How much does it cost to repair a gas line?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Natural gas is an important energy source in many homes. It can heat your home’s water supply or power gas appliances like ovens and stoves. Your home’s gas supply runs via a main line from the meter on the street into your home and is transported to different areas by individual lines. These pipes are strong and durable, but issues can arise with your gas line if parts of the piping crack, leak, or become damaged. It is vital to get the gas line repaired immediately when this happens because gas leaks are dangerous.

The national cost average to repair a gas line is $150 to $700, with most homeowners paying $400 to repair a section of damaged pipe. Costs vary depending on different factors, including pipe materials and repair type. This project’s low cost is $100 for cleaning rust off an easily accessible small pipe section. The high cost is $2,300 to fix a leak in an underground pipe that requires extensive excavation.

Gas Line Repair Price

Gas Line Repair Cost by Gas Pipe Material

The cost of gas line repair by pipe material ranges from $15 to $35 per linear foot. Gas lines can be made of various materials. Some are more expensive to fix, so the material impacts the final repair costs. For example, PVC and HDPE, two plastic composites, are the most affordable. Homes with older black iron or galvanized steel pipes cost much more to repair or replace. Metal materials are likely to rust or break down over time, causing leaks and other damage. Plastic gas lines often have leaks at the joints when seals wear down or have been damaged during other projects. The table below shows common gas pipe materials and average repair costs.

Home Gas Line Repair Cost by Problem

If you are repairing a gas line based on a specific problem, you will spend between $100 and $800 on the project. This depends on what is wrong, how easy the repair is, what materials are required, and other factors. Several problems could arise with a gas line, including rust, clogs, broken sections or leaks, and so much more. They all require proper diagnosis and repair by a licensed professional. In the table and subsections below, you see a breakdown of each type of problem, its costs, and other details.

Rusted Gas Line Repair

If you have rusty gas line pipes, expect to pay between $100 and $500 for repairs. Rust naturally occurs on gas lines, especially in areas with rain and moisture, and it is common for rust to form in the winter. Fortunately, this is one of the cheaper repairs because many products can remove rust. A professional may use these products and other methods like sanding and painting to fix a rusted line.

Rotten Egg Smell Repair

Usually attributed to a gas leak, fixing the rotten egg smell from gas pipes costs $100 to $700. This depends on where the leak is located, how severe it is, and what types of repairs are required to fix the problem. Natural gas is normally colorless and odorless, which makes it quite dangerous. To help people identify gas leaks, harmless chemicals are added to create a smell that will get their attention. If something smells bad around your gas lines, it usually means there is a problem.

Hissing Sound Repair

If you hear a hissing sound in your gas lines, it could cost $100 to $700 to repair. This usually indicates a gas line leak of some kind, which is separately discussed below. It could also indicate that a pipe is loose, a connection is damaged, or a seal has gone bad. If you hear a hissing sound when using gas, you should shut off the connection immediately and call a licensed repair professional.

Gas Line Leak Repair

Homeowners pay between $150 and $800 to fix a gas line leak. The costs can be higher if the leak is in an inaccessible or buried part because the line must be excavated, adding around $1,000 to $1,500 to the price. When leaks happen, the damaged part of the line needs to be replaced entirely. You can spot a gas leak from the appearance of sulfur or rotten egg smells, or if you suddenly notice your gas bill costs have risen without explanation.

High Pressure Gas Line Repair

Fixing a gas line with high pressure averages $150 to $800, or potentially higher if the line is underground and requires excavation. Usually, the gas regulator valve has a problem if there is an issue with pressure. These regulators control pressure in the gas line, but if they break, the pressure rises inside the home. It could also be a blockage causing high pressure, and high-pressure lines are at greater risk of cracking and leaking, which may lead to extra costs.

Clogged Gas Line Repair

Repairing a clogged gas line costs between $150 and $800. Gas lines can become clogged or blocked. Water can get into the pipe, leading to corrosion and rust, which may cause a blockage. Tree roots can also grow around and into the lines, cutting off gas, or pieces of dirt and debris can get into pipes through tiny gaps and cracks. Usually, a professional must inspect the pipes to find the source, typically with the aid of a borescope. They may be able to clear the blockage easily if the pipe is easily accessible. However, prices can be much higher if the pipe is hard to access or if the blockage requires pipe replacement.

