How to Safely Disconnect a Gas Stove

Millions of people across the United States have a natural gas stove in their kitchen. Gas and electric are the most popular fuels for cooking stoves. An electric stove is a bit easier to disconnect if you’re moving. All you need to do is unplug it from the outlet. But a gas stove, on the other hand, is a little more complicated. If you need to disconnect and move your gas stove temporarily while you’re having your kitchen floor replaced, or, if you’re replacing your existing natural gas stove with a new one, you’ll need to unhook it. If you unhook it improperly, it can cause minor to severe health and safety problems. Therefore, you need to know how to safely disconnect a gas stove before you attempt doing it.

Using some plain old common sense while you’re unhooking your gas stove will go a long way in making the disconnection safe. Since natural gas is highly flammable, don’t smoke, light a match or cigarette lighter, or do anything that can create sparks or flame while you’re working around it.

Next, carefully pull your natural gas stove away from the wall it’s located at. Since it’s still connected, you’ll only be able to move it a short distance. Either carefully slide it across a tile floor or walk it across a carpeted floor if you’re working by yourself. If you slide it across a tile or linoleum floor, be careful not to scratch the floor with the legs of the stove. It’s really better to have an assistant help you pick your natural gas stove up and move it.

You’ll need to locate the valve on the natural gas supply line that’s located on the back of your cook stove. Shut the valve completely off. If you’re not going to hook the stove up again right away, you should also turn off the gas supply valve in your basement for safety’s sake.

Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the existing gas supply line on the back of your cook stove from its source. Again, if the natural gas isn’t going to be used again right away, you should cap the end of the supply line. A cap can be purchased from your local hardware store.

You’ll now want to place the gas line up and out of the way before you move the stove. Now that you have your natural gas stove disconnected, the pilot light that fuels the burners will go out.

If the gas supply line that leads from your stove to the main supply is in good shape, you can use it again. Inspect it carefully and look for crimped or damaged areas. Replace it if need be. You can buy a replacement line at your local hardware store. Otherwise, if it’s in good condition, you can reuse the line.

And, finally if you’re going to move your natural gas stove out of the house, use an appliance dolly and straps. An appliance dolly will save wear and tear on your back and on your arms.