Knowing the Depth of Your Gas Line Is Essential for Safety
If you’re planning to install a gas line on your property, or if you already have one, it’s important to know how deep it should be buried. Whether it’s your home or your business, a gas line that’s not buried deep enough can pose a serious safety hazard, as well as cause damage to your property.
Pipes & Plugs is sharing all you need to know about how deep your gas line should be buried, with local information for both New Iberia and Lafayette.
How Deep Is My Gas Line Buried?
While many factors impact how deep a gas line will be buried on your property, most gas lines are regulated by building codes in line with the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code guidelines. These guidelines require a minimum depth of 12 inches, but practically speaking the required depth is typically 18 inches.
That said, here are a few factors impacting how deep your gas lines will be buried.
Local Codes and Regulations
The first step to determining how deep your gas line is buried is to check with your local codes and regulations. The depth requirements for gas lines can vary from state to state, and even from city to city.
Statewide, Louisiana follows the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code guidelines mentioned above, and New Iberia and Lafayette also fall under this code. That said, other municipalities or parishes may have codes that differ from these guidelines.
Consider the Type of Gas Line
Depth requirements for gas lines can also vary depending on the type of gas line being installed. For example, if it’s a natural gas line, it should be buried at least 18 inches deep in most cases. However, a propane gas line may need to be buried deeper, depending on local codes and regulations.
Take Soil Conditions into Account
The type of soil can also affect how deep your gas line will be buried. In general, gas lines should not be buried deeper in areas with softer soil, as the soil can shift more easily and cause damage to the line. Instead, a gas line should generally be installed in stable, well-compacted soil.
If you’re not sure about the soil conditions in your area, it’s a good idea to consult with your professional plumber or contractor.
Why Do I Need to Know the Depth of My Gas Line?
You may never need to know how deep your gas line is buried. However, many homeowners will find themselves needing this information in a variety of situations, particularly when undertaking landscaping projects such as installing a pool, a new patio, or making other alterations to their yard that requires digging into the soil more than a few inches.
Whether you’re installing a new gas line or you already have one, knowing where it is and how deep it’s buried is critical to ensuring your safety and that of any contractors who may work on your property in the future.
Pipes & Plugs: Gas Line Installation Experts
While some plumbing installations can be completed by a homeowner, gas lines should always be installed by a licensed plumber with experience in gas line installation. A licensed and experienced plumber can help you determine the correct depth for your gas line, as well as ensure that it’s installed safely and properly. They can also coordinate with you to route gas lines through areas where future digging is unlikely, future-proofing your gas lines and avoiding potential damage or safety hazards later on.
At Pipes & Plugs, LLC, we offer professional gas line installation and repair services throughout New Iberia and Lafayette, LA. Our team of licensed and experienced plumbers can help you plan your installation and keep you fully informed as to the location of your gas line, as well as ensure that it’s installed safely and properly. Contact us today to learn more.
Call (337) 364-2980 or to schedule your same-day appointment with our friendly local plumbing team
