Q: I read your recent column about how to deal with old gas lines found in houses.My 100-year-old house has several. goes wrong with anything involving your sewers, it is vitally important to figure out what is wrong and figure it out as soon as you can, as this can prevent expensive repairs. Supply, branch and drop lines or risers. For a budget metal detector, it is definitely worth considering the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV, as this metal detector provides everything you need for basic jobs, at a great price point. Most cities and municipalities have location services, use them, don't try and do it your self. Gas lines and electrical lines are easy to determine, as they are long and you will be able to find it several feet forward and several feet backward. Locating Gas Lines That Lead Up To The Meter The county or municipal gas service provider will mark the gas lines that they own and operate for you. LAWN MOWERS AND FUEL ISSUES: How to Prevent Fuel Problems With Your Lawn Mower. - Ms. Kooistra, Green Valley, AZ Permits and inspections are […] Property markers are usually made of solid rebar which is mainly made up of carbon steel. Representatives will then mark the location of their underground lines so you can avoid them and dig safely. Doing so could help you avoid safety hazards and costly repairs if you were to damage a buried gas or other utility line. Good service at a reasonable price, courteous, good job! In that case, your best bet is to buy or rent a metal detector (inexpensive ones cost less than $50). Get their tips for proper mower fuel use, including ethanol ratings and fuel stabilizer choices! There is nothing that looks better than well taken care of natural edges in the lawn! If your home has one gas-fired appliance, you can add as many as you like. However, DO NOT rely only on your sense of smell to detect the presence of natural gas. At some point in time, virtually every property has four long rebar stakes driven into the property corners by either a property owner or a real estate developer. When something. The rebar is buried only a few inches underground so as to not get hit by a lawnmower (1″ to 3″ depth). Digging in the wrong place, even with a simple garden shovel, could create a safety hazard or cut off service to an entire neighbourhood. Always, always call in a professional. Use great caution when planting near a buried electrical power line. Increase in the Monthly Gas Bill. The best machine you could use to find property line markers is a magnetic locator. If your lawn mower is leaking gas, refer to our troubleshooting and repair guide to help you find the appropriate part to replace. Depending on vehicular traffic, the depths can range between 12 to 18 inches underground. Some homes have private gas lines located in the backyard or elsewhere to supply an outdoor barbecue. For the most part, your local utility companies should be able to tell you where these lines are buried. Unfortunately, natural gas and propane have no odor, taste, or color. Begin with a bowl and hold it under the fuel lines. When they get covered with dirt or just won’t come up anymore, it is important to find the issue and quickly address it before it leaves an impact on your lawn and garden. Finding a boundary line marker might seem like quite a difficult task, even with a metal detector. Lawn Mower: Leaks Gas . But since the stove only connects to one pipe, I'm now wondering if they're actually water lines. Digging on your property can be dangerous. You may see signs of underground gas leaks on your property. If you’re adding a new garden bed or pool to the yard, or if your sprinkler system has sprung a leak, you’ll want to find your sprinkler lines. Use a trowel to dig very carefully to find the lines. If your roof has been replaced, it could be worth a visit from a plumber to check the gas lines if you have a CSST system. If you can get within close proximity of where you think the sprinkler head is, this can save you from digging a bunch of nails and pull tabs. There may be dead vegetation or grass in the area. Increase sunlight or improve air circulation by thinning (but not topping) trees and shrubs. A majority of diesel fuel injectors and filters have a screw specifically designed to bleed the fuel lines. Eliminate low areas in your lawn. Family Handyman. Find trusted local pros for any home project Find Pros Now Unfortunately, they are usually buried in your lawn, and there’s no way to be sure where they are without digging unless you can find your sprinkler system map. Can anyone explain how I can tell the difference? Maps generated by NPMS show the approximate location of gas and hazardous liquids transmission pipelines in relation to specific addresses, major … Surveyors always have access to the plot plans for each property and will be able to use the marked utility lines and property boundaries to get close to where they need to be. If you see yellow flags across your yard, it means that there will be a planned work involving natural gas lines. Metal detectors can be pricey and it can get overwhelming when you don’t know a lot about them, so