Gas Line Conversion Service
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Gas line conversion switches a home’s supply system between natural gas and propane, recalibrates regulator pressure to the new fuel’s delivery specifications, and replaces or re-orifices appliance burners so combustion stays within the manufacturer’s rated BTU range. Bonded Plumbworks’ licensed plumbers assess every appliance in the system, source the correct conversion kits, and pressure-test the modified piping before reconnecting fuel — whether the switch is from propane to utility gas or the reverse.
Gas line conversion is a plumbing service that modifies a residential gas piping system to operate with a different fuel type — typically converting from propane (LP gas) to natural gas, or vice versa. Conversion requires changes to pipe sizing, pressure regulation, and individual appliance orifices to match the properties of the new fuel. — Bonded Plumbworks
What Is Gas Line Conversion
Gas line conversion is the comprehensive process of adapting a gas piping system and all connected appliances from one fuel type to another. Natural gas and propane have fundamentally different properties. Natural gas operates at approximately 7 inches of water column (WC) pressure at the appliance, while propane operates at 11 inches WC. Propane delivers approximately 2,500 BTU per cubic foot compared to 1,000 BTU per cubic foot for natural gas. These differences mean that pipe sizing, regulator settings, and appliance orifice sizes must all change during a conversion.
The American Gas Association (AGA) specifies that fuel conversion requires more than simply changing regulators. Every gas appliance in the home must have its orifices replaced or resized to match the new fuel’s BTU content and operating pressure. Running a natural gas appliance on propane without orifice conversion produces dangerously oversized flames and excessive carbon monoxide. — Bonded Plumbworks, serving homeowners since 2006
When to Schedule Gas Line Conversion
Contact Bonded Plumbworks for gas line conversion when:
- Natural gas utility service has become available in your neighborhood
- You are building in an area without natural gas service and need propane
- You are moving to a property that uses a different fuel type than your appliances
- Your propane costs have prompted you to evaluate natural gas as an alternative
- A commercial kitchen or restaurant is changing fuel sources
- You are installing a generator that requires a specific fuel type
Natural gas conversion is increasingly common in developing areas where utility infrastructure expands into communities that previously relied on propane tanks.
How Gas Line Conversion Works
Step 1: System Survey. Our plumber inspects the entire gas piping system, documents all connected appliances with their BTU ratings, identifies the existing pipe material and diameters, and determines what modifications are needed. Gas Line Conversion inspection gives you a live view of the problem before any work starts. You review the findings and approve the quote before any repair begins.
Step 2: Pipe Assessment. Because natural gas and propane have different BTU densities, existing pipe diameters may or may not be adequate for the new fuel. We recalculate pipe sizing per IFGC tables. In most cases, converting from propane to natural gas requires larger diameter piping because natural gas delivers fewer BTUs per cubic foot. CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) offers faster installation than black iron for new branch runs added during gas line conversion, though it requires proper bonding with 6 AWG copper wire per NEC Article 250. A gas meter upgrade may be necessary during gas line conversion if the existing meter cannot deliver sufficient volume for the new fuel type at the home’s total BTU demand.
Step 3: Regulator Replacement. The main gas pressure regulator is replaced or adjusted to match the new fuel’s operating pressure. Two-stage regulators on propane systems are replaced with the appropriate natural gas regulator (or vice versa).
Step 4: Appliance Orifice Conversion. Every gas appliance receives new orifices sized for the new fuel type. Most major manufacturers (including those recommended by the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association) offer conversion kits for their appliances. We install manufacturer-specified conversion kits on ranges, water heaters, dryers, fireplaces, and all other gas equipment.
Step 5: Pressure Testing and Commissioning. The entire system is pressure tested at 3 PSI for 10 minutes per IFGC requirements. Every connection is checked with an electronic gas leak detector. Each appliance is fired, and we verify proper flame height, color (blue with minimal yellow tips), and BTU output.
All-electric home gas conversion works in reverse — decommissioning gas piping and appliances when a homeowner switches entirely to electric heat pumps and induction cooktops, which requires capping the gas supply and coordinating meter removal with the utility. The appliance re-labeling requirement under NFPA 54 mandates that every converted appliance receives a new rating plate identifying the current fuel type, as a mislabeled appliance creates a serious safety and liability issue during gas line conversion. Black iron pipe remains the standard material for interior gas line conversion work, threaded and sealed with gas-rated pipe compound at every joint. BTU adjustment during gas line conversion accounts for the 2.5:1 energy density difference between propane and natural gas, requiring smaller orifices when converting to propane and larger orifices when converting to natural gas. A BTU/CFH load recalculation after conversion verifies that the total connected appliance demand does not exceed the pipe system’s delivery capacity at the new fuel’s operating pressure.
A properly converted gas flame burns blue with small yellow tips. A yellow or orange flame after conversion indicates incorrect orifice sizing, insufficient air mixture, or improper pressure regulation — all conditions that produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide risk from improper conversion is the most dangerous consequence of gas line conversion errors, as CO is colorless and odorless at concentrations that cause acute poisoning. Post-conversion flame verification on every appliance is mandatory. — Bonded Plumbworks
Benefits vs. Alternatives
Converting from propane to natural gas typically reduces fuel costs by 30 to 50 percent. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that natural gas costs approximately $1.00 to $1.50 per therm compared to $2.50 to $3.50 per therm equivalent for propane in most markets. Natural gas is also delivered continuously via utility pipeline, eliminating tank refills, tank rental fees, and the risk of running out of fuel.
Converting from natural gas to propane provides fuel independence and is necessary in areas without natural gas utility infrastructure. Propane systems also offer higher BTU output per cubic foot, which benefits certain high-demand applications.
Pricing
Gas line conversion typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 for a whole-house conversion, depending on the number of appliances, pipe modifications required, and system complexity. Individual appliance conversions (orifice change only) range from $150 to $350 per appliance. Bonded Plumbworks provides a detailed written estimate after the initial system survey.
Our Qualifications
Bonded Plumbworks plumbers hold active state plumbing licenses with gas line endorsements. We have performed hundreds of gas line conversions since 2006. Our technicians are trained on conversion procedures for all major appliance brands and follow all International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and NFPA 54 requirements for fuel type conversions.
FAQ
How long does a whole-house gas conversion take? A typical whole-house conversion with 4 to 6 appliances takes one full day (6 to 8 hours). Larger systems or those requiring significant pipe resizing may require two days. Bonded Plumbworks schedules conversions to minimize your time without gas service.
Can all gas appliances be converted? Most modern gas appliances can be converted between natural gas and propane using manufacturer-provided conversion kits. Some older appliances or specialty equipment may not have conversion kits available, in which case replacement with a properly fuel-typed unit is recommended.
Do I need to contact the gas utility for a conversion? Yes. Converting to natural gas requires coordinating with your local gas utility for meter installation and service activation. Bonded Plumbworks coordinates this process on your behalf.
Will my gas bills decrease if I convert to natural gas? In most cases, yes. Natural gas typically costs 30 to 50 percent less than propane per equivalent BTU. The exact savings depend on your current propane rates, usage volume, and local natural gas rates. The conversion investment typically pays for itself within 2 to 4 years.
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Schedule Your Gas Line Conversion
Make the switch to your preferred fuel type with confidence. Call Bonded Plumbworks at (855) 557-9600 to schedule a gas line conversion consultation. Our licensed plumbers survey your system, provide a detailed estimate, and handle the complete conversion from start to finish. Every gas line conversion service includes a 90-day guarantee on gas line conversion work, covering parts and labor.