My 92 mother-in-law had a new gas meter installed today. The installer told her she was in violation of a California law prohibiting the gas connection line from the house to the meter as it is underground. He told her it must be replaced immediately or her house could blow up. She has live in this home for over 18 years and the connection has always been as it is - underground. Needless to say, she is now afraid to use the stove or oven. Is what he told her true - should the line be above ground or was he just out to garner some more business from this old woman?

First, I would not worry. It probably won't blow up. I suppose the gas meter was installed by The Gas Co. They do great job making sure all is in check before they reinstate gas service to the residence.

If Gas Co. technician detects smallest problem with your gas system - they will refuse to turn the gas back on. They will lock the meter so it cannot be turn on by anybody else - but them. Owner has to call licensed plumber, who will repair suggested deficiencies in the system. Work is inspected by City Inspector. Than, you have to call Gas Co. to come back and remove the lock. In many cases, City Inspector calls Gas Co. himself following his final inspection.

Since they didn't lock the meter, it tells me that the "problem" is either only potential and/or your mother-in-law didn't hear well what he was explaining to her. Maybe, they only made a suggestion...

Gas line are routinely installed under ground using special piping ( like Scotch-Kote rigid pipe, yellow flexible Poly pipe, and in last 2 years or so also Trac-Pipe. ). These pipes are made to withstand the elements and are specifically designed to be buried underground.

In the last 10 years or so, Gas Co. is trying to remove all gas meters from the underground wells and install them on the side of customer's house. Reason is that since the gas meter is below the ground it gets flooded during rain season. They don't force HomeOwners to do it. But every time there is a building permit pulled for larger improvement (exceeding certain added value ) HomeOwner must agree to move it at his/her own expenses before final inspection is signed off.

But in any case, I would call The Gas Co. and asked them...