Best Gas Line Plumbing Companies in Illinois Ranked

Installing or repairing a gas line is a critical home improvement project that directly impacts the safety and functionality of your property. Proper gas line work ensures your appliances operate efficiently and, most importantly, prevents dangerous leaks. In Illinois, this work is governed by strict state and local codes, requires permits and inspections, and must be performed by qualified professionals. This guide provides clear, practical information to help you understand the process, regulations, and safety considerations for gas line projects in Illinois, so you can make informed decisions when connecting with local specialists.

Keeley's Plumbing

270 Eisenhower Ln N #6, Lombard, IL 60148

Keeley's Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and nearby areas including DuPage County. They provide a range of plumbing services for residential and commercial clients, including drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, sewer line repair and replacement, repiping, water heater repair, sump pump repair, gas line installation, and hydro jetting. Keeley's Plumbing uses sewer camera inspections to accurately diagnose issues before recommending repairs. The company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services and focuses on serving a limited area to maintain local code knowledge and reduce travel times.

5.0

615 Reviews

Walsh & Son Plumbing and Sewer

chicago

Walsh & Son Plumbing and Sewer is a licensed plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and the surrounding Chicagoland area. Since 2013, this family- and woman-owned business has provided a range of plumbing services including sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, sump pump maintenance, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. Their team uses advanced technology for sewer camera inspections and offers a 10-year warranty on pipe installations, reflecting their commitment to durable workmanship. They also provide fast, same-day responses to plumbing issues and offer discounts for seniors, veterans, and first responders.

5.0

364 Reviews

The All Pipes INC.

255 Holly Ln, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

The All Pipes INC. is a licensed and insured plumbing company serving Chicago, IL. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, trenchless sewer repair, sump pump installation, leak detection, and hydro jetting for drain cleaning. The company offers both residential and commercial plumbing solutions and specializes in tankless water heater installations to help reduce energy costs. Founded by Grigor Ganchev, who has built his career in plumbing over many years, The All Pipes INC. emphasizes integrity and clear communication with clients to maintain lasting relationships.

5.0

210 Reviews

Elevate Plumbing

2307 Edna Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068

Elevate Plumbing is a plumbing contractor serving Chicago, IL, and the surrounding areas including Park Ridge. They provide a range of residential and commercial plumbing services such as water heater installation and repair, sewer line replacement, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, and gas line installation. The company is licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health and is known for handling projects with permits and up-to-code workmanship. Elevate Plumbing offers expertise in sewer line replacement and tankless water heater installation, with a focus on clear communication and customer collaboration.

5.0

203 Reviews

HorVer Gas Piping & Repair

5228 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640

HorVer Gas Piping & Repair is a licensed gas plumber serving Chicago, IL. The company specializes in gas leak repair, gas piping, pressure testing, and new gas line installations for residential, business, and industrial clients. With over 14 years of experience, HorVer focuses on safe, code-compliant work designed to last. Their services include certified gas line repair and pressure testing, ensuring safety and reliability for Chicago properties.

5.0

161 Reviews

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Understanding Illinois Gas Line Regulations

Gas line work in Illinois is not a DIY project. State and local municipalities enforce rigorous codes, primarily based on the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with local amendments, to ensure public safety ^{1 2 3}. The core regulatory requirements include:

• Licensing: Only licensed plumbers or gas specialists are legally permitted to install or repair gas lines. This is especially stringent in cities like Chicago, where specific licensing is mandatory for any work beyond the gas meter ^{1 4}.
• Permits: A permit is required for virtually all gas line work, including new installations, major alterations, or re-activating service for an existing line ^{1 2 5}. You obtain this permit from your local city or village building department.
• Inspections: After the work is completed but before the line is buried or enclosed, a municipal inspector must examine the installation to verify it meets all code requirements ^{1 6 5}. The permit must be posted at the job site until this final inspection is passed.

Failure to follow these steps can result in failed inspections, fines, and most critically, create serious safety hazards in your home.

The Step-by-Step Installation Process

A professional gas line installation follows a meticulous sequence designed for safety and compliance. Understanding this process can help you know what to expect from a qualified contractor.

