requires a good handle on how your plumbing works. Just know, though, that you risk a potential gas leak if the cap is not screwed on correctly. While the cap may appear to be on, there’s a chance you may not thread it correctly, and the gas may continue to come out. The cost to repair a gas leak is around $200.
If capping your gas line will be a permanent solution, we recommend hiring a local, experienced pro.
How to Save Money on Capping a Gas Line
One of the easiest ways to save time and money on this process is to give the plumber as much accessibility to the gas line as possible. This may mean decluttering the area, moving appliances, and properly labeling where the gas line is in the garage or basement. It will also help to shut off the gas ahead of time, but your pro can also handle this if you are unsure of how.
Frequently Asked Questions
A plumber or certified gas technician is responsible for capping gas lines. Gas lines require expertise and understanding of safety standards to ensure it’s properly sealed. Your local regulations may also have specific requirements for capping gas lines.
You may want to remove the gas line if it’s unsightly or if it’s causing a problem with future appliances. The downside is if you decide to go back to gas, you would need to run a new gas line to the area. The average cost to run a new gas line is $550, but the installation can range anywhere from $120 to $1,350.
The cost to move a gas line is around $500 on average or $20 per linear foot. A pro will carefully disconnect the existing gas line and reroute it to its new path. This may involve excavation if the line is underground or drywall work to repair your walls and ceilings. The project will finish with a pressure test to check for leaks and turning the gas line back on.
Natural gas companies advise only shutting off the gas supply at the meter yourself if you smell natural gas or suspect there is a leak, typically following an emergency. Instead, you can shut off gas to individual appliances when necessary. If you want to turn off your natural gas entirely, you should contact your utility company. You’ll generally also need to acquire a permit to work on your natural gas line.
No, you shouldn't cap a gas pipe with a compression fitting because they aren't designed for gas lines and can pose serious safety risks. Gas pipes require threaded caps that create a secure, leak-proof seal capable of handling gas pressure. Using a compression fitting could lead to dangerous gas leaks—a hazard you definitely want to avoid.