How to Connect Underground Natural Gas line for BBQ or Fire Pit to House 

Glad you enjoyed it. Not sure why I didn't connect it when I installed my risers. It was probably to get it done, tested, inspected and buried before it rained. Have fun on your project.

Dude smart idea I mocked up something then came back after concrete and I had to reconfigure 😂 not expensive but time consuming parts trips etc 😮

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks, I appreciate the comment and good advice.

Dunno what a "swing join" is. I gots to know !

@arrowdodgerluvsmarlins1758 a swing joint uses 3 elbows instead 1, to give the ability for the ground to move without breaking the pipes. They are not required in all areas. Basically you use two elbows to do a 180 before tuning 90 degrees down.

My building inspector didn't mention anything about that, but this can vary state to state. This is what I found concerning the code. I used the ground-joint union. 1211.10 Where unions are necessary, right and left nipples and couplings SHALL be used. Ground-Joint unions may be used at exposed fixture, appliance, or equipment connections and in exposed exterior locations. Thanks for the comment.

Good question and yes, I know what you are referring too. Since I passed inspection, I would say that a swing joint was not required for me to have. I don't know if it is because we live in a place that doesn't freeze or because I used the underground yellow Polyethylene Gas Pipe. Maybe since it can flex, the swing joint is not required? I can see using a swing joint with ridged black pipe underground, but why would use black pipe underground anymore. On an interesting note, my local gas company just replaced my main gas line from the street to the house, and it doesn't have a swing joint at the meter either. (I just checked). I would say be safe, check local codes and get any work you do inspected, especially GAS! Thanks

I just added a gas line to my BBQ. Some video's say that when exiting a house you should have a stress reducing flange mounted on the house rather than just push the pipe through the wall - but I see yours doesn't and yet you passed inspection. I also added a drip leg as the pipe came out of the house prior to the BBQ quick connect. Most installations inside (hot water tanks, overhead heaters, furnaces etc.) have drip legs so I installed one - albeit on the outside of the house. to protect the BBQ from dirt in the line. Interesting that there doesn't seem to be consistency in installations based on code requirements. I have a Weber propane BBQ and it was a real PITA to get natural gas orifices. Weber takes the 5th and doesn't sell them. - I guess they have too many lawyers on staff. I was fortunate to find a used set on E-bay where a guy was going from NG to propane on his Weber (we have identical BBQ's). I was going to just drill out my orifices but thought I'd spend the extra $$ on a set so if needed, I could go back. They seem to make a bid deal on orifice sizing, but when buying a BBQ, you just select NG or propane so the oriifces must be standard because the stores don't have orifices to interchange and just stock either NG or propane BBQ's. I'm sure when I get them it will work just fine.

There is definitely a lot of opinions online of how things need to be done. Which is one of the main reasons I pulled a permit. My gas line was already there for a BBQ in that spot. I just buried it and moved it further into the yard and as part of the backyard makeover I'm working on. I'll need to check on the drip legs to see if those are required when I finally get the BBQ installed. Thanks for the comments.

Good thing we have RU-vid how to watch dogs that have enough free time on their hands to scroll through how to videos and pick out things they think are wrong so I don't mess up 👍

Thanks for the tip

@amandayother9196 Thats sounds scary, especially that your house wasn't supposed to have gas connected to it. Good reason to call 811 before digging. My understanding is the gas company is responsible for the gas line from the street to the meter, the homeowner is responsible for anything past the meter. Who fixed the line? Last year the gas company replaced the line from the street at our house and used the same type of yellow pipe I installed in the back yard. I would call your gas company and talk with them.

There are building code restrictions when it comes to putting utilities in the same trench. It is possible but needs to be a fairly large trench. I believe they need to be separated 12" vertical and horizontal, but don't quote me, I'm not a contractor, just someone that has been working on my own houses for years. If I had a backhoe and needed to go 50ft, then I would look into how to do the same trench. For me it was easier to dig two trenches. With the gas lines, you could run one line and put a tee at some point. But you might need to run a 3/4" line, it would depend on how far away from the gas source they are, what else is connected to the gas supply line and what size BBQ and firepit. (How many BTU's for each) There are quite a few charts online that will show you how many BTU's a gas line can handle (size and distance). I find most of my information from some older books that I have, ask contractors I know or search the web. Also, this is another reason to pull a permit, they will make sure you are doing it safe and correctly. My experience with the inspectors that I have worked with, are very happy to work with homeowners, because we want to do it right and don't cut corners. Have fun with your project and be safe!

@@BruBuilds thank you

Thanks for the comment and glad you liked the video. It would be hard to give you a precise answer without knowing all the variables. It comes down to how many BTU's your BBQ and dryer need to operate, as well as length of the gas line. Pipe size and length will limit the amount of gas that can be delivered. What size pipe before the split? Here is a webpage that could help you, but you may want a plumber to take a look at what you are wanting to do. tranesupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/7335301746189-Natural-Gas-Pipe-Sizing-Chart

Hard for me to answer that question. If you are questioning yourself, I would recommend hiring a plumber. Is the gas line in the way? Was it installed incorrectly? Is there a shut off valve just for the BBQ? If it was installed correctly with a permit, and you don't what a BBQ, maybe you could turn it into a firepit or fireplace.

@@BruBuilds Well, I live in Houston, TX. It seems I'm not required by law to hire a plumber to cap a gas line. I just wanted your advice on the difficulties of removing the under ground gas line and capping it off. Would it require too much work for a DIY project sort of question. Well thank you for the reply. I will look into a plumber and pricing.

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