Underground Gas

[pgeer]

When you run a gas line between the house and the shop, out building or garage, What do you use? Iron or plastic pipe? If you use iron, do you cover it with something to protect it, or bury it directly in to the ground? Like to see what you all think.

[TDHofstetter]

Been a long time, but if I recall the requirement is for black iron, wrapped continuously with rubber tape on all underground surfaces. Not plastic electrical tape, rubber tape. They've got a special tape for that purpose.

-- Tim --


E Lignus Unum

[PastorPaul]

They just ran natural gas to our town a few years ago, but I can't remember what they used. All I know for sure is that coming out of the ground to the meter it is black iron, with a plastic or foam protective sleeve. From the meter to the house (about 18") is copper.

When we stil lived in Iowa, we had our water line and gas line spring a leak at the same time. They used a heavy wall, but flexible orange plastic pipe. Each state probably has their own codes for this stuff.

Personally, I'd feel safer with black iron.

Pastor Paul

"If they don't have woodworking in heaven, I ain't going!!!"

[Lou_williams]

Call your local building department, City, county, or state, and see what the code is for your area. It is different in all parts of the country.

Gas is one of the things that you want to make sure it meets code for your area.

[Grandad]

I think some areas require metal. Illinois does allow or require plastic. That is all Northern Illinois Gas uses. The pipe is sold in rolls of 25, 50, 75, 100 feet and so on. The ends are cut square and cleaned up so no burrs exist. A special gas fitting similar to a compression fitting is used. It has male or female threads on the other end. This fitting stays under ground. You wouldn't see the plastic unless you dig.

The depth is important. I believe 18" is code here, but it could be much more in some areas.

[pgeer]

Thanks for the replies, believe it or not I'm still waiting for a reponce from my gas rep., it seems like after the regulator they don't care, I'll call again.

Paul

[Grandad]

>Thanks for the replies, believe it or not I'm still waiting
>for a reponce from my gas rep., it seems like after the
>regulator they don't care, I'll call again.
>
>Paul

If you mean the gas company, I doubt they will call. If they do, they won't be able to help you.

You need to talk to your city, county or state building inspector or office. The gas company, as you said, does not have anything to do with anything after the meter. They don't care WHAT you do after the meter as long as it doesn't leak. Then, they look at that as an opportinity to shut off your gas and bill you huge amounts for turning it back on!!!

[pgeer]

Grandad,
Ok, I talked to the county inspector were I'm looking to move and they want iron and want it wraped. Thanks again for the reply.


Paul

[douglas stein]

Hope I aa not too late. After following the local code as to the pipe material, iron, copper, plastic etc.......... when you get around to burying it at the designated depth, after you start replacing the soil and covering the pipe, once you get around a foot or so from completely filling the ditch line, stop and place a warning strip on this layer of soil the whole length of the ditch. Try uning the yellow warning tape they use to tape off a construction site or crime scene area. It is available at most Lowes or Home Depots. The reason is for future digging. If someone starts digging to plant a tree, dig up a yard for a pool, or electric line, they will first hit the yellow tape and know that something is below and will proceed with coution.

good luck,
doug

[TheWoodMan]

The tape idea is a Good idea!

:7

[Grandad]

Yes it is. The phone company had to move my line because it got cut. When they moved it they either never told the home office or they never updated the records. Since then every time I have had JULIE come out to mark, the phone line is never marked right.

With the tape idea, someone would still know before they hurt anything.