How to Know if a Pipeline is Near

DPU's Natural Gas Pipelines are generally identified with yellow markers along with warning signs. Markers are visible where pipelines cross streams, railroads, major roadways, and cleared right-of-way. All of the signs display a phone number to reach DPU 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are working in the vicinity of a marker and have questions, please do not hesitate to call. Our emergency number is 803-268-4100.

Natural Gas Safety Brochure

The DPU Natural Gas Division is committed to providing you with quality natural gas service at competitive rates in a safe, environmentally clean and efficient manner.

We have produced a guide to update you on pipeline safety measures and to provide you with the most economical and safest utility service possible. Most of our facilities are underground so you may not give us much thought. However, we think it is important that we work together for your safety and to protect the integrity of the pipelines. Please take a few moments to read this brochure and discover what your Gas Utility is doing for you.

Know What to Look (or Smell) For!

To insure your safety, natural gas is injected with a distinct odor which immediately alerts you to the presence of gas. The odor, often compared to the smell of rotten eggs, is present in such concentrations that, in the unlikely event of a leak, gas can usually be detected well before it is considered hazardous. Smell/look for the following:

• Dead or discolored vegetation
• A hissing or roaring sound
• Dirt or debris blowing up into the air
• Persistent bubbles in streams, ponds, or wet areas
• Flames if leak has ignited
• The smell of rotten eggs

In any case, if you ever smell natural gas and suspect a leak, you should take the following steps:

DO NOT:

• Operate a flashlight
• Use a telephone
• Turn electrical switches or other electrical equipment on or off
• Strike a match or lighter

DO:

• Open windows to increase the ventilation
• If odor persists, immediately leave the house and call DPU (803) 268-4100 from a neighbor's phone.

Call Before You Dig

One free, easy call gets your utility lines marked and helps protect you from injury and expense.

Know what's below. Always call 811 before you dig.

Visit call811.com for more information.

 

Maintaining Your House-Piping

Customer Owned Piping

ODPU owns and maintains all piping from the distribution line (located along the street or utility right-of-way) to the meter at your location. Any piping that runs from the meter to your appliances is customer-owned piping and must be maintained by you.   This piping is part of the building or property, much like your plumbing or electrical wiring, and as such requires periodic maintenance.

Whether house piping or buried piping running to an exterior building or appliance, all maintenance and upkeep is the responsibility of the home or business owner. Natural gas piping above and below the ground can deteriorate with age causing potentially dangerous situations. For safety, have your gas pipes inspected periodically for leaks or signs of corrosion. If an unsafe condition is discovered, have repairs made by a licensed heating or plumbing contractor.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CUSTOMER-OWNED PIPING

• The customer is responsible for the maintenance of all gas piping from the gas meter to all gas appliances
• Buried gas piping which is not maintained may be subject to the potential hazards of corrosion and leakage.
• For your safety, all buried piping should be periodically inspected for leaks.  If the buried piping is metallic, it should also be periodically inspected for corrosion.
• If an unsafe condition is found, the gas piping will need to be promptly repaired by a licensed heating or plumbing contractor.
• When digging near buried gas piping, the piping should be located in advance and digging done by hand.

 

Extreme Weather

Gas pipelines are buried underground and are not often affected by wind, rain, or storms. However, severe weather including summer storms, hurricanes, and winter ice could damage your appliances or affect your gas supply.

Before the Storm

Natural gas lines require you to take no special precautions. There is no need to turn off your gas meter.

During the Storm

Many natural gas appliances will continue to operate safely without electricity. Some may require that you manually light the product, and this should be done according to the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.

After the Storm

If you have any resulting storm damage, check natural gas appliances for possible damage or leaks. If you smell a strong sulfur odor, leave immediately and call Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities at 1 (803) 268-4000. If no smell is present, operation of natural gas appliances should be safe. If a natural gas generator was in use for several days, the oil should be checked, and changed, if necessary.

Storm Repair

During clean-up and repair, avoid damaging underground utilities by calling SC811 toll free at 811 before digging.

 

Winter Weather

Snow and ice buildup can damage gas meters and pipes and make them difficult to reach in an emergency. Blocked vents for dryers and other gas appliances can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas. To help keep your home and family safe during snowy or icy weather:

• Gently brush away any snow or ice that has accumulated around the meter, regulator vent and any other outdoor piping.
• Keep your natural gas meter clear of snow and ice

• Keep water from dripping from your roof and freezing on the meter.
• Carefully remove icicles and snow build-up from roof eaves above the meter and on the meter itself.
• Never kick or strike the meter to loosen built-up ice or snow.
Remove snow and ice safely by gently using a broom or brush. Do not use ice-melting chemicals, salt, shovels, or sharp-edged tools.

 

• Be sure all gas appliances are installed, adjusted and operating properly.

 

Clear a path to your meter so natural gas employees and emergency responders can access it in an emergency. Your outdoor natural gas meter is designed to work in harsh winter weather. However, heavy accumulations of snow and ice can damage your meter and threaten your safety. DPU asks that you follow these basic tips:

• Make sure your meter is free of clutter and other obstructions, especially snow and ice.
• When clearing walks or drives, do not pile snow, leaves or other debris on or near the meter.
• Ensure snow and ice aren’t blocking exhaust vents or combustion air ducts as this could leave occupants exposed to deadly carbon monoxide. Your natural gas appliances, including your furnace, fireplace, water heater and clothes dryer, require good ventilation to operate properly.