Gas Safety Valves

SDG&E Reminds Customers to Exercise Safety Around Natural Gas Pipelines

This intersection of a natural gas pipeline and a sewer line, called a crossbore, is rare and typically not a risk if left undisturbed.  A crossbore, however, can result in a safety risk when a homeowner or plumber attempts repair work to a sewer line using mechanical cleaning or snake machines.  These machines could sever a gas line and cause a gas leak, which could result in a dangerous situation.  Although SDG&E has found only one plastic natural gas pipeline crossbore in its history, the utility is taking the extra proactive steps to ensure customer safety and draw attention to the situation.  

To address possible crossbores, the utility is starting a proactive, five-year safety inspection program in areas most likely to experience this phenomenon.  SDG&E estimates that the areas potentially affected involve only about 6 percent of the company's 850,000 natural gas customers.  The inspection program will occur in portions of the greater area and will involve lowering a thin cable and camera into the sewer line.  The company will be sending letters to affected customers in advance of any inspections.

Customers who are concerned that their clogged sewer line may intersect with a natural gas pipeline can call SDG&E at (800) 411-SDGE (7343).  The company will have trained staff ready to respond 24/7 to assess the area for crossbores and determine precautions and next steps.

Crossbores are an emerging issue for the nation's gas utilities and SDG&E is one of several utilities in the nation to initiate an aggressive inspection program.  The methods leading to crossbores, horizontal directional drilling and pneumatic boring, first occurred in the 1970s and avoided opening large trenches to install pipelines and instead bore horizontally underground, minimizing damage to yards and streets.  However, in the process, a plastic or metal natural gas pipeline might have bored through some sewer pipelines made of clay or other porous materials.  

Improvements in technology and construction practices have reduced the possibility of crossbores.  Additionally, in 2008, SDG&E began installing safety devices that restrict gas flow in the event a service line is severed.  The company also has advanced video equipment available to inspect sewer lines before and after installing another utility pipeline.  

Any time customers smell natural gas they should evacuate the premises, not turn on lights or other appliances that could cause a spark, including lighting matches, candles or cigarettes, and call (800) 411-SDGE (7343).

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