1 1/4 gas line under a 6 in drive way

[Matthew Skowron]

I have hear a 1 1/4 polly gas line, developed length meter to building aprox 65 ft, of witch 50 ft is incased in a 4 in Sch 40 PVC sleave under a 6 in thick drive way. This is to an apartment complex (new construction) gas system is not Engeneered. The line is 3 ft deep, I asked the plumber to vent the 4 in PVC pipe that is 50 ft long and running under the drive way. Section 404.14.1 of the 2006 IFGC has limitations for plastic polly gas lines but has the wording "building or slab" I feal i am justifyed in asking for the vent but am unable to locate any explanation or direction to allow me to ask for the vent my thinking is the fact it is under a concrete drive and is a 4 in pipe. I put on my report seal both ends and provide a vent on the sleave. Any thoughts on what to do hear?

[James Duffin]

I would ask somebody to give you a second opinion. You might be right on but this a unique situation so more input could be warranted. Do you have any pictures to share with us?

[Jerry Peck]

under a 6 in thick drive way.

Section 404.14.1 of the 2006 IFGC has limitations for plastic polly gas lines but has the wording "building or slab"

Is that 6 inch thick drive a concrete slab, pavers, or what. (I asked that with that particular wording for a reason.)

What if it ran under a 4 inch thick concrete patio slab?

A "slab" is a contiguous mass, and, as such, does not allow leaking gas to escape, but rather retains and traps the leaking gas until it accumulates into the necessary amount to become very explosive with the slightest source of ignition (such as a hot car tailpipe). Even with the sleeve, that is not allowed to be run under "the slab".


From the 2006 IFGC. (underlining is mine)
- 404.14 Plastic pipe. The installation of plastic pipe shall comply with Sections 404.14.1 through 404.14.3.

- - 404.14.1 Limitations. Plastic pipe shall be installed outside underground only. Plastic pipe shall not be used within or under any building or slab or be operated at pressures greater than 100 psig (689 kPa) for natural gas or 30 psig (207 kPa) for LP-gas. (Jerry's note: There are 4 restrictions specified: 1) "building", or, 2) "slab" which includes 'other than a building' because 'building' is already stated, or, 3) "greater than 100 psig" for natural gas, or, 4) "30 psig for LP-gas".)

- - - Exceptions:

- - - - 1. Plastic pipe shall be permitted to terminate above ground outside of buildings where installed in premanufactured anodeless risers or service head adapter risers that are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- - - - 2. Plastic pipe shall be permitted to terminate with a wall head adapter within buildings where the plastic pipe is inserted in a piping material for fuel gas use in buildings.

[Jack Feldmann]

Matthew,
As a side note - please get and use spell check, or at least have a dictionary close by. I think I counted 12 errors in your one paragraph.
JF

[Matthew Skowron]

Thanks i know i spell badly, the slab is a driveway that wraps around the complex no paving.

[Jerry Peck]

the slab is a driveway that wraps around the complex no paving.

Here is the simple solution, then: Cut out about a 3' to 4' or wider section of the slab above the pipe, in-fill that area with pavers, which will not only allow water to percolate down through the soil, but will also allow gas to percolate up through the soil should there be a leak.

I'm guessing on the width, the width that I would select would be based on the depth of the gas line, and, *at a minimum*, angle upward at 45 degrees from each side of the sleeve. If the sleeve is 6", and is buried 24" deep, then 45 degrees would make it 24" + 24" + 6" = 54" wide.