Unsightly gas metre box and pipework

CJAW

So, my builder cut through the pipe connecting the main gas supply to our house. Gas man came today and replaced the gas metre which was tucked away in my garage with a huge white box which he has put on the outside wall, with a long length of copper (I think) pipe also on the outside wall. As we are digging up the patio at present, is an alternative to run the pipework underground? Can we also change the box to a smaller one (we have a four bed detached house so I don't know if size is a factor here) and is there anywhere else that we could put it?

Many thanks in advance to anyone who comments - I haven't any idea about gas, but don't want to have to have this on my house if I don't have to!

[Deleted User]

The brown semi concealed ones ( as seen on meterboxnow.com ) are very popular. The gas meter is set below surface level, needs National Grid out for the work though. As a meter reader I`ve seen gas meters hiding away all over the place,under decking, in the garden under front/side hedges .Maybe you have one of these whopping big tin things because a standard white meterbox is`nt my idea of an eyesore.The strangest place I have had to go to see a gas meter was down a drain and along a tunnel for a few yards

CJAW

Thanks - that's really helpful and I really like the semi concealed ones. Could we get the pipes re routed under the ground so I can put this the other side of the path that runs beside our house? It is all enclosed on our land.

spiro

CJAW wrote: »

Thanks - that's really helpful and I really like the semi concealed ones. Could we get the pipes re routed under the ground so I can put this the other side of the path that runs beside our house? It is all enclosed on our land.

You will need to pay to get the meter moved and that won't be cheap. As to bring the pipe I don't know if they still do that for pipework after the meter you would need to ask.

C_Mababejive

Does the builder have insurance to pay for the damage and subsequent works?

JC_Derby

Do ensure that you are not paying for the builders damage!

reeac

sacsquacco wrote: »

The brown semi concealed ones ( as seen on meterboxnow.com ) are very popular. The gas meter is set below surface level, needs National Grid out for the work though. As a meter reader I`ve seen gas meters hiding away all over the place,under decking, in the garden under front/side hedges .Maybe you have one of these whopping big tin things because a standard white meterbox is`nt my idea of an eyesore.The strangest place I have had to go to see a gas meter was down a drain and along a tunnel for a few yards

I agree with the O.P. that meter boxes are unsightly. I designed our bungalow myself and made sure that the meter box was tucked away out of sight but easily accessible. I'm the only person who reads it nowadays along with the PV generation meter which sits in our garage beside the investor.

jk0

reeac wrote: »

I'm the only person who reads it nowadays along with the PV generation meter which sits in our garage beside the investor.

Doesn't it get boring sitting looking at a gas meter?

reeac

jk0 wrote: »

Doesn't it get boring sitting looking at a gas meter?

Like it .....I missed that typo.