Imagine this: you have your propane tank all set (and you have done it all by yourself), and now the only thing that stands between you and the innumerable benefits associated with propane use is the missing propane line to your house.
Well, if that’s the dilemma you’re in, and you’re frowning at the idea of letting the propane company run the line for you (you’re a sworn DIYer!), don’t hit the panic buttons yet.
Just follow the steps below to learn how to run propane line from tank to house:
How to run propane line from tank to house / Hook up a propane tank to a house
Before we look at how to run propane line from tank to house by yourself, let us clear with the basics first:
What is the correct piping to use for the project?
You should use appropriate piping to use propane safely and reliably.
You need to understand that while rigid black steel piping has been the choice for years, CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) pipes are increasingly preferred by pros.
CSST piping is not only a high-strength tubing system that can be routed into the house easily but has fittings that you can assemble quickly for leak-tight seals. But be sure it’s bonded per the manufacturer’s requirements to protect your entire house from potential lightning strikes.
In general, this bonding involves connecting a ground wire directly to any CSST nut or to the rigid propane gas piping just before the CSST tubing.
Quick Tip: Code requirements differ from locality to locality, so refer to your local building code if unsure about using a particular type of tubing.
Ensure you have the correct propane gas line size
The other important thing about pipe selection is ensuring you choose the correct gas line size according to what it will be used for.
To cut the long story short, the piping needs to be sufficiently large – the size you select needs to supply adequate propane to connected appliances so they can run efficiently even when operated simultaneously.
The best way to determine the pipe size is to refer to the sizing tables in standard gas codes.
What is the correct depth to bury propane line underground?
If the line is to be run underground, the generally acceptable depth is anything between 12 to 18 inches.
This is considered deep enough to safeguard the entire set-up, and the precise depth depends on the density/type of traffic that usually travels over the area and the kind of terrain.
We should add that your specific local building code may have information regarding the optimal depth recommended in your area.
Quick Tip: Building codes typically require that gas piping lines that come in contact with materials that may corrode the pipe be protected against corrosion. CSST piping must never be buried below the ground without a sealed, nonmetallic conduit.
Prepare a sketch
Before routing the tubing, you can prepare a sketch from your building plan showing the exact locations of the appliances the propane line will service, the load demands for every appliance, system pressure, and available piping routes and required lengths.
The appliance’s load requirements can be obtained from the manufacturer’s nameplate (on the appliance).
Having the sketch will ensure the selection of the right tubing and related accessories and save you from potentially costly modifications after the job.
Plus, it will be easier to make other crucial decisions.
For instance, it’s easier to decide the best place to drill the hole the line will pass through when going into the house based on the location of the appliance(s) that will be using propane.
How to run propane line from tank to house – step by step
Here now is how to run propane line from tank to house all by yourself:
Step 1: Measure out all the piping
You measure out all the necessary pipes per the sketch and cut/thread the separate pieces as needed.
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To prevent possible leaks, apply pipe dope or other approved sealant (these keep threads sealed) before proceeding.
Step 2: Drill a hole (through the wall)
Attach a drill bit with a suitable length to a drill and drill a big-enough hole through the wall (all the way).
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Be sure to drill at a spot you identified when sketching the line.
Step 3: Fix the piping to the tank
Attach the first end of the piping to the propane tank.
In most cases, you screw the right fittings on the end (of the pipe) to the opening (on top of the propane tank).
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Step 4: Lay the piping
Next, lay the line from the propane tank’s location in the yard through the previously-drilled hole in the wall and into the house.
Don’t forget to bury the pipe/secure it where necessary.
Step 5: Attach the piping to appliances
The final step is connecting the piping to the planned propane-powered appliance.
There are no definite rules here- you could, for example, choose to connect the pipe to the appliance using a threaded fixture/fitting and Teflon tape.
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Step 6: Seal the wall opening
The pipe’s entry point (to your home) can be filled by spraying expanding foam insulation
How to run propane line from tank to house – useful tips
If you run the propane line yourself, keep the following in mind:
1. Permits may be required
In most jurisdictions, a permit is required before undertaking this type of line project. Check your local code.
2. Your safety first
Remember to check the gas lines, fittings, and all propane-fired appliances for leaks immediately after the installation (should, at the worst, be done before your first use).
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3. Adding new appliances
To add a new propane-fueled appliance to your system, it might be advisable to run a fresh line from the meter, especially where no provisions for extra appliances were made when running the current line.
How much does installing a propane gas line from tank to house cost?
The average cost varies depending on the type of piping, permits, the job’s complexity, how far your propane tank is from the house, fittings needed, and more.
However, according to HomeAdvisor.com, you should budget between $15 to $25 (per linear foot) if you’d rather have your local propane company do the job for you.
The national average is about $20 (per foot) for professional installations. Safe use of propane requires a correctly done and secure connection between the tank outside the house and the appliances.
Follow the steps in this guide to properly and securely lay a new propane line from the tank to the house and savor the enormous benefits of this versatile fuel source at home.