1. Planning and Permitting: The process begins with a detailed plan of the gas line route. Your contractor will then file for the necessary permit with your local municipality ^{1 6}.
2. Utility Marking (Call 811): Before any digging occurs, Illinois law requires you to call JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) at 811. This free service marks the location of all underground utilities (like water, electric, and communication lines) to prevent accidental strikes ^{1 4 6}.
3. Excavation and Installation: A trench, typically 18 to 24 inches deep for buried lines, is dug. The appropriate gas pipe-often black iron for interior runs or yellow polyethylene (PE) for underground sections-is installed with proper fittings and a tracer wire for future locating ^{1 4 7}.
4. Pressure Testing and Inspection: The entire new section of pipe is pressurized with air or an inert gas and monitored for drops that indicate leaks. Once it passes this test, the municipal inspector is called to perform the official inspection ^{1 4 6}.
5. Backfill and Connection: Only after the inspection is passed can the trench be backfilled. The gas utility company will then connect the new line to the meter, and appliances can be safely installed ^{1 2}.

Critical Safety Practices for Homeowners

Safety is paramount when dealing with natural gas or propane. While you should always hire a professional for installation and repairs, homeowners should be aware of key safety practices.

• Ventilation: During any indoor gas work, ensure windows and doors are open to allow for proper ventilation and prevent gas accumulation ⁸.
• Appliance Connectors: Flexible connectors that link appliances to the gas line have a limited lifespan. Old, corroded, or uncoated brass connectors should be replaced by a professional. Never move an appliance to check the connector yourself, as this can damage the line and cause a leak ^{9 8}.
• Recognize a Gas Leak: Know the signs: the distinctive rotten egg smell (odorant added to gas), a hissing or whistling sound near a gas line, or dead vegetation in an otherwise green area over a buried line. If you suspect a leak, evacuate the area immediately and call 911 or your gas company from a safe distance ^{8 10}.
• Shut-off Valves: Code requires an accessible shut-off valve within 6 feet of most gas appliances. Ensure you know where these are located ^{7 3}.

Material and Code Specifications

Using the correct materials is a non-negotiable aspect of a safe installation. Illinois codes specify what can be used and where.

• Interior Piping: Inside homes, gas lines are typically made of black iron (steel) pipe, joined with threaded fittings. Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is also an option for certain applications when installed correctly ^{11 3}.
• Underground Piping: For buried lines, yellow polyethylene (PE) plastic pipe is standard due to its durability and corrosion resistance. A critical requirement is that a coated copper tracer wire be buried with the PE pipe to allow for electronic locating later ^{4 7}.
• Risers and Transitions: Where the underground PE pipe rises above ground to connect to an appliance or meter, it must transition to a metallic riser via a specially designed fitting to prevent damage ⁷.
• Appliance Connections: Flexible appliance connectors must be listed for that specific use. The length is restricted by code to prevent stress and kinking ³.

Cost Considerations for Gas Line Projects

The cost of installing a gas line in Illinois is highly variable and depends on several factors. While prices can range significantly, a common baseline is $15 to $25 or more per linear foot for the piping work itself ¹¹. Key factors that influence the final price include:

• Length and Complexity: The total distance from the meter to the appliance is the primary driver. More fittings, elbows, and turns add labor and material costs.
• Trenching Difficulty: Digging a trench through soft soil is less expensive than cutting through concrete, navigating around tree roots, or working in a tight, confined space.
• Materials: The type and diameter of the pipe required for the gas load will affect material costs.
• Labor and Expertise: Rates for licensed, insured professionals reflect their training and the risk of the work.
• Permits and Fees: Municipal permit and inspection fees are an additional cost, often adding several hundred dollars to the project total ¹¹.

Always get detailed, written estimates from multiple licensed contractors that break down these costs.

Preparing for Inspection and Final Steps

A successful municipal inspection is the gateway to turning on your new gas line. To prepare:

• Ensure the installing contractor has posted the job permit at the site.
• Verify that all piping is properly supported and that the correct shut-off valves are installed and accessible.
• The pressure test gauge must be visible and show that the system has held pressure for the required duration ¹².

Once the inspector gives approval, the contractor can backfill the trench. Your gas utility company (like Nicor Gas or Ameren Illinois) will then perform a final meter connection or turn-on. Only after this utility step is complete should any appliances be connected and put into service ².

Frequently asked questions

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