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School Pipe Testing Requirements
Atmos Energy is here to help your school operate in a safe and dependable manner and comply with state requirements for testing of natural gas piping in school facilities.
Every spring, Atmos Energy will notify appropriate school personnel of all public, charter, and accredited private schools that require testing that year.
The Utilities Code in Texas and Mississippi requires that a pressure test of natural gas piping in school facilities be performed by a licensed plumber prior to the start of the school year*.
According to state law, each school facility must provide documentation proving that its natural gas piping passed inspection. If a school does not provide documentation that proves its facility passed inspection prior to the start of the school year*, then natural gas service to the school facility will be interrupted until such inspection is provided.
*Texas school facilities are required to be tested every two (2) years before the start of the school year.
*Mississippi school facilities are required to be tested every year by July 15.
Instructions for the School Pipe Testing Portal
COMING SOON! The Portal has been updated for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. If you registered for the Portal prior to April 1, 2026, you will need to re-register and create a new login. Previous credentials are no longer valid.
Mississippi School Pipe Testing Requirements
In accordance with Mississippi Utilities Code Title 77-11-401, schools are required to pressure-test their natural gas piping annually before the beginning of every school year. Each school facility in which students receive instruction or participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities is included in this requirement. Testing must be completed annually by July 1, with notification of the test results to Atmos Energy by July 15 to avoid interruption of gas service to school facilities.
In order to comply with the Mississippi Public Service Commission’s rule, Atmos Energy must receive documentation that the required testing has been completed through our online School Pipe Testing Portal. When you log in to the portal, your school facilities that require testing will be listed on the main page. All testing data must be submitted online through the portal.
Texas School Pipe Testing Requirements
In accordance with Chapter 121.5005-121.507 of the Texas Utilities Code, schools are required to pressure-test their natural gas piping at least once every two years before the start of the school year. Each school facility where students receive instruction or participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities is included in this requirement. Testing for identified facilities must be completed by July 15 or before students arrive, whichever comes first, to avoid interruption of gas service to school facilities.
In order to implement the requirements of the Utilities Code, the Railroad Commission of Texas (TRRC) has rules requiring Atmos Energy, as your natural gas supplier, to have procedures for receiving written notice from a person responsible for a school facility specifying the date and result of each test. Atmos Energy must receive documentation that the required testing has been completed through our online School Pipe Testing Portal.
TRRC required testing criteria:
- Normal Operating Pressure (NOP) less than (<) 0.5 psig*, test at 5 psig for 30 minutes
- NOP greater than (>) or equal to 0.5 psig, test at 1.5 times the NOP or 5 psig, whichever is greater, for 30 minutes
- NOP of 5 psig or greater, test either at 1.5 times NOP for 30 minutes or at NOP for 1 hour
*psig – pounds per square inch of gas
What is the definition of a school facility that is required to be tested?
All piping, buildings, and structures operated by a public, charter, or private school that are downstream of a meter measuring gas service in which students receive instruction or participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities, excluding maintenance or bus facilities, administrative offices, and similar facilities not regularly utilized by students.
Natural Gas Safety for Students
Download our Gus and Rosie coloring pages to help your students learn about natural gas safety. Available in English and Spanish.
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