What to Do in Case of a Natural Gas Emergency

NATURAL GAS LEAKS: KNOW THE SIGNS & TAKE ACTION

SMELL – Natural gas is injected with a chemical that produces a sulfur like smell for easy detection.

LISTEN – Broken or damaged natural gas pipes can hiss or even make roaring sounds.

LOOK – Leaking pipes can produce bubbles through standing water or blow dirt.

WHAT TO DO:

• Immediately evacuate the area.
• Never use your phone, flip a light switch, or do anything that might cause a spark.
• Call your local gas company when you are at a safe distance away from the area.

YOUR LOCAL NATURAL GAS COMPANY IS AVAILABLE 24/7/365 TO RESPOND TO ANY EMERGENCY.

HOW THIS HAPPENS:

Cross bores are one of the most common causes of natural gas leaks and damages to gas lines. Cross bores may cause severe property damage, injury or even death. If you encounter a sewer blockage of any kind, ALWAYS use best practices to evaluate the cause of the blockage and avoid damages to any other utility lines when clearing the blockage. 

A cross bore is defined as “the intersection of an existing underground utility by a second utility using trenchless technology”.

Cross bores are rare, however, sewer lines are more susceptible to cross bores due to their larger diameter relative to other utilities.

It is common practice for most to use a mechanical rotary device to clean out a blocked sewer line. This can present a very dangerous situation if a natural gas line is cross bored through a sewer line causing the blockage. If this is the case, the mechanical rotary device may cut through the natural gas line releasing flammable and dangerous gases into your home. This may result in a significant accident that could cause damage to property, cause injury or even death.

Always scope a sewer line to identify the blockage before using a mechanical rotary device!