Start with the appliance
Every new gas line starts with the appliance at the end of it: a range moving to a kitchen island, a gas dryer in a new laundry spot, a tankless water heater, a fire pit, a pool heater. Its input rating, where it will sit and how often it runs together with the other gas appliances decide how big the pipe has to be.
Fill in the worksheet below, then hand it to each contractor you talk to. Matching information means you can compare their answers directly.
Planning worksheet
| Question | Your answer |
|---|---|
| New appliance and model | ____________________ |
| Its input rating (from the spec sheet) | ____________________ |
| Where it will go | ____________________ |
| Approximate distance from the gas meter | ____________________ |
| Indoor, attic, under slab or buried outdoors? | ____________________ |
| Existing gas appliances (see inventory) | ____________________ |
| Will it replace an existing appliance? | ____________________ |
| Anything else planned in the next few years | ____________________ |
| Surfaces in the way (patio, finished walls, landscaping) | ____________________ |
| Is the home in an HOA with its own approval rules? | ____________________ |
Route options to discuss
- IfThe appliance is near existing pipingThenA short branch may work if the existing pipe has capacity.
- IfThe existing pipe is already near its limitThenA dedicated line from near the meter is often simpler.
- IfThe run crosses the attic of a slab-on-grade houseThenExpect attic routing and a drop down an interior or exterior wall.
- IfThe appliance is in the yardThenExpect a buried run; utility lines must be marked through 811 before digging.
From worksheet to finished line
- Gather quotes.Share the worksheet and appliance inventory with two or three licensed contractors.
- Confirm sizing.Each should tell you the pipe size and route, and whether SoCalGas needs to review the meter.
- Confirm the permit.Check with the city building division about permits for new gas piping.
- Install and test.The line is installed with a shutoff at the appliance and pressure tested.
- Inspect and connect.After any inspection, the appliance is connected, lit and checked.
Things that change the scope
Common questions
Do I need to know the pipe size myself?
No. Your job is to describe the appliance and the location. Sizing is the contractor's job.
Can a new line tee off the line behind my range?
Sometimes, if that pipe has enough capacity. It depends on the total load and distance.
Do HOAs have a say?
Some HOAs have rules on exterior work. Check your HOA's documents as well as the city's permit rules.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.