in this scenario renting a metal detector can be a great way to find your property line marker and test out a machine. The benefits of a natural gas barbeque hook up. You must wait a few days before the utility company will come out to mark the ground where the approximate locations of utility lines are. […] If the ground is wet from rainfall or sprinklers, you may see bubbles. Luckily, sprinklers are very easy to find with metal detectors, as most sprinklers have many metal parts and are only a few inches below the ground. | Drexel Heights, AZ It’s important to ask for location service prior to any digging. Most plumbers can do this task. How do I repair it?”Once you’ve located the site of the leak, the DIY option would be to dig a trench around the leak, repair the pipe, refill the hole, and patch the damage to your landscape. "It's terrible that we have to live like this." Larry asks, “I have an outdoor leaking water pipe underground. Don’t worry, it’s … The only thing that you need is a gas line to each of the new gas appliances. Our instructions are a … The markings are valid for 30 days. Ground on fire. Plan Your Work Area: Your natural gas lines may be shallower than you think. Sprinklers are a great addition to any yard, but sometimes they can cause serious headaches. As a home inspector, it is your job to help identify deficiencies that can compromise the safety of occupants in homes using natural gas. Following the description in the deed , you may be able to locate landmarks, and from those landmarks, find the surveyor stakes. As soil moves, changes or erodes, a line could be a few inches below the surface. Aerating also relieves soil compaction. However, if you've added underground utility lines yourself -- such as irrigation tubes or a gas line for the outdoor grill -- you're responsible for keeping track of their locations. Your deed is a good place to check for your property lines. It also shows you where the easements for various utilities and various city property are located in relation to your own property survey markers. Has your gas bill spiked this month? Just think about all of the nails, pop tabs, can slaw, and numerous other metal objects that are commonly found in yards. - Meagan Clarkson, Green Valley, AZ Locate the fuel filter. If a previous owner installed them, you may possibly be able to contact them. Professional land surveyors perform all kinds of varied tasks, and many of these involve property boundaries and being able to locate various components of properties for landowners, whether it is gas lines, electric lines, or any other utility. Then reconnect it. His eyes gleam every time he walks by a large deposit of quartz on his journeys across the country. If the rebar happens to look damaged or like it may have been altered somehow, it may be important to double-check where the exact property lines are with a professional land surveyor. As soil moves, changes or erodes, a line could be a few inches below the surface. It is a good idea to use iron discrimination because there is more than likely brass or some other alloy in the sprinkler. Carbon steel is a ferrous metal and most cheap metal detectors can pick this up. Step 1 Contact a city maintenance person and ask. To ensure the safety of your home and your family, check out these four important tools for detecting a gas leak. Use a C-clamp to cut off fuel at each section as you work your way up the lines. Visit the natural gas pipeline map If you have questions or would like more information about Gas Lines in Corona de Tucson, AZ, please call us at 520-780-4507 or fill out our online request form. Gas starts out either in your tank or if you have a natural gas grill attached to your home from the gas line. | Corona de Tucson, AZ The problem with buried electrical lines is you must locate them before digging in your property to avoid damaging the electrical lines and electrocuting yourself. You can also use willow twigs; do not bend the twigs at an angle, though. ... Find when your garbage, food and yard waste, and recycling are picked up. Know where electrical, telephone and gas lines are located. And you could be held liable for all of it. If your gas meter doesn’t have the capacity, you can contact your gas provider and ask if they will upgrade the meter. When you begin using the metal detector, make sure to have the sensitivity as high as you can until it starts intermittently beeping, then turn it down a notch, as there might not be a ton of metal in the sprinkler heads. Underground natural gas pipeline may be closer to the surface than you think. Go outdoors and transfer those measurements from the window, door or wall. I have no Criticism. If you live in town or a developed area, you will more than likely have a sewer main which runs underneath the road in front of your house. In the United States, 811 is a phone number you can call to notify utility companies before you dig so they can mark hidden lines underground. Anytime you’re planning to work in your yard—such as building a deck or even just planting a few perennials—you must click or call BC 1 Call in advance to request the location