Gas Appliance Hookup and Electric-to-Gas Conversion in La Vernia and San Antonio

What sits between the gas pipe and the appliance

San Antonio and nearby cities use the International Fuel Gas Code, which calls for three parts:

• Shutoff valve. Each appliance gets its own, within 6 feet, in the same room and upstream of the connector. A valve behind a range or dryer counts, since the unit slides forward.
• Approved connector. Rigid pipe or a listed connector, which is 6 feet at most, one per appliance, never inside a wall or floor. We fit a new one rather than reuse the old. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says to replace old uncoated brass connectors, but not to slide the appliance out to check: a small move can crack one.
• Sediment trap. A capped drip leg that catches grit before the gas valve; the FAQ below says which appliances need one.

Ranges, cooktops, dryers and fireplaces

• Range. The valve goes where the maker's cutout drawing leaves room, so the range sits flush; pro-style models get a pipe-size check.
• Cooktop. The valve sits in the base cabinet, reachable through the doors; any regulator in the box goes where the manual shows.
• Dryer. A 4-inch smooth metal exhaust duct runs to an outdoor hood with a backdraft damper and no screen. The transition piece stays visible and 8 feet or shorter.
• Fireplace logs. Vented logs need a working flue with the damper held open per the log maker, and may use a marked key valve outside the firebox. Vent-free sets follow their own manual.

Switching from electric to gas

1. Fuel. In CPS Energy territory, a house with no meter applies for service; CPS checks availability and estimates the cost. Rural acreage often runs on a supplier's propane tank.
2. Load. CPS rates a cubic foot of its gas at about 1,000 Btu, so we convert each rating plate to cubic feet per hour and check the total against pipe capacity.
3. Branch. New pipe runs to a kitchen or laundry valve, usually through the attic in a slab house.
4. Outlet. A gas dryer needs a regular 120-volt outlet, not the 240-volt one; an electrician can add it.

Propane and natural gas need different orifices

CPS Energy's standard delivery pressure for homes with steel or polyethylene gas pipe is 7 inches of water column; the residential code's propane tables assume about 11 inches after the second-stage regulator. For the same heat, propane needs a smaller orifice.

A typical range conversion kit calls for new burner orifices, the regulator cap turned to LP, low-flame screws set, a conversion label filled out and the original orifices kept. Kit makers require a qualified service agency and warn that mistakes can cause fire, explosion or carbon monoxide. Texas regulates propane work through the Railroad Commission, so ask your propane supplier who handles the LP conversion.

Check these before you buy

• Many ranges ship set for natural gas; on propane, check whether the LP kit for that model is in the box or has to be ordered.
• Call us with the model number and Btu input so we can check pipe size.
• Match the spec sheet's gas inlet to your valve.
• Dryers: the residential code caps duct at 35 feet, less for each elbow, unless the maker permits more.

Permits and leak testing

Permits in San Antonio and nearby towns

San Antonio's plumbing, gas and sewer permit application lists gas items like new openings, a gas test and butane conversion. Trade permits go to state-licensed plumbers registered with the city. La Vernia, Seguin, Schertz and county areas each set their own rules; we check yours. Where a permit is required, the plumber doing the work pulls it.

Leak testing before the first flame

1. New piping is pressure-tested before appliances are connected, or with them disconnected and outlets capped, because the test pressure is higher than a range or dryer is built to take. See gas pressure test.
2. Gas goes back on and air is bled out at the appliance.
3. Each joint gets bubble solution or an electronic detector, never a flame; a bubble means the joint is remade.
4. Burners are lit and watched for a steady blue flame, and we show you the shutoff.

Gas hookup and conversion questions

Book a gas hookup or electric-to-gas switch

Call (830) 475-2604 to book a planned hookup at a time you pick. If gas is leaking, get outside and call 911 or your gas utility (CPS Energy in San Antonio), or your propane supplier, first. Then call us at any hour: we send our on-call plumber right away. First-time customers take $50 off, and seniors, military, first responders and healthcare workers 10% off (terms on the coupons page). We serve La Vernia, Floresville, Cibolo and Schertz, China Grove, Adkins and St. Hedwig and San Antonio's east side.

Office hours 8 AM–11 PM daily · 24/7 emergency service