Understanding Gas Line Regulations for Homeowners

How to stay out of the gas line disaster club as a homeowner?

Every homeowner with natural gas in their house needs to know the local regulations governing gas lines. These codes aren’t there just to annoy you, but to protect you from explosion, fire, and death. In fact, each of those things has happened as the result of non-compliant gas line work.

A serious gas pipeline accident occurs every 40 hours in the United States. From 2010 to 2021, there were almost 2,600 of these events serious enough to be reported to federal authorities. They in turn resulted in 328 explosions, killing 122 and injuring over 600.

The good news is…

Most of these incidents are the result of negligence, improper installation or maintenance, or failure to follow regulations. By following these codes you protect yourself and your family.

So here’s what we’ll cover in this homeowner’s guide to gas line regulations:

• Why do we have gas line regulations
• Permit requirements for gas line work
• Working with licensed professionals
• Common code violations to avoid
• Inspection requirements

Let’s get into it.

Why Gas Line Regulations Are Important

Gas line regulations are there to protect you and your family from preventable disasters.

Without regulations, gas lines are just a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. Natural gas is extremely flammable and explosive. It just takes a tiny spark to ignite gas that has leaked into an enclosed space.

A natural gas explosion isn’t just an inconvenience or a few property damages.

If you don’t believe me, just look at the evidence. The East Harlem gas explosion in New York in 2014 killed eight people and injured almost 50. The blast completely destroyed two buildings and displaced 100 families. The cause was a faulty connection between two pipes.

Did you know this too though…

As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that the gas lines on your property are up to code. The utility company owns the gas line up to your meter. Everything after the meter is your responsibility.

Which is why you need to hire a licensed gas line plumber in NYC or wherever you live. A professional like this knows the regulations, has had the necessary training, and has the equipment to make sure your gas system meets all safety requirements.

Permit Requirements For Gas Line Work

Here’s something that most homeowners don’t know right off the bat…

Any time you do work on a gas line, you need to pull a permit.

This includes installing a new line or extending an existing one, replacing old gas piping, adding a gas appliance, or modifying an existing system.

Permits are not designed to inconvenience you or make your life harder. They are there to protect you and ensure that the work is completed safely and to code.

So when you pull a permit, the local building department reviews your plans and then inspects the work after completion.

Hold your phone for a second though…

Permit requirements vary by location. In some places, detailed construction documents showing pipe sizes, materials, length, and BTU loads are required. In others, they aren’t. The local building department will let you know.

The best part is…

If you work with a licensed contractor, the permit process is handled by them. Licensed contractors have done it thousands of times and they know exactly what is required. They will also get permits pulled much faster than most homeowners could on their own.

Gas Line Code Compliance

Gas line codes are not suggestions. They are mandatory safety standards that must be followed.

Most jurisdictions use the International Fuel Gas Code or a variation of it as their standard. These codes specify the following:

• Acceptable pipe materials
• Minimum pipe sizes
• Required installation depths for underground lines
• Shut off valve locations
• Pressure testing procedures
• Corrosion protection methods

For example, the code states that underground gas piping must be buried at least 12 inches deep but 18 inches in areas where there is a possibility of external damage. Certain materials require tracer wire to be installed so the lines can be located later.

Sounds pretty important right?

There are also requirements that CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) must be properly electrically bonded. This is so lightning can’t strike the tubing, puncture it, and leak gas.

Why You Need Licensed Professionals

Look, I’m not going to lie to you…

Gas line work is not a DIY project for homeowners. Even small jobs can go wrong in ways that can result in big problems.

Licensed plumbers have years of specialized training, knowledge of the current codes, the proper tools and equipment, insurance to protect you, and years of experience spotting potential problems.

Licensed plumbers also know how to properly pressure test gas lines. Most codes require a test at 1.5 times the operating pressure for a minimum period of time. If the system leaks during this test, it can’t be turned on until the leak is fixed.

There’s another reason most people don’t consider…

If you or an unlicensed person does the work yourself, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover the damages if something goes wrong. That house explosion that burned everything to the ground? It could be on you to cover the entire loss.

Common Violations That Cost Homeowners

Curious to know which gas line violations inspectors see most often?

• Using gas piping as an electrical ground
• Running gas lines through walls without protection
• Pipes installed too close to electrical panels
• Forgetting shutoff valves at appliances
• Using incorrect materials for the application
• Inadequate support of pipes
• Missing or improper labeling

These aren’t nitpicky technicalities either. Each of these violations is a serious safety hazard that could lead to a gas leak, fire, or explosion.

Gas Line Inspections

Gas line work can’t just be completed and the gas turned on right away.

Inspections are a required part of the process. There are typically multiple inspections including:

• Underground inspection if any piping is buried. This is inspected prior to being covered. The inspector verifies proper depth, materials, and protection.
• Rough inspection where all the piping is installed and pressure tested. The inspector checks materials, sizing, connections, and routing.
• Final inspection when appliances are connected and the system is ready for use. The inspector performs a final check of everything including shutoff valves and appliance connections.

No inspector, no gas.

Most utility companies won’t turn on gas service until they see proof of an inspection. And if you manage to get the gas turned on without inspection (not recommended), you’re just setting yourself up for all sorts of problems when you sell your home.

Ongoing Responsibilities For Gas Line Regulations

Gas line regulations don’t end with installation.

As the homeowner, you have ongoing responsibilities such as regular inspections of older gas lines, looking for corrosion or damage, keeping appliance connections clean and tight, never storing combustibles near gas appliances, knowing where your main shutoff valve is located, and more. Always respond immediately if you smell gas.

If you smell gas, don’t think about it, just get everyone out of the house immediately and call the utility company or 911 from outside. Don’t flip light switches, use phones or anything inside, or try to find where the leak is coming from yourself.

Wrapping Up The Importance Of Gas Line Regulations

Gas line regulations are in place for a reason. They protect your home and family from preventable disasters.

With 1.7 incidents happening every day nationwide, following these regulations is more than a compliance exercise. It’s about survival.

Every regulation about permits, licensed professionals, code compliance, and inspections exist because of a real hazard that has caused actual injuries and deaths in the past.

Don’t take shortcuts with gas line work. The savings from skimping on permits or hiring unlicensed workers isn’t worth the risk to your home and family. Spend the money on proper installation and maintenance, work with licensed professionals, and sleep better knowing your gas system is safe.

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