Hire a qualified, experienced natural gas plumber for your home by following these expert tips
Hiring a natural gas plumber is key to completing your gas line project skillfully, effectively, and—most importantly—safely. A licensed and fully insured gas line plumber can help install a new line for new appliances like dryers, stoves, grills, water heaters, and HVAC systems. They can also help repair or replace an existing gas line that may be showing its age.
While finding the right pro for your project might initially seem overwhelming, Angi makes it easy by providing a list of local gas line plumbers. These specialty plumbers can determine if you need to repair or replace your existing gas line and can hook up a new gas appliance for you. And if you’re unsure of the scope of your project, they can also consult to advise you of exactly what you’ll need.
Working with gas can be very dangerous and even harmful to your health. Only attempt gas projects yourself if you have the experience and credentials to do so safely. Otherwise, let the professionals handle these jobs.
While a DIY spirit is always inspiring, this is one job you don’t want to tackle yourself. It’s best to hire a professional who’s experienced in working with residential gas lines and appliances.
Natural gas is highly flammable and can quickly turn destructive—even deadly—if you’re not sure what you’re doing. Any kind of gas-powered system must be carefully calibrated to ensure the proper flow levels and BTU output. Pros can bring their advanced skills and procedures to your project to complete it safely.
Before you begin collecting quotes for your project, spend a bit of time scoping it out so you can get the most accurate price quote possible.
If your project is a new gas line installation, estimate the length of line you’ll need using a tape measure. An estimate is fine at this point. When you hire a plumber, they’ll confirm a more exact measurement.
It’s also a good idea to consider what other types of work might be involved. For example, digging will be involved if you’re installing a brand-new line. Your pro might need to subcontract certain tasks, which can add to the total cost.
Always ask if the plumber is properly licensed, insured, and bonded. Mistakes happen, and if something goes awry during your project, you’ll want to make sure you’re covered for any resulting damages.
Additionally, ask to speak with the plumber’s past clients as references. Ideally, the people you speak with should have hired the pro to tackle similar jobs. That way, you can better assess how well the pro has performed in the past in similar circumstances.
Prepare a written list of questions to ask of each candidate. Specific questions will depend on the nature of your project. For example, minor repair jobs probably won’t have to comply with extensive permitting requirements.
Common questions to ask include:
How long have they been performing similar jobs?
Is the pro insured and licensed? Will they show you that documentation?
What are the local or state building code requirements for your project? Will permits be required?
How long does the pro think your job will take, realistically?
How will the pro handle clean-up tasks at the end of the workday?
What warranties does the pro offer for their services and any products or materials that will be incorporated into the work?
Taking time to prepare to hire your natural gas plumber can help you find the right price for your project and ensure you hire a pro who is suitable for the job. Take these next steps once you have narrowed down your choices:
Interviewing potential natural gas line plumbers in your area will ensure you are comfortable with having them work on your home. Conducting an interview allows you to ask questions to understand the process and get a good idea of how they work. Asking the questions listed above can not only get you answers about the project, but paying attention to how they answer the questions, if they make sure you understand the process, and how comfortable you are around them can help you make your final hiring decision.
You can ask for a background check to make you even more comfortable with a contractor working on your natural gas plumbing. Some plumbing companies will run a background check on their employees, and you can ask for access to it.
When you’ve selected a natural gas line plumber for your project and agreed on the project and cost, you’ll want to get a physical contract that states the specifics of the job. You’ll want to verify that the following is included:
the timeline and schedule of the work
licensing, insurance, and bonding requirements
applicable payment terms, including down payment and final payment
the work’s scope
Putting your agreement in writing helps ensure there are no misunderstandings once the project is started on either end. Read any contract you’re presented with carefully to ensure it reflects your understanding of the work, and ask questions before signing to clarify.
Keep a copy of your contract in your files, even after the project is completed, in case future problems arise. It’s also a good idea to keep an informal written log of the work as it progresses.
Finally, ask for and keep a copy of all receipts for any project payments you make. If you pay by check, keep a copy of the check and note the specific purpose of that payment in the memo section.
One of the best reasons to hire only properly licensed professionals for any home job is that it broadens your available remedies if you discover a problem with the pro’s work. That’s especially true when the project involves inherently dangerous conditions, like natural gas.
Be alert for possible indicators of fraudulent contractors or scams, such as requiring an unusually large down payment before work starts, asking to be paid in cash or asking for cash advancements before milestones have been completed, harassment or inappropriate behavior on the job, and attempts to evade direct questions about their experience, licensing, or business history.
Once your natural gas line plumber reports the work is complete, make sure you do a post-project walkthrough with the pro to ensure the job is done and the site is cleaned up as promised. Go through your written scope of work and ask the pro to verify that they’ve properly completed each item.
For new appliances, like dryers or stoves, you’ll want to turn them on before your plumber leaves to ensure that they are working correctly. Have your pro verify that there are no gas leaks while the appliance is running to help keep you and your family safe.
Stephanie Mickelson contributed to this piece.
