Gas service replacement and installation provide the piping needed to deliver natural gas or another approved fuel from the supply point to a residential or commercial building. A gas service may need replacement because of corrosion, leaks, inadequate capacity, building renovation, equipment upgrades, or changes to the property.
Proper gas service design is critical because pipe sizing must support the total connected appliance load while maintaining the pressure required for safe equipment operation.
When a Gas Service May Need Replacement
Replacement may be considered when:
- Underground piping has developed a leak
- Existing piping is badly corroded
- The service is undersized for new equipment
- Multiple repairs have already been made
- The route conflicts with new construction
- An existing installation no longer meets current requirements
Gas Load and Pipe Sizing
Gas piping cannot be sized solely by matching the diameter of the old pipe.
Design factors include:
- Total appliance BTU demand
- Pipe length
- Available gas pressure
- Number of fittings
- Future equipment
- Building layout
