Our cross bore program
We’re offering an incentive program to show appreciation to plumbers who are taking appropriate actions when encountering a possible cross bore.¹ We will award $300 checks to licensed plumbers who help us eliminate dangerous cross bores.
What is a cross bore?
Cross bores occur when natural gas lines or other utility lines are inadvertently installed through sewer lines. While rare, cross bores can go undetected for months or years. And, they can pose an unknown risk. When sewer line blockages are cleared with mechanical rotary devices or high water pressure, a gas line could be damaged and allow natural gas to migrate into homes or buildings through the sewer line.
Program eligibility
Licensed plumbers must do the following to be eligible:
- Call 811 to have utility lines located.
- Identify the approximate location of the blockage using a camera or other means
- Call Columbia Gas at 1-888-460-4332 if you suspect a natural gas cross bore. If it’s in an area we serve, we’ll send someone immediately²
- If we verify it is a natural gas cross bore compromising the sewer facility, the individual licensed plumber will receive a $300 check³
¹ Program funds are limited and are rewarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Columbia Gas reserves the right to discontinue this program at any time, without notice.
² This program is available to licensed plumbers only. Reward eligibility is contingent upon Columbia Gas verifying the reported natural gas cross bore is in the Columbia Gas service area.
³ Columbia Gas employees do not carry checks. To receive the check, recipients must register in SAP Ariba, which requires a W-9.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about sewer line safety or the incentive program, please contact:
Andy Belliconish
abellic@nisource.com
724-550-6007