The gas line that runs between the tank and the structure
housing the gas appliances is the service piping, also known as the yard line.
The propane yard line generally consists of copper tubing or plastic
polyethylene piping. The service piping needs to be installed correctly and
legally in conjunction with the propane tank for the entire outside portion of
the installation to be safe and serviceable.
The part of the yard line that is visible is where it comes
out of the ground next to the tank and at the point it enters the building or
where it connects to the point of use, such as a generator or pool heater. Only
approved materials and fittings are to be used for any part of a propane gas
service line. Materials such as PVC, rubber hose and flex lines are illegal and
are not to be used in any part of the gas service line.
Important Note About Underground Piping Materials -
Allowable materials used for underground piping/tubing vary from state to
state. The photos here depict copper tubing installed underground in a state
where copper tubing is approved for underground yard line installations. Copper
tubing is not an approved underground piping material in some states. Consult a
licensed propane company in your state for more information about approved
underground gas piping and yard line requirements.
Propane Line Depth Requirements
The yard line is subject to depth requirements for the
protection of the line and connections on either end. Depths range from 12 to
18 inches underground, depending on vehicular traffic. The reason for this
depth requirement is simple - the earth, dirt, sand or whatever is covering the
line needs to adequately protect the underground gas line from damage. A copper
line running under a dirt drive that is buried just a few inches underground
can be easily crimped or crushed by the weight of a vehicle. Similarly, a line
running on the surface of the ground can easily be damaged by accidentally
tripping over it. The inadvertent movement of the gas service line can cause
leaks to form at the connections on either end of the line. For these simple
reasons, the gas line needs to be buried at a safe and required depth. Propane
gas lines running along the top of the ground (pictured below) constitute
illegal installations.
LP Gas Underground Piping Materials
The materials used for underground piping and tubing are
subject to strict limitations. These material requirements are in place because
of the unfriendly underground environment the pipe and tubing will be exposed
to. Like underground propane tanks, buried piping and tubing must be made of a
material that will resist harsh underground conditions. Additional protective
measures must be taken in certain cases like placing the gas line in a PVC
sleeve or wrapping it with a protective tape. All of these measures are for the
protection against loss of propane. If unapproved materials are used for
underground piping, propane leaks will form. Also, piping materials such as
steel must be protected by sleeving or taping the service line or corrosion
will begin to damage the piping.
source: http://www.propane101.com/lpgasserviceline.htm
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