I want to extend a natural gas line in my slab to make a wider door way. The line will be in a channel cut in the slab and covered with a steel plate for a removable cover. The IRC info on the cover states:
" 1. You may install gas pipes in a channel in a solid floor (such as a groove in concrete slab) and cover the pipe so that access is possible with minimum damage to the building. "
Seems to me gaining access to this after the flooring is in should be "minimum damage"?

That's a call for the AHJ/inspector to make.

You must have an 'access plate/board' in the flooring itself.

Minimum damage = NO damage where possible

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

It is "accessible" although we have to bolt it down and vent it, but what is your question.

the op wants to lay flooring OVER the steel plate



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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Yes, so he can put flooring on the plate, but if it has to be bolted down then he also needs access to the bolts.

I had a city inspector look at it. First thing, he was surprised the house had gas pipes in the slab. I grew up in a 1961 house with piping in the slab. My sister owned a '50s house with pipes in the slab, and this house was built in '56 the same way. He was still amazed, so I said "welcome to 1956". He termed it something that sounded like "prior existing, non-compliance " I brought up the steel plate, and "removal with minimum structural damage" caveat. He said that was ok without venting, or fasteners through the flooring material. He did suggest I abandon the line and go with an external run under the eaves. My decision.

Hmm, I think you should be as careful as possible! It is best to consult a specialist on how to deal with the pipe and transfer it properly. Then you can lay the floor yourself; nothing is complicated about it. I recently changed the floor at home and did it myself to save money. I found the site [craftyclub.co] where I read how to do it right. And let me tell you, I did it quite well and neatly.



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