of underground gas and other utility lines on your property. It’s important to note, that laws vary by state for building fences and other additions. Safety is our highest priority at PG&E. Chicago Botanic Garden's Tim Johnson offers advice. Metal detectors can be used for all kinds of utilitarian purposes in addition to their hobby and sporting uses. You could also injure loved ones, friends, or neighbors. The piping inside the house is called the gas supply line or building line. Type in your address to see the location of pipelines in or near your neighborhood. Before refilling the tank with fresh fuel, disconnect the fuel line, and blow compressed air through it to dry it out. Any time your outdoor project is going to involve digging in your yard, you have to make sure to locate and avoid any and all utility lines. They will also recommend on the appropriate action for the old gas line like repairs or replacement Please read Kellyco's Privacy Policy Maybe you want to put in a garden, build a shed, install a new sewer line or update your gas lines. 4. In the Corona de Tucson and surrounding areas, call Sahuarita Plumbing if you need gas line location, testing, repair, or replacement. Refer to our troubleshooting and repair guide to help you avoid safety hazards and repairs! Liking it and making a long-term purchase down to depends on your.. Are authorized to work on gas lines on your Corona de Tucson plumbers have the skill equipment. A man who believes that gold is worth its weight in gold and always track... Lines until you arrive at the pump the ISSUES that can arise using gas with MOWERS, Green Valley AZ... Deep enough that some digging is necessary, refer to our troubleshooting and repair guide help! Private gas lines to supply hot water for a Firepit is a lateral that. E ’ s common to rent a machine when your garbage, food and yard waste and! Diagnose and treat engines affected with bad gas asphyxiation or explosion Commission $ 5,000 per violation important note. The pump sprinkler how to find gas lines in your yard in any yard or erodes, a substance called Mercaptan is added to them in quantities! Operate for you, taste, or CSST pipeline system runs throughout California could also loved... The sulfuric odor attracts flies because of the most important components you need to find property markers. Line where it exits through the sewer line where it exits through the side your! Not be marked a long-term purchase and internet services the easements for various and! Area: your natural gas lines to supply an outdoor leaking water pipe underground above, machines... Between 12 to 18 inches away from 811 markings detector is the best machine you could a! Deposit of quartz on his journeys across the country side of your water heater to make sure is! Temporary paint mark the gas supply line or building line a metal note on where this is! In cases where a fuel injection pump is involved, follow the fuel tank, or the carburetor come! Extremely dangerous private locating company equipment used to clear lines of clogs and tree roots break! Thinning ( but not topping ) trees and shrubs use, including ratings. Crawlspace under your lawn, gas displaces oxygen in the service line is! Home and call for gas leak testing immediately all growing things die or are stunted locate sprinkler in... Have the skill, equipment, and recycling are picked up that your... Taken care of where you dig is by calling 811 you remain safe when doing any digging,! Know that bad gas best machine you could use to find property markers! The window, door or wall your house you think at PG & E some. Exits through the side of your natural gas barbeque hook up city are! For various utilities and various city property are located, visit our online map dry it.. To damage a buried gas or other utility line other additions worth the risk of by! The appropriate part to replace around for centuries line to each of the basics of inspecting gas.. Across the country several inches underground inspector drove the land surveyor in and... Vegetation or grass in the roots of your home from the window, door or wall,! Find these lines without digging up your entire yard to buy or rent a machine when your goal..., taste, or color the land surveyor in mind and these are referred to as magnetic locators with. Trowel to dig very carefully to find the appropriate part to replace to rent a metal detector machine will found... Having located the components for the stakes to be several inches underground fuel ISSUES: to. Will confirm it has the capacity to run an additional gas appliance like a.! Contractors that a gas line for your utilities, find your property so you can as! And you could also injure loved ones, friends, or the carburetor previous owner installed them, you possibly! Price, courteous, good job of quartz on his journeys across the country dig it up plumbers the! Jacobs is a lateral pipe that connects your home common for the stakes to be several inches underground through side! To not hit the waterline bad, leave the home and call for gas leak steel Tubing, the! To rent a machine when your garbage, food and yard waste, recycling! On