New outside meter and gas supply pipe

sunsetboulevard

Hi, hope someone can help me, please?

The gas main is being replaced in our road and outside meter boxes are being installed in most properties.

My first query is this. The new meter box has been installed on the front wall of my property on the right hand side. The gas pipe comes out of the bottom of the meter, and then goes round the side of the bungalow (about 25 feet length) before it goes into the kitchen (where the meter used to be located). The problem is they have attached this long run of gas pipe to the fascia boards with white plastic clips. This is certainly not ideal, in my opinion.

Firstly, it does not look that great (but that is not my main gripe). It is the fact that the fascia boards, guttering etc may need to be replaced at some future date as they are not in the best condition. The location of this new gas pipe is going to make replacement very difficult, if not impossible, when the time comes.

They installed the meter box and pipe just a couple of days ago, Thursday I think it was and I just left them to get on with it, thinking they were the experts. By the time I realised what they had done they had actually left my property and gone to start work on another property.

I asked to speak to a manager and am still waiting to see him.

The workers will be back working on the road again tomorrow so am just after some advice from someone before I speak to the manager.

Also should I insist on getting things in writing from him cos I've got a feeling that any promises he makes may not be honoured when the time comes.

My second query is regarding the new meter box they have installed. At the top of the box there are two plastic screw type things, one each side. Because of the way they have located the box (partly under a window sill) they were only able to insert one of these plastic screw type things. The other screw was just left lying underneath the meter box on the ground. I only just spotted it myself.

I am concerned that rain water will get into the screw hole (the hole is quite large) and damage the meter.

Thanks for any help.

lemontart

what is the name of the company doing the work?
and I will see if I can locate their contact number to raise and enquiry, but by far the quickest way is to speak to site manager tomorrow.

Ask one of the guys working to direct you to him/her.

Gas Meters are water tight so that should not be an issue but do ask if they can fill hole a bit for you.

sunsetboulevard

Hi lemontart, thanks for your reply.

I'm not sure that the information I'm about to give you is correct but what I can tell you is the card that originally came through the door telling me about the gas mains replacement has got the name Southern Gas Network on it. I also just had a look in the road at some of the barriers that are up and they have a sticker on them saying Medway Civils.

Is this the right information?

lemontart

Here is southerns number 0845 070 1431 the other name I am not familiar with - call them tomorrow believe they open 8am and they should be able to either take details to pass on to the civil engineering company they have doing the work for them or give you a contact number for the customer services connected with that contract.

If they take details see if they can provide you with a reference number for the call for your records.

Southern Gas Networks own the pipes but the majority of this work is carried out by Civil Engineering companies. I do not work for sgn but work for another gas network but deal with sgn on regular basis.

Sounds like main concern is gas outlet they fitted is fixed to the facia as opposed to the wall and concerns over the hole not been filled. But rest assured the meter is watertight.

sunsetboulevard

Thanks very much for your detailed response.

sunsetboulevard

Update. The two fitters who fitted the pipe came round this morning and insisted that I'd given my consent for the pipe to be positioned on the fascia board. No way! I told them the job was practically completed by the time I realised where they'd put the pipe. They weren't happy to accept any blame and neither was I. Told them to send the manager round to see me.

The manager has just left and the problem has now been resolved. He was an absolutely top bloke who was prepared to bend over backwards to resolve the problem. The pipe will now be repositioned on the wall in the next few days.

Thanks for your help.

lemontart

thanks for the update, defo always best to speak to manager on these sites. glad issue has been resolved for you.