by B. Leslie Baird

Created on: November 30, 2009   Last Updated: February 20, 2011

Gas stoves are not difficult to disconnect but a few safety issues should be kept in mind. If you are the least bit uncomfortable with the procedure have a more skilled individual help you with the procedure. Do not try to move the stove before you know exactly how far the flexible gas connection line will reach, if the connection is old it can break.

Electrical shut off:

Most gas stoves will have an electrical connection. As a precaution turn the power off at your electrical panel or fuse box first. Next, unplug your stove from the receptacle before you attempt to disconnect the gas. This will prevent any chance of an accidental spark which could occur and ignite any gas that will escape when the line is disconnected.

Shut off the gas.

To ensure the best safety you should shut off all the gas to the home at the inlet. You should find a lever located near your gas meter. This is not mandatory but it is an extra precaution. Next, move your stove far enough out from the wall to access the gas line and the shut off for the stove. You should find a shut off lever here and this must be turned to the off position. These kinds of shut offs will be in the off position when the handle is perpendicular to the gas line, at a ninety degree angle.

Disconnect the stove:

You will need a small pipe wrench, channel lock pliers or another type of wrench for this. Loosen the connection by unscrewing it at the adapter. Unless your flexible gas line is new you should not plan on reusing it so you can also disconnect it from the back of the stove.

The next steps you take will depend on why you needed to disconnect the stove. Moving the stove itself is usually a two person job. If you are only moving your stove for remodeling or flooring work, set it out of the way of any work that needs to be done. If you are replacing your stove, move it completely out of the way for pick up or sale.

Permanent or temporary gas shut off:

If your stove will be out for any length of time, or you are replacing it with an electric stove, you should cap off the opening of the gas line. Threaded brass plugs are used for this and you will probably need a one half inch plug size. Check your measurement before you buy it. Thread this plug tightly into the opening where your old flexible line was. Do not turn the gas lever back on. The main gas to your home can be turned back on now if you did shut it off. If you wish to check for leaks, soapy water can be used to check for bubbles around all connections.

Reconnecting:

To immediately reconnect a new gas stove just reverse the above procedure, preferably using a new flexible connector line. Check your connections with soapy water. Remember that at any point in this work, if you smell gas or notice leaks, get out of the house and call the utility company and fire department.

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