Drowning Gas Meter

JFlo_2

I need some help/advice! I bought a house just over a year ago. The gas meter is in a plastic box that is half underground. We've noticed recently that it is regularly filling with water - I'm no genius but I reckon a metal gas meter surrounded by water is not a good thing!

I called British Gas (our old supplier) and they told me that the box is my responsibility (but couldn't tell me where to get one or how I'm supposed to fit it when the meter sits inside it!). My new supplier referred me to the designated supplier for the area (National Grid) who want £770 to move the meter, or £300 just to supply the box!

I can't afford to pay them so much to make my meter safe. But I can't face the thought of a cold winter because the meter has rusted! Does anyone know where I stand with them on this? I'm going to try to fill the holes with sealant as a quick fix but this will need sorting as I think the holes were caused by the plastic perishing... Do you think home insurance will cover it?

samtheman1k

can you drill some holes in the bottom to let the water drain out? I'm assuming you're above the water table!

Premier_2

Various gas meter boxes from less than £30 (for one that can be sunk up to 75mm underground) to ones in excess of £900 :eek: (that cannot be sunk below ground level)
http://www.bes.co.uk/products/040.asp

Other gas meter box suppliers are available, as are fitters to install them

spiro

You have what is called a semi-concealed meter/box, good idea c**p in practice. Yes elec and gas meter boxes are the responsibility of the property owner.

The question is, is the water getting in through the top/pipe holes or throught the sides/bottom? If it is the former you need to seal the holes and make sure the top couple of inches (which includes pipe holes) are clear of the ground. If it is the latter you can either try and seal it or install a new box. To do that you would need to dig a hole deep/large enough to get the new one under the meter.