Built over gas service pipe

Cknocker

To me the builder is very much at fault on this one. The architect drew plans that SHOWED the need to move the gas meter (assuming the architects services employed included for designing the works and not supervision of the works, there is nothing he has done wrong). I would say it is reasonable to expect the builder to have included the works of moving the meter (Although not necessarily the charge from the utility provider) into his price to you, as he priced the works from a drawing that showed the need to move the meter.
For a number of years it has been common practice that service pipework before the meter is should not run under a building, as a leak in this service could lead to a potentially explosive build up of gas under the building and it cannot be easily isolated if a leak is detected - this is why the service entering a property nearly always (I think there are exceptions with vented ducts and welded pipework) enters the pipe property through an external wall.

Moving forward the simplest solution for moving the meter is to excavate where it enters the building and apply to Northern Gas Networks to relocate the meter to this point in a new external box. It is then possible to install a METAL pipe into the floor to get to the appliances - you will need to check with a RGI on the exact requirements for this.
This is obviously going to cost money and cause a great deal of inconvenience while the work is carried out, if I were you I would be considering claiming against the builder for this, you will need to speak to a solicitor and also consult your household insurance to see if you have legal cover. If the architects services employed also included for supervision of the works, you also have a case for a claim against him.

lemontart

mk76 wrote: »

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

They will turn supply off in street stopping gas going into it and lay a new pipe to the property.

chanz4

This seems to happen a lot these days with builders, lemontart is correct they will just chop it. One thing to remember if they chop it you have a high chance of not having the same mpr

Cknocker

They will not "Just chop it" if you ask them for a meter move pack, fill it in and give them the cheque.