Federal regulations require that your natural gas provider inform you of safety recommendations for customer-owned buried natural gas piping. Buried customer-owned gas piping is piping on the customer’s side of the gas meter that travels underground prior to entering your residence or supplying your equipment with natural gas. If customer-owned piping has a portion that is buried, it may require special maintenance and inspection programs.
Do you have Buried Customer-Owned Gas Piping?
If the piping on your side of the gas meter does not travel be-low ground, as shown in FIGURE 1, you probably DO NOT have buried gas piping requiring special maintenance and inspection programs. This will be true in most cases. If the piping on your side of the gas meter does travel below ground, as shown in FIGURE 2, you probably DO have buried gas piping requiring special maintenance and inspection programs.
For those of you that DO have buried customer-owned gas piping, as shown in FIGURE 2, please READ the IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION below. If you are not sure whether your customer-owned piping is buried, or if you have questions or comments regarding this matter, please contact Citizens at (317) 924-3311.
Important Notification
In order to assure the reliability and safety of your gas service, it is essential that your buried gas pipelines be inspected and maintained in accordance with gas industry standards. Buried gas piping not properly maintained may be subject to the potential hazards of corrosion and leakage.
Gas industry standards recommend that buried gas pipelines be:
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Periodically inspected for corrosion if the pipe is metallic
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Periodically inspected for leaks
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Repaired if an unsafe condition is discovered
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Located prior to any excavations in the area. Call IUPPS toll-free:811
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Excavated using hand tools.
Plumbers and heating contractors may be contacted to assist you in locating, inspecting and repairing your gas pipelines. Please note that maintenance, inspection and repair of customer-owned service lines is the responsibility of the customer. Citizens Gas does not maintain these service lines. If you have questions or comments regarding this matter, please contact Citizens at (317) 924-3311.
Meter and Vent Safety During Winter
Keep Meters Clear
Snow and ice accumulation may interfere with the operation of natural gas meters and regulators, or may slow access in case of an emergency. Keep meters and regulators clear of snow and ice by using a broom or by hand – not a shovel. Be careful when using a snow blower or plow to avoid damage to the meter.
If your meter gets encased in ice or if it makes an unusual noise, contact Citizens at (317) 924-3311.
Watch for Damage from Snow and Ice
Homeowners should be alert to potential ice build-up on rooftops. Falling ice and snow can damage utility meters or regulators. Homeowners can contact qualified roofing contractors for safe removal of snow & ice accumulation above utility meters and regulators.
Keep Appliance Vents Clear
Drifting snow may block appliance intake and exhaust vents, whatever the fuel source. If a vent is obstructed, the appliance may malfunction or create a potentially hazardous condition, such as a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide. Keep vents clear of snow and ice.