About your responsibility to repair
We conduct routine surveys of the natural gas distribution system throughout our service territory. Occasionally, we may discover an abnormal operating condition (AOC) related to the natural gas service line and/or equipment that you may own.
If you are the owner of the line and/or equipment, you are responsible for repairing the identified AOC in compliance with the National Fuel Gas Code and the Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Tariff. Failure to comply with a request to repair the AOC could result in interruption of your natural gas service.
Examples of AOCs include:- Riser not sleeved
- Exposed service line
- Atmospheric corrosion
- Buried meter inlet riser
- Damaged coating
A DOT OQ professional plumber should ensure that all customer-owned natural gas facilities at your residence are compliant with the National Fuel Gas Code. You can find a list of DOT Qualified Plumbers in your area on our website. You can also call us at 1-888-460-4332.
If this work requires a contractor to dig, the contractor must notify PA One Call calling 811 at least three working days prior to any work taking place. This will allow utility operators to locate and mark any underground facilities serving your property. Each utility can be identified by their specific temporary paint markings and are required to respond within 72 hours of the notification.
If you have additional questions, call us at 1-888-460-4332.
Get answers
Here are frequently asked questions we receive about abnormal operating conditions.
If the identified AOC is atmospheric corrosion, buried meter inlet riser or damaged coating, you may not need to employ the services of a DOT qualified plumber. Please call us at 1-888-460-4332, and we can help you to get answers to any questions you may have.
While the service line and/or equipment supplying natural gas to your home is currently safe, we ask that you make repairs as quickly as possible in order to avoid any unsafe situation in the future. As always, if you have concerns about your service or if you see, smell or hear natural gas:
- Stop what you’re doing. Don’t light a match, don’t turn any light switches on or off, and don’t or operate anything that could cause a spark. Don’t open the windows.
- Leave the area immediately. If you’re inside, get out immediately. If you’re outside, leave the area quickly.
- Call 911 and us from a safe location at 1-888-460-4332. Wait for crews to arrive.
In certain areas of Pennsylvania, including where you live, service lines are owned by the customers. This means that you are responsible for the repair of those facilities. More information can be found in the Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Tariff at Regulatory Information.
(a) Indicate a condition exceeding design limits; or
(b) Result in a hazard(s) to persons, property, or the environment
Repairs should be made as soon as possible by a Department of Transportation (DOT) Operator Qualified (OQ) professional plumber, if applicable. The DOT OQ professional plumber should ensure that all customer-owned natural gas facilities at your residence are compliant with the National Fuel Gas Code. Access a list of DOT Qualified Plumbers.