In the northern Dallas-Fort Worth region, numerous residences are equipped with gas lines courtesy of Coserv or Atmos. Compared to electricity, natural gas offers several benefits. For instance, gas-powered water heaters and their electric equivalents. Additionally, gas furnaces can warm up a space more rapidly. Many homeowners also prefer the cooking experience provided by gas stovetops over electric ones. Furthermore, the ambiance and warmth of a gas fireplace are a welcome luxury during the cold winter months.

Natural gas can be unsettling as, requires periodic maintenance in your home. Better understanding of gas system care, you can alleviate any apprehension you may have. Whether your current home already has or you are considering buying one, this article is aimed at helping you.

In this section, we’ll explore traditional materials and methods used for residential gas lines in the North DFW region, highlighting potential problems associated with each approach.

Where is Your Gas Meter?

The gas utility provider, either Atmos or Coserv, is accountable for maintaining the gas infrastructure that serves the neighborhood, with their responsibility ending at the point of the individual home’s gas meter. From there, the homeowner assumes ownership of the gas line. Typically, the gas meter can be found in the alley behind the residence or situated adjacent to the house, often on the right or left side are commonly colored gray or forest green and are roughly the size of a standard backpack.

When the gas meter is positioned close to the house, the line in the yard supplying the meter falls under the gas company’s jurisdiction. However, if the gas meter is situated at a distance from the house, such as in the alley, then the gas line running through the yard to the house becomes the homeowner’s responsibility.

In yards of older homes constructed before the mid-to-late1970s, it is common to find lines buried underground unless they have been updated. These pipes are customized to the required length and threaded using specific tools. The underground line in the yard typically includes 90-degree fittings at both ends to direct the pipeline vertically. One end connects to the meter, while the other end emerges above ground and enters the building. In many cases, there is a shut-off valve where the line enters the structure.

Regrettably, the deterioration of these steel yard lines is not a question of possibility but inevitability. Despite not carrying water but gas instead, the moisture in the soil will eventually corrode the lines, leading to leaks. A leaking gas line underground may manifest with a patch of dead grass above the leak, a noticeable sulfur odor in the surrounding area, and an increase in the gas bill. Typically, in cases of such failures, the entire line is replaced rather than attempting to repair a specific section.

Polyethylene Yard Line

In the mid-to-late 1970s, a new type of gas line, known as polyethylene, began to emerge in this region. One of the key benefits of these lines is their resistance to rust and corrosion, thanks to their durable plastic composition. The underground section of the line will consist of a single, unbroken length of polyethylene piping, with connections only at the beginning and end. At each termination point, the polyethylene line will be joined to an anodeless riser, a steel sleeve shaped like an “L” that facilitates a smooth transition from the underground plastic line to above-ground steel piping.

Polyethylene pipe is not as structurally strong as steel pipe, making it susceptible to damage if struck during excavation or if a stake is forced into the ground. Apart from these instances, there are typically no other significant issues that may arise with the gas line itself.

Typically, gas leaks on these lines are discovered at the points where the underground pipes connect to the risers or on the exposed steel pipes above ground. The most common culprits behind these leaks are shifting soil and subpar installation practices. When a leak occurs, it often manifests as a strong gas odor in the surrounding area and an unexpected spike in gas consumption.

Black Iron Piping in the Home

In residential settings, black iron piping is commonly used for distributing gas to various appliances such as fireplaces, dryers, ranges, furnaces, and water heaters. Older homes in the North DFW region typically utilize black iron or steel pipes for this purpose, with each pipe section being cut to size and threaded during construction. The assembly of the pipes and fittings is done by hand.

System Design

Designing the system involves starting with a larger pipe size at the point of entry into the house, which can vary in size depending on the system. As smaller pipes branch off from the main, they progressively decrease in size until they reach the appliances, usually at a smaller size. The mainline typically runs through the attic, while the smaller lines drop down behind the appliances and connect to them. Each appliance should have a shut-off valve, commonly identifiable by its red, yellow, or older gray handle.

Common Problems

Although this steel pipe is remarkably resilient, its vulnerability lies in the threaded connections. As the pipe undergoes thermal expansion and contraction in the attic, the fittings can develop leaks, particularly if the installation is not done with meticulous attention to detail. A distinctive indication of a leak is the pungent odor of sulfur, which is a characteristic of the gas. If you suspect a gas leak within your home, please refer to our service page for guidance and further assistance.

CSST GAS Systems

Residential construction, spanning the past decade been equipped with CSST gas systems. CSST, or Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing, is a type of flexible piping that offers a lightweight and straightforward installation process. While the material itself may be pricier than traditional black iron, the reduced labor costs associated with its ease of installation often offset this expense, making it a preferred choice among builders.

System Design

In the system design process, CSST must be protected if installed outside the house. It is common to see iron gas piping entering the building resembling a full black iron system. Once inside, the piping will switch to flexible CSST until it reaches a manifold, which serves as a central point where the mainline connects to smaller appliance lines. Each appliance line typically includes a shut-off valve at the manifold, similar to an electric breaker panel for the gas system. The smaller lines will be routed through the attic and run down the walls behind gas appliances. The CSST will then transition back to a rigid steel pipe that emerges from the wall near the appliance, where an appliance shut-off valve is typically located.