Here are a few qualifications a professional should have: 

• A plumbing or gas line installation license and certification for your area. Only certain types of professionals are legally allowed to install gas lines, so always check the rules in your city and state first.

• Commercial insurance, including public liability insurance. This will protect you if something goes wrong.

• Good reviews and experience with similar projects. For example, do you need someone to install gas lines for your furnace or water heater? Make sure they’ve worked on these components and have positive reviews. Do you have copper or steel gas pipes? Ensure the pro has experience with these specific materials.

Also, make sure you get quotes from several gas contractors. Make sure the estimate includes the cost of labor and materials, as well as any permit fees (gas line projects typically require a permit).

The national average cost of gas line installation ranges from approximately $350 to $1,200,* according to Thumbtack data. However, some more complex gas line installation projects can cost several thousand dollars. 

Many variables can affect the price of this project, and how much you’ll pay will depend on how difficult and time-consuming the installation will be. For example, the price could be significantly higher if:

• Digging is involved

• There are many pipes to run

• Complications occur 

Because gas line leak repair is such a broad topic with so many possible situations, it's not possible to pinpoint exactly what you can expect to pay. However, companies that provide gas line repair and installation services usually charge about $75 to $125* per hour. But hourly rates can reach as high as $200 to $220,* according to Thumbtack data. You can expect this kind of repair to take at least a few hours. You can also expect to be charged for any materials and parts required to complete the repair.

Also, a gas line leak repair could cost several thousand dollars in more complex situations where digging, demolition and other services are required. Because every situation is unique, contacting a gas professional and requesting an onsite quote is highly recommended.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Gas line installation or repair typically involves a complex, multi-step process that takes time and requires skill. The steps required may include any or all of the following, sometimes in a slightly different order:

• Planning and permitting: The gas line contractor will visit your property to measure, review site conditions and plan the location and route of the gas line. Then, they’ll submit the necessary information to get a permit.

• Excavation: Both new gas lines and repairs usually include some digging to place or reach the gas line.

• Installation: Your skilled gas line contractor will cut and install pipe and fittings to ensure everything is properly sealed and meets code. In the case of repair, only damaged sections of the pipe or fittings will be replaced.

• Testing: Gas lines must be tested before they are used.

• Backfill: Refilling and repairing the excavated area takes place after all testing is complete, in case anything needs to be adjusted.

Keep this process in mind when searching for a contractor, and make sure you have enough time for all the steps.

As with any construction or maintenance project, the time it takes to install or fix a gas line can vary dramatically from one project to the next due to the size, scope and specification required. 

Usually, repairing a gas line can take anywhere from one to two days but sometimes much longer. Installing a new gas line can take between two and six weeks.

When you're searching for a gas contractor, you should consider prices, their reputation, quality and other critical issues. However, time is also a significant factor in any project, so be sure to ask any contractor or utility company how long they anticipate the project will take.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

Homeowners can tackle many DIY projects around the house if they're handy and feel confident in their skills. However, some projects — like gas line installation — should always be left to the professionals.

Gas leaks can have devastating and even fatal consequences, so this is one job that should only be tackled by a skilled, licensed professional. There are also strict regulations and rules about how gas lines are installed.

Because gas leaks can be so dangerous, most cities require you to get a permit before installing or moving a gas line. They also typically mandate that the company or professional doing it is licensed and certified for this type of work. 

The process for getting any permit varies from city to city, but your local building department should be able to tell you where to go and how to apply for a permit. Some plumbing companies that offer gas line installations or repairs will also include permitting as part of their service, usually for a fee. Be sure to ask that question when getting a quote.