Gas meter problems

[Andy Brown]

Recently received a worrying note from our gas provider regarding the potentially dangerous state of our meter. The gas feed from the meter, which is outside, enters through the cavity wall into the garage, which is built into the main part of the house. They have inferred that this installation may be dangerous and we could be cut off?

Surely as the house was only built 10 years ago then this should be OK, and also all the houses on our estate (100 +) are exactly the same.

They have stated that they will be arranging for an inspection at some point in the future to advise if any corrective action needs to be taken.

Firstly, are they correct, secondly, what would the corrective action likely to entail, and thirdly can they cut me off if they decide there is a problem. Sounds like a bit of a money maker to me, but i may be wroung.

I have a friend who is a corgi registered plumber who had a quick look and said the only fault appeared to be that the sealant around the pipe, both inside and outside was the wrong stuff and if the correct sealant was used it would be perfectly safe.

 

[Bernie2]

No idea.

But as far as I know a gas supplier can refuse to supply you with gas if they think there is a danger.

Its a bit like GaSafe engineers have to inform the gas supplier if they think a dangerous appliance is being used. The gas supplier can then refuse if they agree to supply the customer with gas. Makes sense on safety grounds.

But try and get a written explanation off the supplier quoting how it is dangerous and what regulations it breeches.

 

[midge]

From your description it sounds like there is a path for gas to enter the cavity of the house should an escape develop. If this is the only fault, it is a simple matter to seal the meter box end with a non-setting mastic. This will prevent any ingress whilst allowing any movement.
A minor problem of this nature should be picked up by the fitter when a tightness test is carried out during a boiler service or meter exchange for instance.

Maybe you can describe the wording on the note in more detail for us, and I'm sure we can offer an explanation.

 

[Puddle]

If you have received a letter about the 'potentially dangerous state of your meter’. why are you looking at the pipework, has meter been damaged, maybe just been read and something does not look quite right, so reader has reported, this they are told to do ,they are not qualified and is just a precaution
Maybe he has just started and a bit keen or it could turn out he has done you a favour, hopefully you will be as quick to thank and you are of accusing of 'money making'
Surely you would be the first to shout if something happened that could have been avoided
10 years, Ten months, what’s it matter, things can gt wrong the next day,thats like the customers who ring up and say boilers not working, can not be much as was ok yesterday and only a few years old.yeh ,right
Get them round ,discuss and go from there
And next time you get a friend in make sure he is gas safe not corgi reg,as that means nothing any more and check the back of his card to see what areas he can work /advise on

imho