Built over gas service pipe

r32

Hi all,

I have received a nice letter from Northern Gas Networks stating that I have built over my gas supply pipe. I'm presuming this is when the extension to the house was built as we built out sideways over what was a driveway.

No-one including the builder or building inspector (who inspected both the foundations and pipework) pointed this out as an issue at the time.

My question is what are the options to resolve this and am I liable?

Initial investigation on the interweb seems to suggest I am liable and that basically I have to pay whatever Northern Gas Networks decide it will cost to put right. Is this the case?

The next step is a site survey is needed at which point I guess I will find out more detail, but if anyone has experienced this it would be good to hear from you.

spiro

How long ago was the extension built and who did the plans etc for the extension as this may impact who fault it is?

It is possible they will want to install a new service pipe up the drive as far as the new extension and fit a new external meter, you will then need to route the pipework to either old meter location (to connect to old internal pipework) or direct to appliances.

lemontart

ngn will no doubt charge you for the work, it is your house and as owner your responsibility and they may leave you off supply until done, that is up to them, it is unlikely for them or any transporter to try and untangle the contractual agreements you have,- and you will have to go after your builders etc for it, Any builder worth his salt should know to be aware of where the ulitlites are especially when laying foundations etc .

Give ngn a call and ask.

r32

spiro wrote: »

How long ago was the extension built and who did the plans etc for the extension as this may impact who fault it is?

It is possible they will want to install a new service pipe up the drive as far as the new extension and fit a new external meter, you will then need to route the pipework to either old meter location (to connect to old internal pipework) or direct to appliances.

The extension was done around 3 years ago. The plans were done by a local architect and *I think* may show the meter moved to an outside wall (will need to check later).

I know I did have a discussion with the builder about the meter and he said it didn't *need* to be moved, so we didn't move it. At no point did anyone (including the building inspector who checked the groundworks) mention anything about building over the service pipe being an issue.

I'm fine with the meter being moved (although not about the cost!), I'm more worried about how it would be connected back up to the internal supply without tearing up the floor in the new extension.

r32

lemontart wrote: »

ngn will no doubt charge you for the work, it is your house and as owner your responsibility and they may leave you off supply until done, that is up to them, it is unlikely for them or any transporter to try and untangle the contractual agreements you have,- and you will have to go after your builders etc for it, Any builder worth his salt should know to be aware of where the ulitlites are especially when laying foundations etc .

Give ngn a call and ask.

So basically I have to agree to whatever they quote (as I can't have anyone else do the work) otherwise they could cut off my supply?

The builder was aware of the pipe and confirmed they "lintled" over it so he is denying doing anything wrong at this point.

meggsy

r32 there is an interesting recent read here ...

"Summary

Our proposal is that UK Building Regulations should contain provisions preventing persons building over gas service pipes, similar to those that exist in Regulation 19 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1996, preventing gas pipes being installed under buildings"

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmcomloc/1851/1851vw18.htm

r32

meggsy wrote: »

r32 there is an interesting recent read here ...

"Summary

Our proposal is that UK Building Regulations should contain provisions preventing persons building over gas service pipes, similar to those that exist in Regulation 19 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1996, preventing gas pipes being installed under buildings"

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmcomloc/1851/1851vw18.htm

Thanks meggsy, I had found that when researching this issue yesterday. From what I can identify its not yet part of the building regs, just the gas safety regs.

This might explain the building inspector not being raising an issue, but really it seems like someone should have mentioned this to me!

lemontart

Unfortunately you will have to pay to have it done, ngn can you advise you if they have details of anyone else that is Licensed to work on their pipe work. Whilst it is not in building regs it is in the gas act which is still law, and by sounds of it the Architect took note of this and put meter move in.

chanz4

lemontart wrote: »

Unfortunately you will have to pay to have it done, ngn can you advise you if they have details of anyone else that is Licensed to work on their pipe work. Whilst it is not in building regs it is in the gas act which is still law, and by sounds of it the Architect took note of this and put meter move in.

Only NGN would be able to work on the supply point, well rather their contractor

C_Mababejive

Bottom line,the architect should have been aware of the issues and should have included quote for resiting of gas service. Builder should also have been aware,probably was and chose to ignore it because it would slow up his job.

Either way it needs fixing. NGN may well move to cut your service off if they deem it unsafe. Its down to your architect and builder..

mk76_2

Hi r32

I am in the same situation. I suppose the gas network people cap the old service pipe under the extension and lay a new one to the new external wall. Is that correct? Does the old pipe remain under the extension as it is dormant now?

Many thanks

Kay