How Deep Are Gas Lines Buried?
An Easy Guide for Tacoma Homeowners
Have you ever wondered how deep are gas lines buried under the ground? Gas is very important for our homes. We use gas to cook, heat water, and keep our homes warm. But, if you need to dig in your yard, you need to know about the depth of gas lines and how they are buried.
What Are Gas Lines?
Gas lines are strong pipes that carry natural gas or propane to your house. Gas goes through these lines so we can use it for things like stoves, water heaters, and furnaces. These gas lines are called service lines or gas pipelines. They are part of a bigger system of pipelines that help us get the gas we need safely.
It is important that these utility lines are buried underground. This keeps the public safe and protects the gas system from getting harmed.
How Deep Are Gas Lines Buried?
In Tacoma (and most places around Washington), gas lines are usually buried about 18 to 24 inches deep. That is about the length of two school rulers stacked on top of each other! The exact depth can sometimes be more—up to 36 inches deep—especially if it is a big, high-pressure gas pipeline or a line on a busy street.
Why Do We Need Gas Lines to be Buried Underground?
It is safer to have gas pipelines buried:
- It stops people from breaking the lines by accident.
- It keeps the gas line protected from bad weather, pets, or even cars.
- It makes our gas system work smoothly for everyone.
If gas lines were not buried deep enough, they could get broken very easily. This could cause leaks, which are very dangerous.
What Happens If a Gas Line Gets Damaged?
If someone digs and hits a gas line, it could break and gas might leak out. Natural gas can make people sick or even cause fires or explosions. That is why you should NEVER dig without checking where gas lines and other underground gas pipelines are first.
If you ever smell gas (it smells like rotten eggs), see dead grass over a line, or hear a hissing sound, you should move far away and get help right away!
What Should You Do Before Digging?
- Always check for gas lines! Call 811 or your local utility company. They send someone to find out where all the underground gas lines are and mark them for you.
- Be very careful when digging. Even if you think you know where the gas lines are, they can be buried at different depths in different places.
- If you need help, ask a professional plumber. Plumbers who know about gas lines and pipelines can help keep you safe.
Why Call Barney’s Plumbing & Sewer Services?
It is smart to let experts handle anything to do with gas lines. Here at Barney’s Plumbing & Sewer Services, our team is trained to work with gas pipelines, plumbing leaks, and all your plumbing needs. We help with:
- Gas line repairs and finding gas leaks
- Plumbing leaks and repairs
- Clogs and drain cleaning
- Water heater installs and repairs
- Sewer installs
- Waterline repairs and replacements
- Emergency, residential, and commercial plumbing
- And much more!
Our plumbers work with all types of lines and systems and always follow the rules for how deep pipelines and lines should be buried.
Need Help With Your Gas Lines? Call Us!
If you have more questions about how deep are gas lines buried, gas line depth, or need work done on underground gas pipelines, call Barney’s Plumbing & Sewer Services. We are here in Tacoma and ready to help keep your gas system and home safe.
Contact us today: Phone: (253) 498-5434