Cost to Repair a Gas Line by Solution

If you are repairing the gas line based on the solution, you will spend between $150 and $800 on the repair job. This depends on what is being fixed or repaired and what type of repair it needs. For example, it is cheaper to fix a seal or solder a gas line than to completely replace a section of the pipe. In the table and subsections below, you will see the most common solutions, their costs, and other factors involved in the repair.

Seal Gas Line

The average cost to seal a gas line ranges from $150 to $600. Sealing a gas line involves finding the right fittings, cleaning the threads on the gas pipe, and using Teflon tape of special pipe thread compound to the threaded end of the line before connecting the pieces to seal it. This is a key part of gas line installation, and it may need resealing if your line has been improperly installed or is old.

Soldering Gas Pipe

Soldering gas pipes ranges from $200 to $500. This work demands advanced equipment and must be done with expert precision, so labor costs can be high. Soldering gas pipes is often unnecessary, but when working with copper pipes, it may be necessary to solder certain sections and fittings to make them secure. This can also be a solution to certain leaks or loose connections, and the amount of work or location of the soldering will impact the cost, with more difficult accessibility costing more.

Replace Gas Lines in the House

In the event that gas lines need to be replaced, you can expect to spend between $300 and $800 on the job, depending on how many pipes need to be replaced or how big the job is going to be. At $23 to $35 per linear foot, replacing gas lines in one area that needs repair is much cheaper than re-piping the entire home. If you do find yourself in need of all new gas lines in the house, you’ll probably spend between $3,000 and $8,000 on the job.

Home Gas Line Repair Cost by Type of Replacement

In many cases, the parts of your gas line that are damaged must be replaced. It can be dangerous to leave damaged sections of a gas line in place, and repair workers assess the situation and decide if even their best attempts could lead to an unsafe line. Therefore, it is not uncommon for new valves and pieces of pipe to have to be fitted, with the old items being removed. The table below shows common gas line replacements and average costs for each.

Gas Pipe Replacement

The average cost to replace gas pipes is between $23 to $35 per linear foot, including the cost of removing the existing line and installing the replacement. Pipes usually need replacing when the existing pipe is damaged beyond repair because of issues like rust and cracks. The price mostly depends on the amount and material of your gas pipes and how easy the area is to access. Higher-grade pipe materials, such as galvanized steel and black iron, cost more to replace than budget-friendly materials like CSST.

Gas Meter Replacement

If you are responsible for the cost of replacing your gas meter, you will spend between $300 and $600 on the project in total, with about ⅔ covering materials and the other ⅓ covering labor. In most locations, gas companies are responsible for the lines leading up to the home and the gas meter unit itself. Homeowners are only responsible for the lines inside the home that come from the meter into the building. However, there may be some instances where homeowners are responsible for this replacement and its related costs.

Replace a Gas Shut-Off Valve

Replacing a gas shut-off valve averages $300 to $600. The valves are expensive, ranging from $150 to $350. You must also factor in labor costs. Shut-off valves are an important part of any gas system because they stop the gas flow in emergencies or when gas appliances must be repaired. Leaky, broken, or faulty valves must be replaced. It’s rare that shut-off valves can be repaired and since they’re such critical parts, replacement is almost always preferred.

Labor Cost to Repair a Gas Line

Typically, plumbers charge for their services by the hour, varying from $45 to $200 per hour. Some plumbers may also have a callout fee of between $50 and $100, but this fee is usually waived if you hire them for the repairs. You might also have to pay extra if you live far away. It is very important to work with licensed, experienced plumbers. Repairing gas lines is dangerous work and requires skill and precision, so you do not want to entrust this repair job to someone who does not know what they are doing. The labor costs for gas line repair vary, depending on factors like the amount and type of work required.

Gas Line Inspection Price

The cost of gas line inspections averages $50 to $75. Gas lines are usually inspected when they are installed to check that the installation process was carried out successfully, but it is also recommended to have your lines inspected if you notice warning signs of gas problems, sulfur smells, issues with gas appliances, bubbling in the yard, or plants dying around the gas line. This is a good way to detect gas line issues before they become serious.

Gas Line Pressure Test

Homeowners pay between $75 and $100 for a gas line pressure test. This test evaluates the pressure inside your gas line. It determines if there is a pressure problem or the line is leaking, so it is a good method of diagnosis when gas line problems are suspected. The repairman who comes to diagnose and resolve your gas line issues can determine if a pressure test is necessary if there is no obvious leak or issue.

