Underground air line-good idea or bad idea?

[Jimmy S]

howdy folks,



I’m planning to run a gas line from my house to the detached garage workshop. It occurred to me that once I have the trench dug for the gas line I could also put in an airline. I can benefit from this in three ways. 1) This would allow me to relocate my noisy compressor to the basement. 2) open up floor space in shop. And 3) free up a much needed breaker in the garage panel. Other than some possible issues with condensation, what would be some of the down sides to such a set up. Anybody have experience with doing this. I live in Michigan and the winter temps can dip below zero degrees from time to time. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[HOTFR8]

Welcome to the GJ. May I suggest you post your question in General discussion as you should get a better answer to that than here in the intro section.

 

[fatboy621]

I run a line from the she to the garage for my compressor . I used water line that comes in a big roll. Just make sure to get the one that is rated for the max pressure you need. Mine is rated for 300 PSI. I have not noticed any more water in the line than before but I put a trap and oiler in the garage an try to drain the tank every once and a while. This was one of the best things I have done, no noise!

 

[Sureshot]

I ran an air line from the shop to the house and it was the best thing I ever did. It ruptured once in winter(long story) and I had to run another inside. Moral of the story is run two if it is not far. As well as phone, ethernet, tv and anything else. I would even run some extra Pex lines for hot and cold water or you can use them to feed through a future wire or hose. Intercom would be cool or security system. Switched power to a furnace, block heater plug, yard light, shop light, the possibilities are endless.

 

[ford33]

I don't believe this is a good idea. You want to bury a natural gas line next to a compressed air line and possibly next to an electrical line. You, my friend, have all the ingredients of fuel, air and ignition source in a confined space to make an explosion. I don't think this is a good idea at all. But...I am not an expert so suggest you consult with some of the true experts on this site.

Someone could get hurt if they trenched the yard and ruptured the lines and it exploded with mud, metal pipe and rock. You may not be home to warn the cable tv or telephone company or water department worker when they decide to bury a line your yard and encounter your buried lines. Also, your village or city may have restrictions and require permits to bury high pressure lines and electrical lines underground.

Finally, what will happen in 10 years if the lines are still in use and under pressure? Will your grandchildren be safe in the yard with a buried high pressure air line, natural gas line and electrical wire that has not been inspected for 10 years near them.

I like the idea of a quiet garage with heat and electricity but think this route is not worth the risks. Purchase a second compressor for the basement or consider hiring a professional to guide you in this installation. There are plenty of knowledgeable people on this forum or in your village building department who will guide you.

 

[larry_g]

I don't believe this is a good idea. You want to bury a natural gas line next to a compressed air line and possibly next to an electrical line. You, my friend, have all the ingredients of fuel, air and ignition source in a confined space to make an explosion. I don't think this is a good idea at all. But...I am not an expert so suggest you consult with some of the true experts on this site.

Someone could get hurt if they trenched the yard and ruptured the lines and it exploded with mud, metal pipe and rock. You may not be home to warn the cable tv or telephone company or water department worker when they decide to bury a line your yard and encounter your buried lines. Also, your village or city may have restrictions and require permits to bury high pressure lines and electrical lines underground.

Finally, what will happen in 10 years if the lines are still in use and under pressure? Will your grandchildren be safe in the yard with a buried high pressure air line, natural gas line and electrical wire that has not been inspected for 10 years near them.

All I can say is WOW. Millions of miles of underground utilities buried all over the world, I'm surprised we humans are still alive.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[larry_g]

howdy folks,



I’m planning to run a gas line from my house to the detached garage workshop. It occurred to me that once I have the trench dug for the gas line I could also put in an airline. I can benefit from this in three ways. 1) This would allow me to relocate my noisy compressor to the basement. 2) open up floor space in shop. And 3) free up a much needed breaker in the garage panel. Other than some possible issues with condensation, what would be some of the down sides to such a set up. Anybody have experience with doing this. I live in Michigan and the winter temps can dip below zero degrees from time to time. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Jimmy, welcome to the board. Search around here as this topic has been discussed numerous times in the last couple of years. here is the latest http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152061&page=2

lg
no neat sig line

 

[ford33]

I don't believe gas and electrical and air lines are buried in one small trench. But as I said I am not an expert just looking at the possiblities.

 

[rsanter]

I do not see a problem at all with them in the same trench

If you are going to do it I would bury 2 additional pieces of PVC pipe for future use just like someone else said

I would run the air through metal pipe or if you want to run a flexible type material or hose I would run it in 2" PVC so a replacement could pulled in the future if needed.

Tip
When you backfill the trench put 6" of dirt then run a piece of the plastic caution tape over the pipes an then continue to backfill.
If you will be burying the pipes 2-3 ft deep then add a second piece of caution tape 8-12" below the top surface

Bob

 

[dankicksass]

Underground air line is a water trap.

 

[pop pop]

Just don't bring the gas line up into the garage from the floor. Come up outside and through the wall. Many building explosions have happend caused by gas lines buried under floors/foundations.