Safe Appliance Installation

Your responsibility

In Western PA: We own and maintain the main natural gas lines up to the property line including the meter. You are responsible for repairing or replacing all customer-owned natural gas lines beyond that point.
In some areas of Central PA: We own the lines up to the meter and are responsible for repairing or replacing all main and service natural gas lines up to, and including, the meter. You are responsible for repairing and replacing all customer-owned natural gas lines from your meter to your natural gas appliances.

Adding new equipment

If you want to add new natural gas equipment or appliances to your home that already has our gas service, we can make sure you have enough gas pressure to support your improvements. Get started with a quick phone call to us at 800-250-9182. Be prepared to discuss your current equipment, as well as the new appliances that you'd like to add to your home.

There are a few things you’ll need to know before you can install new natural gas appliances. Proper installation is crucial:

Have qualified professionals install natural gas appliances to make sure they're properly connected. Never attempt this yourself!
Never install a furnace where someone sleeps
Contact a qualified professional if you notice any change with your appliances, like no heat or overheating from your furnace/boiler, a yellow flame or the presence of soot around a burner on your gas stove, or your furnace or hot water heater fan often kicking on and off
Make sure a qualified professional determines that the equipment is properly vented and adjusted, and that it has an adequate supply of fresh air for safe, efficient combustion. Learn more about venting
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation and care of your equipment
If you have corrugated stainless steel tubing, be sure it is bonded. Bonding on this type of tubing can reduce the risk of fire or other hazard if your home is struck by lightning
If you have flexible appliance connectors, do not reuse them. Connectors should be replaced along with your appliances

Installation tips for common natural gas appliances

Contractor working on natural gas furnace

Natural gas furnaces

Don’t try to do it yourself – Only qualified professionals should install natural gas furnaces
Read all manufacturer's instructions, warnings and warranties carefully for safe operation
Natural gas furnaces should be installed in accordance with local building codes and manufacturer's instructions and specifications

Natural gas generators

Natural gas generators can provide continuous electric supply from an existing natural gas line. Since these units are available in a range of sizes, please contact us at 800-250-9182 prior to installation to determine if your current natural gas service is adequate for safe and efficient operation

Contractor performing maintenance on natural gas water heater

Water heaters and other natural gas appliances

Read all manufacturer's instructions, warnings and warranties carefully for safe operation
Water heaters and other natural gas appliances are hot during operation. Be sure to keep combustible items and flammable liquids away from these appliances at all times
If you wish to insulate your natural gas water heater, choose an insulation blanket manufactured specifically for natural gas water heaters
Older water heaters and other natural gas appliances like ventless space heaters installed in residential garages require all burners and ignition devices to be no less than 18 inches from the floor
Water heaters and other natural gas appliances should be installed in accordance with local building codes and manufacturer's instructions and specifications

Natural gas space heaters and natural gas logs

Don’t try to do it yourself – Only qualified professionals should install and service your natural gas space heater and/or natural gas logs
Read all manufacturer's instructions, warnings and warranties carefully for safe operation
Don't install unvented natural gas space heaters or unvented natural gas logs in bathrooms or bedrooms
Natural gas fireplaces and natural gas space heaters are meant for added warmth, not a main source of heating
Remember to turn these appliances off before you go to bed or leave your home
Natural gas space heaters and natural gas logs should be installed in accordance with local building codes and manufacturer's instructions and specifications

Don't DIY

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Replacing a gas stove? A gas dryer? Or need to move a gas line in your house? Leave gas line projects to the professionals. Columbia Gas A NiSource Company