Installing a gas stove requires knowledge about gas fittings, which can be found at plumbing, home remodeling or hardware stores. Understanding the different types of fittings and learning something about safe installation practices can help prevent damage to the fittings that might result in a gas leak. A licensed plumber or installer may be required to install a gas stove or other gas appliances in some states.
Description
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Fittings used for a gas stove are metal connections, such as adapters and pipe, that join the gas connector built into the stove with the gas source in the home. The fittings are used to adjust the direction of the flow of gas or regulate and stop the gas as needed. Gas stove fittings are not included with the stove's purchase and they must be purchased separately by the installer or buyer. Instructions for the installation of the stove outline the additional required items and instruct the installer about the correct assembly of the stove and fittings.
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Adapter
A flare union is a fitting known as an adapter. The gas stove will come with a pressure regulator attached to the lower back of the stove. The flare union will be installed onto the pressure regulator using a standard size flare union; a 1/2 inch flare union is the fitting size required by most ranges. Once the adapter is in place, a flexible metal hose is attached to it. The conduit, or flexible hose, is the pipe the gas flows through on its way from the wall source to the stove.
Valve
A shutoff valve is a must for gas stoves and is usually attached at the wall gas source. An additional flare adapter is attached to the shutoff valve. The flexible conduit is then attached to the adapter. The sequence of items is as follows: stove, pressure regulator, adapter, flexible conduit, adapter, shutoff valve.
Safety
It is important to install fittings properly to avoid leaks and explosions. The gas supply line connecting the wall source to the shutoff valve should meet the stove installation requirements. Since this is an item already in place when a stove is purchased, checking before buying will save time if the gas line needs to be adjusted. When tightening adapters, stabilizing the opposite side of the pressure regulator or shutoff valve using an adjustable wrench helps to prevent you from tightening the adapter too far. Tightening the adapter without stabilizing the regulator or valve can twist the regulator or valve and cause damage that creates a gas leak.