[dropcap1]Why[/dropcap1] would a utility not have known the natural gas pipe intersected the sewer or septic pipe?
Many utilities use underground “horizontal directional digging” to install natural gas pipes underground beneath streets, driveways, and mature trees to minimize damage. This approach is commonly used in the industry because it involves significantly less environmental impacts and disruption than open trench digging. However, because many vintage sewer and septic lines are made of clay and contain no tracer wire they are not “locatable” (where they can be identified with above ground locating devices) and a utility may have come in contact with it without knowing.
[dropcap1]What[/dropcap1] should I do if I have a sewer or septic clog?
If you are having troubles with your sewer or septic, or think you have a blockage, make sure the natural gas utility serving the area is contacted first (either by you or your sewer/septic cleaner) before anyone attempts to clear the sewer or septic pipe. The natural gas utility will examine its records to determine if any potential conflicts exist between its natural gas pipes and whether an in-line camera inspection may be needed.
[dropcap1]What[/dropcap1] if an in-line camera inspection is needed?
Participating utilities work with professionally trained sewer and septic camera contractors who can be sent to your location to complete an inspection. The contractor uses a special camera that goes inside the sewer or septic pipe to identify any conflicts or “cross bores” with underground natural gas lines. There is no charge for this service.
[dropcap1]How[/dropcap1] soon ahead should I call?
If you have a blockage or are scheduled to have your sewer or septic pipe cleaned, make sure the natural gas utility serving the area is contacted first (either by you or your sewer/septic cleaner) to determine if an in-line camera inspection is necessary. There is no charge for this service.
[dropcap1]How[/dropcap1] would I know if a natural gas pipe was penetrated while cleaning a sewer or septic pipe?
➔ A natural gas odor at the cleanout or inside the building served by the sewer or septic line.
➔ Bubbles rising through standing water or in the toilet bowl.
If these signals are present:
➔ Stop what you’re doing and have everyone immediately evacuate the premises
➔ Leave the doors open
➔ Do not turn on or off any light switches, or use other sources of ignition
➔ From a safe distance, call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance
[dropcap1]What[/dropcap1] if I sense or see, but do not penetrate, a natural gas pipe?
Call the natural gas utility serving the area for immediate assistance to ensure that the gas pipe has not been damaged.