Customer Owned Piping
Learn about your responsibilities for maintaining customer-owned natural gas piping, including inspection, corrosion prevention, leak detection, and safe excavation practices.
Maintain customer owned piping
VGS owns and maintains the natural gas system up to your gas meter. Natural gas piping located beyond the meter, whether buried underground or installed above ground on your property, is generally the responsibility of the property owner. Understanding these responsibilities can help maintain safe and reliable service.
What Is Customer-Owned Piping?
Customer-owned piping includes natural gas piping located beyond the gas meter that serves equipment such as:
- Detached garages
- Additional buildings
- Outdoor appliances
- Pool heaters
- Generators
- Other gas-fired equipment
Property owners are responsible for maintaining these piping systems in safe operating condition.
Inspection & Maintenance
Buried natural gas piping such as steel or copper, should be periodically inspected for leaks and checked for corrosion. If unsafe conditions are discovered, repairs should be completed promptly by qualified professionals.
Regular inspections can help identify:
- Corrosion
- Damage from excavation
- Leaks
- Deterioration due to age or environmental conditions
Not Sure If You Have Customer-Owned Piping?
If you believe your property may contain customer-owned buried natural gas piping, contact VGS. A technician can help determine whether customer-owned piping is present and discuss your maintenance responsibilities.