Gas Leak - Open Excavation for three weeks

ashcarrot

We had a gas leak in the street and SGN came in and opened it up and fixed it temporarily but GTC who apparantly owns the pipeline (unadopted road) is supposed to come along and replace something (T section or something) . SGN told me they informed them the very same day. GTC is saying they're waiting on some paperwork to inform them they need to do some work and they'll phone me back ... (back forward back forward....)

All the time this is left exposed to the elements and there is still the occasional smell which I told them. Trying to be nice about it but it seems its stuck in computer says no mode. Is there a limit on these works. First time I phoned someone told me there was a limit of 5 days? Or something more I can do than phone them every other day trying to get them to talk to one another?

Flt._Lt._Biggles

ashcarrot wrote: »

We had a gas leak in the street and SGN came in and opened it up and fixed it temporarily but GTC who apparantly owns the pipeline (unadopted road) is supposed to come along and replace something (T section or something) . SGN told me they informed them the very same day. GTC is saying they're waiting on some paperwork to inform them they need to do some work and they'll phone me back ... (back forward back forward....)

All the time this is left exposed to the elements and there is still the occasional smell which I told them. Trying to be nice about it but it seems its stuck in computer says no mode. Is there a limit on these works. First time I phoned someone told me there was a limit of 5 days? Or something more I can do than phone them every other day trying to get them to talk to one another?

If you smell gas escaping, report it immediately on:

0800 111 999

They will come and investigate, and take any measures appropriate to ensure everyone's safety

Euphoria1z

as above, report straight away , each and every time you smell gas, call them-

EachPenny

Euphoria1z wrote: »

as above, report straight away , each and every time you smell gas, call them-

Beware of crying wolf though. The reporting line should be used to report genuine concerns about a potential gas leak, not to cause hassle to the operator to make them hurry up and do the work. The number should be treated as if it was 999 - there if you need it, but bear in mind the potential consequences if your non-urgent call prevents someone with an emergency getting the prompt attention they need.

OP, part of the problem might be because it is an unadopted road. If the local authorities in your area are operating effective street works management the utility companies will prioritise repairs and works in locations where the most disruption is being caused to road users. So long as gas safety is not compromised, a repair on an unadopted road only being used by a handful of people is going to be a very low priority.

Something else to bear in mind (but not sure it applies in your case) is that when there has been a gas leak underground the excavation is sometimes left open for an extended period of time to allow the gas to 'vent' out of the soil. So although it might be frustrating to have a hole in the road it might be for safety reasons rather than incompetence. There is no excuse for residents not being kept informed though.

ashcarrot

Bit of an update I emailed them both with pictures and mentioned the smell of gas but maybe that was the rocks around it venting which prompted a call round to check. There is gas escaping but as its open its 'ok' for now but that got things moving. Sounds like GTC now is on board so things might get moving.

Was very keen to be relaxed and understanding and in all reality it will take what it takes to repair but when the message i was getting each call is that its stuck in admin limbo and no ones was chasing it up vs it being open for a very good reason (the letting the gas out was my first thought for the gas smell and the length of time but it became clear after a few calls no one knew what the other was doing)

Euphoria1z

EachPenny wrote: »

Beware of crying wolf though.

Smell of gas needs to be reported each and every time.


OP mentions there's still an occasional smell of gas.

Flt._Lt._Biggles

ashcarrot wrote: »

Bit of an update I emailed them both with pictures and mentioned the smell of gas but maybe that was the rocks around it venting which prompted a call round to check. There is gas escaping but as its open its 'ok' for now but that got things moving. Sounds like GTC now is on board so things might get moving.

Was very keen to be relaxed and understanding and in all reality it will take what it takes to repair but when the message i was getting each call is that its stuck in admin limbo and no ones was chasing it up vs it being open for a very good reason (the letting the gas out was my first thought for the gas smell and the length of time but it became clear after a few calls no one knew what the other was doing)

Well done on following my advice, rather than being put off by those who attempt to dismiss my posts. (they know who they are, and so does everyone else after today )

I'm so glad to hear that by following my advice, not only have the appropriate people been out to investigate the occassional smell of gas, (good also to be re-assured it's nothing to worry about - always better to be safe than sorry) but it also had the benefit of getting things moving as regards resolving the remainder of your issue.

House_Martin

I remember the winter of 2010 which was one of the coldest in the last few decades when there were gas leaks coming out of the pavement and roads in at least a dozen areas in the town of Howden.
In Howden ,National Grid had come out to the area and found the many leaks seeping out of the pavements, roads and a few front gardens , and they just circled the areas in yellow paint and left it like that for many days before starting work on the whole area replacing all the gas pipes.
Seems like theres no big panic with small gas leaks into the open air and the leaks must be low level even though the smell of gas was all around the area.
I have found gas escaping from a meter box at mains pressure level, and that is very high, you could hear the gas escaping from a 100 yards away , and it was fine as it vented into the open for around 6 hours