So You Want a Gas Line for Your Grill — Here’s What That Involves

If you’ve ever been halfway through grilling burgers when your propane tank sputters out, you’ve probably had the thought: there has to be a better way. There is.

A dedicated natural gas line runs directly to your grill, so you never think about fuel again.

Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical has been helping Denver homeowners with exactly this kind of project for nearly 100 years, since 1926, and it’s one of those upgrades that sounds complicated but is pretty straightforward when you know what’s involved.

Can You Just Do It Yourself?

Technically, some homeowners look into DIY gas line work. Practically? It’s not a good idea, and in most cases, it’s not legal. Natural gas line installation in Denver requires a licensed plumber and a permit. The stakes are high: improper connections can lead to gas leaks, which are a serious fire and health hazard. This is one job where hiring a professional isn’t just the smart call, it’s the required one.

What the Process Looks Like, Step by Step

Step 1: Assess Your Existing Gas Supply

A plumber will first look at your home’s current gas line to confirm there’s enough pressure and capacity to support an additional connection. Most Denver homes with natural gas service have this capacity, but it’s always confirmed before any work begins.

Step 2: Plan the Route

The new line needs to run from your home’s main gas supply to wherever your grill is located, typically on a patio or deck. The plumber will map out the safest, most efficient route, which sometimes means running pipe through a crawl space, along an exterior wall, or underground.

Step 3: Pull a Permit

This is a non-negotiable step in Denver. A licensed plumber handles the permit paperwork, which ensures the work gets inspected and approved by the city. This protects you when it comes time to sell your home, and it protects your family in the meantime.

Step 4: Install and Pressure Test

The new line gets installed, fittings are connected, and then the entire system is pressure-tested for leaks before anything is turned on. No exceptions.

Step 5: Install the Shutoff Valve

Every outdoor gas connection should have a dedicated shutoff valve located nearby. This lets you cut off gas to the grill instantly when it’s not in use, an important safety feature, especially for Denver homeowners with kids or pets who spend time outside.

What Kind of Grill Works With a Gas Line?

Most standard gas grills can be converted to run on natural gas with a conversion kit, or you can simply buy a natural gas grill designed for direct connection. Your plumber can confirm what connection type your grill uses (typically a quick-disconnect fitting) and make sure everything is compatible.

One thing to know: natural gas and propane aren’t interchangeable in terms of pressure and orifice size. A grill set up for propane won’t run correctly on natural gas without the right conversion. Your installer will walk you through this.

How Far Can the Line Run?

This depends on your home’s gas pressure and the diameter of pipe used, but most residential setups can comfortably run a line 30 to 50 feet or more from the meter to a patio connection. If your grill is on the opposite side of the house from your gas meter, it’s still usually doable. It just takes a bit more planning.

What About Cost?

Gas line installation cost in Denver varies depending on:

• The length of the run
• Whether any trenching is required
• Your home’s existing gas setup

A plumber can give you an accurate estimate after seeing the space. What doesn’t vary is the payoff. You’ll eliminate propane tank refills forever, and natural gas is typically cheaper per BTU than propane. Most homeowners recoup the cost quickly, especially if they grill often during Colorado’s long outdoor season.

Other Outdoor Gas Projects to Consider

While a plumber is already running a line, many Denver homeowners use the opportunity to add connections for a fire pit, outdoor heater, or side burner. It’s often more cost-effective to run one line with multiple connection points than to come back later for each one separately. If you’re building out a full outdoor kitchen, this is worth discussing upfront with your gas line plumber.

Ready to Stop Running Out of Propane?

Bell has been handling gas line work across the Denver metro since 1926, and same-day service is available when you need it. Contact Bell to schedule a consultation and get an accurate quote for your outdoor gas line project.

Call (303) 731-5469