Can I install ag pipe over a gas pipe?

[ArashM]

Hi All,

I've been digging next to the retaining wall/fence from my front lawn all the way to my back fence. I'm planning to drain all the front lawn surface water (my house was built below council level - dumb builders 😞) by putting in an ag pipe. Back of the property is a stormwater drain, I'll connect the ag pipe to it.

Anyways, was digging in the front lawn along the fence to depth of around 40cm and hit the gas pipe. 

Yes, I contacted dial before you dig. the plan showed gas pipe supposed to be 2m from the fence. Reality, it was more like 30cm from the fence.

Luckily, I saw the warning tapes in the ground, so was progressing cautiously. However, I didn't expect the pipe to be so close to surface (30cm to surface). I took out small layer of pipe's surface plastic, test it with soap water no leakage. There's also a tiny white wire next to it, no clue what that is. I was quite surprised that they haven't encased the pipe into something sturdy.

Anyways, back to the main issue. Can I put my ag pipe on top of the gas pipe.

If not, what are my options 

Please advise 

Thank you 

Update: the thin white wire next to the gas pipe is mostly electrical.

 

   

[MitchellMc]

Hi @ArashM,

Even though there’s no immediate leakage, the pipe has still been damaged. This is a serious situation, and you should definitely contact your local gas supplier or utility company as soon as possible. They’ll need to assess the damage and advise on how it should be dealt with.

In terms of laying your ag pipe, the gas supplier will be able to tell you whether it’s safe to install the ag pipe directly over the gas pipe or if your drainage needs to be relocated. Typically, gas lines must be installed at a certain depth and have sufficient clearance from other utilities to prevent future issues, so I suspect that the position of your drainage will need to be adjusted.

Please don’t take any chances with the gas line, as even small damages can escalate into dangerous situations. Reach out to the utility company to ensure everything is addressed properly. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[ArashM]

Thanks Mitchell,

I called up Jemena and explained the issue. They had someone in the area. They came and took a look, and said leave it as is since it's not leaking because if we're gonna fix it, we actually have to cut the pipe and connect it together which basically can create a potential leak location.

Asked them about the ag pipe, they said they prefer nothing on top for ease of access but since ag pipe doesn't add additional load, should be okay if there's no other way.

I'll be just putting the ag pipe on top separating them with a layer of gravel in between. After all, if they need to access it in future, it'll be mich easier to just pull the ag pipe out, than to dig through heavy clay soil.

Thank you for your advice