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Installation of Gas Cooktop

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by Hoya86, Jan 15, 2012.

  1. Hoya86

    Hoya86 Weekend Warrior

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    Does anyone have a recommendation for a company that can install a gas cooktop? Research on the Internet seems to imply that the Virginia requirement is for the installer to be a "Master Gas Fitter".
     
  2. MJD

    MJD New Member

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    Did you ever find someone to do this for you? We are looking to replace our gas cooktop before too long.
     
  3. Don't Say Cheese Photo

    Don't Say Cheese Photo Broadlands Photographer

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    You need a plumber to hook up the gas, if memory serves. We replaced our gas cooktop about 6 years ago and I'm sorry I don't remember who we used. But you're right... you're not supposed to do it yourself. :)
     
  4. mwork

    mwork New Member

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    We just replaced our gas cook top last week. We went through Lowes. It is a $70 permit fee Loudoun Gov. and Lowes used Mr. Rooter Plumbing for install. The county then comes out to inspect the job after install. That is happening tomorrow. All in all it is peace of mind and worth the price of permit given that it is a safety issue to be installed correctly. Good luck!
     
  5. Hoya86

    Hoya86 Weekend Warrior

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    Hi All,
    Sorry for the delay in response. We managed to eke out a few more weeks with the old cooktop before it finally, definitively gave up the ghost. The first step is a permit from the county - $70 sounds about right. We decided to do the bulk of the install ourselves using a combination of Loudoun County website do's and don't's for gas installation and those that came with the cooktop. Of course, this was not as easy as at first blush. We discovered that not all downdraft cooktops vent in the same spot, which necessitated a reworking of the duct work, which in turn involved several trips to Lowes/Home Depot. In the end, we did the majority of the work ourselves, but we still needed to call in a plumber, because we smelled gas and could not locate the source with the old dish detergent/water trick recommended by the county . Turns out it was a connecting washer of some kind - which was the right size/fit, but the flanges went in the wrong direction. I'm sure a common amateur's mistake. The service for the plumber was $125. We did arrange for a county inspection, which we passed. I think we still saved money, given the duct work reconfiguration that was needed, but the money savings probably depends on how much you believe your time is worth. I do think having the plumber was well worth the money spent for the peace of mind it brought along with the passed inspection.
     
  6. MJD

    MJD New Member

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    Thanks for the information! This is exactly what I was looking to do, physically install the cook top myself and then for piece of mind have a plumber come out and do the gas connection/testing. Who did you use for the plumber?
     
  7. Hoya86

    Hoya86 Weekend Warrior

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    We used R.A. Dobson. The Washington Gas website lists a number of gas-certified plumbing companies.
     
  8. Mike-and-Kim

    Mike-and-Kim Member

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    Thanks for posting, always enjoy reading about a successful project.
     
  9. afgm

    afgm Ashburn Farm Resident

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    I am willing to do all kinds of DIY projects including plumbing and working inside an electrical box, but I won't touch gas. Well worth leaving that to the professionals.

    With that said, glad yours worked out and it eventually passed inspection.
     
  10. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    Reviving an old thread with a new question...

    Our GE Profile 30 inch Glass-ceramic cooktop has now been effectively cracked and smashed and needs to be replaced. I see some discussions that are about a year old on replacing, but what I am really wondering is - did someone go through all the research into options? Am I stuck having to go with GE so it fits in the granite cut? The downdraft seems to be a code requirement so am I stuck with that?

    Any experiences with upgrades? What about cost range? I know I will need a permit for the gas and a qualified installer... any other hidden costs?

    thanks
     
  11. Madjake

    Madjake New Member

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    We replaced a GE downdraft gas cooktop with another brand. The 30" size is fairly standard but probably good to measure the one you like first. If you want bigger (36") then you will need to cut the granite, which seemed like it was going to be a pain.

    I believe code requires some ventilation, so you could install a hood type vent and no downdraft depending on where it is.
     
  12. Bfila

    Bfila New Member

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    We recently replaced a 30" cooktop with a 36" cooktop that required the granite to be cut. After doing some research that advised against cutting in place, we called the company that initially did the granite install (Granite Express out of Chantilly) to ask if they could cut it outside. Surprisingly, it was not a big deal since our cooktop was on an island. They came out, took the granite off, took it outside to do the cut and brought it back in and re-installed it. I think the cost was about $325--so it wasn't cheap but we got the job done.

    Hope my experience helps.

    Bonnie
     
  13. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    Yea that is similar to what I was wondering. Did your cooktop already have a vent as well? Our current GE Profile model is the one with the downdraft vent...and you have to do a vent according to code so did your new 36" model have that as well or do you have a hood?

    What mode cooktop did you go with? And did the granite company install that too?
     
  14. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    Bonnie - I talked to Granite Express yesterday and they quoted $350 so it seems like it is around the same, but they insisted that it was much safer and more practical to cut the granite in place on the island. It looks like a new 36" cooktop will fit and we are looking at using a telescopic fan as well. I hate the central downdraft that the GE Profile had so the telescopic seemed like a better option.

    Any other recommendations with a Master Plummer to install? thanks
     
  15. Bfila

    Bfila New Member

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    Sorry for delayed response on this. My husband handled the installation himself and had the inspections done. We did not replace the GE with another GE--we went with Kenmore instead. The telescoping option seemed more involved than my husband wanted to tackle himself so the Kenmore is also a downdraft.

    Good luck with your replacement! I hope it goes well. We've been very happy with ours so far.
     
  16. twohokies

    twohokies New Member

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    Dave - Wondering if you have had the work done yet? We are scheduling for a plumber to reconnect our gas line so we can replace our cooktop (same size, etc.). I was looking for a recommendation if you had one. thanks!
     
  17. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    I am still in the process of getting the new cooktop and telescoping downdraft but I have been working with RA Dobson. They are in Chantilly area, family owned and fair with prices. They have been consulting on installation considerations and I have found them to be great so far.

    I am still a little confused with the County permit requirements for something like this... seems like there are 2 needed, a gas and mechanical permit. Anyone know how to clarify this - officially?
     
  18. twohokies

    twohokies New Member

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    Cool. I called RA Dobson earlier today and think we are going to use them vs. the other 2 contractors I also called. Travis was very helpful with my questions. My husband may end up pulling the permit(s) so I'll update you when/if he does that and/or when we get the work done.
     

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