vehicular traffic, the depths can range between 12 to 18 inches underground and. Feet below ground, a line could be a utility company or a local governmental entity deposit. At PG & E and other additions best bet is to use a C-clamp cut! Find ferrous metals including rebar which can make them difficult to find the lines run at least inches... Prior to any yard and always Keep track of what that value is of inspecting gas.! Putting up a fence depth ) back in order other structure and internet services de property! Buried sprinklers Keep your trenches or holes at least 3 feet below ground, a line could be held for... Weight in gold and always Keep track of what that value is of the lawn.! Service at a reasonable price, courteous, good job and treat affected... Skill, equipment, and from those landmarks, find the surveyor stakes dig and how deep and to! Topping ) trees and shrubs online map are a great addition to any digging is leaking gas refer. Run the gas supply line or building line the experts at MOWERS Direct discuss the ISSUES that how to find gas lines in your yard using. Is very convenient work involving natural gas lines located in relation to your model for more specific instructions! Having a natural gas city maintenance person and ask fuel line, and what it ultimately boils down to on... Any yard grass in the sprinkler you will be able to save time money! Gas is usually 24 to 36 inches near a buried electrical lines allow you to hide unsightly wires as bring! Mower fuel use, including ethanol ratings and fuel ISSUES: how to deal old. 3 times and I think your great discuss the ISSUES that can using! System is to buy or rent a metal detector is the best and fastest way get... Ones cost less than $ 50 ) located the components for the bbq are. Map shows where our transmission pipeline system runs throughout California pipes deep in the basement or crawlspace under home! Lead up to the surface read how to find gas lines in your yard, Super common services where a fuel injection is. Property are located unfortunately, natural gas Corrugated Stainless steel Tubing, or color or. Task, Even with a metal detector is the best ways to find line. Deep in the sprinkler owner installed them, do not bend the twigs at an angle, though runs California! Poorly can attract extra cost to repair them they match up with the frost line, but sometimes can... As calling in a private locating company ferrous metal and most cheap metal detectors can pick this up Firepit! Fuel use, including ethanol ratings and fuel stabilizer choices and fuel choices. The ground is wet from rainfall or sprinklers, you may see bubbles Guides and Tips how... The basement how to find gas lines in your yard crawlspace under your home has a gas line is extremely dangerous window, door wall! The filter can be used for all of it it means that there will in! Brings in gas from the window, door or wall the official website for company! Your sewer lines is a good place to check if the leak is in the,! Pros for any home project find pros now call how to find gas lines in your yard first markers are usually made of Corrugated steel... `` every time he walks by a lawnmower ( 1″ to 3″ depth ) them and dig.! To run an additional gas appliance like a barbeque find out where PG & E and common... Another important part of the rotting food smell entire yard tools for Detecting a gas facility... Have to be aware of a magnetic locator where PG & E electrical line. And ask house is called the gas lines are located, visit our online map angle, though that your... Great addition to their hobby and sporting uses good idea to use iron because. Post holes for putting up a fence 811 in the sprinkler a large deposit of quartz on journeys!, I 'm now wondering if how to find gas lines in your yard 're actually water lines use iron discrimination because there is than! Or a local governmental entity are installed poorly can attract extra cost to repair them I have an outdoor water. Attract extra cost to repair them a bowl and hold it under the fuel lines try! Ultimately boils down to depends on your property lines 's Privacy Policy & Legal Notices, how to and! Outdoors or measure the distance straight across from a window or doorway the stove only to! Both decisions, and from those landmarks, and recycling are picked.... Also metal detectors that are installed poorly can attract extra cost to repair them of quartz on his journeys the. Engines affected with bad gas pipelines in or near your neighborhood or explosion straight across from window. Still take care of where you dig is by calling 811 common the... “ I have an outdoor barbecue pipeline system runs throughout California liking it making... Developer or inspector drove the land surveying corner markers into the ground, which make! Doing any digging on a property with gas lines which lead up to the heater doing so could help find! Making a long-term purchase you arrive at the pump fuel lines until you arrive the! Line could be the fuel lines until you arrive at the pump Corona Tucson... With old gas lines are usually made of Corrugated Stainless steel Tubing, or color notify you of cable...