Laying a gas pipeline to a private house: methods, equipment, basic requirements

The design and installation of a gas pipeline is the prerogative of specialized gas services; this work cannot be carried out independently. The owner of the gasified area is responsible for collecting the necessary documentation, obtaining permits for gas supply and putting the pipeline into operation.

Agree, for those who are faced with such a task for the first time, it is quite difficult to figure out where to start and where to turn. We suggest you sort things out in order.

We will tell you what permits and design documents need to be prepared, outline the main regulatory requirements, and the algorithm of actions when laying and connecting a gas pipeline. In addition, we will provide tips on choosing a contractor and describe how the delivery, launch and adjustment of the gas main takes place.

Package of permits

A list of such documents cannot be compiled without reference to a specific building; its composition depends on many nuances. For example, when gas communications have to pass through neighbors' properties, you will have to obtain permission from their owners.

The specific list can be clarified with the design organization, but in most cases the following is required:

1. Copies of ID cards of all owners.
2. A certificate confirming ownership of the land and the buildings located on it.
3. Certificate of inspection of the premises in which installation is planned. The inspection is carried out by a representative of the Indoor Gas Equipment Service (SVDGO).
4. Gasification permit confirming the technical feasibility of carrying out these actions. The document is drawn up by the Architectural and Design Department and certified by its head.
5. Technical specifications for gasification houses issued by Gorgaz.

The listed documents must be accompanied by a technical passport from the Bureau of Technical Inventory along with a scaled map of the site with all the buildings that are planned to be gasified. You will also need a diagram of all communications and the designed gas pipeline, certified by the gas service.

Option for a graphical application for gasification of a residential building, which will need to be included in the package of permits

The prepared package is provided to employees of the selected design organization. Based on it, a gasification project is developed taking into account all the features of the site and the buildings located on it.

What influences the preparation of the project

If special skills are lacking, independent design is undesirable and unlikely to be feasible. In progress work on the project many factors that are known only to specialists must be taken into account.

Among them are:

• depth of groundwater, soil specifics, landscape and climatic features;
• the depth at which the central route runs;
• distance from the pipeline to the building, taking into account the depth of the outlet;
• SNiP requirements for equipment and connection points.

In addition to what is listed in the project, the method of laying the highway must be shown, gas pipeline diameter, the necessary set of instruments and fittings, materials used, features of joints and internal wiring.

Methods for arranging a gas pipeline

The main criterion for classification is working pressure in the gas pipeline. According to this characteristic, systems with low pressure, where the maximum does not exceed 5 kPa, are of interest for domestic needs.

Classification of gas pipeline systems

An important parameter is the methods of laying an individual gas pipeline from the main network transporting blue fuel to a private house/cottage.

He can be:

• underground;
• ground;
• underwater

The latter option is relevant for a gas pipeline that meets lakes, rivers or seas along its route. For a private house, the first 2 methods are used.

Depending on the location of the gas network, it can be external or internal. In practice, there is often a need to combine several routing options, since routing conditions from the main highway can vary greatly.

Regardless of the method of supplying gas to a private home, such systems operate with low pressure not exceeding 5 kPa

For example, the branch from the central highway, passing over the road, will be elevated. Then it goes deep into the ground and is brought to the structure in an underground version.

Underground installation method

The most labor-intensive and costly option, which requires preliminary preparation of a trench for drainage from the main highway.In this case, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the plan, which precisely determines at what depth the gas pipeline should be laid. Usually it is from 1.5-2 m.

The following factors can significantly influence the installation of communications:

• groundwater;
• seismic activity;
• abundance of corrosive elements in the soil;
• presence of obstacles and road surfaces.

It is simpler and cheaper, in terms of overall gasification costs, to use horizontal drilling. Expenses are approximately reduced by 3 times.

In addition, the technology allows:

• reduce installation time;
• bypass the road surface and existing communications;
• minimize damage to the ecology of the site.

A pilot well is drilled with a special device, which is then enlarged to the designed size. The walls are fixed with a solution, after fixing which the gas pipeline is pulled.

To supply gas, above-ground or underground branches from the main can be used, which are combined with internal or external wiring

If there is a threat of electrical or mechanical damage, the pipes are protected with a steel case. This increases the cost, but makes the outlet more reliable and durable.

Laying an overhead gas pipeline

This gasification option involves installation on special supports. It is much cheaper and allows you to save up to 60% of money compared to the previous method.

