Emergency

Leak Surveys & Safety Inspections

Helping Keep Your Natural Gas Service Safe

At YCNGA, safety is our top priority. Each year, we complete more than 40,000 safety inspections to help ensure the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to our customers.

These routine inspections include leak surveys, atmospheric corrosion checks, and meter inspections. They are required by the U.S. Department of Transportation and are completed every three to five years for most customers, or annually for properties located in business districts as defined by YCNGA.

What Is a Leak Survey?

A leak survey is a routine safety check performed by a trained technician using specialized equipment to detect potential natural gas leaks.

During a typical survey, the technician will walk the area between the natural gas main (located in the street or alley) and your gas meter. Depending on the location of your service line and meter, they may need access to a portion of your yard.

What to expect:

  • The inspection usually takes only a few minutes.
  • No digging is required.
  • The technician will not need to enter your home or business.
  • Surveys are typically completed during normal business hours, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Will Someone Need Permission to Enter My Property?

Authorized YCNGA employees and contractors have the right to access areas necessary to inspect and maintain natural gas facilities.

If access through a locked gate is needed, our technician will knock on your door and request permission to enter. If no one is available, they will leave a notice and may follow up by phone, email, or mail to arrange a convenient time.

For your safety, YCNGA will always work to verify the identity of anyone performing an inspection.

How Can I Identify a YCNGA Representative?

YCNGA employees and contractors will carry identification and arrive in clearly marked vehicles.

Look for:

  • YCNGA photo ID badge
  • Storti Quality Services ID badge
  • Safety vest
  • Vehicle displaying YCNGA and/or Storti Quality Services logos

If you are unsure, don't hesitate to ask for identification.

How Can You Help?

You can help us complete these important safety inspections quickly by:

  • Keeping your gas meter visible and free of plants, debris, hoses, or other obstructions.
  • Providing access to gated areas if requested.
  • Keeping pets safely away from the inspection area.
  • Responding promptly if you receive a notice requesting access.

These inspections help us maintain a safe and reliable natural gas system for our entire community.

Protect Your Gas Meter

Your gas meter and shut-off valve should always remain visible and accessible. Keeping this area clear allows:

  • Meter readers to accurately record your usage.
  • Safety inspectors to complete required inspections.
  • Emergency responders to quickly access your gas shut-off valve if needed.

Blocked or inaccessible meters can create safety concerns and may require corrective action to restore access.

Who Performs Leak Surveys?

YCNGA has partnered with Storti Quality Services to complete leak surveys and meter inspections.

If you have questions about an inspection or want to verify a technician's identity, contact us at 803-323-5304.

Inspection Requirements

YCNGA's inspection practices follow requirements established by the South Carolina Code of Regulations for Public Service Commission and applicable federal safety regulations.

103–425. Configuration and Location of Meter
A. No customer’s meter shall be configured and/or installed in any location where it may reasonably be expected to be exposed to damage, impairment or in any unduly dirty or inaccessible location.
B. Outdoor meters shall be used where practicable.
C. Each customer shall provide and maintain at the customer’s expense a suitable and convenient place, agreeable to the gas system, for the location of meters, where the meter will be readily accessible at any reasonable hour for the purpose of reading, testing, repairing, etc., and such other appliances owned by the gas system and placed on the premises of the customers shall be placed as to be readily accessible at such times as are necessary, and the authorized agent of the gas system shall have authority to visit such meters and appurtenances at such times as are necessary in the conduct of the business of the gas system.

See also: 103–442. Reasons for Denial or Discontinuance of Service.
South Carolina Code of State Regulations, Volume 48, Issue 3, effective March 22, 2024