Moving a Gas Meter

[Graham Brooker]

Can anyone advise on moving a gas meter. The minimum distance we need it moved is 1m (unless it has to go outside these days). I am very unhappy with the way companies like Transco charge about £1100 for doing this type of work. My meter is very old (probably about £40 years and still has a mechanical coin box (long since disabled) so is not up to current safety spec and would be changed by any supplier FOC. Is there any way it can be moved by switching supplier as part of the deal. Private contractors are quoting me extortionate minimum charges with several months lead time.

Any comments welcome

Graham

[shazzbat]

At that age it may be due for renewal. Ask your supplier at what age they change them. If it's coming up for renewal, tell them you want it moved if poss. But I suspect they'll bring a new meter which will fit on to the old pipe connectors. Your best bet may be to bung the geezer changing it a few quid to move it while he's doing it.

Steve

[Ash]

I may be wrong but I thought all these old meters had been replaced because the inlet and outlet connections where the same sized thread and the unscrupulous members of our society found that they could uncouple the meter and reconnect it the opposite way around and the meter would run backwards whilst providing 'free' gas ... if this is the case your supplier may change the meter ASAP if you point this out to them.

Ash

PS. I wouldn't recommend trying to swop your meter around - a criminal record at the least is what you'll get ... not to mention a zero payout from your insurance company should things go wrong.

[Graham Brooker]

I think you may be right about the threads. I cannot imagine why this old meter has not been spotted by the reader as needing replacement. The one upstairs is the same. It has a lovely old vintage brass padlock on the coin box too and should belong in a museum. Not much solace for me having to pay when really Transco's current policy is to move them to the street free when they are ready to change the gas mains in the street.

I hope they can be sweetalked into removing all the old pipe work in the interest of safety rather than me paying for the work as part of my upgrade to the property.

[the_constructor]

Any Corgi or as it is soon to be Gas Safe registered gas engineer will be able to move it for you. That is what Transco told me when I asked if they could move mine. I had it done and it cost me £140 to move it from inside the house to outside. That is about 6 years ago though.

James

[dave batter]

I have heard from 2 clients over the years that it was simple, report a constant smell of gas, do not give in when the tests prove it is not leaking keep up the pressure, if you have children or elderly persons on site even better. Both got them moved within a month, made fitting the kitchen easier too