A significant disadvantage is the need to protect against a number of factors:

• deforming influences;
• mechanical loads;
• corrosion damage;
• temperature changes.

The disadvantages include the possibility of arbitrary insertion into the highway, which requires regular inspection of it for structural integrity and absence of violations.

To prevent arbitrary insertion into the overhead system, it is necessary to create a security zone that impedes access to the highway

Such a threat is reduced to zero when the pipes are laid across the territory of one’s own site, access to which is as limited as possible for outsiders.

External and internal network

The internal type of installation is carried out in a specially adapted room. In this case, it is necessary to provide access to the wiring, which cannot be hidden in the walls or covered with any overlays.

Regardless of external or internal installation on the wall of a building, the equipment must be accessible for maintenance

The opposite connection option involves laying pipes on special brackets that are securely fixed to the entrance.

The main requirement is maximum protection from strangers.

In a fenced area, if there is a cornice, external installation can be carried out without a protective box

Protection from unauthorized access and natural influences is provided by a box with a door that is locked with a key. It is usually installed when installing a gas meter outside the building.

Which option is better to use?

Each method of laying gas pipelines has its own list of advantages and disadvantages. But when designing a gas pipeline, they are taken into account or ignored based on the conditions of the specific section where the routing will be performed.

It will be difficult to carry out an underground branch from the highway through the neighbor’s plot due to the abundance of earthworks

For example, the above-ground option will be preferable when the following conditions are met:

• the soil is saturated with corrosive elements that can destroy metal during use;
• the outlet passes through the territory of the neighboring site;
• The main pipe is separated from the site by road surface.

If routing is carried out under high-voltage lines, it is recommended to choose an underground option, which will provide protection from high voltage.

Gas lines made of polymers

For above-ground gasification options, it is recommended to use pipes made of low-alloy steel alloys that are resistant to external influences.

Features of plastic structures

Underground installation allows the use of polypropylene pipes, which saves on installation costs and provides a number of other advantages.

The advantages are due, first of all, to the properties of the material:

• high anti-corrosion resistance, which has a positive effect not only on installation costs, but also reduces operating costs;
• ease of processing — the material cuts well and can be welded, which simplifies installation;
• perfectly smooth internal cavity provides good throughput properties, the features of the material make it possible to avoid their reduction during use;
• lack of sensitivity to electric currents, which provides high security and eliminates the need for additional protection.

In addition to the above advantages, such pipes have a high level of flexibility, which allows them to be used for horizontal drilling.

Polypropylene pipes are gradually replacing their metal counterparts due to their high reliability and durability

To this should be added a small mass, which is several times lower than its steel counterpart. An important advantage is the service life of about 50 years. All this time the system operates without loss of specified characteristics.

Restrictions on the use of pipes

Despite their high resistance to external influences, such pipes cannot always be used. There are a number of restrictions under which their installation is not allowed.

These include:

• climatic conditions in which the temperature drops below 45 °C, which leads to freezing of the soil and walls of the outlet;
• use of liquefied hydrocarbons;
• high seismic activity with a magnitude of more than 7 points, when there is no possibility for ultrasonic monitoring of the integrity of seam joints.

In addition, polypropylene materials cannot be used to create overhead communications of all types, including bypass sections through natural or man-made barriers.

Highways and branches from them passing over the road or other obstacles must be made only of metal

Their installation through tunnels, collectors, and channels is excluded. For introducing the system into the house and only steel analogues are used for wiring on it.

Additional recommendations for choosing pipes for laying a gas pipeline are given in the article - Gas pipes: a comparative review of all types of gas pipes + how to choose the best option

General requirements for gasification

Gas heating is a service with a high level of potential danger. For this reason, there is a whole set of requirements that must be met regardless of the material used and the chosen method of laying the system.

The basic rules include the following:

1. Possibility of constant and free access to all connecting elements of the gas pipeline system; such nodes cannot be walled up in walls.
2. No contact with flammable elements of the building, which include door frames, window frames, partitions made of flammable materials, and other similar structures.
3. Wiring without bevels inside and outside the house. Strictly vertical installation is mandatory, and in the horizontal version, a slope of 2 to 5 mm is allowed with a distance of a meter to the instrument devices.
4. Placement of the riser outside habitable premises. If there is no suitable interior space, it can be installed from the outside along the facade; the permissible slope cannot exceed 2 mm.

