How To Install a New Gas Stove, Without Dangerous Leaks

Prep the area

• Make sure the area where you’ll install the new stove is clean and free of debris.

Shut off the gas

Find the main gas valve to your home and shut off the gas supply to your home. This will typically be found in the basement toward the front of the house.

• To shut off the gas valve, turn the valve lever until it is at a right angle to the pipe.

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• Pull out the range and shut off the gas valve to the stove. (See also Photo 2.) This shutoff may be located behind the range or in the basement just below. A shutoff is required in the line to the range and should be added if you don’t have one.

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Disconnect and remove the old stove

• With the gas off, pull the stove away from the wall until you can access the existing flexible gas line.
• Use an adjustable wrench to brace the connector fitting installed in the supply pipe while you turn the connector fitting on the flexible line with a pipe wrench. You may smell a slight gas odor during this step.
• Repeat this step to remove the flexible gas line from the back of the stove.
• Dispose of the used flexible gas line.
• Set the old stove to the side to make room for the new stove installation.

Attach new flexible gas line to the supply pipe

Use a flexible gas line that’s plenty long, so you’ll have enough room to work between the gas stove and the wall. They come in lengths from 24 inches to 60 inches. Always use a new flexible gas connector; don’t reuse an old one. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully to attach the flexible connector to the supply pipe.

• Wrap yellow Teflon tape around the male connector attached to the black supply pipe. “The official tape for gas is yellow,” Hogan says. Don’t use white plumbing tape.

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• Thread the flexible gas line connector onto the supply pipe connector by hand, being careful not to cross the threads.

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• Once hand tightened, use the adjustable wrench to hold the black supply line connector still while you tighten the flexible gas connector fitting. You want it snug, but don’t overtighten.

Note: Flexible connectors cannot pass through a floor or wall. “They must go directly from the emergency shut off valve and to the appliance,” Smedley says.

Connect the flexible gas line to the stove

The new stove will likely not have a connector fitting installed, so you will first need to add it to the threaded fitting incorporated into the back of the stove before attaching the flexible line.

• Choose a connector from the connection kit that fits the threaded fitting on the stove. The connector will have a square end and a flared end.
• Thread the flared end of the connector onto the stove fitting by hand. Do not use Teflon tape for this step. “It should be a clean connection between fittings,” Hogan says.
• Once hand-tightened, use an adjustable wrench to tighten the connector. Again, you want it snug but avoid overtightening.

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• Wrap Teflon tape around the square end of the connector.
• Thread the connector end of the flexible gas line, fitting it onto the square end of the stove connector by hand.
• Use the adjustable wrench to hold the stove connector still while you tighten the flexible gas connector fitting.

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Turn on gas and check for leaks

Always check your work for leaks (Photo 6). Gas leak detectors are sold at home centers, hardware stores and online. Detectors are available as liquid products that bubble when coated over a leak or as detection wands that sense gas in the air. Hogan prefers to use a combustible gas detection wand.

• Turn both stove and main gas valves into the open position.
• Follow the directions of your gas leak detector to determine there are no gas leaks in the connections.
• If a leak is detected, shut off the gas, tighten all connections and recheck for leaks.

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Move stove into position

• If the stove also has electrical power, plug it into a nearby outlet.
• Gently push the stove into position near the wall, taking care not to kink or force the corrugated connector into sharp bends.

Have your work inspected

Although it’s not always required to have a range hookup inspected, we strongly recommend that you call a licensed plumber, your local gas company or plumbing inspector to check your work.

Install anti-tip bracket

An anti-tip bracket is an important safety measure to prevent the stove from accidentally tipping over and causing injury.

• Follow the stove manufacturer’s instructions to install the included anti-tip bracket with a drill and driver bit.

FAQs

Are gas stoves safe?

“Gas stoves are plenty safe,” Smedley says, “Yes, there is an open flame, but it is very controlled.” If you’re concerned about air quality in your home, Hogan suggests adding a vent above the stove.

How much does it cost to have a gas stove installed?

According to both pros, the price range for a gas stove installation is between $200 and $1000. “It is situational,” Hogan says. Some jobs may require more labor or parts, so the price can vary.”

Do gas ranges require venting?

Sometimes, gas stoves require venting. “Most jurisdictions do not require venting,” Smedley says. “However, some are transitioning to require a ventilation hood above a gas stove.” Check with your local plumbing inspector or utility company to see if your municipality requires venting for a gas stove.

How do you vent a gas stove?

Both pros say to install a range hood over the stove that is piped and vented to the outside. “You could also use a microwave with a built-in fan,” Hogan says, “But it must also be ducted to the outside.”

Are there incentives available to convert gas appliances to electric?

Yes, there are incentives to convert gas appliances to electric.

As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, states will receive federal money to fund rebate programs for homeowners switching from gas to electric ranges. Qualifying parameters will vary from state to state, but you could receive up to an $840 rebate toward the cost of a new electric stove and up to $500 to convert your cooking utility source from gas to electric. Check with your state’s energy office for more details.

About the Experts

• Mitch Smedley is a Master Plumber and owner of Smedley Plumbing in Kansas City, Missouri. He has 15 years of industry experience and hosts a YouTube channel of plumbing information and how-to’s.
• Liam Hogan is a licensed Journeyman Plumber and owner of Hogan Mechanical Incorporated in Agawam, Massachusetts. He has over five years of industry experience.

Sources

• Consumer Reports: “What the Inflation Reduction Act Could Mean for Your Next Appliance Purchase.” (2024)