Residential gas lines are generally built to be durable, long-lasting, and reliable. Most are made from black steel, flexible corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST), or polyethylene for underground lines – all materials designed to resist corrosion and handle high-pressure flow. Gas also doesn’t have the same erosion issues as water, which means that gas piping is not prone to the same challenges that sewer and water lines are.
But, despite their durability, gas lines can and do experience problems over time, and when they do, the consequences can be serious – often even more so than almost anything that can be caused by water piping. That is why it is so important to monitor the lines frequently, even though these issues might be rare, because one small issue can have disastrous consequences.
Gas Line Failures Are Rare, But Not Uncommon
Gas lines do not typically fail at random. The majority of problems occur as a result of specific and identifiable conditions – many of which can be mitigated with proper maintenance and inspection. That said, failures and leaks still occur more frequently than most homeowners realize.
- According to data from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), there are hundreds of reported residential gas-related incidents annually in the U.S., though this number includes all types of gas system problems—not just line failures.
- Homeowners in older homes, especially those built before 1980, are at greater risk, as materials used at that time are more prone to corrosion or degradation.
- Tree roots, soil movement, and ground settling can all contribute to underground gas line problems, especially when the lines have been in place for decades.
- Improper installation, lack of bonding for CSST lines, or damage during renovation work can also lead to slow-developing leaks or complete line failures.
Most residential gas systems can operate safely for decades without issue – but that does not mean they are immune to problems, particularly when parts of the system are aging or exposed to stress.
Signs That a Problem May Be Developing
Because natural gas is colorless and odorless until mercaptan is added, issues can go unnoticed unless someone is actively monitoring for them. This is why detection and periodic inspection are so important.
Common signs of gas line issues may include:
- A persistent sulfur or rotten egg smell
- Dead patches in landscaping or unexplained plant death near underground lines
- Hissing or whistling sounds near gas appliances or lines
- Higher-than-normal gas bills with no change in usage
- Appliance performance issues, like pilot lights frequently going out
Even if none of these are present, gas lines that are decades old or installed prior to modern code changes may still need evaluation.
Routine Inspections Can Prevent Emergencies
In many cities, including New York City, gas piping inspections are now mandatory in residential buildings under regulations such as Local Law 152. These inspections are designed to identify leaks, corrosion, and improper installations before they lead to safety risks. Even in areas without such mandates, it is increasingly recommended that homeowners with older properties consider a preventive gas line inspection every 5 to 10 years.
In newer homes with properly installed gas systems, issues are considerably less common. But time, external factors, and mechanical damage can still lead to slow degradation – making proactive assessment an important part of long-term property safety.
Aging Systems Require More Attention
As homes age, so do their utilities. If your property has not had its gas lines inspected in more than 20 years – or if you’ve started to notice signs of aging infrastructure – it may be time to schedule a professional inspection. Gas lines may not fail often, but when they do, it often comes without much warning. Timely inspection and code-compliant repairs remain the most effective way to prevent a potentially hazardous situation.