Customer Owned Gas Service Lines (Customer Houselines)

What is a Customer-Owned Gas Service Line(s) or Customer Houseline(s)?

Natural gas pipelines serving the individual building structures (residential, commercial and industrial) originate at the main gas line located in the street, alley or parkway and run through your property to a Long Beach Utilities gas meter. This section of natural gas pipeline is owned and maintained by LB Utilities.

The section of natural gas pipeline running from the LB Utilities gas meter to the building structure and/or any other outdoor natural gas consuming appliances, such as pool heaters, spas, barbecues, boilers, etc., is called a Customer-Owned Gas Services Line(s) or Customer Houseline and it is the building/property owner's responsibility to maintain. LB Utilities does not maintain Customer Houseline(s). Portions of the Customer Houseline(s) may be buried.

What are the hazards associated with buried Customer Houseline(s) if not properly maintained?

Corrosion and leakage are the hazards associated with buried pipes.

What can the customer do to maintain Customer Houseline(s)?

• Perform periodic inspections for leaks and inspect metallic pipe for corrosion.
• Repair any leaks and excessive pipeline metal loss due to corrosion and any other unsafe condition that is discovered.
• When planning to excavate, call DigAlert at (800) 227-2600 at least two full working days prior to digging. Beneath the surface of the ground, hidden from view, utility pipelines may be present. If you do not know exactly where they are, your digging could cause severe damage or service disruption.
• Natural gas pipelines should be located in advance and when possible, excavated by hand.

Who can assist the customer in maintaining Customer Houseline(s)?

Licensed plumbers and pipe leak detection companies can assist in locating, inspecting, and repairing Customer-Owned Gas Service Line(s).

Learn more about natural gas leaks and what to do on our Natural Gas Safety page.