A gas fire pit transforms any backyard into a year-round outdoor living space. Unlike wood-burning fire pits, a gas fire pit requires no chopping, hauling, or storing firewood — just turn a valve and enjoy instant, consistent flames. But before you start shopping for fire pit kits, there is one critical step: getting a proper gas line installed by a licensed professional.
This guide covers everything you need to know about fire pit gas line installation, from planning to final inspection.
Gas Fire Pit Options: Natural Gas vs. Propane
Before installing a gas line, decide whether you want your fire pit connected to your home’s natural gas supply or fueled by a portable propane tank.
Natural Gas Fire Pit
A natural gas fire pit is connected directly to your home’s gas line via a permanent underground or above-ground pipe run. The advantages are significant: you never run out of fuel, there are no tanks to refill or store, and the per-BTU cost of natural gas is typically lower than propane. The downside is the upfront cost of running the gas line — but for most homeowners who plan to use their fire pit regularly, this is well worth the investment.
Propane Fire Pit
Propane fire pits use a standard tank (typically 20 lb) connected via a flexible hose. They are portable and require no permanent gas line installation. However, you will need to monitor and refill tanks regularly, and propane costs more per BTU than natural gas in most Utah markets.
For a permanent backyard fire pit that you plan to use frequently, we almost always recommend connecting to natural gas. The convenience and long-term cost savings are hard to beat.
Planning Your Fire Pit Gas Line Installation
A well-planned installation saves time, money, and headaches. Here are the key decisions to make before work begins:
Location and Distance
Where your fire pit sits relative to your home’s gas meter determines the length of the line run. Most residential fire pit installations involve a run of 20 to 60 feet from the home. Longer runs require larger diameter pipe to maintain adequate gas pressure at the burner.
Utah fire code and manufacturer guidelines typically require gas fire pits to be located at least 10 feet from any structure, fence, or overhead obstruction. Always check with your local city building department for specific setback requirements in your area.
BTU Requirements
Gas fire pits range from about 40,000 BTU for smaller tabletop units to 150,000 BTU or more for large outdoor burners. Your contractor will size the pipe diameter and verify your home’s gas meter capacity to ensure adequate flow for the fire pit without impacting other appliances.
Underground vs. Above-Ground Line
For permanent installations, the gas line is almost always buried underground to protect it from damage and maintain your yard’s aesthetics. This requires trenching, proper pipe depth (typically 12–18 inches for residential yard installations in Utah), and the right type of pipe — usually coated steel or CSST designed for direct burial.
The Installation Process
Here is what a professional fire pit gas line installation looks like from start to finish:
Step 1: Pull a Permit
In Utah, any new gas line installation requires a permit from your city or county building department. A licensed contractor will handle this for you. Do not skip this step — unpermitted gas work creates liability issues and can affect your homeowner’s insurance.
Step 2: Design the Line Route
Your contractor will plan the most efficient pipe route from your gas supply to the fire pit location, avoiding tree roots, irrigation systems, and other underground utilities. Always call 811 (Utah’s Blue Stakes service) before any digging to mark underground utilities.
Step 3: Trench and Install Pipe
A trench is dug along the planned route. The pipe (typically 1/2″ or 3/4″ diameter depending on BTU load and run length) is laid, connections are made at each end, and the trench is backfilled and compacted.
Step 4: Pressure Test the Line
Before the trench is fully backfilled and before connecting any equipment, the line is pressure tested to verify there are no leaks. This is a non-negotiable step for any professional installation.
Step 5: Install the Shutoff Valve and Connect the Burner
A dedicated shutoff valve is installed near the fire pit so you can shut off gas to the feature independently from the rest of your home’s gas supply. The burner assembly is then connected and tested.
Step 6: Pass Inspection
A city or county inspector will visit to verify the installation meets code. Once approved, you are cleared to use your fire pit.
How Much Does a Fire Pit Gas Line Cost in Utah?
For a typical residential fire pit gas line installation in Davis County, expect to pay between $400 and $1,000 for a standard 20–40 foot buried run. Longer runs, rocky soil, or complex routing will increase the cost. This estimate typically includes materials, labor, permit fees, and pressure testing.
Maintenance Tips for Your Gas Fire Pit
Once your fire pit is installed, a little maintenance goes a long way:
- Cover the burner opening when not in use to prevent debris and insects from clogging the burner ports
- Inspect the shutoff valve and flexible connection annually for signs of wear
- If you notice reduced flame height or uneven burning, have the burner and line inspected by a professional
- Never use your fire pit if you smell gas — shut off the valve and call a licensed technician
Fire Pit Gas Line Installation in Kaysville and Davis County, UT
The Gas Pipefitter specializes in outdoor gas line installations, including fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and patio heaters throughout Kaysville, Centerville, Bountiful, Layton, and Davis County. We handle the permit, the trenching, the pressure test, and the inspection — so all you have to do is enjoy the flames.
Get a free quote by calling (385) 316-9500 or using our online form. We respond within 60 minutes during business hours.