Natural Gas Facts

Natural Gas is lighter than air, non-toxic, and contains no poisonous ingredients.  Breathing natural gas is not harmful as long as there is an adequate supply of air to breathe along with it.

Natural Gas by itself will not burn.  Combustion can occur only when there is a mixture of gas and air containing between 4 percent and 15 percent natural gas and between 95 percent and 85 percent air.

Natural Gas, in its natural state, is odorless.  An odor that smells like rotten eggs is added to natural gas so that you can smell it.

Because of its unique qualities of being lighter than air with a narrow band of combustion, natural gas is the safest energy source available.  Understanding and following safety procedures will make it even safer.

Remember that any and all gas pipe downstream of the gas meter (the "building" side) belongs to you, the gas customer, and the gas customer is responsible for maintenance and operation of this portion of the fuel line system.  We do not own the gas beyond the meter; therefore, we do not routinely maintain or locate fuel lines.  Commercial plumbers and/or heating contractors may be contacted when gas fuel lines need attention.

Buried gas piping should be:
• Periodically inspected for leaks;
• Periodically inspected for corrosion if the piping is metallic;
• Repaired if any unsafe condition is discovered, or the flow of gas should be shut off;
• When excavation is performed or is about to be performed near the buried gas piping, the piping should be located and marked in advance, and any excavating performed near the pipe should be done by hand.

Excess Flow Valves

All single residence customers whose request for natural gas service requires the installation of a new or replacement service line may request the installation of an excess flow valve in the new or replacement service line.

An excess flow valve is a device designed to shut off the flow of natural gas automatically in the event the gas service line is broken.  The potential problem with these valves is that they are a mechanical device and could unintentionally shut off the flow of gas to you the customer at unwanted times.

Rockwood Water, Sewer & Gas is required to inform our customers that excess flow valves meeting minimum United States Department of Transportation standards are available and that if you, the customer, are willing to pay the cost associated with installation, maintenance and replacement of the valve, Rockwood Water, Sewer & Gas will have an excess flow valve installed in the new or replacement natural gas service line to you.  It is not mandatory to have an excess flow valve installed.

If you are interested in having an excess flow valve installed in your new or replacement natural gas service line, please ask a Rockwood Water, Sewer & Gas Customer Service Representative for current cost information.  Price quotes for the installation, maintenance and future replacement of the valve will be provided at the time the request is made.

Tennessee One Call 1-800-351-1111 or 811

at least three days (72 hours) in advance so that all Rockwood Water, Sewer & Gas owned buried pipe may be located and marked for you at no charge.

All digging in the vicinity of piping should be carefully done by hand.  This will avoid the inconvenience of disrupted service, personal injury, and expensive repairs.

Violation of the "Call before you Dig" Act is a Class A misdemeanor and subject to a fine up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment for 48 hours.

If a gas main or service line is exposed during digging, call Rockwood Water, Sewer & Gas.  Proper attention to pipe that has been exposed will prevent problems later.