If you have a construction and development project coming up, you will have various utility lines to run to the building. You need to make sure that these utility lines are buried appropriately, ensuring that they work in function as expected without putting them at risk of being damaged during future development projects. A few examples include electric lines, water lines, sewage lines, and gas lines.
Gas lines are particularly dangerous because of the flammability and combustibility of the gas that flows through them. Therefore, you need to protect gas lines from harm, and that means burying them at an appropriate depth. How deeply do you need to bury your gas lines?
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At What Depth Should Gas Lines Be Buried?
The exact depth at which you need to bury your gas lines will vary depending on the local jurisdiction; however, in the United States, gas lines are typically buried at a minimum of 18 inches from the surface.
The depth at which main gas lines are installed usually depends on the area’s coding regulations. However, they are typically installed 24 inches deep. On the other hand, natural gas lines are usually only buried 18 inches underground.
When you’re planning a construction project that involves gas pipelines, it’s important to take a look at the specific regulations for your area. In most cases, gas pipelines installed for commercial purposes are buried deeper than those installed on private property.
The depth at which you need to bury your gas lines is dictated by a variety of factors, such as the type of gas flowing through the lines, the overall purpose of the pipeline, and the nature of the ground covering the line itself. For example, if the pipeline is carrying liquefied natural gas, then it might need to be installed a hundred feet underground. On the other hand, if it is transporting natural gas, then it might only need to be installed a few feet underground.
What Is the Typical Service Life for Underground Gas Lines?
If you have gas lines and pipelines running underground, they are expected to last for approximately 50 years. At the same time, the lifespan of a natural gas line is going to vary depending on a number of factors. They include:
- The amount of natural gas that has been flowing through the pipeline
- The material used to design the pipeline itself
- The weather in the local area
- The nature of the soil and vegetation that grows in the area
- How well the natural gas pipeline has been maintained
- The impact of potential development projects that have taken place during the past few decades
Even though installing and maintaining a natural gas pipeline can be expensive, it is important to stay up to date on routine maintenance if you want the pipeline to last as long as possible. Furthermore, you need to take appropriate care of the gas line to reduce the chances of a serious accident or disaster taking place.
How Should Underground Gas Line Be Maintained?
All underground gas lines and pipelines must be well-maintained. If these lines are neglected, serious problems could arise without anyone noticing until it’s too late.
From time to time, gas lines need to be inspected by a trained professional. These experts usually look for two main problems. The first is a leak in the gas line. The first issue is a leak in the gas line. A leak in the gas line needs to be repaired as quickly as possible, as the line is leaking flammable material. Gas lines may start to leak if they are exposed to a tremendous amount of moisture or if they are damaged by vegetation that might be in the area.
The issue of corrosion is something that experts and technicians have to keep an eye out for. If the gas pipelines are made of metal, they are susceptible to corrosion, especially if they are exposed to a lot of moisture. Corroded pipelines can leak quickly, so addressing the issue as soon as possible is important.
If there are any unsafe conditions discovered involving the natural gas lines, they need to be repaired as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the issue could worsen, creating an even bigger safety hazard.
Work With Experts to Install and Repair Natural Gas Lines
If you’re installing a natural gas line, there are some key points to remember. First, natural gas is an affordable and efficient energy source for both residential and commercial properties. Second, it’s important to ensure the gas line is installed correctly and maintained properly to avoid accidents or issues. Always work with a professional team to ensure your project is successful, and don’t forget to maintain the lines properly after installation.