Emergency Gas Line Repair

Many plumbers and gas line repair companies offer emergency same-day services, but you usually pay an extra $200 to $300 for this. If you have an urgent gas line problem like an obvious leak or serious damage, get it fixed immediately. Gas leaks and line damage are dangerous, and there are risks of fires, explosions, and gas poisoning for people and animals inside the house.

Maintenance

One of the best ways to avoid any serious gas line problems is to keep your gas lines well-maintained. Of course, it is not always possible for homeowners to physically inspect and maintain all the gas lines, but there are some things you can do to keep an eye on your lines and ensure they remain in good condition.

Homeowners are encouraged to visually check on accessible gas lines throughout the year. It is especially important to check them at the start of summer and winter. Changing temperatures in the summer can lead to the lines expanding and cracking. Frosts and dampness of winter may cause rust and corrosion.

To properly inspect your gas lines, switch off all gas appliances and then visually inspect the lines around the appliances and by your meter. If you spot issues like cracks, rusty patches, or strange smells around the lines, call a professional plumber. This rapid response is important for efficient gas line maintenance because problems worsen the longer you leave them. If you act fast and call the pros for immediate repairs, you can avoid more serious issues. Another option for gas line maintenance is to call plumbers or gas specialists to inspect your lines at an average cost of $50 to $75.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Seismic Gas Shut-Off Valve Installation

The cost of installing an earthquake gas shut-off valve is between $200 and $500, and prices vary from state to state. Earthquake gas shut-off valves are designed to automatically shut off your gas supply when an earthquake occurs at your home. This can be really important in earthquake-prone areas because earthquakes can do major damage to the gas line, leading to leaks and the risk of fires and explosions. Depending on where you live and the chances of earthquakes occurring, local building codes may require you to have one of these valves fitted to your home’s gas line.

Reroute a Gas Line

Expect to pay between $15 and $25 per linear foot to have your gas line rerouted. So, the final price depends on how long the line is and how much labor is required to change it. Some plumbers may also charge per line, with average prices of $100 to $300 per line. Permits from your local building authority are usually required for moving or rerouting gas lines. Research this beforehand and comply with all the rules and regulations. Rerouting a gas line is important when making renovations to your property.

Gas Line Sediment Trap

Homeowners pay around $100 to $150 to have a gas line sediment trap professionally installed. A sediment trap is designed to capture sediment and prevent it from clogging up the line, reducing the risks of blockages, pressure problems, and other gas line issues. So this can be a good method to extend the lifespan of your gas line and reduce the need for repairs.

Cap Off a Gas Pipe

The average cost to cap a gas line is between $75 and $150. The price may be slightly higher or lower, depending on the location and materials involved. Capping a gas line basically means sealing it off, which is done on lines that are no longer used. It is usually a more efficient and affordable alternative to having the line removed. Be sure to talk to your repairman about the best options for resolving gas line issues. In addition to repairs, capping an old line could ensure that the system is safe to use.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• License. It is always best to work with licensed plumbers and gas line professionals when doing any kind of gas line repair. Check the status of your plumber’s license beforehand and make sure it is valid before hiring them to work on your line.
• Warranty. Some gas line installations come with warranties that can cover the costs of any repairs or replacements that may be needed in the first 12 months or longer. Check to see if you have a valid warranty before paying for any repairs.
• Gas company. Some homeowners mistakenly believe that gas companies are responsible for paying for gas line repairs. This is untrue. In general, it is up to the homeowner to cover the costs when issues arise with the gas line on their property.
• Safety. Gas leaks can be really dangerous, with risks of fire, explosion, and poisoning. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, it is best to leave the home immediately and contact the professionals. If you cannot get urgent gas line repair from nearby plumbers, call the fire department.
• The bubble test. If you suspect a gas leak in your home, you can conduct a “bubble test” to confirm it. To do this test, rub some soapy water on the line where you suspect the leak. If gas is escaping, bubbles will appear, and you should call a plumber to repair the line.
• Permit. You do not usually need a permit for gas line repairs, but permits may be required if the line needs to be moved or sections need to be added or replaced. Consult with your local building authority for more information.
• DIY. It is not recommended for homeowners to try and handle gas line repair themselves. As stated several times throughout this guide, damaged gas lines can be really dangerous, and repairs require a lot of skill and precision.
• Additional repairs. In the event that gas lines are behind a wall or underground, there may be a need to repair your yard or drywall after the gas repairs have been made. Be sure to talk to your repairman about this so that you know what to expect and who will perform the repairs, or whether you may be able to do them yourself, such as re-seeding an area of the yard that was dug up.