What an outdoor line involves
Built-in barbecues, gas fire pits, patio heaters and pool or spa heaters all need gas carried out from the house. In a typical Fullerton yard that means teeing off near the meter or an exterior wall, running the line underground across the yard, and coming back up at the appliance with a shutoff valve.
Pool heaters in particular are large gas users. Adding one, or an outdoor kitchen with several burners, can push the total demand past what the house piping and meter were set up for, so sizing comes first.
Planning the line
- List the outdoor appliances.Include anything you may add later, such as a pool heater or extra burners.
- Size the line.Add the outdoor load to the house load and size the pipe for the full distance.
- Pick the route.Choose a path that avoids tree roots, future planting beds and areas likely to be dug up again.
- Choose materials.Buried runs are commonly plastic gas pipe with a tracer wire, transitioning to metal before coming above ground.
- Permit and dig.Pull the permit where the city requires it, call 811, then trench to the depth code requires.
- Test and inspect.Pressure test the line, have it inspected before backfill if required, then connect and light the appliances.
Details that make an outdoor line safe and serviceable
Appliances and what to plan for
| Appliance | Gas demand | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in barbecue | Moderate | Shutoff inside the island where it can be reached |
| Fire pit or fire table | Moderate | Follow the maker's clearance and burner instructions |
| Patio heater, piped | Lower | Often tied into the same run as the barbecue |
| Pool or spa heater | High | Often the biggest gas user at the house; check meter capacity |
| Outdoor kitchen with several burners | High combined | Size for all burners running together |
Ask your contractor
- Can my current meter and house piping handle the added load?
- What depth and materials will you use, and where will it transition above ground?
- Where will the shutoff valves be?
- Will you pull the permit and arrange inspection before backfill?
- Will you give me a sketch or photos of the route?
Common questions
Can I use a propane tank instead?
Yes, many portable grills do. A natural gas appliance cannot run on propane, or the reverse, without the maker's approved conversion.
How deep does the line need to be?
Depth depends on the material and code. Check with the city and your contractor rather than guessing.
Who owns the backyard gas line?
Any line after the meter, including yard lines, belongs to the property owner.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.