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| Like many utilities, NIPSCO installs underground natural gas pipelines and power lines using a trenchless technique that avoids damage to streets, sidewalks and landscapes. On rare occasions, sewer laterals serving homes or businesses may not be detected when new utility lines are installed in this manner. As a result, a utility line may be bored directly through a sewer lateral in what is known as a “cross bore.” |
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In‑Person Presentation on the NIPSCO
e‑SMARTworkers website |
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| Know the Dangers |
| A cross bore through a sewer lateral will impede the flow of sewage and eventually lead to a blockage. If you attempt to remove the blockage with mechanical equipment, you risk cutting a live natural gas or electric utility line, threatening lives and property with fire, explosion or serious electrical shock. |
| Take These Steps to Work Safely |
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Before clearing any blocked sewer lateral, call 811 and request a utility locate for a sewer blockage. Utilities that might cross the sewer line will be located and marked. |
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Always contact your state 811 center before digging and for the most current requirements. |
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If markings cross the path of a sewer line, a cross bore may be causing the blockage. Use an inline camera to inspect the blockage. If the camera view is obstructed due to the clog, vacuum it out first. |
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If a camera is not available, run a hydro-jetter through the line to clear it. Do NOT use a cutting tool. If you sense resistance that does not resemble a tree root or other common obstruction, do not force it. Stop immediately and call NIPSCO. |
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If you have used a cutting tool, look for colored plastic on the blades when you withdraw it, and watch for gas bubbles escaping. If you suspect a gas leak, warn all inhabitants and evacuate immediately. Do not use anything electrical, even a phone or light switch, as any spark could ignite the leaking gas. From a safe location, call 911 immediately and then NIPSCO at 800‑634‑3524. |
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If you hit an electric line, warn others and leave the area immediately. Abandon tools and equipment. Anything in contact with the power line poses a serious shock hazard. Call 911 immediately and then NIPSCO at 800‑634‑3524. |
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| If You Work for a Public Sewer Agency |
| Be alert for cross bores in sewer mains, and follow the precautions cited here before attempting to clear any blockage. |
| Would You Like to Know More? |
| Additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos and training tools can all be found, at no charge to you, on NIPSCO's e‑SMARTworkers website. |
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