CROSS BORE
Safely Unclogging Outside Sewer Lines
Some natural gas utilities use horizontal or trenchless boring to install gas lines. Occasionally one of these gas lines is unknowingly installed accidently through a sewer pipe. When this occurs, we call it a cross bore.
A gas line cross bore poses no safety risk if it is undamaged. However, if a natural gas line is cut or nicked while unclogging a sewer line, it can create a serious hazard. Damaging a natural gas line can cause damage to property through fire or explosion and possibly lead to more serious damage or injuries to people nearby.
Safety Tips for Sewer Work
- Use a video inspection camera to identify the type of obstruction before attempting to unblock it.
- Use an exterior cleanout to lessen the chance of natural gas entering a structure.
- Use caution when operating power tools to clear a sewer line blockage.
- Know and watch out for signs of a natural gas leak such as rotten egg or skunk-like odor, hissing or roaring sound, bubbles in standing water.
Plumbers and Contractors – Watch this video and read the brochure to learn more about cross bores and best safety practices.
Homeowners – Watch this video to learn more about sewer clogs and natural gas safety
