Be Aware of Natural Gas Lines Before Clearing Sewer or Septic Lines

HOUSTON, TX - When it comes to safety, CenterPoint Energy is committed to yours. Though incidents involving damage to natural gas pipelines due to excavation activities can occur, our team is dedicated to being proactive, helping prevent potential incidents or natural gas leaks from happening to you.

When a contractor or CenterPoint Energy crew is brought in for excavation during construction, sewer and/or septic blockage occasionally occurs and could potentially result in a hazardous situation involving natural gas and sewer or septic lines intersecting underground. For your safety, CenterPoint Energy urges you to take the following measures:

- If a block does occur, CenterPoint Energy WARNS customers and plumbing contractors against trying to drill through it. Call 811 so the proper underground natural gas facilities can be located, to help prevent potential damage and gas leaks.

- If you think that a natural gas line may have crossed a sewer or septic line, contact a qualified professional licensed and bonded plumber or contractor for a sewer or septic line inspection. They have cameras that are able to properly inspect the inside of a sewer or septic pipe.

- If the contractor discovers an issue with any CenterPoint Energy natural gas piping, we’ll work closely with them to resolve the problem. We’ve made efforts to inform sewer contractors and plumbers to call CenterPoint Energy if they need any assistance. We’re available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

- If the plumber or contractor discovers an issue with any CenterPoint Energy natural gas piping, we’ll work closely with them to resolve the problem. We’ve made efforts to inform plumbers and sewer contractors to call CenterPoint Energy if they need any assistance. We’re available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Are you beginning an excavation or project that may involve underground utilities or pipelines?
If so, it’s important that both customers and contractors have the location of underground utilities marked, which can be done by simply calling 811, free of charge. State law requires customers to call 811, the Call Before You Dig number, at least 48 hours or two working days before digging.

While natural gas is an important underground utility, customers are also responsible for marking private lines. These include but aren’t limited to:

- Private electric drops
- Invisible pet fences
- Sprinkler systems
- Yard lights
- Sewer and water lines
- Gas grill lines

If you do suspect a gas leak, please do not take any chances! Also, do not assume someone else has already called. Call the emergency gas leak telephone number below and CenterPoint Energy will investigate the suspected leak at no charge.