Gas network and pipeline maintenance: when to do it and how to manage it

Why maintenance of gas networks and pipelines is essential

Maintenance of gas networks and pipelines is an essential activity to ensure safety, efficiency and regulatory compliance in residential, condominium and business environments. Neglecting maintenance can lead to gas leaks, serious accidents, service interruptions and administrative penalties. A well-maintained system reduces risks, optimizes consumption and ensures peace of mind for users.

Regulations and responsibilities in gas maintenance

Maintenance of gas networks and pipelines is governed by specific Italian regulations, including DM 37/2008, UNI CIG 7129 and DPR 74/2013. These laws establish inspection obligations and intervention frequencies to ensure system safety.

• Maintenance responsibility: usually the property owner, the condominium administrator or, in some cases, the tenant.
• Mandatory documentation: it is necessary to keep the system booklet and technical reports of performed interventions.
• Only qualified technicians are allowed to perform maintenance and issue valid certifications.

Compliance with regulations is essential to avoid penalties and ensure insurance coverage in the event of accidents.

When to perform maintenance: frequency and warning signs

Periodic maintenance of gas networks and pipelines must follow manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements. In general:

• Annual inspections are recommended to check the integrity of pipelines and system tightness.
• Replacement of flexible rubber hoses every 5 years, or earlier if signs of wear are detected.
• Periodic checks on fixed pipelines, especially in older systems or humid environments.

Warning signs requiring immediate intervention:

• Persistent gas odor
• Visible corrosion or cracks on pipelines
• Malfunctions of connected appliances
• Presence of condensation or unusual stains near pipelines

How to manage maintenance: operational best practices

Effective management of gas network maintenance is based on some fundamental practices:

• Plan interventions according to regulatory deadlines and manufacturer recommendations.
• Rely only on qualified technicians to ensure proper workmanship and valid certifications.
• Track every intervention by recording the date, type of operation and responsible technician.
• Store documentation in an orderly and easily accessible way, including booklets, technical reports and certifications.
• Monitor deadlines for replacements and inspections, avoiding oversights that can lead to risks or penalties.
• Carry out periodic visual inspections to promptly identify any anomalies.

Prevention and timeliness are the keys to reducing risks and keeping the system efficient and safe at all times.

Digitalization and centralized management: the added value of Digital Twin and CMMS software

Digitalizing maintenance represents a major step forward in managing gas networks and pipelines. The adoption of Digital Twin and CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software offers concrete advantages:

• Real-time monitoring of system status and maintenance deadlines.
• Complete traceability of every intervention, with digital archiving of documents and certifications.
• Automation of deadlines and automatic alerts to avoid oversights.
• Quick access to data from any device, including mobile.
• Team collaboration and real-time information sharing.
• Error reduction compared to manual management via Excel, emails or paper documents.

Integration with IoT systems and sensors makes it possible to detect anomalies and intervene promptly, increasing safety and operational efficiency.

UTwin focus: how the platform simplifies gas maintenance management

UTwin enables integrated and digital management of gas network maintenance thanks to advanced features:

• Creation of the digital twin of the gas network, with 3D visualization of every component.
• Centralization of data related to deadlines, interventions, documentation and maintenance history.
• Automatic management of deadlines and notification delivery for each scheduled activity.
• Detailed reporting for analysis and audits.
• Integration with BMS, IoT systems and sensors for real-time monitoring and immediate alerts in case of anomalies.

With UTwin, facility managers and technical managers can easily coordinate all activities, reduce compliance risks and improve collaboration between departments.

Proactive and digital management: the key to safety and efficiency

Planned and digitalized maintenance of gas networks and pipelines is the best solution to ensure safety, efficiency and regulatory compliance. Choosing innovative tools like UTwin means reducing risks, optimizing processes and always having full control of the situation. Evaluate today how digitalization can revolutionize maintenance management in your organization.