Gas Safety Lessons from Michigan Court Case: Corroded Line Explosion

A recent Michigan court decision offers important insights into gas safety responsibilities and risk management. The case involved an explosion at a Commerce Township home, where investigators found severely corroded customer-owned steel piping under a deck. The homeowner sued Consumers Energy, alleging that vibrations from service line replacement work caused cracks in the pipe. The court dismissed the claim, citing lack of evidence and well-established legal principles.

Key Gas Safety Lessons

1. Ownership Defines Responsibility

   Utilities typically own mains, service lines, and meters—not downstream piping. Inspection and maintenance of customer-owned lines remain the property owner’s duty.

2. Inspection Is Non-Negotiable

   The corroded steel pipe had never been inspected. Regular checks on exposed or aging piping are essential to prevent catastrophic failures.

3. Material Compatibility Risks

   Dissimilar metals (steel and copper) can cause galvanic corrosion over time. While utilities often replace copper service lines with plastic, downstream piping still needs attention.

4. Legal Duty Stops at the Meter

   Michigan law confirms that absent an explicit agreement, gas suppliers have no obligation to inspect customer-owned lines.

5. Evidence Over Speculation

   Courts require quantifiable, reliable evidence—not assumptions about vibration or torque—when assigning liability.

6. Secondary Hazards Amplify Risk

   Large quantities of butane and marijuana processing equipment were found at the site, compounding the explosion risk.

   
   

Action Points for Professionals

• Educate customers on their responsibility for downstream piping.

• Promote periodic inspections and corrosion mitigation.

• Document work practices to defend against speculative claims.

• Reinforce safe storage practices for flammable materials.

  
  

Call to Action

Don’t wait for an incident to highlight gaps in safety. Review your customer communication protocols, update inspection recommendations, and ensure your team understands where utility responsibility ends and homeowner responsibility begins. Proactive engagement today prevents litigation and saves lives tomorrow.

Source: Michigan Court Rejects Corroded Gas Line Suit

Gas Safety Lessons