New gas connection advice

Phil3822

Hi all.

I'm currently living in a house that needs a fair bit of modernisation although I'm in no rush as it's in an ok condition to live in.

The house does not have gas although next door does have. I've been quoted £612 (including all prep/digging) from National grid, they have also quoted £214 with me doing the digging etc. Quoted on their online service.

Anyway, is it worth me connecting to gas now even though I probably will not get central heating for another year or two? IE, have the connection and possibly meter fitted but thats it.

I cant afford central heating just yet but am saving! Or should I get it all done in one hit at the time.

Also, if I were to get connected to gas now what advice can anyone give reference doing my own digging. I would have to dig 10 meters to the path and through a front privit hedge. I am mostly confused about the ducting and what thats all about. Although I can dig I am not very DIY savvy but am learning.

Finally, if connected should I have a meter straight away or not? Not sure if it's ok to have a meter fitted but not actually use it for up to another 2 years.

Thanks in advance, really would appreciate any advice.

DVardysShadow

Both prices seem pretty good IMO. I think this is one of the jobs which I would want sorted early on in a house which needed work doing

Phil3822

Thanks, do you know if it causes a problem having the connection done but not actually using any gas for up to a couple of years?

Hope this makes sense.

DVardysShadow

No idea, but I would feel inclined to just do it, carefully checking any small print along the way, rather than asking.

Phil3822

Yeah, that makes sense. Just cautious as first home and first mini project. Cheers.

Hector-The-Inspector_2

AFAIK you must use the service within 12 months, or it can be capped off :eek:

Although you could connect up a hob to save any grief, and install the heating later.

wotnott

On a similar subject, I need to get a new gas connection as well in order to change from oil to gas. In my case, though, it will need to be operational ASAP. I am wondering what order the work has to be done in since as well as the gas connection I will need a new gas boiler - ... plus I think the meter would be done by yet another third party (i.e. gas supplier).

Does the order have to be 1. Connection 2. Meter 3. Boiler, or are different combinations of these possible? My guess is that if I got the boiler put in first I would have to get the engineer back out after the connection was installed in order to connect the boiler up to the supply.

stokegal

You're correct in thinking that you'd have to connect the boiler last as any good gas fitter would have to commission the boiler to ensure that it is working properly and this can't be done if there is no gas supply.

Phil3822

Thanks hector, thats useful to know. Would it be expensive running the pipe work in from the front of the house (proposed meter point) to the kitchen at the rear. About 9 meters worth of pipe work in total at a guess.

Also, would I have to pay for a meter? and again, how quickly would the gas provider/meter reader expect me to use gas before disconnecting me. Hope this makes sense?

Thanks again.

Hector-The-Inspector_2

Phil, There's no charge for the installation of the meter, you would need to get a few quotes from a gas safe installer, the pipe would have to be sized for the future installation of the type of boiler you require, and any other gas appliances that you may install.

j73

Hi Phil

I am a gas engineer and I install gas supplies.

What you can do is get your gas supply installed and you will be given a MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number). Once you have this number you can wait untill you need a meter then contact your gas supplier. Who will then come and fit it and your billing will then start.

Regarding digging your own trench. It is best to dig the trench prior to the instalation date and leave it open. We don't like using ducts and if we have to it must be 50mm yellow perforated duct. An open trench is prefered and it must be 450mm deep and must come straight out from the meter box position to the boundary line of your property. Do not dig across your frontage at any angle! Some engineers will want the bottom of the trench lined in sand and enough sand to cover the pipe so keep that in mind.

Hope this helps.