With Kamloops summers delivering some of the best grilling weather in BC, more homeowners are ditching the propane tank shuffle and installing a dedicated natural gas line to their outdoor BBQ. It's a convenience upgrade that also pays for itself quickly — natural gas is cheaper per BTU than propane, and you'll never run out mid-cook again. But a gas line installation is not a DIY project, and understanding what's involved helps you plan the job properly.

Natural Gas vs. Propane: Why Make the Switch?

Most Kamloops homes are connected to FortisBC's natural gas network, which means the infrastructure for a BBQ line is likely already at your home. Natural gas costs roughly 30–40% less than propane for the same heat output, and a permanently plumbed line means no tank refills, no running out of gas mid-barbecue, and no hauling heavy cylinders. Your BBQ also lights faster and maintains more consistent heat with natural gas pressure.

The trade-off is that your BBQ must be either a natural-gas-specific model or converted with a manufacturer-approved conversion kit — propane and natural gas orifices are different sizes and the two are not interchangeable. Your gas fitter can advise on whether your existing BBQ is convertible.

What the Installation Involves

Running the Gas Line

A licensed gas fitter will tap into your home's existing gas supply line — typically in the utility room or basement — and run new black iron or CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) pipe to the exterior of your home. The line is routed through the wall, protected with a sleeve at the penetration point, and terminated at your patio or deck with a dedicated shutoff valve and a quick-connect fitting sized for your BBQ.

Sizing the Line Correctly

Gas line sizing depends on the BTU demand of your BBQ, the distance from the supply, and what else is already running on your home's gas system. A fitter will perform a load calculation to ensure adequate pressure reaches the BBQ without starving other appliances like your furnace or water heater. Undersized lines result in poor burner performance and can cause safety issues.

Inspection and Pressure Testing

In BC, any new gas line installation requires a permit and inspection by a Technical Safety BC (TSBC) safety officer. Your gas fitter handles the permit application and coordinates the inspection. Before the inspector signs off, the line is pressure tested to confirm there are no leaks anywhere in the system. This process protects you and is required by law.

Why You Must Use a Licensed Gas Fitter

BC law requires that all gas line work be performed by a licensed gas fitter — no exceptions. This isn't just red tape: improperly installed gas lines can leak, cause fires, or result in carbon monoxide exposure. A licensed fitter carries the required liability insurance, knows the BC Gas Safety Regulation inside and out, and will pull the necessary permits so your installation is legal and your home insurance remains valid.

• DIY gas line work is illegal in BC and voids home insurance coverage
• Only licensed gas fitters can pull gas permits in BC
• Unpermitted work must be removed at the homeowner's expense if discovered
• FortisBC will not connect or inspect unlicensed gas work

Planning Your Installation

A few things to think through before booking your installation: decide where the BBQ will permanently live (the shutoff valve and quick-connect should land right at that spot), confirm your BBQ model is natural-gas compatible or available with a conversion kit, and let your fitter know if you'd like to add a second outlet for a patio heater or gas fire table while the line is being run — adding extra outlets during the initial job is far cheaper than returning later.

Most residential BBQ line installations in Kamloops can be completed in a half day. With a permit and inspection, the typical timeline from booking to final sign-off is one to two weeks — plenty of time to be grilling on natural gas before the May long weekend.

Advanced Plumbing Kamloops has licensed gas fitters on staff who install BBQ lines, patio heater connections, and outdoor gas fire features throughout Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola region. Contact us to get a quote and get your backyard ready for summer.