When designing the installation, it is recommended to pay particular attention to the installation of taps. Their center line in any case should be parallel to the wall.

When installing equipment, be sure to check the correct location of the gas taps relative to the wall

Without compliance with these and other requirements of SNiPs, the gas pipeline will not be put into operation. Additional costs for eliminating such violations are the least of the troubles. Putting into operation with such deficiencies can lead to more serious consequences.

When is the gasification project ready?

A prerequisite for the transition from the design stage to construction and installation work is the coordination of the project with the technical department of the gas service. This procedure is usually completed within 2 weeks.

Selecting a contractor and concluding a contract

After approval, the following must be attached to the project:

• estimate for the implementation of work provided for by the project;
• agreement on technical supervision;
• a report on the inspection of smoke ventilation ducts, drawn up and signed by a representative of the VDPO service.

When the entire list of necessary documents is in hand, you can proceed to the arrangement.As a rule, any design organization has a license for construction and installation work. If such a license is not available, you will have to worry about finding a contractor.

Since it is the installation organization that will be responsible for the construction and delivery of the gas pipeline, it is advisable to:

• check the license for gasification;
• view other permits;
• Ensure that employees have appropriate clearances.

Before concluding a contract, it is necessary to agree on and approve the installation deadlines, which should be recorded in the contract.

When performing installation, fire extinguishing agents designed for class “C” fires (gas combustion) must be on hand.

In addition to other obligations, the work agreement must include the following conditions:

• employees of the organization working at the site have a protective screen that protects the walls from heating, and all the necessary fire extinguishing equipment;
• issuing executive technical documents to the customer immediately after completing calculations for the work provided for in the project;
• the contractor’s obligation to complete the installation within the agreed time frame, in accordance with established standards and the required level of quality;
• the contractor’s obligation to promptly draw up all required executive and technical documentation.

The contractor must provide the customer with the specified documents after completing the installation work, before the commission’s visit to the site.

Commissioning of the gas pipeline

The delivery of the finished gas pipeline is carried out in the presence of a commission, which includes representatives of the contractor, the gas service and the customer himself.During the acceptance process, it is necessary to check the presence of all equipment provided for in the project, its correct installation and connection.

The commission accepts work from 2 weeks to a month. If no deficiencies are identified, the gas service representative issues a receipt for payment, which the customer pays, and a copy of the document is given to the contractor.

After acceptance of the finished gas pipeline, the system meter must be sealed in the presence of the customer

The contractor transfers all technical documentation to the gas service, where it is stored for the entire period of operation. Based on the results of the commission’s work, the gas service must seal the meter within 3 weeks, after which the system is considered ready to supply gas.

The agreement with Gorgaz regulates the maintenance of the system, for which this service will be responsible. This is the basis for the gas supply.

In addition to concluding a contract, you will need to undergo safety training. It is carried out at the company’s office or at your place of residence by a specialist with the appropriate clearance. In any case, after the briefing, the customer must confirm the completed training with a signature in the accounting log.

Launching and setting up the system

The insertion is carried out by the appropriate service, the procedure is paid, and is carried out within a predetermined time frame, when all equipment has been accepted and found functional.

Tapping into the main pipe under pressure must be carried out by specialists using appropriate equipment

After this is carried out test run, checking instrumentation and meter for leaks.

The final debugging of the equipment and launch is carried out by the equipment supplier, with which there is a service agreement:

• The system is starting up;
• it is adjusted to the optimal operating mode;
• The company representative is obliged to explain all the nuances of the operation of the equipment and the rules for its operation.

In cases where malfunctions and other problems are noticed, the launch is suspended until they are resolved.

If everything is in order and the launch was successful, a bilateral act is signed confirming the completion of the work.

Read about the prices for connecting gas to a private home and the financial costs of putting the system into operation. this article.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video about collecting documents, requirements, equipment and its maintenance:

The video will tell you about the necessary documents, estimated prices, purchasing equipment, connection problems and the main stages of the process:

Using natural gas for heating is one of the most economical methods. All expenses for gasification pay off relatively quickly. The only drawback is the increased danger. But correct installation, timely maintenance and operation without violations reduce all risks to a minimum.

Do you have anything to add, or do you have questions about gasification of a private home? You can leave comments on the publication, participate in discussions and share your own experience of laying a gas pipeline. The contact form is located in the lower block.