Adding a Natural Gas Line for Your BBQ: What to Know

A permanent natural gas line to your barbecue means you never run out mid-cook or haul propane tanks again — but in British Columbia it's real gas work that must be installed by a Technical Safety BC-licensed gas fitter under permit. The job involves running a gas line from your home's supply to a shutoff and quick-connect at your patio, sized correctly for the barbecue's demand, then having it inspected. Cost depends mostly on how far the line has to run and how easy that path is. Here's what's involved for a Kelowna homeowner thinking about making the switch from propane.

How does a natural gas BBQ hookup work?

A gas fitter taps into your home's existing natural gas supply and runs a properly sized line out to where your barbecue lives. The line ends in a shutoff valve and, usually, a quick-connect fitting so you can disconnect the barbecue when you need to. The whole run is pressure-tested and installed under a gas permit, then inspected — so you have documented proof it was done to code. Because gas is involved, this isn't a DIY job in BC.

Do I need a permit for a BBQ gas line?

Yes. In British Columbia, connecting a permanent natural gas line to a barbecue is gas fitting, and it must be done by a licensed gas fitter under permit. Beyond being the law, permitted work protects your home insurance — unpermitted gas work can leave a claim unpaid. Our guide on whether you need a licensed gas fitter in BC covers the rules in more detail.

What affects the cost of a BBQ gas line?

There's no single price because every home is different, but these are the main factors:

• Distance from the gas supply. The farther the barbecue is from your existing gas line, the more pipe and labour.
• The path the line has to take. An easy, accessible run costs less than one that has to go through finished walls, under a deck or across a long span.
• Pipe sizing. The line has to be sized for the barbecue's demand plus any other appliances on the same branch.
• Permit and inspection. Included as part of proper, licensed work.

The honest answer is that we quote it after seeing the run — a firm price comes from looking at your specific setup, not a number online.

Is natural gas better than propane for a BBQ?

For most people who grill regularly, yes. You never run out partway through cooking, you're not buying and swapping tanks, and natural gas is often cheaper to run. The trade-off is the up-front cost of installing the line — which pays back in convenience over time. If you're also adding a patio heater, fire table or outdoor kitchen, those can often be run off the same project.

Ready to lose the propane tanks? See gas fitting in Kelowna — we handle BBQ hookups, gas lines and outdoor appliance connections, licensed and permitted, with a free estimate on installations.