Having a natural gas fire pit in your backyard can be a great way to enhance your outdoor living space. Natural gas fire pits provide ambiance and warmth without the hassle of dealing with wood or propane. However, before installing a natural gas fire pit, it’s important to understand if it’s possible to run a natural gas line to the desired location.
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Requirements for Running Natural Gas to a Fire Pit
There are several requirements that must be met in order to run natural gas to a fire pit:
- Access to natural gas – Your home must be connected to a natural gas utility line from the gas company in order to have access to natural gas.
- Adequate gas supply – The existing gas line must be capable of supplying enough gas volume and pressure to operate the fire pit safely.
- Shutoff valve – A dedicated shutoff valve is required to turn on/off gas to the fire pit.
- Underground piping – Gas piping must be run underground from the existing gas line to the fire pit location per code.
- Permits – Permits are typically required for gas line installations and fire pit construction.
- Licensed contractor – In most cases, a licensed plumber or contractor is required to install natural gas lines and fire pits.
If your home does not currently have natural gas service, a new gas line would have to be installed from the street to your house before you could run gas to a fire pit. This may not be feasible in some cases.
Distance Limitations
The distance that natural gas can be run to a fire pit is limited by a few factors:
- Pressure – Gas pressure drops over distance, so the fire pit cannot be too far from the supply line.
- Piping size – Smaller diameter pipes have lower capacity and more pressure drop.
- Appliance capacity – Fire pits have a BTU/hr input rating that must be considered.
- Maximum run – Most codes limit individual appliance gas lines to run a maximum of 50 feet or less.
For a typical residential fire pit installation, the fire pit should realistically be within 25-50 feet of the existing gas supply line, depending on the pipe sizing and fire pit BTU rating. Exceeding maximum recommended gas line lengths can result in insufficient gas pressure and poor appliance performance or danger.
Piping and Connection Requirements
Properly sizing the underground gas line piping is critical when running natural gas to a fire pit. Common piping materials approved for underground gas line installations include:
- Black iron pipe
- Galvanized steel
- Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST)
- Coated steel
- Copper (must be coated if buried)
The piping must be pressure rated for natural gas service and sized appropriately based on the gas demand, length of run, and number of fittings. Generally, a 1/2″ or 3/4″ pipe is sufficient for most fire pits.
The connection at the fire pit must also include an approved gas shutoff valve and connector. Rigid pipe is preferred for the last portion above ground leading to the fire pit. The flex hose connector should be kept as short as possible.
Permitting and Code Requirements
Most jurisdictions require permits for new gas lines as well as exterior fire pits and fireplaces. Common permits include:
- Gas line permit – For running new underground gas piping.
- Fire pit construction permit – For building a permanent outdoor gas fire pit.
- Mechanical permit – For the gas line connection at the fire pit.
- Plumbing permit – Sometimes required for any new gas appliances.
- Electrical permit – If lighting or electrical is part of fire pit project.
The local building department will be able to provide requirements for permits, inspections, and codes for your specific area. Common codes include:
- Fuel gas code – NFPA 54 or IRC G24 for gas line specs and installation.
- Plumbing code – UPC or IPC for gas piping materials and sizing.
- Electrical code – NEC for any lighting or wiring requirements.
- Fire code – IFC regulations regarding outdoor fire pits and clearances.
- Zoning regulations – For allowable fire pit locations in your community.
The gas line and fire pit must be installed by a licensed plumber or contractor in accordance with all applicable codes. Proper permits and inspections are crucial safety measures.
Gas Line Installation Process
The typical steps involved in running a new gas line to a fire pit include:
- Determine the best location for the fire pit considering utility line connections, construction, and clearance requirements.
- Obtain necessary permits and verify code compliance.
- Turn off gas supply and disconnect existing gas line as needed.
- Trench and install new underground gas supply piping from point of connection to fire pit location.
- Install shutoff valve and stub piping above ground at fire pit location.
- Connect and pressure test new gas line according to code.
- Construct permanent fire pit structure.
- Have final inspections completed by local building department.
- Install burner, media, accessories, and finish landscaping around fire pit.
- Hire certified technician to complete final gas connections at fire pit.
- Leak check connections and verify proper appliance operation.
The fire pit can now be lit and enjoyed as the stunning focal point of your outdoor space!
Costs of Running Natural Gas to a Fire Pit
The costs of running natural gas to a fire pit can vary significantly based on the specific project scope. Typical costs can range from $500 up to $5,000 or more. Key factors impacting the installation cost include:
- Distance from existing gas line – Longer runs require more trenching and pipe.
- Gas line material – Steel pipe is generally cheaper than CSST flexible piping.
- Pipe diameter – Larger diameters cost more but allow longer runs.
- Fire pit BTU rating – Higher gas demand requires bigger pipes.
- Permits/fees – Can range from $25-$500+ depending on the jurisdiction.
- Excavation costs – For trenching, boring, or jackhammering as needed.
- Landscaping – For concrete, pavers, drainage, and restoring surfaces.
- Contractor rates – Expect to pay $50-$100 per hour or more for licensed pros.
Get multiple quotes to find the best value. Additional fire pit construction, accessories, design, and lighting can also add cost. Investing in a natural gas fire pit is a home upgrade that can provide years of enjoyment and enhance property values.
Conclusion
Installing natural gas for a fire pit involves careful planning, proper materials, and professional installation but can be feasible for many homes already connected to a natural gas utility line. Adhering to gas piping codes and obtaining all required permits ensures optimal safety. With the convenience of instant ignition and no wood or propane to deal with, a natural gas fire pit is well worth considering for those wanting to add ambiance and warmth to their outdoor living space.