How to find out where the gas lines run

3 Ways To Locate Gas Lines

Before starting to excavate, you need to know the exact location of gas lines. Some gas lines are made of ferrous or conductive materials or run alongside tracer wires. The materials used in pipes and wires will determine whether you should use a magnetic locator or a utility locator such as a pipe and cable locating device. Here are three ways to locate the gas lines on any property.

1. Locate Tracer Wire

Many gas pipes are either wrapped in or laid alongside tracer wires. Unless the pipes or wires are ferrous, it will not be possible to locate a gas line with a magnetic locator. A locator designed for use with cables or pipes is a better choice, as these systems offer options such as active and passive locating functions. Direct conduction and induction are two types of active location.

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Use a locator for utilities to transmit a signal and follow the line. Once you determine where a line runs, it is a good idea to mark the physical location for safety. You can also install an Electronic Marking System to make it easier to find gas lines in the future. These systems are designed to be dropped in along the pipe path, and may feature different types of markers based on the depth for which the system is designed.

2. Use an Advanced Utility Locator

The best pipe locator systems have transmitters that you can use to transmit signals to tracer wires or conductive gas pipes. If a pipe is not conductive, lacks a tracer wire or has a faulty tracer, you may need to use more advanced locator technology such as ground-penetrating radar.

In general, locators for cables and pipes are considerably more affordable than GPR. GPR can provide a wide range of locating functions that are useful in some applications.

3. Use Directional Entry Tools

If you know where the meter of a gas line is located, it may be possible to use directional entry or hot tapping tools and insertable tracers to track gas lines that are referred to as being "unlocatable." Look for equipment rated for no blow-by up to 125 pounds per square inch for safe and reliable performance.

Once you know where gas lines are located, you should not dig or use any mechanized equipment within 18 inches of marked lines. As location tools may be more or less precise, it is advisable to only hand dig within about two feet of underground gas lines and use caution to avoid damage and penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to locate gas lines?

Tracer wires wrap around or run alongside many non-conductive utility lines. Gas lines with tracers are detectable with magnetic, cable, pipe or utility locators. Directional entry tools or insertable tracers rated for no blow-by up to 125 psi also work. Once you locate a line, consider an electronic marking system.

What are the different types of locator tools?

A magnetic locator can find certain metal objects buried underground. Use a cable locator or pipe tool for direct connection or induction and doing passive sweeps. Detectable duct rodding and sonde locators are other types of useful location tools. Ground-penetrating radar systems can be an effective but expensive solution.

Are magnetic locators useful for gas lines?

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Some gas pipes are made of conductive material. Other non-conductive pipes are installed with tracer wires for future location with magnetic, cable, pipe or utility locating tools. A magnetic locator can locate anything to which a magnet would stick. These locating devices are often more affordable than advanced locator technology.

How can I locate a gas line without a tracer wire?

More advanced locator tools may be necessary to find so-called "unlocatable" gas lines. These lines are not made of conductive materials and lack tracer wires or have faulty tracers. Directional entry tools, insertable tracers and GPR find otherwise unlocatable lines. Indicate line locations with color coding or use an EMS.

How do I keep track of gas line locations?

The American Public Works Association designates Universal Color Coding for underground utilities. Gas lines are indicated with the color yellow. You can also install an EMS along the pipe path at depths ranging from two feet to eight feet. An EMS with radio-frequency identification also stores customer- or location-specific information.

Using a utility locator makes it easy to find gas line locations. Select your preferred type of locator tool for the types of targets you need to find. Engineer Supply makes it easy to compare the features of cable, pipe, magnetic and utility locators.