How to Install a Gas Range: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thor Kitchen x Gordon Rmasy 48 inch Pro Gas Range – RSG48B

Years ago, it would have taken a long-awaited service call for an appliance technician to reach your home and install your brand new gas range. But, as our world and technology has progressed, the learning tools available online have been a game-changer for DIYers.

If you have just purchased a new gas range, then you are probably curious how you can install it safely. After all, you are going to be dealing with natural gas. We’ve got some helpful tips for you to install your new range, step-by-step.

Step 1: Make Sure You Have the Proper Gas Connector

Whether this is your first range, or you are replacing an old one, you will want to purchase the proper gas connector. Never use the existing connector from a previous range. Visit your nearest home store or hardware store and seek out the correct connector. This is what you should be looking for:

• The gas connector should specifically state “range” on it.
• Typical gas ranges require connectors that are .5 inch, half-threaded black pipe. It will have either internal or external threads. Be sure to confirm which you need before you buy.
• Lastly, you want to be able to easily move about when installing your new range. Get a connector that is long enough to allow you some space, but not too long that it will interfere with the final installation space.

Step 2: Double Check Your Outlets

Although your gas range heats up using natural gas, you will still need to plug it in. For this, you need to make sure the area where your range is being installed has a 110-volt outlet handy. No regular outlet will work, unfortunately, so double check your outlets before you begin the installation process.

Tip: Be sure to check that the outlet is grounded.

Step 3: If You Are Replacing an Old Range, Pull It out and Shut off the Gas

It is important that you make sure your gas is turned off as natural gas leaks can be fatal if not addressed.  This is a small step, but perhaps the most important – do not overlook it.

Step 4: Wrap the Pipes

The next step is to wrap the pipes, preferably using Teflon pipe-joint tape. Yellow is typically used for gas fittings since it is much heavier than white Teflon tape. Wrap the pipes two times, going in the same direction as you will place the fittings on the threads. This should be in a clockwise fashion.

Next, you will want to remove the end connector fitting and wrap it in the Teflon tape. Then, you will screw it into the gas line. You may have an internal or external fitting, so, again, be sure to check this in advance.

Step 5: Get Yourself a Street Elbow

This step will depend on whether your range installation kit comes with a street elbow. If it does, great. If not, then you are going to have to be sure to grab one at your local hardware or home store in order to complete the proper installation. Your street elbow should be .5 inch x .5 inch.

Once you have it, you will screw the street elbow into the range gas port. The next step would be to screw in the other end of your connectors fitting into your street elbow. And, finally, use Teflon tape (again, preferably yellow) to seal each fitting.   

Tip: Take care not to over-tighten your fittings.

Step 6: Now It Is Time to Tighten the Nuts

You have two end connector fittings that will require you to add two connector nuts – one to each.  Be sure that as you are tightening these nuts that you are holding the tube as straight as possible against the fitting. Failing to keep this straight could potentially result in the leaking of gas.

The end fittings are equipped with beveled edges. This allows your tube to latch on with a fierce grip to the ends of the tube.

Tip: You may think that adding Teflon tape to these fittings is beneficial. However, you do not want to add tape here. Doing so will interfere with the beveled-edge design’s intended purpose.  

Step 7: Always, Always Check for Leaks

Because of the seriousness that gas leaks may bring, it is crucial that you always check for leaks when installing a new gas range.

There are several ways you may do this. First, however, you need to turn on the gas and light a burner for a minute. This helps any air in the line escape. Then, you will want to use your chosen method for detecting potential leaks.

• Purchase a leak detector spray and use at each connection point.
• Use warm, very soapy water and place on these connection points. If the soap begins making bubbles, you’ve got yourself a leak.
• Contact your local gas company and request that a professional review your handiwork. However, should you choose this route, it is advised that you shut off the gas until it is inspected.

Step 8: The Final Step

Only when you are 100% confident that you do not have any gas leaks, plug your new gas range into the outlet. As you slide your range back into its designated space, you may want to use an appliance dolly. Causing too much commotion in the move could possibly disrupt your gas lines – resulting in an unknown leak. Make this a smooth transition without disrupting any hoses or fittings.

Once it is in place, light the burners. Make sure that all work as they should.

Conclusion

If you have managed to install your new gas range all on your own, congratulations are in order. So, give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy your new kitchen appliance.

A gas range is a wonderful addition to your kitchen. While most people leave its installation to the professionals, there are some empowered individuals – such as yourself – that want to go it alone. No need to worry — as long as you follow these steps, you should have your new range installed without any hiccups.