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The Mississippi Home Inspector Board website has a helpful article about the role of home inspectors in gas safety. But with our aging gas systems—and recent accidents—we need to look closer at the bigger picture.
The Hidden Dangers of Aging Gas Lines
Basic safety checks and visual inspections are essential but can only go so far. Home inspectors can’t see underground gas lines, and that’s where some of the biggest dangers hide. The recent Atmos Energy issues, including a major gas line rupture in Lee County and explosions in Jackson, show how risky old infrastructure can be.
Short note about the Jackson, Mississippi explosions.
The January 2024 natural gas explosions in Jackson, Mississippi, also involved Atmos Energy. These earlier incidents, which destroyed homes on Shalimar Drive and Bristol Boulevard, claimed the life of 82-year-old Clara Barbour and destroyed multiple properties. According to NTSB preliminary reports released in February 2024, leaks were discovered near both explosion sites weeks before the incidents. One leak, [VIDEO] classified as a Grade 2 leak (non-hazardous but requiring future repair), was found on November 11, 2023, near Bristol Boulevard, and another, classified as a Grade 3 leak (non-hazardous), was identified on December 1, 2023, near Shalimar Drive. Atmos Energy did not repair either leak prior to the explosions. The NTSB opened a public docket in January 2025, releasing 128 items related to the investigation, which remains ongoing. At the time, Atmos Energy reported that all below-ground leaks identified in South Jackson as of January 24, 2024, were closed in 2024, within the required federal or state timelines. This history underscores ongoing concerns about Atmos Energy’s leak assessment and repair practices, which are now under further scrutiny following the recent South Jackson explosions.
The article stresses the importance of checking for gas leaks and properly connecting appliances. But it’s also important to consider how old gas lines are and what they’re made of. Many of Mississippi’s gas pipes, especially in older neighborhoods, were installed before 1975—long past their expected lifespan.
Gas Safety: What Green Flames from Manholes Reveal About Utility Risks
A recent incident at Texas Tech University made headlines when green flames shot out of manholes. This happened because of electrical faults in underground copper wiring, proving how different utility systems are all connected—and how one failure can lead to another.
While the article reminds inspectors to stay alert, it’s also important to understand the limits of what they can see. Buried gas lines are underground, and inspectors can only look for indirect clues. That’s where information from remodeling contractors may be helpful. When they dig, they can see the pipes and report on their condition, giving inspectors valuable insight. Even the age and type of gas meter can give clues about how old the gas system is. Older meters, often made of cast iron with mechanical dials, usually mean old gas lines, too. Companies like Sprague, Rockwell, and American Meter Company were popular in Mississippi decades ago, and while meters get replaced, the pipes underneath might not.
The Role of Home Inspectors vs. Certified Gas Technicians
The article also stresses the importance of talking to homeowners about potential risks, and that’s key. But inspectors also need to be upfront about what they can and can’t do. They can’t fully assess underground gas lines, and that’s okay. Instead, homeowners should be encouraged to have regular inspections done by certified gas technicians—especially if they live in an older home.Gas detectors are useful, but they only warn people after a leak has already happened. The real focus should be on preventing leaks in the first place. The materials and age of gas lines need more attention.
Atmos Energy’s recent statement about the Tupelo gas outage highlights how tough it is to restore service after a major pipeline failure. This is another reason why investing in maintaining and upgrading gas infrastructure before problems arise is so important.
Overall, the article covers gas safety inspections well, but there’s more to discuss. By focusing on infrastructure age, materials, and the limits of home inspections, we can better educate homeowners and help keep Mississippi homes safe.
