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Having Meters Checked.

My Daughter has recently moved into a new house and the meters are situated in her down stairs toilet which I don't think is correct as regarding water and electricity. The electric meter is the oldest I have ever seen. Also The gas meter is just lying on the floor loose to read it you have to get on your knees. Not a very satisfactory situation. She has tried to get someone from Eon to come out to check this situation but all they send out is a meter reader. I think she needs a professional to say how safe they are and maybe to move them from present location to outside. Maybe Malc could comment on this and how she can get a person out

Comments

  • Aquamania
    Aquamania Posts: 2,112 Forumite
    edited 23 May 2014 at 4:18PM
    My Daughter has recently moved into a new house and the meters are situated in her down stairs toilet which I don't think is correct as regarding water and electricity. The electric meter is the oldest I have ever seen. Also The gas meter is just lying on the floor loose to read it you have to get on your knees. Not a very satisfactory situation. She has tried to get someone from Eon to come out to check this situation but all they send out is a meter reader. I think she needs a professional to say how safe they are and maybe to move them from present location to outside. Maybe Malc could comment on this and how she can get a person out

    It it helps, my electricity distribution box is located in the downstairs clockroom. The meter is actually outside.

    The gas meter must be supported by the bracket that supports the 2 gas pipes that attach to it. It may also be sitting on the floor. I've seen some gas meters even sunk partially below ground level (when outside)

    I'm sure a meter reader will be around in the next few months. But you say one has been? That is who inspects the meter at regular intervals, not just reads the registries; they are a professional.

    If you want someone out, the supplier may charge.

    Perhaps if you posted a photo of your installation, people could advise you better
  • Cardew
    Cardew Posts: 29,048 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Rampant Recycler
    It is not an E-on problem as tomorrow your daughter might be with British gas and a month later with Npower.


    It is the regional gas and electricity distribution companies for the different areas you need. See:


    http://www2.nationalgrid.com/UK/Safety/Power-cut/


    On the website it states that gas meters should not be located in 'bathrooms' - which I suppose could include toilets.


    I doubt the meters would have been installed in the downstairs toilet originally, so presumably there have been structural alterations to the house??


    They may insist that the meters are moved at your daughter's expense.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0 Newbie
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 24 May 2014 at 7:23AM
    The meters are safe and fine, especially the old electric meters, much more reliable than modern digital ones. Theres millions of electric meters under sinks. The one in the toilet would ve been in maybe a former understairs cupboard or larder, converted to a second loo. Dont waste your time getting on to Eon, or any other supplier , its not their problem. Arrange to have both meters moved yourself if you are not happy with the position, its easy to do. Your supplier can arrange this for you....The cost is yours to bear. Variable depending on how far you want them moving, could be well over £1000 if you want them outside
  • Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc
    Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc Posts: 6,558 Organisation Representative
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Hi John John 2

    Already some excellent advice on here. Thanks guys.

    As Cardew says, moving meters to the extent you describe will be down to the relevant regional operators.

    For gas, you'll need to contact the regional gas network operator and ask for a service alteration.

    This will be a bit different if the pipework is looked after by an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT) instead of the National Grid.

    You can check if the gas shipper is an IGT by looking at the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) on bills/welcome pack. If it's 8 digits long and begins 74, 75, 76 or 77 then the gas provider will be an IGT.

    Give us a call if you've any problems finding this, we'll soon let you know.

    For the electric, you'll need to talk to your Distribution Company. Again, ask for a service alteration. See Cardew's link for contact details.

    The distributor will only move the incoming supply cable and not the meter as well. We'll need to arrange to move your meter on the same day.

    There'll be costs involved. The relevant operator will let you know what they are.

    Hope this helps John John 2. Let me know if you need any more details as happy to help.

    Malc
    Official Company Representative
    I am an official company representative of E.ON. MSE has given permission for me to post in response to queries about the company, so that I can help solve issues. You can see my name on the companies with permission to post list. I am not allowed to tout for business at all. If you believe I am please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com This does NOT imply any form of approval of my company or its products by MSE"
  • MeterMan
    MeterMan Posts: 433 Forumite
    Seventh Anniversary 100 Posts
    Pay no attention to the not the suppliers issue. The meter is the suppliers issue, even if your daughter changes supplier, the meter is ALWAYS THE SUPPLIERS RESPONSIBILITY.

    That being said, the supplier will probably refuse to pay for the meters to be moved outside. regardless of the safety concerns.

    A gas meter which is unsupported is classed as at risk.
  • Cardew
    Cardew Posts: 29,048 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Rampant Recycler
    MeterMan wrote: »
    A gas meter which is unsupported is classed as at risk.


    Does the floor count as support?
  • chanz4
    chanz4 Posts: 11,033 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Xmas Saver!
    MeterMan wrote: »
    Pay no attention to the not the suppliers issue. The meter is the suppliers issue, even if your daughter changes supplier, the meter is ALWAYS THE SUPPLIERS RESPONSIBILITY.

    That being said, the supplier will probably refuse to pay for the meters to be moved outside. regardless of the safety concerns.

    A gas meter which is unsupported is classed as at risk.



    Depends if its on a rigid fix, also if their is a bracket holding it. Toilets are fine with gas meters. If rented ask the landlord as a cert would of been issued. Meter moves are not cheap, and if its a service cable move that's £1k +
    Don't put your trust into an Experian score - it is not a number any bank will ever use & it is generally a waste of money to purchase it. They are also selling you insurance you dont need.
  • gasmanmartin
    gasmanmartin Posts: 155 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Cardew wrote: »
    Does the floor count as support?

    Yes it does
  • MeterMan wrote: »
    Pay no attention to the not the suppliers issue. The meter is the suppliers issue, even if your daughter changes supplier, the meter is ALWAYS THE SUPPLIERS RESPONSIBILITY.

    That being said, the supplier will probably refuse to pay for the meters to be moved outside. regardless of the safety concerns.

    A gas meter which is unsupported is classed as at risk.
    no "probably " about it , 100% certain the supplier wont pay to move it. any problem with meter regarding leaks, phone the number on the meter , National Grid...not the supplier
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