Propane to Natural gas
HATE330 ©, Thu Aug 09 2018, 04:26PM

Has anyone switched to natural gas with Southwest gas in Erwin Lake. What was the cost/procedure to install a meter and plumb back to the existing propane stub?

Re: Propane to Natural gas
Delj, Thu Aug 09 2018, 07:10PM

There may also have to be modifications to existing users of propane...such as a gas range/oven.

Re: Propane to Natural gas
Jellylorum, Thu Aug 09 2018, 08:16PM

I couldn't tell you about cost. When I did it, Southwest gas was converting the whole neighborhood in Erwin Lake, so they dug the trench from the main line in the street to the house for no charge, and provided the meter at no charge. They will likely charge you a fee for that now.

I did have to get a building permit for the conversion, build an approved shelter for the meter, and have adjustments made and/or adapters put on the wall heater, stove, and water heater.

The meter has to be near the front of the house. Mine went on the side, 3 feet from the front corner. My propane tank was in the backyard, so the natural gas had to be run into the house from a different location.Making that change and sealing the pipe where the propane tank entered the house was the easiest part. The kitchen was a few feet away from the meter, so a line from the meter to the stove was added; the line tapped into the house from there.

I understand it is quite expensive now.


Re: Propane to Natural gas
Polar 🌌rbit, Thu Aug 09 2018, 08:51PM

All appliances will have to be rejetted. Propane has more energy than NG. You could do it yourself, but it will void all warranties and probably your insurance.

Re: Propane to Natural gas
Airport Razz, Fri Aug 10 2018, 08:44AM

Call the gas company to have them come out and give you a bid first on connecting to the main lines. Depending on where the line ends you could end up having to install a trunk line down the street to your property, all depends where they can tap off from. Then plumber will need to come in and convert appliances or get them replaced. BTW all this will require county permit. Good luck, last one I was involved with was in sugarloaf and they were looking at close to 15K but had to run a trunk line over 300 ft and no neighbors wanted to join the party to spread the cost down. They decided to stay propane for a few more years.

Re: Propane to Natural gas
Jellylorum, Fri Aug 10 2018, 11:31AM

I was looking at about 13K, 15 years ago. That was to have natural gas installed where I now live. A run of 330 feet. I'm still on propane.

Most of Erwin, you're looking at a run of maybe 50 feet, to the line in the street, if yours is in the neighborhood they upgraded about 18 years ago.