Summertime gets us in the mood for home grilled food and pool parties, so we have some tips to get your summer fired up by connecting your natural gas grill to your home’s stub-out.
To connect a natural gas grill to your house, you need to hire a professional. Working with gas lines is dangerous, so do not attempt this without a professional present. A plumbing or heating contractor or a licensed gas fitter are your best options to install your natural gas grill.
The Difference Between Natural Gas And Propane
We are using the term natural gas to distinguish it from propane gas which is for entirely different grills. Some propane grills have converter kits so you can use your natural gas stub-out and leave those canisters behind, but it is not safe to convert it yourself. It is always recommended to use one supplied by the manufacturing company for your specific grill.
Natural gas is the same gas you have for your water heater and probably a gas stove, furnace, or fireplace in your house. It is provided as a utility so if you aren’t currently using it you will set that up first. If you have a natural gas line that goes outside to be used for pool heating or grilling, you will see a capped “stub out” protruding from an exterior wall.
Connecting To The Natural Gas Stub-Out
Basically, a stub out is the part of a pipe that extends out from the wall that allows you to connect a device to it. It is safe to leave it capped until you need it, and some of them are never used. Once your gas is turned off, you will uncap the stub out and safely attach your gas grill line to it. Here is a quick rundown of the steps to do that, but first, you already know working with gas lines is dangerous, so it bears repeating frequently, turn off the gas first and follow all safety protocols. If this isn’t your comfort zone, reach out to a professional company like ours to help.
Step connect your natural gas grill to the stub out:
- Safely turn off your gas to the home.
- Turn off the shut-off valve at the location. Attach a shut-off valve if the stub out doesn’t already have one attached. In some cases, this is required by code.
- Uncap the stub out. You can use two wrenches, one to hold the valve and the other to unscrew the cap to prevent leaks.
- Connect the stub-out gas valve to the connection on your grill using a hose made for this exact purpose. The best hoses are stainless steel coated with polymers. If you are providing your own you want to know that it should extend as straight as possible. You don’t want it too long so that it curves or bends. Use a pipe compound formulated or safe for use with natural gas on the threads.
- After you’ve connected the grill, you should do a leak test on all connections. Please research this for safety and efficacy, but one common test is to have soapy water on the fittings so that when you turn on the gas you can see if any bubbles are forming. A leak will form bubbles.
Safety is paramount. Do not allow smoking or flames anywhere near and never bang on things that can spark. Be very careful about the shut-off mains and valves and be very alert to any leaks.
According to Weber, “If fittings are needed on your gas line it is important to use straight pipe nipples as opposed to flare fittings”. The reason this is vital to know is that you want to avoid anything that could cause an explosion.
Weber also recommends having both an inside and an outside shut-off valve that should be in the on position while grilling and off position all other times.
How to Hook Up a Natural Gas Barbecue | ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen
FAQ
Do you need a plumber to install a natural gas BBQ?
Can you connect a BBQ to natural gas?
Do I need a regulator for my natural gas BBQ?
How much does it cost to connect a grill to natural gas?
How do I connect my natural gas grill?
Gas Shutoff Valve: To safely connect your natural gas grill, you will need to have a gas shutoff valve installed. This valve will allow you to turn off the gas supply to the grill in case of an emergency or when the grill is not in use. The shutoff valve should be within easy reach and located in a well-ventilated area.
Can you connect a natural gas barbecue to a gas line?
If you connect your natural-gas barbecue to your gas line at home, you will never have to worry about running out of gas in the middle of a family cookout. To connect your barbecue to your home’s gas line, just follow these steps. Warning: Natural gas barbecues and their fuel are highly combustible.
Do I need a natural gas line to install a grill?
Natural Gas Line: Before connecting a natural gas grill, you will need to have a dedicated natural gas line running to the area where you plan to install the grill. If you don’t already have a natural gas line, you will need to contact a licensed plumber or gas technician to have one installed.
Should I connect a natural gas grill to my house?
If you’re looking to connect a natural gas grill to your house, it’s important to prioritize safety to protect yourself and your property. Natural gas is highly flammable and can pose serious risks if not handled properly. By following a few simple precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable grilling experience.