Is it Safe to Install a Gas Fireplace Yourself?
Many homeowners opt for a gas fireplace over a wood burning fireplace because they’re easier to use, require less maintenance, and are cheaper to operate. And one question people often ask us is if it’s safe to install a gas fireplace yourself instead of hiring a trained professional.
The short answer is no. But let’s elaborate on why installing a gas fireplace yourself is a bad idea.
Setup
The setup is the first thing you must consider when installing a gas log fireplace. There are two types of gas logs: natural gas and liquid propane. The natural gas logs tap into your existing gas lines, usually buried underground, while liquid propane relies on your outside tank for fuel. Hooking up gas lines is best left to a trained professional for safety reasons. While there are plenty of YouTube tutorials that can show you how to do it, it could be disastrous if you make a mistake. And, if you’re an amateur, there’s a good chance that will happen.
Legalities
It’s natural to want to install appliances and fix things around the house yourself to save a few bucks. And while we don’t discourage most DIY repairs, you need a certified professional, permits, and inspection in most municipalities when it comes to gas appliance hookups. You must also be aware of your city’s fire codes and regulations and be prepared to deal with any red tape to get the job done. Certified professionals know these regulations and how to perform the job so that it’s up to all current codes and will pass inspection, saving you a lot of time, money, and potential aggravation if you don’t do it correctly the first time.
Safety
This is the big one. Gas is an excellent fuel source, and many Americans have used it for decades without issue. However, all it takes is one mistake to result in severe injury or worse. A careless gas log fireplace installation can cause a gas leak, maybe not right away, but down the road. We’ve all seen the horror stories on the news about household gas explosions and people becoming sick because of carbon monoxide poisoning. To put it simply, it’s not worth risking your family or your home to save a few bucks.
Time Factor
Another thing to consider is how much time it will take to complete the installation. Everyone is busy — even on weekends with family obligations and work. In most cases, installing a gas fireplace takes longer than a few hours on your day off; it’s a multi-day affair that includes installation, cleaning, inspection, and testing. Because you have better things to do with your time, it’s best to hire a pro to handle your gas fireplace installation to rest assured it’s done correctly while you do more important things.
Trust The Pros at Advanced Chimney Sweep
Advanced Chimney Sweep is a local, family-owned chimney company with over 15 years of industry experience serving homeowners throughout Georgia and South Carolina. Our technicians are licensed and certified to perform chimney and fireplace inspections, cleaning, repairs, and fire prevention.
We’re proud to offer our customers outstanding customer service, quick response times, and affordable prices. And we strive to be your go-to chimney service company, so we offer a full range of services, including:
- Chimney Cleaning
- Chimney Repair
- Chimney Inspection
- Chimney Liner Repair & Installation
- HeatShield Lining
- Chimney Caps
- Damper Installation
- Chimney Crown Repair
- Tuckpointing
- Dryer Vent Cleaning
- And More!
Our expert team is also on hand for your fireplace and stove installation, and we’ll help you choose the perfect model for your home, needs, and budget.
We happily serve homeowners throughout the Central Augusta River Area, the South Carolina Midlands region, and most towns.
Call us today to book an appointment. In Georgia, (706) 833-4630. In South Carolina, (803) 508-3990.
