What is the first place to look for a plastic (PE) main during hook up?

The most effective initial point to check for a plastic (polyethylene or PE) main during a hook-up is at the tracer wire located at the service riser. Tracer wire is specifically designed to allow for the detection of underground utility lines, including plastic mains. This wire provides a means of locating the PE main accurately because it is typically buried alongside or directly above the main itself.

When approaching a hook-up situation, starting at the tracer wire ensures that you are connected to the correct line and can assist in avoiding accidental damage to other buried utilities. Additionally, using the tracer wire allows for efficient and safe locating practices, which is critical when working with underground installations.

In contrast, checking the service riser or regulator station may not provide the immediate confirmation needed for locating a plastic main. While the service riser is where the gas service enters a building and might indicate the presence of gas lines, it does not offer specific information about underground mains. The regulator station, which is concerned with regulating gas pressure, is also not a direct indicator of the main's location. Thus, the tracer wire serves as the most reliable and direct method for identifying the location of the PE main during the hook-up process.