Waywest Mechanical installs natural gas lines to barbecues, outdoor kitchens, fire tables, fire pits and patio heaters in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island. TSBC-licensed gas fitters run the line to the patio, install an outdoor-rated shut-off valve and quick-connect outlet where appropriate, pressure test the piping, and connect the appliance under a Technical Safety BC permit. Many propane BBQs can also be converted to natural gas with the manufacturer's kit.
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM · quotes within the hour
Outdoor gas installations
- Natural gas BBQ lines with shut-off valve and quick-connect
- Built-in outdoor kitchens — grills, side burners, pizza ovens
- Fire tables and fire pits
- Patio and deck heaters
- Pool and spa heaters
Why switch to a natural gas line
- No running out of propane halfway through dinner
- No tank refills, swaps or storage
- Natural gas is typically cheaper per cooking hour than bottled propane
- A cleaner patio without a tank under the grill
Planning the installation
Location. BBQs need clearance from walls, windows, doors, soffits and railings. We plan where the grill will actually sit, not just where the line is easiest to run.
Route. Gas lines can run under decks, through crawlspaces or along exterior walls, protected from damage and properly supported.
Load. Adding a BBQ, fire table and heater can add significant gas demand. We confirm the home's piping and meter can supply it alongside the furnace and water heater.
Future plans. If you are thinking about an outdoor kitchen or heater later, we can size the line and add capped outlets now.
What installation involves
- Site visit to plan outlet locations and the pipe route
- Gas permit through Technical Safety BC
- Install piping, manual shut-off valve and outdoor outlet
- Pressure test the new line
- Connect and test the appliance
- Show you how to connect, disconnect and shut off the gas
Converting a propane BBQ
If your current grill is propane, check for a manufacturer-approved conversion kit. A licensed gas fitter installs the kit, adjusts the burners and tests the appliance. See propane conversions.
Safety tips
- Keep the lid open when lighting
- Check hoses for cracks each spring
- Turn off the gas at the appliance and outlet when not in use
- If you smell gas outdoors near the grill, shut it off and call for service
Service area
Waywest installs outdoor gas lines in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Nanoose Bay, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, Duncan and across our Vancouver Island service area.
What happens when you call
- A person answers
You talk to the Nanaimo office, or our own crew on the 24/7 line — not a call centre.
- You hear the rate first
We explain the service rate, or the emergency rate after hours, before anyone is booked or dispatched.
- A licensed technician arrives
A Waywest technician with a stocked vehicle diagnoses the problem and explains your options.
- You approve the work
Repairs go ahead once you agree. Larger jobs get a written quote you can take time to consider.
Quick facts
- Emergency service
- 24/7 at 250-616-1446 — typically on site within an hour in Nanaimo
- Office hours
- Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM, 250-729-2394
- Service area
- Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, Victoria to Port Hardy
- Licensing
- TSBC licence LGA0004592; licensed, bonded and insured
- Quotes
- Reply within the hour during business hours
- Page updated
Common questions
Can my propane BBQ be converted to natural gas?
Many can, if the manufacturer offers an approved natural gas conversion kit for that model. Conversion involves changing orifices, the regulator and the hose. Some BBQs are not convertible, in which case a natural gas model is needed.
Where should a gas BBQ outlet be located?
The outlet should be placed where the BBQ can sit with the clearances the manufacturer requires from the house, windows, doors, soffits and combustible materials. Waywest plans the location with you before running the line.
Is a quick-connect outlet safe?
An approved outdoor quick-connect outlet has a built-in shut-off that closes when the hose is disconnected, so the BBQ can be moved or stored. It must be installed with a manual shut-off valve and properly supported.
Can I run a gas fire table and heater off the same line?
Usually, if the line is sized for the combined load of everything connected to it. Waywest calculates the total gas demand before sizing outdoor piping.
Need this sorted out?
Call the Nanaimo office and talk to someone who can tell you what the work involves and when we can get to it.