How far below the ground does your gas line go?
The most common cause of gas line breaks is digging near an existing pipeline, so it’s important to know how deep they are and where they’re located on your property before you start digging.
In general, main gas lines are at least 24 inches deep, and service lines on private property are 12 to 18 inches deep.
If you plan to add a new firepit, stove, built-in grill, or other appliance to your home, you may need to install a new gas line. As tempting as it may be to save some money and install the gas line yourself, safety is paramount when it comes to this type of work, and we strongly recommend hiring a licensed plumber to get the job done.
To help you understand the importance of hiring a pro in this type of situation, we’ll quickly review the following topics so you can get to work on your project:
Let’s dive in and learn more about the gas lines on your property and how to navigate them safely.
The pros at Red Cap will make sure to complete the gas line installation job efficiently and safely. Call us or schedule an estimate online.
Gas lines are installed below the ground for two main reasons:
How do you find gas lines on your property?
Although gas lines are hidden away neatly beneath the ground of your home, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to dig anywhere on your property. Before you dig, you should always find out where your gas lines are located and have your gas company mark them so you can avoid damaging them. As a Florida resident, you’re also legally required to do this at least two full business days before you start digging. If you fail to have your gas company mark your lines, you could face certain consequences like:
To locate all the gas lines on your property, you’ll need to call 811 (the national call-before-you-dig phone number) or submit an online request at www.sunshine811.com to have your local utility company mark your gas lines with paint or flags. Sunshine811 is a free service for residents, excavators, underground facility owners and operators, and anyone else who wants to prevent damage to underground utilities.
When you call them, you’ll speak with a representative, who will ask you a few simple questions about your project. If you submit your request online, you’ll need to include the same information. Once you’ve done that, you’ll receive a ticket that details how long it will take for your utility company to mark all your gas lines and how you can confirm completion before you dig.
To submit an online request to the center, you’ll need to have the following information ready:
Although you can complete this process on your own, the best part about hiring a licensed plumber to install a new gas line for you is that they’ll automatically take care of all this paperwork on your behalf. Not only is hiring a pro easier, but it can also save you the time and hassle of completing these tasks!
Only certified and trained professionals should install or repair your gas lines. Although you may save money installing a gas line yourself, it’s not worth the risk. We highly recommend not going the DIY route with gas line work for several reasons:
Hiring an insured plumber means that you will be covered no matter what.
Due to the safety risks, it’s essential to hire a licensed plumber for any gas line work. However, not all plumbers are certified to install gas lines or repair gas line leaks.
To find a reputable plumber, look for one that:
Hire experienced Red Cap plumbers for your gas line project.
At Red Cap, we care about your family’s well-being, and we can help you complete your gas line installation correctly and safely. Our thoroughly trained plumbers have extensive experience with gas line repair and installation, and we back our work with a 100% quality guarantee. Plus, when you hire a Red Cap plumber, we guarantee you won’t have any surprise fees when you get your bill.
Call us today to find out why we enjoy thousands of 5-star reviews. You can also schedule an estimate online.