How to Plumb a Natural Gas Fire Pit Safely & Easily

Dreaming of cozy evenings around a warm, flickering fire pit—but worried about the complexity of gas plumbing? You’re not alone. Many homeowners hesitate to install a natural gas fire pit because they assume it requires professional-level skills. The good news? How to plumb a natural gas fire pit is a manageable DIY project—if done correctly and safely. With the right tools, knowledge, and respect for local codes, you can enjoy a clean-burning, convenient outdoor feature that adds value and ambiance to your backyard.

Why Choose Natural Gas Over Propane for Your Fire Pit?

Before diving into installation, it helps to understand why natural gas is a popular choice:

• Convenience: No need to refill tanks—your fire pit connects directly to your home’s gas line.
• Cost-Effective: Natural gas is typically cheaper per BTU than propane in most U.S. regions (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2024).
• Clean Burning: Produces fewer emissions and no soot, keeping your patio cleaner.

However, natural gas requires permanent plumbing, whereas propane offers portability. If you’re settled in your home and want a low-maintenance setup, natural gas is ideal.

💡 Expert Insight: “Natural gas fire pits eliminate the hassle of tank swaps and are safer long-term when installed to code,” says Mark Reynolds, a certified HVAC technician with 18 years of field experience.

Is It Legal to DIY a Natural Gas Fire Pit? Know Your Local Codes

Safety first! While many states allow homeowners to run gas lines for outdoor appliances, permits and inspections are almost always required. According to the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), any new gas line must:

• Be pressure-tested before use
• Use approved materials (typically black iron pipe or CSST—Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing)
• Maintain safe clearance from windows, vents, and ignition sources

Always check with your local building department before starting. In cities like Austin, TX, and Portland, OR, DIY gas work is permitted—but only after passing a written exam and inspection.

🔗 For more on national standards, refer to the International Fuel Gas Code overview on Wikipedia.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Gather these before you begin:

⚠️ Never use standard Teflon tape—use yellow gas-rated tape, which is thicker and designed for gas-line threads.

Step-by-Step: How to Plumb a Natural Gas Fire Pit

Follow these precise steps to ensure a safe, code-compliant installation:

Step 1: Locate Your Gas Supply Line

• Find your home’s main natural gas line (usually near the furnace, water heater, or exterior meter).
• Choose the closest, most accessible tap point to minimize pipe runs.

Step 2: Install a Dedicated Shutoff Valve

• Turn off the main gas supply.
• Cut into the main line and install a brass ball valve (minimum ½-inch NPT). This allows you to shut off gas to the fire pit without affecting your whole house.

Step 3: Run the Gas Line to Your Fire Pit Location

• Use ½-inch black iron pipe or CSST (easier to bend around obstacles).
• Bury the line at least 12–18 inches underground (deeper in frost-prone areas) or run it through conduit if above ground.
• Maintain a minimum 6-inch clearance from electrical lines or ignition sources.

Step 4: Connect to the Fire Pit Burner

• Use a flexible stainless steel gas connector (max 6 ft long, per NFPA 54) to link the rigid pipe to the burner.
• Tighten fittings with a torque wrench to 15–20 ft-lbs—overtightening can crack fittings.

Step 5: Pressure Test the Line

• Cap the fire pit end and pressurize the line to 10 psi using an air compressor (never test with gas!).
• Monitor for 10 minutes—any drop indicates a leak.
• Fix leaks by re-wrapping threads with yellow tape or re-tightening.

Step 6: Check for Leaks with Soapy Water

• After connecting everything, turn on the gas slowly.
• Apply soapy water solution to all joints. Bubbles = leak. Tighten or re-seal as needed.

Step 7: Final Inspection & Lighting

• Schedule a municipal inspection if required.
• Once approved, ignite your fire pit per manufacturer instructions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the permit: Can void home insurance or fail future home inspections.
• Using improper pipe: PVC or copper isn’t allowed for natural gas in most jurisdictions.
• Ignoring slope: Gas lines should pitch slightly toward the source to prevent moisture buildup.
• Oversizing the line: Too much gas flow can cause yellow flames or soot—match pipe size to your burner’s BTU rating (typically 100,000–200,000 BTU).

📊 Did You Know? A typical 150,000 BTU fire pit requires a ½-inch gas line for runs under 30 feet. Longer runs may need ¾-inch pipe to maintain pressure (per IFGC Table 402.4).

Natural Gas vs. Propane Fire Pits: Quick Comparison

FAQ Section

Q1: Do I need a professional to plumb a natural gas fire pit?
A: Not always—but it’s highly recommended if you’ve never worked with gas lines. Many jurisdictions require inspections, and mistakes can lead to leaks or explosions. If unsure, hire a licensed plumber or gas fitter.

Q2: How deep should I bury the gas line?
A: Most codes require 12 to 18 inches of cover. In areas with frost lines deeper than 18″, bury below the frost line to prevent pipe stress.

Q3: Can I use flexible gas line (CSST) for outdoor fire pits?
A: Yes—if it’s rated for outdoor burial and properly grounded (per NFPA 54). Use only yellow-jacketed CSST labeled for natural gas.

Q4: What size gas line do I need?
A: For most residential fire pits (100,000–200,000 BTU), a ½-inch line is sufficient for runs under 30 feet. Longer distances may require ¾-inch piping to avoid pressure drop.

Q5: How do I know if my gas line is leaking?
A: Smell (rotten eggs = mercaptan additive), hissing sounds, or bubbles in soapy water. Never use a flame to test! If you suspect a leak, shut off gas and call your utility immediately.

Q6: Can I convert a propane fire pit to natural gas?
A: Only if the manufacturer offers a conversion kit. Burner orifices and regulators differ—never retrofit without official parts.

Conclusion

Learning how to plumb a natural gas fire pit empowers you to create a stunning, functional outdoor oasis—safely and affordably. By following code requirements, using the right materials, and testing thoroughly, you’ll enjoy years of flame-filled evenings without the hassle of tanks or refills.

Your backyard deserves this upgrade!
If this guide helped you, share it with a friend planning their own DIY project—on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to tag your before-and-after fire pit photos! 🔥

Stay safe, build smart, and keep the flames burning.