I know threads are worthless without pictures, but I'll explain first and provide pictures shortly after - forgive the incorrect terminology as I'll try my best to explain.
After purchasing my home in 2007, I poured some concrete in the backyard and built a fire pit in the center. I had the guys install a "T" connector at the firepit with a capped outlet about 10 ft away for future BBQ/outdoor heater use. The outlet was buried underneath the sod which was laid shortly after.
Roughly 2 months ago I began noticing a strong odor of gas near the pit. Originally I thought the ring was bad or the connection was coming loose. I retightened, added more teflon, and I thought the smell had went away. Fast forward to last week, the smell returned or to be quiet honest never left, I just could not smell.
So, today I dug up the yard where the outlet is located and I noticed where the pipe terminates it seems to be corroding just before the threading. I never paid any attention to the water pooling or constant soggy grass but after digging up I noticed a small pool of water a few inches away from the gas line - I'm assuming this is/was caused by the PVC/sprinkler pipe that was directly above the gas line. From what I read on the internet natural gas does not corroded piping, its a mixture of oxygen and moisture that will cause it to. I'm assuming the cap was not placed on the threading or sealed with a teflon/sealant and eventually the slow leak from the sprinkler ate away at the threading on the pipe.
I'm waiting for the ground to dry near the pipe but from what I can tell just by feeling around, the pipe just below the end cap is no longer cylindrical and round - I can feel lots of grooves or what ever you would call it.
So after the long explanation here comes my question;
How do i go about fixing this ? I'm assuming if I try and remove the cap, the pipe will most likely break off as it just doesn't seem like it would last much longer.
EDIT:
I found an old thread with pictures of my backyard progress when it was being constructed....
http://www.diychatroom.com/f16/building-firepit-need-advice-first-time-diyer-18336/index2/