What does installing a gas range involve?

Installing a gas range is a short job when everything lines up, but most of it is gas work, and in Virginia that belongs to a licensed tradesperson. What you should end up with is a range on a new connector, with its own pressure regulator in place, leak-tested, plugged into a grounded outlet and held by an anti-tip bracket. A permit is usually part of the job.

What a finished installation looks like

Use this as a checklist when the installer is done, and to read a quote for anything left out.

• A new connector. GE's instructions call for a new flexible metal connector and say never to use an old one with a new range.^[1] The Consumer Product Safety Commission puts it plainly: "Connectors should always be replaced whenever the appliance is replaced or moved from its location."^[2] Columbia Gas of Virginia gives the same advice: flexible appliance connectors should not be reused.^[4]
• The range's own regulator in place. The range comes with its own gas pressure regulator, and GE says that regulator must be used.^[1]
• A leak test on the gas connections. GE's instructions require the appliance to be leak-tested,^[1] so ask the installer to confirm it was done before the range goes into use.
• You know where the shut-off valve is. GE tells the installer to show you where the gas shut-off valve is,^[1] which is worth knowing long after installation day.
• A grounded outlet. A gas range still plugs in, and GE says the range must be electrically grounded in accordance with local codes.^[1] Virginia's definition of a tradesman covers electrical work,^[9] so an outlet behind the range that is missing, worn or the wrong type is a job for a licensed electrician.^[10]
• Burners with a clean flame. Each burner should light and burn steadily before the installer leaves. Columbia Gas notes that a yellow flame or soot around a burner is a sign to call a qualified professional.^[4]
• The range held by its anti-tip bracket. More on that below.

Natural gas or propane

This range leaves the factory set for use with natural gas, and GE says a conversion to propane "must be performed by a qualified propane gas installer."^[1] If your house runs on a propane tank, say so when you ask for quotes, so the conversion parts and labour are priced in.

The anti-tip bracket is not optional

GE's warning label says it directly: "A child or adult can tip the range and be killed."^[1] Voluntary safety standards for gas and electric ranges require manufacturers to supply anti-tip brackets with new ranges,^[3] and if your range did not come with one, check with the manufacturer, since some will send a replacement bracket at no charge.^[3] The bracket has to be re-engaged any time the range is moved,^[1] for cleaning or a floor repair, so ask the installer to show you how it sits.

Permits in Virginia

Virginia's building code requires a permit before work on fuel supply systems,^[5] and its exemption for swapping appliances covers only the "Replacement of mechanical appliances provided such equipment is not fueled by gas or oil".^[5] Fairfax County reads that to mean any gas appliance installation or replacement needs a permit, even a like-for-like one.^[6] If new gas piping goes in with the range, Fairfax asks for a residential plumbing permit instead of its household appliance permit.^[6] Other counties and towns run their own permit desks, so ask yours what it wants before the range is delivered.

DPOR's consumer guide says the contractor should apply for and obtain any necessary building permits, and that this should be spelled out in the contract.^[11]

Who is allowed to do the gas hookup

Virginia's licensing rules define a gas fitter as a tradesman whose work includes installing gas piping, equipment and appliances,^[7] and no individual may work as a tradesman without a licence.^[10] On the business side, the gas fitting (GFC) specialty covers the installation of gas piping and appliances,^[8] while the home improvement (HIC) specialty does not cover electrical, plumbing, HVAC or gas fitting work.^[8] A handyman can carry out the old range and level the new one, but the gas connection belongs to someone licensed for it. The full answer is in who can hook up a gas dryer or range in Virginia.

When to call a licensed pro

For a gas range, the answer is every time the gas line is touched. Call one, and do not wait, when:

• You smell gas. Columbia Gas of Virginia tells its customers to "go outside and call 911 and then call us at 1-800-544-5606 (24/7)."^[4] The CPSC adds: leave the house immediately and do not light a match, turn on a light or switch on anything electrical.^[2]
• The old connector is uncoated brass. The CPSC warns that moving an appliance, even slightly, can make one of these weakened connectors fail completely,^[2] so leave the old range in place until the installer arrives.
• There is no gas line where the range will go. Running one is new gas piping. Fairfax County requires a Residential Plumbing permit when new gas piping goes in with an appliance,^[6] and other localities set their own rules, so ask your building department.
• The shut-off valve is missing, corroded or hard to reach.
• You are converting from electric to gas or from natural gas to propane.
• A burner burns yellow, leaves soot, or will not stay lit after the install.

What to ask for in the quote

• The installer's DPOR licence number and specialty, which you can check by following how to check if a contractor is licensed in Virginia.
• Who pulls the permit, and whether the inspection is included.
• A new connector, shut-off valve work if needed, the leak test and the anti-tip bracket, itemised.
• Haul-away of the old range, and any outlet or circuit work priced separately.

Browse more handyman answers, see handyman services, or find licensed plumbers in Blacksburg. When you are ready, describe your range installation once and licensed businesses will quote.