Gas Leak outside our house today -who would foot bill for making good?

mazinmouse

We have National Grid out at the moment following a report of a gas leak in the road. There is a possibility they may need to dig up our drive (concrete) and / or the grass. (We are waiting on another team coming out to investigate). All gas pipes here are plastic, apparently, so am surprised there is a leak.

In the meantime I am just wondering what happens re getting the drive and garden restored should they need to dig it up. Would we have to foot the cost?

If anyone does have any info I'd be glad of the advice. I'm not assuming the worst but I do like to be prepared.

phill99

As far as I am aware, Transco are responsible for the pipework up to and including the meter. They own it. Therefore, it could be assumed that they will be responsible for making good.

mazinmouse

Phill99 many thanks for your reply. It is appreciated.

We are still waiting on the other team to turn up and investigate further. First van is still sitting outside the house. I'm wondering what the chances are we will be without gas this evening if they do turn up and start working late this pm or this evening. They might wait until tomorrow hopefully.

Nilrem

As Phil says, as the gas line is owned and maintained by Transco up to the meter they should also be liable to "put right" any damage done accessing it (much the same way if they have to dig up the road they have to repair it).

I suspect that you won't have any problems, especially if the area they have to dig up is just concrete/grass, as that should be easy enough for them to do (lift the topsoil/turf out dig hole with the grass, break concrete, dig hole, pour fresh concrete in hole etc), unlike if it was patterned brick or similar which would be much harder for them to get right.
I suspect the only problem with the concrete might be it ending up a slightly different colour if they have to dig and patch it.

keystone

Nilrem is correct - don't expect it to lok either pristine or exaactly as before they dig. It won't cost you though. Had this myself a year or so ago,

Cheers

gas4you

IF the leak is found on your property, they might put a new supply in from the street, using a mole from the street to your meter, thereby not disturbing your land.

moonrakerz

I believe the rules say that when a utility company digs up someone else's property they must restore it to the condition it was in before they started.

Looking at the state of many of our roads, I would suggest you keep a very close eye on what they do at the end. If you are not happy, WRITE immediately to the company concerned and demand that they come back and do it properly.