Holy ****!!!!

[busted knuckle]

I just got an estimate from the plumber to run the gas line to my Hot Dawg out in the garage. A total of 42 ft including the cleanout and shutoff valve. $675. Am I paying for liability, because I don't see that much in materials and labor. I'm Tempted to to the piping myself and then have the gas company come in for the connection and inspection. What do you all think.

 

[mikeyr]

WOW seems like a lot.

How much digging is there for those 42ft. ? that can bring the cost up quickly.

The gas company will inspect it but then you have to have a permit for that heater (at least here you do).

 

[busted knuckle]

No digging. This will be run under the joists 13 ft to the garage wall, then out through the wall, up the same wall over the ceiling and down the other wall 2 ft. I've been told that I can run all the pipe and the gas company will make the final inspection and test for free. So I might go that way.

 

[Brickout]

I would just do it myself. Running black pipe really isn't that hard. Careful planning, the right parts, tools and time is all it takes. It's not like copper where you have to solder the joints, it all threads together. You might even get away without having to cut a thread pipe.

 

[tatra]

search this board for info on black pipe threaded at home depot.........might save you some aggravation..........or just go to a plumbing supply professional.........sorry, off to work so can't search for you but i'm sure others on here will recall the thread and post the link.............

 

[rickairmedic]

Ok lets break this down using my rates which are cheap in my area . Service call $59.50 which includes 15 minutes labor at $78.00 an hour lets call it 3 hours so thats $234.00 . Then theres the permit $35.00 so without any maerials I am at $328.50 just for labor and thats without a helper if you add a helper thats usually half the hourly rate of a regular technician . Materials are most likely the cheapest part of this job and I would have to make some calls to price them out as they fluctuate quite a bit.


Rick

 

[scokat916]

I received an estimate for running black iron 30ft. $250 - $300 by the gas company. Told me two hours labor at $100/hr. + supplies. I received the same quote from a local plumber.

Located in Madison, WI

 

[dipper]

I had some pipe cut at lowes this week and it turned out great! Just make sure they know what they are doing.

I'd run the black pipe myself, it goes together pretty easy, and you can leak test it before you turn the gas on.

 

[busted knuckle]

I'm leaning more towards doing it myself and have the plumber in for the final hookup or the gas company. I also found this site for flexible piping which doesn't seem to bad with a cost of $240 for 50 ft plus fittings. Similiar system that I have used on my cars fuel lines. http://www.omegaflex.com/trac/index.asp Cost has become important since I am on a limited budget for this or I start taking away from the body work and paint budget.

 

[rickairmedic]

I am quite sure you can do this yourself just check with your local gas company or code office so that you know the codes on this instalation such as ow often you need to support the pipe in most cases it is every 3 feet . I will also add tat with your material cost and my estimate on the labor the total was $568.50 believe it or not we dont keep all that labor alot of it goes to advertising and the almighty TAXES Yellow page advertising is ungodly expensive. I get alot of OMG expressions from customers and I always want to ask them if they have any idea what it actually costs to run a company even a small one like mine.

Rick

 

[busted knuckle]

Okay, as it stands I am going to do the piping since it will be cheaper than the flexpipe. I have a Home Depot, Lowes and hardware store nearby so I will start there. Need to do all the measurements twice maybe three times to cut down on the trips. Any suggestions on the pipe dope to use.

Hey Dipper how do I do the leak check? I plan on stopping before I get to the gas line and have the plumber finish that. Thanks all.

 

[Todd.Brock]

hey I didnt realize you were in Mason, I live in Eastgate area. If you are interested in having it done, My guy ran black pipe in my basement for a fireplace and a gas stove up through the floor into the kitchen on the other side of the house super cheap. Good ol boy but he knows his stuff. PM me if you are interested in his contact info.

 

[dipper]

Good call doing it yourself, I just picked up 3 pieces of 3/4" black iron at home depot today for 13.99 each. I have a tee right at input where it comes into the basement, one branch feeds the house appliances, the other is the feed for the garage with a ball valve inline.
Once I get the lines installed in the garage, i'll use a couple fittings with a valve and gauge to connect it to the air compressor. Pressurize the line, close off the valve to compressor, and then watch gauge over the course of a few hours/days. Besides temp. changes, the pressure should stay the same. If there are leaks you can check for them with soapy water in a spray bottle.

Just make sure you get good pipe dope from the store..and don't be shy when putting it on. Make sure you got two good size pipe wrenches too.

 

[busted knuckle]

Went by the harware store last nght and a 1/2"x10' of iron pipe was $13.08 and they charge $1.50 /per cut, $1.80 per thread. I'll need at least 6 pipes plus a few elbows, couplers, tees and end caps as well as a union. I plan on coming out at the water heater since it at the end of the run and more in line where I will be coming out at the garage. Thanks all.

 

[dipper]

HD and Lowes don't charge to cut or thread, so keep that in mind.

Are you sure that you will have enough delivery at the end of another 40' of 1/2" pipe to the heater? Is that what the plumber suggested you use as far as pipe size.

Also, I recommend using pro dope if available.

 

[busted knuckle]

Have all all the vent work done and done a layout of where all the pipes will go and checked with HD on cutting and threading. I am going to do it myself and have the plumber do the final hookup or just a final inspection. Thanks all for the suggestions and tips.