The last section of pipe that carries natural gas to the customer’s meter is called the service lateral, or service line, and is typically a smaller-diameter pipe.

The service lateral carries natural gas from the distribution main to the gas meter located at or inside a structure. For most structures, natural gas is supplied by one service lateral. It can vary in size and is normally made of steel or plastic. In rare cases, the service lateral may be made of copper.

The pressure in a gas service lateral varies depending on the system pressure in the main that the lateral is attached to. The normal delivery pressure after the meter and regulator for household use of natural gas is 0.25 psi.